The CAT Exam Answer Key 2024 has just been released provisionally, sparking widespread interest among the nearly 2.93 lakh aspirants who appeared for the exam this year.
With the CAT exam being the entrance to India’s leading management institutes like the IIMs, the answer key serves as a critical tool for candidates to evaluate their performance, identify potential errors, and estimate their percentile ranks.
If you’re wondering how to download the answer key, verify your answers, and raise objections, this blog is your one-stop guide.
By the end of this blog, you will know:
1. How to download the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024 and check your response sheet?
2. The step-by-step process to raise objections for any discrepancies.
3. Key tips for using the answer key to estimate your CAT score effectively.
How do you Download the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024?
Released on December 3, 2024, the CAT provisional answer key is a crucial resource for you to assess your performance and estimate your chances of admission to top management schools in India.
The process of accessing the answer key is straightforward and requires your CAT login credentials. Follow the below steps to download the CAT answer key PDF without any hassle.
1. Visit the Official CAT Website
Go to the official website for CAT 2024 at iimcat.ac.in.
2. Click on the Login Option
Locate and click on the “Login” tab available on the homepage.
3. Provide Your Login Credentials
Enter the registered CAT ID and password you used during the registration process. Double-check the details to avoid login errors.
4 Access the Answer Key
Once logged in, find the link labelled ‘Answer Key’ or ‘Response Sheet.’ Click on it to view the document.
5. Download and Save
After accessing the file, download it to your device for future reference.
6. Print for Easy Review
To simplify your analysis, print out the downloaded document. This will help you better assess your responses and spot discrepancies.
Want to ensure you're eligible for the CAT 2025 exam and its top B-schools? Check out our blog: CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria for 2024-25 Admissions.
Unlock Fast, Collateral-Free Education Loans with Propelld Today!
CAT Exam Answer Key 2024: Important Dates
Staying informed about the important dates associated with the answer key—such as its release, objection submission deadline, and final answer key publication—is essential for all aspirants.
Here is a table highlighting the important dates for the CAT exam answer key 2024.
CAT Exam Answer Key 2024: How to Raise an Objection?
The objection process for the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024 is an essential step that ensures fairness and accuracy in the evaluation process. It’s important to note that objections can only be submitted against the provisional answer key, and no challenges are entertained once the final answer key is released.
Here are the steps to submitting objections.
1. Visit the Official Website
Access the CAT portal at iimcat.ac.in
2. Login to Your Account
Click on the "Candidate Login" tab and enter your registered CAT ID and password.
3. Access the Objection Form
After logging in, go to the personal details section and locate the ‘Objection Form’ tab.
4. Select the Question and Type of Objectionsome text
1. Identify the specific question and section you wish to challenge.
2. Choose from the following options for the type of objection:some text
3. None of the options is correct.
4. More than one option is correct.
5. The answer key provided is incorrect.
5. Provide Supporting Remarks
Enter any remarks or explanations to substantiate your objection. You can write up to 500 words to clarify your reasoning.
6. Pay the Objection Fee
1. The fee is INR 1200 per objection, plus applicable GST and bank service charges.
2. Ensure all payment details are accurate before proceeding.
7. Submit the Form
Once you’ve reviewed all the details, submit the completed objection form.
Raising an Objection to CAT Exam Answer Key 2024: Points to Remember
You should only submit objections if you are absolutely certain about an error in the provisional key.
Here are some crucial points to keep in mind while raising objections.
1. Certainty in Errors
Ensure that you are 100% confident about the mistake in the provisional answer key before submitting an objection.
2. Refund for Valid Objections Only
The objection fee will only be refunded to candidates whose grievances are deemed valid by the authorities.
3. Mandatory Fee Payment
The objection form cannot be submitted without paying a fee.
4. Refund Timeline
For valid objections, the refund will typically be processed within five working days after the objections are evaluated.
5. No Edits After Submission
Once an objection has been submitted, it cannot be modified or withdrawn under any circumstances. Double-check all details before submission.
6. Unlimited Objections Allowed
There is no restriction on the number of objections a candidate can raise.
7. Timing of Results
The CAT 2024 results will only be announced after the conclusion of the objection process and subsequent evaluation. Candidates should monitor the timeline closely to stay updated.
8. The final Answer Key is Binding
No objections will be entertained once the final answer key is released. The results based on this final key will be considered final.
