CAT

Eligibility Criteria for CAT

• Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) from a recognized university or institution.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
• Nationality: Both Indian nationals and Foreign nationals are eligible to apply.

CAT Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (Online)
• Number of Questions: Approximately 66 questions divided into three sections
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 3 marks. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer for multiple-choice questions. No negative marking for non-MCQ type questions.
• Duration: Total 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• When Held: Usually conducted in November every year.
• Notification Release: Official notification generally released in July or August.

CAT Syllabus

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
  • Para jumbles
  • Para summaries
  • Critical reasoning
  • Vocabulary and grammar
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
  • Tables, graphs interpretation
  • Logical puzzles
  • Seating arrangement, Venn diagrams
  • Data sufficiency
  • Caselets
• Quantitative Ability (QA):
  • Arithmetic (percentages, profit & loss, ratio, averages)
  • Algebra
  • Number system
  • Geometry and mensuration
  • Modern math (permutations & combinations, probability)

Other Important Information about CAT

Application Process

1. Visit the official CAT website https://iimcat.ac.in.
2. Register by creating a user ID and password.
3. Fill the online application form with personal, academic, and work experience details.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable) as per specifications.
5. Pay the application fee online using debit/credit card or net banking.
6. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Courses Offered via CAT

• Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)
• Post Graduate Program in Business Analytics (PGP-BA)
• Fellow Program in Management (FPM - doctoral level)
• Executive MBA and other specialized management programs offered by various IIMs and partner institutions.

Facts about CAT

• One of the toughest and most prestigious management entrance exams in India.
• Highly competitive with lakhs of aspirants every year.
• Results accepted by over 20 IIMs and numerous other top business schools in India.

Admit Card

• Available to download from the official CAT website approximately 2 weeks before the exam date.
• Download by logging into the registered account on the CAT website.
• Carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.
• Check all details on admit card such as exam date, time, venue, and personal information.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared online on the official CAT website usually in January.
• Scorecard includes scaled scores and percentiles for each section and overall score.
• Cut-offs vary each year based on difficulty, reservation policies, and institute requirements.
• Separate cut-offs for different categories like General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam pattern thoroughly and practice mock tests regularly.
• Focus on time management and accuracy.
• Recommended books: "How to Prepare for CAT" by Arun Sharma, "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha.
• Use online platforms like 2IIM, TIME, and Career Launcher for updated test series and study material.

FAQs

• Q: Can final year graduates apply for CAT?
  A: Yes, final year students can apply, but admission is subject to passing the qualifying degree.
• Q: Is there any age limit for CAT?
  A: No age limit is prescribed for appearing CAT.
• Q: How many times can I appear for CAT?
  A: There is no limit on the number of attempts.
• Q: Are there sectional cut-offs in CAT?
  A: Yes, most IIMs have sectional cut-offs for shortlisting candidates.
• Q: Is CAT only for admission to IIMs?
  A: No, many other reputed business schools accept CAT scores for admission.