Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programmes. It is a computer-based test and is one of the most competitive exams for business school aspirants in India.
Exam Pattern
CAT 2025 will be a two-hour computer-based test comprising three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 40 minutes
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 40 minutes
- Quantitative Ability (QA) – 40 minutes
The paper generally has around 66–68 questions, a mix of multiple-choice questions and type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions. Candidates receive 3 marks for each correct answer and lose 1 mark for incorrect answers on MCQ items; there is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories). Final-year students may also apply, provided they meet the minimum percentage requirements by the time of admission. There is no age limit or attempt limit for the CAT exam.
Preparation Tips
- Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Strengthen your fundamentals in mathematics, English, and logical reasoning.
- Practise questions from previous years’ papers and sample papers.
- Take regular mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Analyse your mock test performance to identify and work on weak areas.
- Balance your time between sections according to your strengths and weaknesses.
- Maintain a consistent study schedule and stay motivated.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill
FAQs
How many times can I take the CAT?
You can appear for the CAT every year; there is no limit on attempts.
Is there an age limit for the CAT exam?
No, there is no age limit to sit for the CAT.
How often is the CAT conducted?
CAT is conducted once each year, typically in late November.
For more practice, check out our mock tests at https://startexam.in.