CAT, or Common Admission Test, is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to postgraduate management programs in various IIMs and other top B-schools in India. The exam is conducted in online mode and has a duration of 3 hours. A high CAT score can open doors to lucrative career opportunities and is highly valued by top recruiters in the industry.
An important Date & Time for CAT 2023-2024 Exam
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021 and the official notification for the CAT exam 2023-2024 still needs to be released. However, based on the previous year’s exam schedule, here are some tentative dates and timings for the CAT 2023-2024 exam:
Please note that these dates and timings are tentative and subject to change once the official notification is released. It is recommended to watch the official CAT website for the latest updates and announcements regarding the exam.
CAT Exam Overview
The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to postgraduate management programs in various IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
The CAT exam is held once a year in computer-based mode, and it consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam lasts 2 hours, and each section is allotted 40 minutes.
The syllabus for the CAT exam includes topics such as English language skills, logical reasoning, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and analysis. The exam is highly competitive, and candidates must thoroughly prepare.
The selection process for admission to management programs in IIMs and other B-schools involves a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI). The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the CAT exam, WAT, GD, and PI.
Candidates can refer to study materials, take mock tests, and solve previous years’ question papers to prepare for the exam. The CAT exam provides a gateway to some of India’s most prestigious management institutes. It is thus a crucial step for aspirants who want to pursue a career in management.
To be eligible for the CAT exam, a candidate must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university or institute. The minimum marks required for SC/ST/PwD candidates are 45%.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
- Nationality: Indian nationals, as well as foreign nationals, are eligible to apply for the CAT exam.
- Other Requirements: The candidate must possess a valid email address and phone number to register for the exam.
There must be more than meeting the eligibility criteria to guarantee admission to the management programs the IIMs and other B-schools offer. The selection process involves multiple rounds, and the final admission decision is based on the candidate’s performance in the CAT exam, Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
The CAT exam pattern consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is in computer-based mode and lasts 2 hours, and the three sections are individually timed for 40 minutes each. The total number of questions in the CAT exam is around 76-78, and the full marks are 228-234.
The distribution of questions in each section is as follows:
This section assesses the candidate’s language, comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. It includes questions on reading comprehension, para-jumbles, para-summary, sentence completion, and critical reasoning.
This section tests the candidate’s ability to interpret data, evaluate information, and solve complex logical reasoning problems. It includes questions on data interpretation, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning.
This section assesses the candidate’s mathematical and numerical ability. It includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data sufficiency questions.
Each correct answer in the CAT exam carries three marks, with one negative effect for each wrong answer. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs (Questions without Options).
The CAT exam pattern may vary slightly from year to year. It is recommended to check the official CAT website for the latest updates and notifications regarding the exam pattern.
Given the vastness of the CAT Exam Syllabus, aspirants need to understand how to maximize their scores in each section. The preparation for the exam can be strengthened by understanding the section-wise breakage of CAT along with the weight various sections and topics hold.
| Section | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Total Question | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 19 | 5 | 24 | 4 passages of RC with 4 questions each. 3 para jumbles, 2 para completions, 3 para summary |
| DILR | 15 | 5 | 20 | 4 sets of 5 questions each covering topics of bar graphs, missing data and puzzles |
| QA | 14 | 8 | 22 | Dominated by arithmetic and algebra with 4 questions of geometry |
| Total | 48 | 18 | 66 |
How to Prepare for CAT Exam?
Preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) can be daunting, but it is achievable with the right strategy and approach. Here is some point that can help you prepare for the CAT exam:
The first step towards CAT preparation is understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. The CAT exam consists of 3 parts – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Ensure you understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly before starting your preparation.
Once you have a clear idea of the syllabus and exam pattern, make a plan. The study plan should include a daily schedule, weekly targets, and monthly goals. Make your study plan realistic, and allocate sufficient time for each section.
