What is the CAT exam?
CAT is one of India’s most prestigious and toughest national-level entry exams. The Common Admission Test or CAT exam for MBA is based on the logical thinking, critical thinking, and verbal skills of a candidate. It has a detailed and elaborate syllabus and the cat exam pattern though predictable but very too tough to rank high. In 2022, 11 candidates scored 100 percentile. Hence, the bar is raised each year.
After completion of the CBT, the candidates get options for top MBA colleges all across India in the counseling round, depending on the percentile. The moderate CAT percentiles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 have been 90 to 96.CAT is conducted as a computer-based test and it is conducted jointly with the Indian Institute of Management. Start your cat exam preparation today with CAT Coaching.
Which Course is the CAT exam for?
The CAT exam is the entrance exam for a Master in Business Management in the IIMs and tier-1 business management schools like FMS, and MDI. Candidates from all disciplines can attempt the CAT exam.
Overview of CAT exam pattern and Timing
| Total Number of Questions | 64-76 |
| Marking Schemes | 192-228 |
| Section Names | +3 for the answered questions, -1 for attempted wrong answers, 0 for unattempted questions |
| Timing for Each Section | 40 minutes |
| Total Duration of the exam | 2 hours |
Eligibility for CAT Exam
According to the defined criteria by IIMs, attempting candidates must have completed graduation with any recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. The eligibility criteria for SC/ST/PWD require 45% aggregate marks. You will be ineligible for the CAT exam if you have pursued other professional degrees other than graduation.
How to Apply for the CAT Exam?
To apply for the CAT exam, the candidates must register themselves when the application process is open. Generally, CAT is conducted in November, and the registration process starts around August and closes in September. Candidates have to provide personal and academic information while filling out the application form. Here is the step-by-step process to apply for the CAT exam.
Step 1: Register for the CAT exam when the iimcat registration portal is open.
Step 2: Fill out the application form and upload a soft copy of the required documents including recent passport-size photo, scanned signature, and caste/PWD certification.
Step 3: Pay the application fee which is 2300 INR for general candidates and 1150 INR for SC/ST/Pwd candidates.
Here are the predicted dates of the CAT exam application in 2023.
CAT Exam Syllabus
The CAT exam syllabus consists of three subjects: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Aptitude). Here is the detailed overview of the CAT question in 2022.
| Section | Syllabus | Division of Questions ( CAT 2022) | Total Marks |
| VARC | Passages of reading comprehension with four questions, para summary, para jumbles, odd sentences and inferences | 19 MCQs & 5 non-MCQs | 24 marks |
| DILR | Questions from the bar graph, missing data and puzzles for Data Interpretation & Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks & Calendars, Logical Connectives and Sequences for Logical Reasoning | 15 MCQs & 5 non-MCQs | 20 marks |
| QA | Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Mensuration | 14 MCQs & 8 non-MCQs | 22 marks |
Evolution of CAT exam over the years
Looking at the past decade the test structure has changed quite a lot over the past 11 years. Though the marking scheme has remained the same, CAT’s time duration, and section-wise number allotment has gone through a lot of changes. The number of sections kept changing in between two and three from 2010 to 2015. Between 2011 to 2014, the DILR section and QA section was merged together. During 2013-2014 there were a lot of changes. In CAt 2013, the number of questions was 60 whereas in 2014 it increased to 100. And, the total duration went from 140 minutes to 170 minutes.
CAT exam 2023 Important Dates
As already declared, CAT 2023 will be coordinated by IIM Bangalore, and here are the following important dates for registration and the exam.
Release of Notification: July 2023
Starting of Registration: August 2023
Last Date of Registration:September 2023
Release of Admit Card: 26th October to 26th November 2023
Date of Exam: 26th November 2023
Release of Answer Key: December 2023
Date of Result Announcement: December 2023
Preparation Tips for CAT Exam 2023
Preparation for the CAT exam is much more effective when structured and well-organised. The candidates should attempt to manage their time and resources well and put it to optimal use. With the CAT Coaching, candidates will be able to use the resources and classes online. There are few areas for the preparation of CAT 2023, and here they are:
- Identifying areas of weakness and strength before beginning
- Keep your resources limited but not less than necessary
- Find resources for basic conceptualization
- Taking a mock test on periodic intervals
CAT Exam FAQs:
Q) What is CAT percentile for tier1 colleges?
If you want to get in the IIMs, the required percentile will be 96 % to 98%. But other than that, getting more than at least 90% to 95% percentile is required for other top MBA colleges.
Q) How to crack the CAT exam?
To crack the CAT, getting a headstart and setting time apart for preparing for CAT, can give the candidates a real advantage.To crack the exam in the first attempt, structuring your preparation and devoting time to identify and analyse weak and strong areas will be required.
Q) Who conducts the cat exam?
The CAT exam is conducted by a board of IIMs. The IIMs conduct the exam on a rotational basis and the CAT 2023 exam will be conducted by the IIM Bangalore.
Q) CAT exam is for what purpose?
Common Admission Test is conducted for entry to the Masters of Business Administration and CAT is conducted each year where graduates in any discipline can attempt the test.
Q) What are the subjects in the cat exam?
The three main subjects of CAT are Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Q) How to register for the CAT exam?
The registration portal for the CAT exam will be open from July 2023 on the main website of IIM. Look out for notifications when the portal is actively taking registration.