What is CAT Entrance Exam?

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is an entrance exam conducted in India for admission into postgraduate management programs, such as MBA, PGDM, and other management courses offered by various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other B-Schools. The exam is conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.

The CAT exam is a computer-based test that assesses a candidate's aptitude in quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. It is considered one of the most competitive exams in India for MBA aspirants, and a high CAT score is generally required for admission to top B-Schools in India.

Exam NameCAT (Common Admission Test)
Conducting Body
IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) on a rotational basis
Exam Level
National
Exam Mode
Computer Based Test
Sections
3 (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability)
Total Questions
100
Duration
2 Hours
Marking Scheme
+3 marks for correct answer; -1 mark for wrong answer (MCQs); no negative marking for non-MCQs
Exam Fee
Rs. 2,000 for general category; Rs. 1,000 for reserved category
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Exam Date
Usually in November
Score Validity
1 Year
Accepting Colleges
Over 500 MBA colleges in India, including all 20 IIMs
StageDescription
Stage 1: CAT Exam
The first stage is the CAT exam itself, which is conducted in November every year. Candidates who score above the cutoff marks for their chosen institute are shortlisted for the next stage.
Stage 2: Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT)
The second stage may involve either a Group Discussion (GD) or a Written Ability Test (WAT), depending on the institute. The GD or WAT is conducted to assess the candidate's communication skills, analytical ability, and knowledge of current affairs.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)
The third stage is the Personal Interview (PI), which is conducted by the institute. The PI assesses the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for the MBA program.
Final Selection
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in all three stages, as well as their academic record, work experience, and other factors as specified by the institute.
Exam Name CAT (Common Admission Test)
Conducting Body
IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) on a rotational basis
Exam Level
National
Exam Mode
Computer Based Test
Sections
3 (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability)
Total Questions
100
Duration
2 Hours
Marking Scheme
+3 marks for correct answer; -1 mark for wrong answer (MCQs); no negative marking for non-MCQs
Exam Fee
Rs. 2,000 for general category; Rs. 1,000 for reserved category
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Exam Date
Usually in November
Score Validity
1 Year
Accepting Colleges
Over 500 MBA colleges in India, including all 20 IIMs

Selection Process for MBA CAT Entrance

Exam Paper Pattern

Sections No. of Questions Time Allotted
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
34
60 Minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
32
60 Minutes
Quantitative Ability
34
60 Minutes
Total
100
180 Minutes
Stage Description
Stage 1: CAT Exam
The first stage is the CAT exam itself, which is conducted in November every year. Candidates who score above the cutoff marks for their chosen institute are shortlisted for the next stage.
Stage 2: Group Discussion (GD) or Written Ability Test (WAT)
The second stage may involve either a Group Discussion (GD) or a Written Ability Test (WAT), depending on the institute. The GD or WAT is conducted to assess the candidate's communication skills, analytical ability, and knowledge of current affairs.
Stage 3: Personal Interview (PI)
The third stage is the Personal Interview (PI), which is conducted by the institute. The PI assesses the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for the MBA program.
Final Selection
The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in all three stages, as well as their academic record, work experience, and other factors as specified by the institute.

Note: The exam may also include non-MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) questions in some sections. These may be in the form of Fill in the Blanks, Short Answers, or other formats. Additionally, there may be negative marking for wrong answers (usually 1/3rd of the marks allotted for the question). The exact marking scheme may vary from year to year.

Syllabus for the CAT (Common Admission Test) Exam:

Section Topics
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Summary Questions, Sentence Correction, Analogies, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Vocabulary, Grammar
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams, Caselets, Combination of Graphs, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, Cubes, Logical Connectives, Propositions, Puzzles, Assumptions, Statements and Conclusions
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Number Systems, HCF and LCM, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time, Speed and Distance, Mensuration, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry

List Of Some Of The Top Institutes That Accept CAT Scores

  1. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
  2. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi
  3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi – Department of Management Studies
  4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management
  5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur – Vinod Gupta School of Management
  6. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
  7. S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
  8. National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai
  9. Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
  10. Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB)

 Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other colleges and institutes that also accept CAT scores for their MBA programs.