Regular exercise is essential for CAT preparation. Solve as many practice papers, mock tests, and past year question papers as possible. This will help you understand the exam pattern, build speed and accuracy, and identify your strengths and weaknesses
The CAT exam tests your fundamentals in mathematics, the English language, and logical reasoning. Focus on building a solid foundation in these fields. Once you understand the basics well, move on to advanced topics.
Reading extensively can help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills. Read books, newspapers, and articles on a necessary type. This will improve your language skills and help you in the VARC section.
Taking regular intervals is essential for adequate CAT preparation. Taking a break every 90 minutes is necessary to recharge your mind and avoid burnout.
Staying motivated is critical for CAT preparation. Set achievable goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can encourage you during practice.
Tips to Crack the CAT Exam
Cracking the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam requires a lot of preparation and hard work. Here are some new tips that can help you crack the CAT exam:
Online mock tests can help you understand the exam pattern, analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and build speed and accuracy. Take at least two mock tests every week and analyze your performance to identify areas that need improvement.
Time-management is crucial for CAT preparation. Learn to control your time effectively while solving questions. Focus on increasing your efficiency while maintaining the same level of precision.
Solving past year question papers can help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked.Solving previous year question papers can boost your confidence and alleviate the stress
Search your weaker areas and work on improving them. If you are weak in a particular section, spend more time on that section and practice as much as possible.
Reading extensively can help you improve your language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Read books, articles, and newspapers on a variety of topics to improve your reading speed and comprehension.
There are many apps and websites available that can help you in CAT preparation. Use these resources to practice questions, learn new concepts, and analyze your performance.
CAT preparation can be a long and tedious process. Stay motivated and positive throughout the preparation phase. Set achievable goals, track your progress, and reward yourself when you achieve your goals.
How can I apply for upcoming CAT exams?
To apply for the upcoming CAT (Common Admission Test) exams, you can follow these steps:
The application process for CAT usually starts in August and ends in September. It is essential to keep track of the official website for any updates or changes in the schedule.
CAT 2024 participating Institutions
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Amritsar
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Bodh Gaya
- IIM Indore
- IIM Jammu
- IIM Kashipur
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Kozhikode
- IIM Nagpur
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Raipur
- IIM Rohtak
- IIM Ranchi
- IIM Sambalpur
- IIM Sirmaur
- IIM Shillong
- IIM Tiruchirappalli
- IIM Vishakhapatnam
- IIM Udaipur
CAT 2024 seat Reservation
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC- NCL | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PWD | 5% |
Conclusion
The CAT exam, or Common Admission Test, is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission into MBA programs in India’s top business schools. The exam tests a candidate’s aptitude in areas such as Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning.
Preparing for the CAT exam requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. It is essential to have a well-planned study schedule, including regular practice sessions and mock tests. Staying updated with the latest exam pattern, syllabi, and question types is vital.
Scoring well in the CAT exam can open up many opportunities for aspiring MBA candidates. It can lead to admission to top business schools, leading to excellent career prospects and high salaries. However, the competition is tough, and candidates must perform exceptionally well to stand out.
In conclusion, the CAT exam is critical for aspiring for an MBA in India. With the proper preparation and mindset, candidates can achieve their goals and fulfil their career aspirations.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Related to the CAT Exam
Here are some commonly asked FAQs about the CAT Exam. We have addressed them below, and FAQs regarding Exam date, Result and study materials are mentioned in detail.
CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their MBA and other management programs.
Candidates who have completed their Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) or are in their final year of Bachelor’s degree can appear for the CAT exam.
You can apply for the CAT exam online by visiting the official website. The application process usually starts in August and ends in September.
What are the eligibility criteria for admission to IIMs?
You can prepare for the CAT exam by taking mock tests, solving previous years’ question papers, and studying from reliable study material and books. Joining coaching classes or online courses for proper guidance and preparation is also recommended.
CAT scores are valid for one year and can be used for admission to various management programs offered by IIMs and other management institutes.