CAT Insights
Beyond the Exam Hall

CAT INSIGHTS

The CAT Exam is highly regarded as the main gateway to MBA programs, attracting many hopeful candidates each year. Achieving admission to a respected business school is a common goal for many students. To qualify for MBA programs, candidates must pass the CAT Exam. To estimate their chances of being invited for interviews or admissions from top institutions like the IIMs and other leading MBA colleges, students can use prediction tools.

The CAT Exam is a basic requirement for admission to the IIMs and other top business schools. For those planning to take the CAT 2023 exam, understanding its basics, including eligibility criteria and syllabus, is essential. It is also important to know how much time is needed to cover the entire syllabus effectively. This is crucial for success in the CAT exam and securing admission to reputable institutions like the IIMs.

What Is CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) stands as India is most esteemed national-level entrance examination, granting aspirants access to premier management institutes. Undoubtedly, it reigns as the largest MBA entrance test in the nation. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT is overseen by different IIMs each year. The CAT exam comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning), and Quantitative Ability (Quantitative Ability). Each section is allotted a specific time, totaling a 2-hour exam duration.

Scheduled as a computer-based test across various cities in India, CAT Exam is a crucial step for B-school aspirants seeking admission to top management institutes. If you are preparing for CAT, commence your preparation promptly with comprehensive learning resources.

CAT Exam Highlights

Based on historical trends, the CAT Exam is typically held in three sessions. Candidates aiming for the CAT exam can check the highlights provided below:

CAT EXAM HIGHLIGHTS
Exam NameCommon Admission Test (CAT)
Official Websitehttps://iimcat.ac.in
Conducting BodyIIM Lucknow
Exam Duration2 Hours
Exam FeesINR 1200 (Reserved Categories)
INR 2400 (Other Categories)
Medium of ExamEnglish
Mode of ExamComputer Based Test (CBT)
SyllabusQuantitative Ability
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
EligibilityBachelor is Degree with 50% aggregate (45% aggregate or equivalent for reserved categories)

Evolution of CAT Exam Over The Years

The CAT Exam has seen significant evolution since its transition from a paper-and-pencil format to computer-based testing:

CAT Exam Overview
YearTime (mins)DurationSectionTotal Questions
2023120Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
24
20
22
72
2022120Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
24
20
22
72
2021120Verbal ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
24
20
22
72
2020120Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
26
24
26
76
2019180Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
34
32
34
100
2018180Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
34
32
34
100
2017180Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
34
32
34
100
2016180Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
34
32
34
100
2015180Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability
34
32
34
100
2014170Quantitative Ability & Data interpretation
VA & LR
50
50
100
2013140Verbal Ability & Logical reasoning
Quantitative Ability , Data interpretation
30
30
60
2012140Quantitative Ability
Data interpretation
Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension
21
9
30
60
2011140VALR & Quantitative Ability & DI30
30
60

CAT Exam Syllabus

For a more comprehensive understanding of the syllabus, please visit the, Check Syllabus .

Various Programs Offered by IIMs:

IIMs and Programmes Offered
IIMsProgrammes Offered
IIM AhmedabadPGP, PGP-FABM
IIM AmritsarMBA, EMBA, MBA-Business Analytics, MBA-HRM
IIM BangalorePGP, PGPEM, PGPBA
IIM Bodh GayaPGP
IIM CalcuttaMBA
IIM IndorePGP, PGP-HRM
IIM JammuMBA, Executive MBA (Blended Mode), PGP in Health Care Management (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu), PGP in Hospital Administration (Jointly with AIIMS Jammu and IIT Jammu)
IIM KashipurMBA, MBA (Analytics), EMBA
IIM KozhikodePGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, PGP-LSM, EPGP Kochi
IIM LucknowPGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM
IIM NagpurPGP
IIM RaipurPGP
IIM RanchiPGP, PGP-HRM, PGP (Business Analytics)
IIM RohtakPGP, EPGPX, EPGDSM
IIM SambalpurMBA, Executive MBA
IIM ShillongPGP, PGPEX, PGPWE
IIM SirmaurMBA, MBA (T&HM)
IIM TiruchirappalliPGPM, PGPM-HR, PGPBM
IIM UdaipurMBA, MBA-DEM, MBA-GSCM, PGDBA
IIM VisakhapatnamPGP, PGPEX, PGPDGM

Time Required to Complete the CAT Exam Syllabus:

Each year, over 200,000 CAT aspirants enroll for the CAT Exam. Achieving success in this examination typically requires an intensive preparation period of 7-9 months before the exam date. However, candidates who find themselves behind schedule can still excel with a dedicated preparation period of 3-4 months, provided they are fully committed to their studies.

Other MBA Entrance Exams:

Candidates enrolled in CAT Coaching should acquaint themselves with various MBA entrance exams conducted in India. Apart from CAT, other prominent management entrance exams include XAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, IIFT, etc.

Catclub has not been endorsed by IIMCAT & it has no direct connection with IIMCAT