About

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted in India for admission to postgraduate management programs such as MBA and PGDM at premier business schools, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools. Established in 1950, CAT has become the benchmark for evaluating managerial aptitude and analytical skills of aspiring business leaders.

CAT assesses candidates on quantitative ability, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. The exam is recognized for its rigorous standard and plays a crucial role in shortlisting candidates for admission into top management institutes across India.

Examination Pattern

The CAT Exam typically follows this structure:

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Mode: Computer-based test (CBT)
  • Sections:
    • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests English language proficiency, comprehension, and verbal reasoning
    • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Assesses problem-solving, analytical, and logical reasoning skills
    • Quantitative Ability (QA): Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other mathematical concepts
  • Number of Questions: Varies each year (usually around 66 questions)
  • Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers; unattempted questions receive no penalty

Elligibility

  • Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
  • Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply
  • Age Limit: No age restriction

Admission Process

  • Shortlisting: Top scorers are shortlisted by participating institutes for further selection rounds
  • Written Ability Test (WAT) / Group Discussion (GD) / Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates appear for these rounds
  • Final Selection: Based on CAT score, academic performance, GD/WAT, PI, and work experience
  • Offer and Admission: Admission confirmed upon document verification and fee payment