Features

Details

Exam Name

Common Admission Test (CAT)

Conducted By

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

Purpose

To assess candidates for admission into MBA and other postgraduate management programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India.

Exam Sessions

Conducted once a year in three sessions on the same day—morning, afternoon, and evening.

Application Mode

Online

Steps of Application

1. Registration – Create an account on the official CAT website.
2. Fill Application Form – Enter personal, academic, and work experience details.
3. Select Exam Centres – Choose preferred test cities.
4. Upload Documents – Upload passport-size photo, signature, and category certificate (if applicable).
5. Pay Application Fee – Complete the payment online via debit/credit card or net banking.
6. Submit Application – Review and submit the form.
7. Download Confirmation – Save and print the confirmation for future reference.

Application Fees

• General / OBC: ₹2,400
• SC / ST / PwD: ₹1,200

Payment Mode

Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Wallets)

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 50% (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.

Final Year Students:

• Candidates in the final year of their undergraduate program can also apply.

Age Limit:

• No age limit for appearing in CAT.

Nationality:

• Both Indian and foreign nationals can apply.
• Foreign candidates must have a valid GMAT score instead of CAT.

Mode of Exam

online (computer-based test)

Medium of Exam

English only

Duration of Exam

2 hours (120 minutes)

Types of Questions

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Non-MCQ (TITA - Type In The Answer) Questions

Papers

CAT consists of a single paper divided into three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Exam Pattern

Total Marks: 198

Sections & Marks:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 66 marks
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 66 marks
3. Quantitative Ability (QA) – 66 marks

Syllabus

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension (RC)
• Para Jumbles
• Para Summary
• Sentence Completion
• Odd One Out
• Grammar & Vocabulary

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Tables, Graphs, and Charts
• Data Caselets
• Seating Arrangement
• Blood Relations
• Logical Puzzles
• Venn Diagrams

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Number System
• Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Percentage, Time & Work, etc.)
• Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Probability & Permutation Combination
• Logarithms & Surds

Marking Scheme

• MCQs: +3 for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer
• Non-MCQs (TITA): +3 for a correct answer, no negative marking

Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Syllabus & Exam Pattern – Focus on VARC, DILR, and QA sections.
2. Create a Study Plan – Allocate time for each section based on strengths and weaknesses.
3. Strengthen Basics – Clear fundamental concepts in Quant, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
4. Practice Regularly – Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests frequently.
5. Time Management – Learn to solve questions quickly and efficiently under timed conditions.
6. Improve Reading Skills – Read newspapers, articles, and books for better comprehension and vocabulary.
7. Work on Weak Areas – Identify and improve problem areas through targeted practice.
8. Analyse Mock Tests – Review mistakes and refine strategies after each test.
9. Stay Consistent & Motivated – Maintain a disciplined study routine.
10. Stay Updated – Keep track of CAT notifications and important dates.

Helpline numbers

Toll-Free Number: 1800-210-8720

Email address

cathelpdesk@iimcat.co.in

Office Address

Survey No. 124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038

Official Website

www.iimcat.ac.in