Key Preparation Strategies That Students Should Follow To Clear The MBA CAT Exam

  1. Develop a study plan: Plan your study schedule in a way that covers the entire syllabus and gives equal time to all sections. Make a daily, weekly, and monthly study plan and stick to it.
  2. Focus on basics: Clear your basics and concepts of each topic. It will help you understand the advanced concepts and solve complex problems easily.
  3. Attempt sectional tests: Take sectional tests to analyze your performance in each section. It will help you to improve your weak areas and strengthen your strong areas.
  4. Take mock tests: Attempting mock tests is crucial to get a feel of the actual exam. It will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and devise a strategy accordingly.
  5. Improve reading speed: Reading speed is crucial to perform well in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section. Improve your reading speed by practicing speed-reading techniques and reading newspapers.
  6. Practice regularly: Practice regularly to gain confidence and speed. The more you practice, the more you will be able to improve your accuracy and efficiency.
  7. Revise regularly: Revise the important topics, formulas, and concepts regularly. It will help you retain the information and perform well in the exam.
  8. Stay calm and focused: During the exam, stay calm and focused. Do not panic and take breaks to relax your mind.
  9. Analyze your performance: After each mock test or sectional test, analyze your performance and identify your mistakes. Work on your mistakes and try not to repeat them.
  10. Seek guidance: If you have any doubts or queries, seek guidance from your mentors, teachers, or peers. Join a coaching institute or attend online classes to get better insights and tips.

Cutoffs

Please note that the below cutoffs depict the minimum CAT percentile that a candidate has to score to qualify for a call from respective b-school.

Old IIMs:

InstituteSectionGENERALOBC-NCSCSTEWSPwD (except ST)PwD (ST)
IIM AhmedabadVARC70656050 6050
 DI&LR70656050 6050
 QA70656050 6050
 Aggregate80757060 7060
IIM BangaloreVARC857570607050 
 DI&LR807065606550 
 QA807065606550 
 Aggregate908075707560 
IIM CalcuttaVARC857565607060 
 DI&LR807565606560 
 QA807565606560 
 Aggregate908570707570 
IIM LucknowVARC857755507750 
 DI&LR857755507750 
 QA857755507750 
 Aggregate908270658265 
IIM KozhikodeVARC756555456545 
 DI&LR756555456545 
 QA756555456545 
 Aggregate857565557555 
IIM IndoreVARC807055458045 
 DILR807055458045 
 QA807055458045 
 Aggregate908060559050 

New IIMs:

InstituteSectionGENERALOBC-NCSCSTDAPEWS
IIM TrichyVARC8060505050 
 DILR8060505050 
 QA8060505050 
 Aggregate9578606565 
IIM ShillongVARC757550605075
 DILR757550605075
 QA757550605075
IIM UdaipurVARC806050303080
 DILR806050303080
 QA806050303080
 Aggregate907860404085
IIM RanchiVARC806045303060
 DILR806045303060
 QA806045303060
 Aggregate947555404075
IIM RohtakVARC706050303070
 DILR706050303070
 QA706050303070
 Aggregate957860404095
IIM RaipurVARC806050303080
 DILR806050303080
 QA806050303080
 Aggregate907860404085
IIM KashipurVARC806045303060
 DILR806045303060
 QA806045303060
 Aggregate947555404075

 Baby IIMs:

InstituteSectionGENERALOBC-NCSCSTPwDEWSDAP
IIM AmritsarVARC8065553535  
 DI and LR7560503535  
 QA7560503535  
 Aggregate8575554040  
IIM Bodh GayaVARC806045303060 
 DI&LR806045303060 
 QA806045303060 
 Aggregate917350383570 
IIM NagpurVARC72655040  40
 DILR72655040  40
 QA72655040  40
 Aggregate8576.56040  55
IIM SambalpurVARC80604530 6030
 DILR80604530 6030
 QA80604530 6030
 Aggregate94755540 7540
IIM SirmaurVARC80604530  30
 DILR80604530  30
 QA80604530  30
 Aggregate94755540  40
IIM Vishakha PatnamVARC8575605050  
 DILR8070605050  
 QA8070605050  
 Aggregate9080755550  
IIM JammuVARC8080605030 30
 DILR8080605030 30
 QA8080605030 30
 Aggregate9085786040 40

 

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