If you dream of studying at top management institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, or FMS Delhi, then the CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) is your first and most crucial step. Recognized as the toughest and most respected MBA entrance exam in India, the CAT exam evaluates your aptitude, speed, logic, accuracy, and decision-making skills. For anyone aiming to pursue an MBA or PGDM program from a top B-School, CAT is the key that opens doors to world-class management education.

Every year, more than 2.5 lakh aspirants register for the CAT Exam, hoping to secure admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top MBA colleges in India. The Common Admission Test is conducted once a year, usually in November, by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. Through this highly competitive MBA entrance test, candidates are assessed on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) — skills essential for success in business management.

Cracking the CAT Exam requires more than just hard work — it demands discipline, consistency, and smart CAT preparation. The journey might seem challenging, but every mock test, every practice session, and every hour of focused study brings you closer to your dream IIM admission. Remember, thousands of students begin this journey, but only the most consistent and strategic achieve a 99+ percentile. With the right mindset and preparation plan, you can transform your CAT attempt into a life-changing opportunity, paving the way for leadership, growth, and success in the corporate world.

What is the CAT Exam?

The CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other management programs offered by top B-Schools in India. It is considered the gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, and FMS Delhi, among many others.

The CAT Exam is expected to be held in November, in a computer-based test (CBT) format across multiple cities in India. The exam evaluates a candidate’s analytical ability, reasoning skills, verbal communication, and quantitative aptitude — all of which are critical for a successful career in business and management.

Unlike other competitive exams, the CAT (Common Admission Test) doesn’t have a fixed syllabus but focuses on assessing how well you can think logically and solve real-world problems under pressure. It consists of three major sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Each section is designed to test different aspects of problem-solving, decision-making, and time management. The CAT Exam is known not only for its difficulty but also for the strategic mindset it demands, as even small improvements in accuracy can make a big difference in percentile rankings.

A good CAT score opens doors to the 20 IIMs and more than 1200 top management institutes across India. Many reputed institutions such as SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, IIT Delhi (DMS), and IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.

In short, the CAT Exam is not just a test — it’s a career-defining opportunity for aspirants who aim to pursue management education, develop leadership skills, and build a successful future in the corporate world.

CAT Exam Highlights

Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body	One of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (Online)
CAT Exam Fees	INR 1,200 (Reserved categories) INR 2,400 (Other categories)
Duration	120 minutes (2 hours)
Exam Date	Last Sunday of November (Tentative)
Eligibility	Bachelor’s Degree with 50% aggregate (45% aggregate or equivalent for reserved categories)
Number of Sections	3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
Total Questions	Approximately 66 questions
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) + Type-In-The-Answer (TITA)
Marking Scheme	+3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong MCQ, No negative marking for TITA
Official Website	https://iimcat.ac.in

🎓 CAT Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the CAT Exam (Common Admission Test), it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements set by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

1. Educational Qualification

• You must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institute.
• Degrees in any discipline (Engineering, Commerce, Science, Arts, etc.) are eligible.
• Final-year students who are awaiting their results can also apply, provided they submit proof of graduation at the time of admission.

2. Minimum Marks

• General category candidates must have at least 50% marks in their graduation.
• SC/ST/PwD candidates must have at least 45% marks.
• The percentage is calculated based on the aggregate marks declared by the university.

3. Age Limit

• There is no age limit to apply for the CAT Exam. Candidates of any age can appear.

4. Work Experience (Optional)

• While work experience is not mandatory, candidates with professional experience may have an advantage during the selection process, especially in the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

5. Other Requirements

• Candidates must ensure they can appear for the computer-based test (CBT) at their allocated center.
• A valid email ID and mobile number are required for registration and communication.

🧩 CAT Exam Common Pattern

Understanding the CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The exam is designed to test a candidate’s analytical, logical, verbal, and quantitative skills through a computer-based test (CBT).

1. Exam Duration and Sections

• Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• Number of Sections: 3
  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Each section is timed separately (40 minutes per section), and you cannot switch between sections during the exam.

