The eligibility criteria for the CAT 2024 exam are the conditions that must be met in order to be eligible to take the exam. These conditions may include academic qualifications, age limits, past academic performance, and other factors. The official CAT conducting authorities release the eligibility criteria and notification every year.

CAT 2024 is tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2024. The eligibility criteria for the CAT 2024 exam will be announced later by the IIMs. The official CAT 2024 notification will be released in the first or second week of August. It is important to note that candidates can register for CAT 2024 only through the official CAT website. The applications are likely to stay open until mid-September 2024. If you are planning to take the CAT Exam 2024, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements before filling the form. 

CAT 2024

The CAT is conducted by the IIMs in a computer-based format. CAT scores are accepted by 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many top B-schools in India. Every year, one of the IIMs is responsible for conducting the Common Admission Test (CAT). The CAT exam mainly evaluates a candidate's problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills. The CAT Exam is divided into three sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.

CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria 

The CAT eligibility criteria were changed by the committee in 2021 due to the pandemic. However, starting from 2022, the previous criteria have been reinstated. The rules and guidelines for CAT 2024 eligibility criteria are as follows:

Academic Qualification

Every year, students from various educational backgrounds apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT):

  1. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
  2. The candidate must have a bachelor's degree recognized by India's National or State government.
  3. Candidates in their final year of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent examination and those who have completed their degree examinations but are waiting for results are also eligible to apply.
  4. The percentage of marks obtained in the bachelor's degree will be calculated according to the standard pattern followed by the concerned university/institution.
  5. When it comes to converting grades or CGPA, the process is determined by the relevant university or institution. When there is no standard scheme for converting CGPA to marks, divide the candidate's CGPA by the highest possible CGPA and multiply the result by 100.

Age Limit

There are no age restrictions for the CAT 2024 exam. Therefore, you can take the CAT exam at any age.

Experience

CAT eligibility criteria do not require any prior work experience. Both freshers and experienced candidates can take the exam, while some B-schools consider work experience during admissions too. 

Number of Attempts

There is no limit to the number of times a candidate can take the CAT Exam. 

Both IIM and CAT have Different Eligibility Criteria

Applicants with at least two years of graduation eligibility can sit for CAT.  To pursue management courses, students must have at least a three-year bachelor's degree. Besides, factors such as work experience, extracurricular activities, academic profile, and performance in the selection process influence your admission to IIMs. Although work experience is not mandatory to take the CAT exam, it is required for some MBA programs offered by IIMs and other institutes. The eligibility criteria for CAT and IIM admissions remain unchanged.

What is the Reservation Criteria for IIMs?

Category

Reserved Seats (In Percentage)

PWD (Persons with Disability)

3%

Schedule Tribe (ST)

7.5%

Schedule Cast (SC)

15%

Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC)

27%

Conclusion

It is important to note that qualifying for the CAT exam does not guarantee admission to a prestigious B-school. Your admission depends on several factors, including your profile, CAT score, and overall performance. Any discrepancies may lead to the rejection of your application without prior notice.

FAQs for CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Q1: What is CAT 2024, and why are eligibility criteria important?

A1: CAT 2024 is the Common Admission Test conducted by IIMs for management program admissions. Eligibility criteria are crucial in outlining conditions such as academic qualifications and age limits.

Q2: What is the scheduled date for CAT 2024, and when will the eligibility criteria be announced?

A2: CAT 2024 is tentatively on November 24th, 2024. Eligibility criteria details will be released in August.

Q3: Where can I apply for CAT 2024, and what is the deadline for application?

A3: Apply on the CAT official website. Applications are likely to be open until mid-September 2024.

Q4: How many times can I attempt the CAT exam?

A4: There's no limit; candidates can attempt the CAT exam as often as they want.

Q5: What academic qualifications are necessary for CAT 2024?

A5: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates), recognized by the National or State government. Final-year students can also apply.