9. No Re-checking Allowed
The CAT question paper and individual responses will not be re-evaluated under any circumstance. Objections are the only method to address discrepancies.
Your Partner in Education. Quick, Hassle-Free Student Loans with a Fully Digital Process. Explore Now!
Information Mentioned on CAT Exam Answer Key 2024
The CAT Answer Key 2024 contains both candidate-specific information and test-related details to make the verification process straightforward.
Here’s a table highlighting the information mentioned on the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024.
Invest in Your Future Without the Need for a Co-Applicant! Explore our Education Loans Now
CAT Exam Marking Scheme 2024
The marking scheme for CAT 2024 follows a specific format to evaluate candidates' performance across different sections.
Here’s a table showcasing the marking scheme in the CAT 2024 exam.
Now that you are familiar with the CAT exam marking scheme, the next section will help you explore how to calculate the CAT Exam Score.
How to Calculate the CAT Exam Score?
The CAT exam score is calculated using the raw scores (marks obtained based on the answers you select) and then converted into percentile scores (a scaled value that reflects your performance relative to other test-takers).
You can follow this method to calculate the CAT raw score.
1. Each correct response earns 3 marks. For example, if a candidate answers 60 questions correctly, the total marks from correct attempts will be 60 correct answers × 3 marks = 180 marks.
2. For every incorrect answer, there is a penalty of 1 mark. If a candidate has 10 incorrect responses, the total marks deducted would be 10 incorrect answers × (-1) = -10 marks.
3. To find the raw score, subtract the penalties from the total marks for correct answers: 150 marks (correct answers) - 10 marks (penalty) = 140 raw score
4. Raw CAT scores are normalised across all three exam slots to ensure fair assessment for every candidate, regardless of the timing of their exam.
5. The normalised CAT score is used to calculate the percentile.
6. B-schools use the percentile score to select candidates for admissions, not the raw score.
Want to ace the CAT exam? Don't miss out on understanding the full CAT Exam Pattern 2024, including sectional cutoffs, syllabus details, and expert preparation tips.
Minimal Documentation. Application to Disbursement- In Just 3 steps! Check Your Eligibility.
CAT Exam Answer Key 2024: (Memory Based)
Memory-based answers can give you a general idea of the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level, though they are unofficial and may contain discrepancies.
Listed below are a few memory-based CAT Exam answer keys 2024 from slot 1.
Q: In sept incomes of K, A, and V is 8:6:5. They rent a house using 15%, 12% and 18% of their incomes, respectively. In October, rent remained the same whereas the salary of each of them increased by 10%,12%, and 15% respectively. What percentage of their income have they paid as the house rent (give in nearest percentage)?
Correct Answer: 13:2%
Q: One direct question from the Number System was 10 to the power 100 divided by seven, candidates had to choose the correct answer for the problem.
Correct Answer: 4
Q: A shop has 187 fruits consisting of Apples, Mangoes and Oranges. Apples and Mangoes were in the ratio 5:2, and after selling 75 apples and 26 mangoes, and half of the oranges, the apple left and the oranges left were in the ratio of 3:2. Find the number of unsold fruits.
Correct Answer: 66
Q. A.P Que x5= -4, x1, x2,...x100 are in AP. 2x6 + 2x9= x11 + x13. Find x100
- Option A: -194 (Correct Option)
- Option B: 206
- Option C: 204
- Option D: -196
Q: Let x, y, z be real numbers and 4(x²+y²+z²) = a, 4(x-y-z) = 3+a, then find the value of 'a'
- Option A: 1
- Option B: 1&1/3
- Option C: 4
- Option D: 3 (Correct Option)
Q: S.P of product is fixed to ensure 40% profit. If the product cost 40% less and has been sold for INR 5 less, then profit would have been 50%, then the original S.P is:
- Option A: 5
- Option B: 10
- Option C: 20
- Option D: 14 (Correct Option)
Here are a few memory-based CAT Exam answer keys 2024 from slot 2.
1. Acid water question
Answer: 3:5
2. Profit and Loss question
Answer: 2160
3. Average of compensation question
Answer: 95000
4. Age-related question
Answer: 5:4
5. Question on mango, apple and banana
Answer: 340
Which IIM has the Lowest Cutoff?
