CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other business schools across India.
CAT scores are accepted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other government and private management institutes for admission to MBA and other management programmes.
Conducted by: One of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis.
📌 Quick Facts
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Exam Pattern: Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions.
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test).
Total Questions: 68 Questions.
Frequency: Conducted once a year (usually in November).
Important: CAT is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on behalf of the IIMs. The exam is the primary gateway for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes offered by IIMs and many other top business schools in India.
Qualification:
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are also eligible to apply, subject to meeting the admission requirements.
Age:
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in CAT.
Minimum Marks:
- General, EWS and OBC Categories: At least 50% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the Bachelor's degree.
- SC, ST and PwD Categories: At least 45% aggregate marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the Bachelor's degree.
Attempts:
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
Nationality:
- Indian and foreign nationals are eligible to apply, subject to the admission rules of the participating institutes.
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test).
Frequency: Conducted once a year (usually in November).
Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours).
Total Questions: 68 Questions.
Total Marks: 204 Marks.
Question Paper Structure:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 Questions (72 Marks).
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22 Questions (66 Marks).
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 22 Questions (66 Marks).
Question Types:
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs): Questions with four answer options.
- Type-In-The-Answer (TITA): Candidates must type the correct answer using the keyboard.
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks.
- Incorrect Answer (MCQs): –1 Mark.
- Type-In-The-Answer (TITA): No negative marking.
Important: Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Candidates must complete one section before moving to the next.
Students who qualify through the CAT (Common Admission Test) can apply for postgraduate management programmes offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other business schools across India.
Postgraduate Courses:
- MBA (Master of Business Administration)
- PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
- PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management)
- Executive MBA (where applicable)
- Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP/PGPX) (where applicable)
- Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) / Ph.D.
- Specialized Management Programmes (e.g., Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, Food & Agribusiness Management, Sustainable Management)
Note:
Qualifying CAT does not guarantee admission.
Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the selection process, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and/or Personal Interview (PI), depending on the institute.
🌐 Official Websites
For the latest information regarding the Common Admission Test (CAT), including the information bulletin, registration, admit cards, answer keys, and results, visit the official website below.
Note:
Always make sure the website address is iimcat.ac.in.
Some other examinations also use the abbreviation "CAT" (such as CUSAT CAT), but iimcat.ac.in is the official website for the Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).