2. Number of Questions

Section	No. of Questions	Question Type
VARC	~24	MCQ + TITA
DILR	~20	MCQ + TITA
QA	~22	MCQ + TITA
Total	~66	MCQ + TITA

(MCQ = Multiple Choice Question, TITA = Type-In-The-Answer, no options)

3. Marking Scheme

• +3 marks for each correct answer
• -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA questions

4. Key Features

• Computer-based exam conducted in multiple cities
• Adaptive difficulty level for some sections
• Focuses on accuracy, time management, and logical thinking
• Each section is equally important for calculating the overall percentile

📘 CAT Exam Syllabus (Section-wise)

The CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) does not have a fixed syllabus like some other competitive exams, but it focuses on testing analytical, logical, verbal, and quantitative skills. Understanding the section-wise syllabus is essential for effective CAT preparation and achieving a high percentile.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section evaluates your English language skills, comprehension, and critical reasoning abilities.

Topics Include:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) passages
• Para jumbles and paragraph completion
• Summary writing and inference-based questions
• Odd sentence out / Sentence correction
• Grammar and vocabulary usage

Preparation Tip: Focus on daily reading of newspapers, business articles, and journals to improve speed and comprehension.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section tests your analytical and reasoning skills through data analysis and logical problem solving.

Topics Include:

• Tables, Graphs, and Charts interpretation
• Caselets and data sets
• Puzzles and seating arrangement problems
• Blood relations, directions, and clocks
• Logical sequences and patterns

Preparation Tip: Practice mock DILR sets daily and focus on accuracy over speed initially.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

This section assesses your numerical and problem-solving abilities.

Topics Include:

• Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed, Ratio & Proportion
• Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Quadratic Equations
• Geometry and Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry
• Number System and Modern Math: Probability, Permutation & Combination, Set Theory, Progressions

Preparation Tip: Build strong conceptual clarity, practice previous year CAT questions, and time yourself for each problem.

🧠 Best CAT Exam Preparation Strategy (Used by Toppers)

Cracking the CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) and scoring a 99+ percentile requires a combination of smart study, consistent practice, and strategic planning. Here’s a topper’s proven strategy to help you prepare effectively for each section and maximize your score.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern Thoroughly

• Familiarize yourself with section-wise timing, question types (MCQ & TITA), and marking scheme.
• Past toppers emphasize analyzing the CAT pattern from previous years to identify trends in difficulty and question distribution.
• Knowing the pattern helps in time allocation and section prioritization.

2. Section-wise Preparation Strategy

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• Read newspapers, editorials, business articles, and novels daily.
• Solve previous year RC passages and para jumbles regularly.
• Focus on accuracy over speed initially; gradually improve your pace.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, charts, and caselets daily.
• Learn to interpret data quickly and identify the easiest sets first.
• Toppers suggest solving 2–3 caselets per day initially, increasing difficulty as you progress.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Build strong fundamentals in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math.
• Focus on accuracy first, then speed.
• Solve previous year CAT QA questions and mocks to understand question patterns.

3. Mock Tests & Analysis

• Take 20–30 full-length mocks before the exam.
• Analyze strengths and weaknesses after each test.
• Toppers recommend tracking time spent per question and accuracy to improve efficiency.
• Revise weak topics regularly and avoid repeating mistakes in subsequent mocks.

4. Time Management & Exam Strategy

• Do not spend too much time on difficult questions; attempt easy ones first.
• Allocate 40 minutes per section, as per the CAT exam pattern.
• Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking, especially for MCQs.

5. Revision & Short Notes

• Prepare short notes for formulas, shortcuts, and common RC strategies.
• Revise important topics and tricks regularly during the last 30 days before the exam.
• Toppers emphasize daily revision and practicing mocks under timed conditions.

6. Mental Preparation & Confidence

• Stay consistent and motivated; stress management is key.
• Take short breaks during preparation to avoid burnout.
• Believe in your strategy — toppers often highlight that mindset matters as much as knowledge.