While the minimum CAT cutoff for most top IIMs (like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta) is typically 99+ percentile for the General Category, some newer IIMs (such as IIM Ranchi, Rohtak, and Trichy) have lower cutoffs. For reserved category candidates, the cutoffs range between 85-95 percentile.
What is the 95 percentile in CAT?
If CAT 2024 turns out to be easier than expected, the required score for the 95 percentile might be slightly lower (around 76), while a more challenging paper could push the required score down to about 55 or even lower for the same percentile.
How much Percentile is a Good Score in the CAT exam?
A CAT percentile of 90 or higher is generally considered a strong score, offering opportunities for admission to several top B-schools in India. However, a percentile score of 95 or above significantly enhances your chances of securing admission to the most prestigious institutions, such as the IIMs.
Is the CAT 2024 Response Sheet Released?
Yes, the IIM Calcutta has officially released the CAT 2024 response sheet. You can now access and download their respective response sheets from the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in).
CAT Score vs Percentile 2024
The CAT score and percentile are two essential metrics that you need to understand when preparing for the CAT exam 2024.
The table below shows the overall CAT 2024 Score vs Percentile based on initial trends from previous years and early estimates for CAT 2024.
CAT Score vs Percentile 2024: Sectional Score vs Percentile Estimates
While CAT overall percentiles are crucial for B-school admissions, some top institutes might consider sectional cutoffs as well.
Here’s a breakdown of sectional score vs percentile estimates for CAT 2024 based on historical trends and initial estimates.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
Why is the CAT Exam Answer Key Important?
The CAT Answer Key provides the correct answers to the questions asked in the CAT exam, allowing you to compare your responses and estimate your scores before the official result announcement.
Here’s why the CAT IIM answer key is significant.
1. Estimate Your Score Accurately
The most immediate benefit of the answer key is that it allows you to calculate your probable scores. This allows for an estimation of the raw score and a better understanding of your performance across different sections.
2. Raise Objections to Incorrect Answers
The CAT Answer Key also serves as a tool for challenging any discrepancies or errors. You can raise objections if you believe that an answer in the provisional key is wrong.
3. Ensure Transparency in the Examination Process
The release of the CAT Answer Key is part of the examination body’s commitment to transparency. By making the answer key available, the authorities offer a chance for candidates to verify the accuracy of the answers and evaluate the fairness of the exam.
4. Facilitates Better Preparation for the Next Attempts
For candidates reappearing for CAT, analysing the answer key can provide valuable insights into the types of questions asked and the pattern of the exam.
What Happens After the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024?
Once the objection window for the provisional CAT answer key closes, IIM Calcutta will release the final CAT answer key. Along with this, candidates will also be able to access their CAT 2024 results on the official CAT website.
Upon logging in, you will be able to download your CAT scorecard, which will display your performance, including the CAT percentile. This percentile score plays a crucial role in MBA admissions.
Curious about where you stand in the race to IIMs? Check out our blog CAT Cutoff Scores 2024 for IIMs and Popular MBA Colleges to see the marks you need to target! Don't miss out — click now and find out more!
CAT Exam 2024 Cutoff Scores for IIMs and Other Colleges
The cutoff scores are an essential indicator of where you stand in the selection process of top IIMs and other leading B-schools in India.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected CAT 2024 cutoff scores for some of the top IIMs and other colleges.
IIM Cutoff Scores
For the General Category, candidates are generally required to secure a 99+ percentile to be eligible for the flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Top IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode, etc.)
The General Category candidates are generally expected to score between 95% and 97% percentile to have a chance of admission into the PGP programs of the Newer IIMs (IIM Ranchi, Rohtak, Trichy, etc.).
Other Leading MBA Colleges in India
Looking to target the best institutes for your CAT journey? Don’t miss out on our curated list of the Best CAT Exam Colleges that can take your career to new heights.
In conclusion, the release of the CAT Exam Answer Key 2024 (provisional) and response sheet offers you an important opportunity to review your performance. If any discrepancies are found, you can raise objections within the provided time frame. By checking your response sheet, you can also get a clearer understanding of your potential CAT scores.
Ready to take the next step in your CAT journey? With Propelld, you can conquer any financial barriers on your way to business school! Get loans up to INR 50 lakhs with no collateral required, ensuring nothing stands between you and your CAT goals.
Why Propelld?
Here are some key benefits offered by Propelld.
Start preparing for success — apply with Propelld today!
