CAT 2024: Last year’s cut-off for top colleges; IIM admission criteria

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institution of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT 2024) on November 24. Following the declaration of CAT 2024 results, all 21 IIMs begin their shortlisting process by evaluating candidates based on their percentile scores, followed by other rounds such as the Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). Additionally, factors like academic performance, gender diversity, and prior work experience are also taken into account.

The selection process for 10 new IIMs is conducted through the Common Admission Process (CAP) 2025, conducted rotationally by one of the participating IIMs. Additionally, each IIM sets specific category-wise and section-wise CAT percentile cut-offs as part of their shortlisting criteria.

CAT 2024 exam date and pattern

The CAT 2024 exam will be held on November 24 in three shifts- from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The CAT 2024 exam will be held in online mode.

The CAT 2024 exam will have three sections - verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative aptitude (QA). There will be a total of 66 questions in the CAT 2024 paper. As per CAT 2024 marking scheme, candidates will get 3 marks for each correct answer and one mark will be deducted for each incorrect response. There will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.

CAT 2024: IIM admission criteria 2025

After the CAT results are declared, each IIM prepares a shortlist based on CAT scores and other factors. The shortlisting process varies slightly for each IIM, but generally includes:

CAT 2024 Cut-off: Candidates are required meet the minimum percentile cut-off for each section and the overall CAT score. The cut-off varies for each IIM and across different categories. Most IIMs give substantial weight to the CAT score, typically around 35%.

Academic record: Marks in Class 10, 12, and graduation are considered.

Work experience: Many IIMs consider work experience, with weightage for candidates with relevant work experience, typically in managerial or technical roles.

Written Ability Test (WAT): A written test where candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic. The essay could be related to current affairs, abstract topics, or business-related issues. This stage assesses a candidate's ability to express their thoughts, structure their argument, and communicate effectively in writing.

Group Discussion (GD): Some IIMs conduct a group discussion, where a group of candidates discusses a topic provided by the panel. The discussion could range from business, politics, economics, or social issues. It tests a candidate's communication skills, teamwork, leadership, and ability to articulate their points clearly.

Personal Interview (PI): A personal interview is conducted by a panel of faculty members and industry experts. The interview could focus on - personal background, career goals, motivation for pursuing an MBA, knowledge of current events, academics, work experience, and extracurricular achievements.

Also read CAT 2024: Best books for QA, VARC, DILR preparation; section-wise topics covered

CAT 2024: Last year’s cut-off for top IIMs

Candidates can have a look at the last year’s CAT cut-off for top IIMs below.