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The CAT Exam is the most popular among all MBA entrance exams held every year. Pursuing an MBA degree from a reputed institution is a dream for many aspirants. Candidates seeking admission to MBA programs must appear for the CAT Exam.
The CAT exam is the minimum eligibility criteria for admissions into the IIMs and other top B – Schools. Candidates aspiring to take the CAT 2023 exam must learn about CAT exam, VAT Eligibility criteria, CAT Syllabus as well as the time needed to complete the entire syllabus to get through the CAT exam and get admission into the top IIMs.
What is CAT Exam?
CAT Exam Highlights:
As per previous year trends, the CAT Exam 2023 will be held in three sessions on 26th November 2023. Candidates aiming for the CAT 2023 exam can check the highlights given below:
CAT Exam 2023 Highlights | |
Name of the Exam | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
CAT Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in/ |
Conducting Body | IIM Lucknow |
Exam Duration | 2 hours |
CAT Exam Fees (2023) | INR 1200 (Reserved categories) INR 2400 (Other categories) |
CAT 2023 Exam Date | 26th November 2023 |
Medium of Exam | English |
Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
CAT Exam Question Type | MCQ and Non-MCQ questions |
Syllabus | Quantitative Ability Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree with 50% aggregate (45% aggregate or equivalent for reserved categories) |
CAT Exam Related Videos:
About CAT Exam Timeline and Registration:
Every year, the total number of registered eligible candidates is approximately 2.30 lakh. CAT Exam 2023 will be held on November 26, 2023. CAT Exam 2023 official notification has been released 30th July 2023.Following is a table showing the tentative calendar of events for the CAT exam.
CAT Exam Events | Dates |
Release of Online Notification | 30th July 2023 |
Commencement of Online Application | 2nd August 2023 |
Admit Card Download | 25th October 2023 Onwards |
Date of CAT Exam | 26th November 2023 |
CAT Exam Result Declaration | 2nd week of January 2024 |
Evolution of CAT Exam Over The Years:
The CAT Exam has undergone numerous changes since the time the test switched from paper pen mode to computer-based testing:
Year | Time -Duration | Section | Total Number of Questions in each Section | Total Number of Questions |
2023 (Expected) | 120 | Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning Quantitative Ability | 24 20 22 | 72 60 66 |
2022 | 120 | Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning Quantitative Ability | 24 20 22 | 72 60 66 |
2021 | 120 | Verbal ability and Reading comprehension Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning Quantitative Ability | 24 20 22 | 72 60 66 |
2020 | 120 | VARC DILR QA | 26 24 26 | 76 |
2019 | 180 | VARC DILR QA | 34 32 34 | 100 |
2018 | 180 | VARC DILR QA | 34 32 34 | 100 |
2017 | 180 | VARC DILR QA | 34 32 34 | 100 |
2016 | 180 | VARC DILR QA | 34 32 34 | 100 |
2015 | 180 | VARC DILR QA | 34 32 34 | 100 |
2014 | 170 | QA & DI VA & LR | 50 50 | 100 |
2013 | 140 | Verbal Ability & Logical reasoning Quantitative Ability , Data interpretation | 30 30 | 60 |
2012 | 140 | QA DI VARC | 21 9 30 | 60 |
2011 | 140 | VALR & QADI | 30 30 | 60 |
CAT Exam Resources:
Candidates aiming for the CAT Exam, need to have the right resources to prepare for the exam. Here, we have provided the CAT Exam resources, which the applicants can directly access by clicking on the links given below.
CAT Exam Tips & Tricks Related Resources:
The candidates can check the links given below to know the tips and tricks to ace the CAT exam:
CAT Exam Syllabus:
A thorough understanding of the CAT exam syllabus is important for determining your direction all through this CAT journey. It will be much easier to determine how much time you should spend on each segment, when you have a reasonable understanding of the CAT syllabus.
CAT Exam Syllabus | Topics |
Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude – Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Modern Math, Geometry & Mensuration |
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Coding and Decoding Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, Odd One Out |
CAT Exam Marking Scheme:
- For each correct answer, candidates will receive 3 marks.
- Candidates will receive a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer for the objective questions.
- For non-MCQ-type questions, there is no negative marking.
