All About the Common Admission Test - CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management aptitude test conducted in India by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs (MBA and PGDM) The exam is administered in multiple cities across India, and the score is valid for one year.

In 2023, a record 3.3 lakh candidates registered for the exam, up from 2.5 lakh in 2022. The CAT score is used by the IIMs and other top management institutes in India to shortlist candidates for the next stage of the admissions process, which typically includes a written aptitude test (WAT), a group discussion (GD), and an interview. In addition to the IIMs, the CAT score is also accepted by many other top management institutes in India, as well as some international business schools. This makes the CAT a valuable tool for candidates who are interested in pursuing a management degree.

The eligibility for the CAT exam hasn’t changed for the past several years. So the candidates can expect the same CAT eligibility criteria for the upcoming exam. It is always suggested to check the official website of respective IIMs to know the IIM exam eligibility

CAT 2023 Eligibility: Important Highlights

The key criteria for CAT eligibility are summarised in the table below.

For detailed Eligibility Criteria Click Below

The CAT Exam Pattern is created in a way that makes it simple for officials to assess candidates’ logical and mathematical abilities. Therefore, if you plan to take the future exam, you must familiarise yourself with the CAT Paper Pattern 2023.

CAT Marks Distribution

Below is a table highlighting the important topics from the syllabus which are extremely crucial. The detailed Syllabus of the CAT syllabus topics Exam are given in the pdf below.

Click Below to Download Complete Syllabus for Cat Exam

1. Analyze Your Performance: Once you receive your CAT results, analyze your performance in each section to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you plan your further steps effectively.

2. Shortlisting for GD/PI: Based on your CAT score, you may be shortlisted for the next stage of the admission process, which typically involves Group Discussions (GDs) and Personal Interviews (PIs).

3. GD/PI Preparation: If shortlisted, prepare well for the GDs and PIs. Practice your communication skills, gather information about the B-schools you are interested in, and be ready to articulate your strengths and motivations.

4. B-school Applications: Apply to the B-schools that you are interested in and meet their application deadlines. The application process may involve filling out application forms, submitting essays, and providing additional documents.

5. Selection Process: The B-schools will review your application, CAT score, and GD/PI performance to make the final selection decisions. Admission offers will typically be made in March or April.

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam procedure :

Registration: The registration period for the CAT exam typically opens in August or September and remains open for approximately 2-3 weeks. The registration process is conducted online through the official CAT website. The registration fee varies from year to year but is typically around INR 2,000 for General Category candidates and INR 1,000 for Reserved Category candidates.

Exam and Result : The CAT exam is typically held in the last week of November or the first week of December.The CAT exam is conducted at various test centers across India. Candidates are required to carry a valid admit card, a photo ID, and a ballpoint pen to the test center. The results of the CAT exam are typically declared within a month of the exam. Each section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 100. The overall percentile is calculated based on the combined performance in all sections.

Important Dates and Months:

1. Period : August/September

2. Exam Date : November/December

3. Result Declaration : Within a month of the exam

4. GD/PI Shortlisting : December/January

5. GD/PI Dates : January/February/March

6. B-school Applications : January/February/March

7. Admission Offers : March/April

Remember that these dates and months are subject to change each year. It is always advisable to check the official CAT website for the most up-to-date information.

CAT is an entrance test for top MBA programs in India, which are highly regarded in the business world.Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider taking the CAT exam:

1. Open Doors to Prestigious MBA Programs: A high CAT score can open doors to top MBA programs, giving you a chance to study alongside some of the brightest minds in the country. These programs provide a rigorous curriculum that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic world of business.

2. Enhance Your Career Prospects : An MBA from a top business school can significantly boost your career prospects. Employers actively seek out MBA graduates for their strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. An MBA can lead to promotions, higher salaries, and greater career satisfaction.

3. Expand Your Network : MBA programs provide a platform to connect with a diverse network of peers, alumni, and industry professionals. These connections can open up new opportunities for internships, mentorship, and future employment.

4. Develop Valuable Business Acumen : The CAT exam assesses your aptitude for business, evaluating your quantitative, verbal, and data interpretation skills. Preparing for the exam will not only strengthen these skills but also introduce you to fundamental business concepts, giving you a head start in understanding the corporate world.

5. Personal Growth and Transformation: The CAT preparation journey is not just about cracking the exam; it's about personal growth and transformation. It's a chance to discipline yourself, develop time management skills, and enhance your problem-solving abilities. These skills will prove invaluable in any field you choose to pursue.