CAT Exam Time Slots for 2024: All You Need to Know About CAT Exam Timing and More
October 6, 2024
Overview: The CAT exam 2024 will be held on November 24 2024, in three slots in over 170 cities in India. The CAT exam time slots will be mentioned on the candidate's admit card. You can download the admit card from the official website iimcat.ac.in. Read on to know more!
The Common Admission Test 2024 will be conducted on November 24, 2024, in more than 170 cities in India. The CAT exam slots are divided into morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
Knowing the CAT exam time slots allows you to prepare well to reach the exam centre without any rush. In this article, we will learn about the CAT exam reporting timings and other necessary information to plan for your D-day.
CAT Exam Time Slots: How the Day is Divided?
The CAT exam is conducted in three shifts on the same day (November 24 2024) across the CAT exam centres in the country. Therefore, knowing your CAT exam time slot well in advance will help you structure your preparation and manage your time effectively.
For CAT 2024, the exam is expected to be divided into three-time slots, similar to previous years:
- Morning Slot (Slot 1): 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon Slot (Slot 2): 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening Slot (Slot 3): 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
These CAT exam timings ensure you take the exam in batches, thus maintaining fairness and efficiency. Each slot lasts for 120 minutes (2 hours) and includes three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The CAT exam is in the same series, VARC>DILR>>QA and there is no option to switch between the sections during the exam. Each section is allotted a separate time of 40 minutes. Once the time for a section is over, the system automatically moves to the next section.
How to Find Your CAT Exam Time Slot?
The CAT exam time slots will be mentioned on your admit card. The CAT exam admit card downloading window will be available from November 5 2024, to November 24 2024. You can download it from the official website iimcat.ac.in.
The CAT admit card will also include other essential details about your test centre location, reporting time, and documents to carry.
Check: CAT Exam Preparation tips for working Professionals
Tips to Manage CAT Exam Time Slot
The CAT exam will be held in three shifts: morning, afternoon and evening; thus, it’s important to be mentally and physically prepared. Here are some tips to manage your CAT exam time slot effectively:
Morning Slot Preparation
- If you’ve been allotted the morning slot, ensure you get a good night’s sleep before the exam day.
- Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up early for a light breakfast and arrive at the test centre on time.
- Please arrive at the centre at least 90 minutes before your exam starts to allow for security checks and other formalities.
Afternoon Slot Preparation
- For the afternoon slot, it is best to have a light meal an hour before your exam to avoid feeling sluggish.
- Use the morning hours to calmly revise formulas or practice a few questions, but avoid any last-minute cramming.
- Reach the exam centre by 11:00 AM to complete the entry process.
Evening Slot Preparation
- If you’ve been given the evening slot, staying energised throughout the day is important.
- Avoid over-studying or stressing too much during the day. Keep your mind fresh by staying hydrated and eating light, healthy snacks.
- Arrive at the centre by 3:00 PM to ensure you’re not rushing during the last hour.
Documents to Carry on the CAT Exam Day
Things to Carry for the CAT Exam
You need to carry the following documents to the exam centre with you, irrespective of your CAT exam time slot/shifts:
- A printed copy of your CAT 2024 Admit Card
- A valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport)
Note: Electronic gadgets, mobile phones, calculators, and bags are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. It’s best to leave these items at home or with a companion outside the centre.
Check: CAT Exam Day Instructions 2024
Conclusion
Knowing the CAT exam time slots helps you manage well before the exam. The CAT exam will be conducted online across 170 cities in India on November 24 2024. Read out all the details mentioned on your admit card related to the exam centre, reporting time, and important documents to carry out before leaving for the exam centre. All the best!