The table below will give you an outline of the MCQ and Non-MCQ questions in the CAT exam based on 2022 :
Section | Number of MCQ and Non-MCQs In each Section |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | MCQ -21 Non-MCQ – 3 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | MCQ – 14 Non-MCQ – 6 |
Quantitative Ability | MCQ – 14 Non-MCQ – 8 |
Total no of Questions | 66 |
Various Programs Offered by IIMs:
IIMs | Programmes Offered |
IIM Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM |
IIM Amritsar | MBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM |
IIM Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPBA |
IIM Bodh Gaya | PGP |
IIM Calcutta | MBA |
IIM Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM |
IIM Jammu | MBA |
IIM Jammu | Executive MBA (Blended Mode) |
IM Jammu | PGP in Health Care Management (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu) |
IIM Jammu | PGP in Hospital Administration (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu) |
IIM Kashipur | MBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA |
IIM Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi |
IIM Lucknow | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM |
IIM Nagpur | PGP |
IIM Raipur | PGP |
IIM Ranchi | PGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics) |
IIM Rohtak | PGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM |
IIM Sambalpur | MBA, Executive MBA |
IIM Shillong | PGP, PGPEX, PGPWE |
IIM Sirmaur | MBA, MBA (T&HM) |
IIM Tiruchirappalli | PGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM |
IIM Udaipur | MBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBA |
IIM Visakhapatnam | PGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM |
Time Required to Complete the CAT Exam Syllabus:
Every year more than 2 lakh CAT aspirants register for the CAT Exam. To ace the examination, an intensive preparation period of 7-9 months prior to taking the exam is highly recommended. However, candidates who are behind schedule, and those who are fully committed to passing the test, can do well with a 3-4 month dedicated preparation period.
CAT Exam States and Cities:
Sl No: | Name of the State | CAT Exam Cities |
1 | Andaman and Nicobar | Port Blair |
2 | Andhra Pradesh | Guntur |
3 | Kakinada | |
4 | Kurnool | |
5 | Nellore | |
6 | Rajahmundry | |
7 | Tirupathi | |
8 | Vijayawada | |
9 | Visakhapatnam | |
10 | Vizianagaram | |
11 | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar-Naharlagun |
12 | Assam | Dibrugarh |
13 | Guwahati | |
14 | Jorhat | |
15 | Silchar | |
16 | Tezpur | |
17 | Bihar | Gaya |
18 | Aurangabad-Bihar | |
19 | Arrah | |
20 | Bhagalpur | |
21 | Darbhanga | |
22 | Muzaffarpur | |
23 | Patna | |
24 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
25 | Chhattisgarh | Bhilai Nagar |
26 | Bilaspur | |
27 | Raipur | |
28 | Dadar and Nagar Haveli | Silvaasa |
29 | Goa | Panaji |
30 | Madgaon | |
31 | Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
32 | Anand | |
33 | Gandhinagar | |
34 | Mehsana | |
35 | Rajkot | |
36 | Surat | |
37 | Vadodara | |
38 | Haryana | Ambala |
39 | Faridabad | |
40 | Gurugram | |
41 | Himachal Pradesh | Bilaspur |
42 | Shimla | |
43 | Hamirpur | |
44 | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu |
45 | Srinagar | |
46 | Jharkhand | Dhanbad |
47 | Hazaribagh | |
48 | Jamshedpur | |
49 | Ranchi | |
50 | Karnataka | Belagavi (Belgaum) |
51 | Bengaluru | |
52 | Hubli-Dharwad | |
53 | Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) | |
54 | Mangaluru (Mangalore) | |
55 | Mysuru (Mysore) | |
56 | Shivamogga (Shimoga) | |
57 | Udupi | |
58 | Kerala | Kannur |
59 | Ernakulam | |
60 | Kollam | |
61 | Kottayam | |
62 | Kozhikode | |
63 | Thrissur | |
64 | Trivandrum | |
65 | Ladakh | Leh |
66 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
67 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
68 | Gwalior | |
69 | Indore | |
70 | Jabalpur | |
71 | Sagar | |
72 | Satna | |
73 | Ujjain | |
74 | Maharashtra | Amravati |
75 | Ahmednagar | |
76 | Aurangabad-MH | |
77 | Bhiwandi | |
78 | Boisar | |
79 | Jalgaon | |
80 | Kolhapur | |
81 | Mumbai | |
82 | Nagpur | |
83 | Nanded | |
84 | Nashik | |
85 | Pune | |
86 | Raigad | |
87 | Satara | |
88 | Solapur | |
89 | Thane | |
90 | Vasai | |
91 | Manipur | Ukhrul |
