The CAT 2024 eligibility criteria are a set of requirements for applying and taking the test. These conditions may include academic qualifications, age limits, past academic performance, and other factors. The official CAT-conducting authorities release the eligibility criteria for the upcoming exam every year.

CAT 2024 is tentatively scheduled for November 24th, 2024. IIMs will announce the CAT 2024 eligibility criteria, based on which candidates will apply for the exam.The official CAT 2024 notification will be available in the first or second week of August. It is critical that applicants register for CAT 2024 only via the official CAT website. The applications are likely to remain open until mid-September 2024. If you are planning to take the exam for CAT 2024, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.

CAT 2024

IIMs conduct the CAT in a computer-based format. CAT scores are accepted by 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other business schools throughout India. One of the IIMs is responsible for conducting the Common Admission Test (CAT) annually. The CAT test primarily assesses a candidate's problem-solving, decision-making, and time management abilities. The content is divided into three sections that cover topics such as quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, reasoning, and data interpretation.

CAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria 

The CAT committee revised the CAT qualifying standards in 2021 due to the pandemic. However, beginning in 2022, the former standards have been reintroduced. The regulations and standards for the 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).

The applicant must hold a bachelor's degree from an Indian national or state government.

3. Candidates who are 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 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 or institution.

When it comes to converting CGPA or grades, the process is determined by the relevant university or institution. Suppose there is no set scheme for converting grades or CGPA into equivalent marks. In such a situation, the procedure is to divide the candidate's CGPA by the greatest attainable CGPA and multiply the result by 100.

Age Limit

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

Experience

CAT eligibility criteria do not require work experience. The test is open to both new and experienced applicants; however, some business schools take job experience into account when admitting students.

Number of Attempts

You can take the CAT exam as many times as you want in your life. 

What are the Reservation Criteria in IIMs?

Applicants with at least two years of graduation eligibility can sit for CAT, but they must have a minimum of a three-year graduation degree to pursue the management course at IIM. Besides, factors such as work experience, extracurricular activities, academic profile, and performance in the selection process influence your admission to IIMs. Work experience is required for various MBA programs provided by IIMs and other universities, although it is not required to take the CAT test. Apart from that, the qualifying conditions for CAT and IIM admissions remain the same.

What are the reservation criteria in IIMs?

Conclusion

Not clearing the Common Admissions Test (CAT) does not ensure admission to a prominent business school, which is a crucial point to keep in mind. It is dependent on a number of things, such as your profile, your CAT score, and how well you do in the entrance rounds (GD, WAT, and PI). It is of the utmost importance that you are well versed in the eligibility criteria and that you offer comprehensive information in your application form for the CAT 2024. Any inconsistencies might result in the decision to reject your application without providing you with any prior warning.