What is CAT Exam?

What is CAT? 

CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most prominent and competitive entrance exams for admission into the top MBA programs in India. It is primarily conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), with the aim of selecting candidates for admission to various postgraduate management programs, including MBA and Post Graduate Programs in Management (PGP), offered by the IIMs and several other prestigious business schools in India.

Key Features of CAT Exam:

  1. Conducting Body:
    • The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct the CAT exam on a rotational basis, with one of the IIMs organizing the exam each year.
  2. Purpose:
    • The primary goal of CAT is to assess a candidate’s aptitude in various areas relevant to business management and decision-making. Successful candidates are selected for the management programs at IIMs and other participating institutions.
  3. Frequency:
    • The CAT exam is held once a year, usually in the month of November or December. The exam is available in online mode (computer-based test).
  4. Level of Difficulty:
    • The CAT exam is known for its high level of difficulty and is regarded as one of the toughest competitive exams in India. This is why it attracts thousands of aspirants each year, all aiming for a place in top business schools.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT:

The eligibility to appear for the CAT exam is generally as follows:

  • Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PWD candidates). Candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply.
  • Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
  • Other Conditions: Candidates should meet the specific eligibility requirements of the IIMs or other institutes they are applying to.

CAT Exam Pattern:

The CAT exam comprises three sections, and it is a computer-based test (CBT). 

The three sections are:

  1. Quantitative Ability (QA):
    • Focuses on mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
    • Topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Data Interpretation.
  2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
    • This section tests a candidate's ability to analyze data and make logical decisions.
    • Topics covered include Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Logical Puzzles, and Data Sufficiency.
  3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
    • Assesses a candidate’s command over the English language, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
    • Topics include Grammar, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, and Vocabulary.

CAT Exam Duration and Marking Scheme:

  • Duration: The exam lasts for 2 hours (120 minutes).
    • Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
  • Total Questions: There are typically 66 to 76 questions in total, distributed among the three sections.
  • Marking Scheme:
    • +3 marks for each correct answer.
    • -1 mark for each incorrect answer in the QA and DILR sections.
    • No negative marking for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section.

How CAT is Scored:

The CAT exam uses a percentile-based system for ranking candidates. Here’s how it works:

  • Raw Score: Your score for each section and the overall score is based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions.
  • Percentile: The percentile score is the relative performance of a candidate with respect to all other candidates who appeared for the exam. For example, if you have a 99 percentile, you scored higher than 99% of the candidates.

Why is CAT Important?

  1. Admission to Top Business Schools:
    • The primary purpose of CAT is to select students for the MBA programs in prestigious business schools in India, particularly the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Apart from the IIMs, many other top B-schools also consider CAT scores for admission.
  2. Scholarships and Fellowships:
    • Many top business schools offer scholarships and financial assistance based on CAT performance, which can help reduce the cost of an MBA program.
  3. Career Opportunities:
    • An MBA from a top business school, especially IIMs, can open doors to high-paying jobs and leadership roles in various industries such as consulting, finance, marketing, operations, and technology.

Participating Institutes:

Apart from the IIMs, several other institutes accept CAT scores for admission to their management programs, such as:

  • SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)
  • Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI)
  • Faculty of Management Studies (FMS)
  • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
  • Indian School of Business (ISB)
  • Management Development Institute (MDI)

Preparation Tips for CAT:

  1. Understand the Syllabus: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern before starting your preparation.
  2. Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to gauge your progress and improve your time management skills.
  3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and work on improving them by taking additional practice tests and seeking guidance if necessary.
  4. Time Management: Learn how to manage time during the exam by practicing with a timer and attempting questions in a systematic manner.
  5. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Plan a daily study routine and stick to it to ensure steady improvement.

Conclusion:

CAT is a gateway to some of the best management programs in India. The exam is challenging, and preparation requires dedication, time management, and consistent effort. A high score in CAT opens doors to prestigious IIMs and other top business schools, setting the stage for a successful career in management. Aspiring candidates should start preparing early, understand the exam structure, and use the right resources to maximize their chances of success.