92 | Meghalaya | Shillong |
93 | Mizoram | Aizawl |
94 | Nagaland | Kohima |
95 | New Delhi | New Delhi |
96 | Odisha | Balasore |
97 | Berhampur | |
98 | Bhubaneswar | |
99 | Cuttack | |
100 | Dhenkanal | |
101 | Rourkela | |
102 | Sambalpur | |
103 | Punjab | Bhatinda |
104 | Jalandhar | |
105 | Ludhiana | |
106 | Mohali | |
107 | Patiala | |
108 | Amritsar | |
109 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
110 | Rajasthan | Ajmer |
111 | Bikaner | |
112 | Jaipur | |
113 | Jodhpur | |
114 | Kota | |
115 | Sikar | |
116 | Udaipur | |
117 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
118 | Coimbatore | |
119 | Madurai | |
120 | Salem | |
121 | Tirunelveli | |
122 | Tiruchirappalli | |
123 | Vellore | |
124 | Telangana | Hyderabad |
125 | Karimnagar | |
126 | Warangal | |
127 | Uttar Pradesh | Agra |
128 | Aligarh | |
129 | Bareilly | |
130 | Ghaziabad | |
131 | Gorakhpur | |
132 | Greater Noida | |
133 | Kanpur | |
134 | Jhansi | |
135 | Lucknow | |
136 | Meerut | |
137 | Moradabad | |
138 | Muzaffarnagar | |
139 | Prayagraj | |
140 | Varanasi | |
141 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
142 | Haldwani | |
143 | Roorkee | |
146 | West Bengal | Asansol |
147 | Bankura | |
148 | Burdwan | |
149 | Durgapur | |
150 | Hooghly | |
151 | Kalyani | |
152 | Kolkata | |
153 | Siliguri |
Other MBA Entrance Exams:
Aspirants enrolled in CAT Coaching must be familiar with all of the MBA entrance exams in India. Other Management entrance exams include XAT, MAT, CMAT, etc.,
- NMAT
- IIFT
Frequently Asked Questions on the CAT Exam:
IIMs conduct the Common Admission Test on a rotational basis for admission into management and business courses. CAT is conducted in three sessions every year, on the last Sunday of November.
The CAT Exam consists of 3 sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DII-LR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Q2 What is the CAT eligibility criteria?
The eligibility criteria for the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam in India typically include the following:
Educational Qualification:
- A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PWD candidates).
- The degree should be granted by a recognized university or educational institution.
Age Limit:
- There is no age limit specified for appearing in the CAT exam.
Nationality:
- Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Non-Indian nationals who have completed their bachelor’s degree from an Indian university are also eligible.
Other Requirements:
- The candidate must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria of the participating management institutes (IIMs and other B-schools) where they wish to apply, as additional criteria may apply for admission to specific programs.
It’s important to note that the exact eligibility criteria may vary slightly from year to year, so candidates should refer to the official CAT website or the specific admission brochures of the participating institutes for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Q3 When should I start preparing for CAT?
The ideal time to start preparing for the CAT exam depends on various factors such as your current level of preparation, your familiarity with the exam pattern, and your target score. Here’s a general guideline:
Understand the Exam: Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, and the types of questions asked. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect and how to approach your preparation.
Assess Your Starting Point: Take a diagnostic test or a mock CAT to gauge your current strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify areas where you need more focus.
Set a Target Score: Determine your target percentile or score based on the requirements of the institutes you wish to apply to. This will give you a clear goal to work towards.
Plan Your Preparation Time: CAT preparation typically takes 6-12 months, depending on your starting point and target score. Here’s a rough timeline you can consider:
- 6-12 Months Before CAT: Start with basic concepts and build a strong foundation in all sections (Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning).
- 3-6 Months Before CAT: Focus on more intensive practice and solving previous years’ papers and mock tests.
