ICWAI - CAT

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Secondary School Examination) or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: There is no specific age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
• Nationality: The exam is open to Indian nationals. Overseas citizens of India may also apply subject to ICMAI guidelines.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper) examination.
• Number of Questions: The exam consists of objective type questions (Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs).
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries equal marks; there is no negative marking.
• Subjects Covered:
  • Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Business Laws
  • Business Correspondence and Reporting
  • Business Mathematics and Statistics
• Exam Schedule: The CAT exam is typically conducted twice a year, usually in the months of June and December. Notifications about the exam are generally released about 2 months prior, around April and October respectively.

Syllabus

• Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Basic Concepts and Conventions of Accounting
  • Recording of Business Transactions
  • Preparation of Financial Statements
• Business Laws
  • Contract Act
  • Sale of Goods Act
  • Agency and Partnership Laws
  • Companies Act (Basic Provisions)
• Business Correspondence and Reporting
  • Basics of Communication
  • Letter Writing and Report Writing
  • Official Correspondence
• Business Mathematics and Statistics
  • Basic Mathematics for Business
  • Statistical Methods and Interpretation

Application Process

1. Visit the official website: https://icmai.in
2. Register as a new user by providing basic details.
3. Fill in the online application form with personal and educational details.
4. Upload scanned copies of required documents such as photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
5. Pay the examination fee online through available payment options.
6. Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Offline application, if applicable, can be submitted at ICMAI regional offices, but the preferred mode is online.

Courses Offered

• Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT)
• Intermediate and Final level courses in Cost and Management Accountancy

Facts about the Entrance Exam

• The CAT course is an entry-level program designed to build foundational skills in accounting and cost management.
• It is useful for candidates aiming to become cost accounting technicians supporting cost accountants.
• The exam has an objective pattern that tests practical and conceptual knowledge.

Admit Card

• Admit cards are available on the official website approximately 2 weeks before the exam date.
• To download, candidates need to log in to their account using registration number and password.
• Print the admit card and carry it along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
• Read instructions on the admit card carefully regarding exam day protocols.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are declared on the official ICMAI website.
• Candidates can check results by logging into their account with credentials.
• Cut-off marks are decided by ICMAI based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and other parameters.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and prepare a study schedule covering all subjects.
• Use recommended textbooks by ICMAI and practice previous years' question papers.
• Refer to online resources and tutorials for complex topics.
• Join coaching classes or online forums for peer support and expert guidance.

FAQs

• Q: Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?
  A: No, there is no age limit.
• Q: Can I apply offline?
  A: While online application is preferred, offline applications may be available in regional ICMAI offices.
• Q: Is the exam multiple choice?
  A: Yes, it consists of MCQs.
• Q: Is there negative marking?
  A: No negative marking for wrong answers.
• Q: How long is the certificate valid?
  A: It is a qualification, not a certificate with expiry; it remains valid once passed.