Common Admission Test (CAT) – Complete Exam Guide
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It serves as a gateway to 20 IIMs and several top B-schools such as FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMT, TAPMI, and many more.
CAT Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Frequency | Once every year (Usually in November) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | MCQ + TITA | 40 mins |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | MCQ + TITA | 40 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | MCQ + TITA | 40 mins |
| Total | 66 | – | 120 mins |
Note: Each correct answer carries +3 marks. For MCQs, there is a -1 penalty for wrong answers. No negative marking for TITA (Type-in-the-Answer) questions.
Section-Wise Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Grammar & Vocabulary |
| DILR | Bar Graphs, Caselets, Venn Diagrams, Tables, Data Arrangement, Logical Puzzles |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math, Trigonometry |
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
- Final year students of bachelor’s degree are also eligible
- No age limit
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Month |
|---|---|
| CAT Notification Release | July |
| Online Registration | August – September |
| Admit Card Download | October |
| CAT Exam | November (Last Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | January |
Preparation Strategy
- Start preparation at least 6–9 months before the exam.
- Focus on conceptual clarity in Quant and DILR.
- Read editorials daily to improve VARC skills.
- Attempt 30+ full-length mock tests and analyze performance.
- Balance speed and accuracy — both matter equally in CAT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who conducts the CAT exam every year?
The CAT is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
Can I take CAT more than once?
Yes, CAT can be taken every year. There are no restrictions on attempts.
Is there a sectional cutoff in CAT?
Yes, all IIMs and top B-schools have sectional as well as overall cutoffs.
Which is the toughest section in CAT?
It varies by student, but DILR is often considered the most unpredictable.
Does CAT have any age limit?
No, there is no age restriction for appearing in the CAT exam.