- Last 1-2 Months Before CAT: Fine-tune your preparation, work on time management, and focus on improving weak areas.
Consistency is Key: Regular and consistent study is crucial for success in CAT. Create a study schedule that suits your daily routine and stick to it diligently.
Seek Guidance: Consider joining a coaching institute if you feel you need structured guidance. Alternatively, self-study with the help of online resources and books can also be effective if you are disciplined and organized.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with any changes in the CAT exam pattern or syllabus by referring to official CAT websites or reliable sources.
Remember, everyone’s preparation timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and starting points. The key is to start early enough to allow yourself sufficient time to cover the syllabus comprehensively and practice extensively.
Q4 How do I get a good percentile in Quants?
Achieving a good percentile in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section of CAT requires a systematic approach and focused preparation. Here are some strategies to help you improve and score well in the Quant section:
Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. This includes topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics (like permutations, combinations, probability).
Build Conceptual Clarity: Ensure you have a strong foundation in basic concepts of mathematics. If any topic is unclear, refer to standard textbooks or online resources to clarify doubts.
Practice Regularly: Practice is key to mastering Quantitative Aptitude. Solve a variety of problems from different difficulty levels. Start with basic problems and gradually move to more complex ones.
Focus on Problem Solving Techniques: Develop efficient problem-solving techniques for different types of questions. For example, learn quick calculation methods, shortcut techniques, and approaches to solve questions involving time and distance, percentages, ratios, etc.
Time Management: Manage your time effectively during practice sessions and during the actual exam. Solve questions within the stipulated time to simulate exam conditions.
Take Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests to assess your preparation level. Analyze your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving weaker areas through targeted practice.
Review and Learn: After solving each mock test or practice set, review your answers. Understand the mistakes you made and learn from them. Make notes of important formulas, tricks, or concepts that you tend to forget.
Stay Calm and Confident: Maintaining a calm and confident demeanor during the exam is crucial. Do not panic if you encounter difficult questions. Focus on the questions you can solve quickly and accurately.
Stay Updated: Stay updated with any changes in the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. Understand the type of questions being asked in recent years to align your preparation accordingly.
Seek Guidance: If you are struggling with certain topics or need help with strategies, consider seeking guidance from mentors, teachers, or online forums where experienced candidates and professionals can provide valuable insights.
By following these strategies consistently and adapting them to your strengths and weaknesses, you can improve your performance in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT and aim for a good percentile.
Scoring well in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of CAT requires a strategic approach and consistent practice. Here are some effective strategies to improve your performance and aim for a good percentile in DILR:
Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the DILR section. This includes various forms of data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts) and logical reasoning puzzles (seating arrangements, blood relations, puzzles).
Practice Variety of Questions: Solve a wide range of DILR
Q6 Why CAT Coaching?
CAT coaching can be beneficial for several reasons:
Structured Preparation: Coaching institutes provide a structured approach to CAT preparation. They have curated study plans, schedules, and materials that cover the entire syllabus systematically, which can save you time in planning and organizing your study.
Expert Guidance: Experienced faculty members at coaching institutes offer expert guidance and mentorship. They provide insights into exam trends, important topics, and effective strategies for time management and problem-solving.
Personalized Attention: Many coaching institutes offer personalized attention through doubt-clearing sessions, one-on-one interactions with faculty, and feedback on mock tests. This can help you identify your weaknesses and work on them effectively.
Peer Learning: Interacting with peers who are also preparing for CAT can be motivating and enriching. Group discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and sharing of strategies can enhance your preparation.
Mock Tests and Practice: Coaching institutes conduct regular mock tests that simulate the CAT exam environment. These tests help you gauge your preparation level, improve time management skills, and identify areas that need more focus.
Access to Resources: Coaching institutes often provide access to a wide range of study materials, practice questions, and online resources that may not be easily available otherwise. This can supplement your self-study efforts.
Motivation and Discipline: Joining a coaching institute can provide the necessary motivation and discipline to stay consistent with your preparation. The structured environment and peer interactions can keep you focused on your goals.
However, it’s important to note that CAT coaching is not mandatory for success. Many candidates achieve high percentiles through self-study and online resources. The decision to opt for coaching depends on your individual learning style, availability of time, and financial considerations. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and circumstances before making a decision.
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