📊 CAT Exam Cut-off Analysis: Last 20 Years (2005–2025)

Understanding the CAT Exam cut-off trends is crucial for aspirants aiming for IIM admission and other top MBA colleges in India. Over the past two decades, the cut-offs have evolved, reflecting changes in exam difficulty, applicant pool, and seat availability.

General Category Cut-offs (Top IIMs)

Year	IIM Ahmedabad	IIM Bangalore	IIM Calcutta	IIM Lucknow	IIM Kozhikode
2005	99.5%	99.5%	99.5%	99.0%	98.5%
2010	99.0%	99.0%	99.0%	98.5%	98.0%
2015	98.5%	98.5%	98.5%	98.0%	97.5%
2020	98.0%	98.0%	98.0%	97.5%	97.0%
2025	99.0%	99.0%	99.0%	98.5%	98.0%

Note: Percentiles are approximate and based on historical data and trends.

Key Observations

• Consistency in Top Percentiles: The cut-offs for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have consistently remained above 99 percentile.
• Slight Fluctuations Over Time: Some IIMs, like Lucknow and Kozhikode, have shown minor fluctuations, often due to changes in seat availability or applicant numbers.
• Recent Tightening (2025): IIM Ahmedabad and other top IIMs have slightly raised cut-offs in 2025, reflecting increased competition.
• Category-wise Relaxation: Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwD) have historically had lower cut-offs to ensure diversity and inclusivity.

🏫 Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score

The CAT Exam (Common Admission Test) opens doors to over 1,200 management institutes in India, including the prestigious IIMs, IITs, and top private B-Schools. Securing a high percentile in CAT not only increases your chances of admission to these elite institutes but also enhances your career opportunities in management and leadership roles.

 List of top colleges that accept CAT scores:

1. Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

• IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)
• IIM Bangalore (IIMB)
• IIM Calcutta (IIMC)
• IIM Lucknow (IIML)
• IIM Kozhikode (IIMK)
• IIM Indore (IIMI)
• IIM Shillong, IIM Udaipur, IIM Rohtak, and other newer IIMs

Note: Admission to IIMs depends on CAT percentile, academic record, work experience, and performance in WAT/GD/PI rounds.

2. Top Non-IIM Government B-Schools

• FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies)
• MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute)
• SPJIMR Mumbai (S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research)
• IIT Delhi (DMS – Department of Management Studies)
• IIT Bombay (SJMSOM – Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management)
• IIT Kharagpur (VGSOM – Vinod Gupta School of Management)

3. Leading Private B-Schools Accepting CAT

• XLRI Jamshedpur (via XAT but some programs accept CAT)
• IMT Ghaziabad
• NMIMS Mumbai (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies)
• Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
• TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
• K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

FAQs on CAT Exam

1. What is the CAT Exam?

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into top B-Schools in India. It tests analytical, verbal, logical, and quantitative skills.

2. What is the full form of CAT?

CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is the gateway to prestigious institutes like IIMs, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai.

3. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT?

• Graduation from a recognized university (any discipline)
• Minimum 50% marks for General category, 45% for SC/ST/PwD
• Final-year students can also apply

4. How to register for the CAT Exam?

Registration is done online via the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). Candidates must provide personal, academic, and contact details, upload photograph and signature, and pay the exam fee online.

5. What is the CAT exam pattern?

The exam consists of 3 sections:

1. VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
2. DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
3. QA – Quantitative Aptitude

• Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
• Question Types: MCQs and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA)

6. How is the CAT exam scored?

• +3 marks for each correct MCQ answer
• -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA questions

7. What is the CAT syllabus?

CAT syllabus is not fixed but includes:

• VARC: Reading comprehension, grammar, para jumbles
• DILR: Tables, charts, logical puzzles, seating arrangements
• QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number system, Modern Math

8. Which colleges accept CAT scores?

Top colleges accepting CAT scores include:

• IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Kozhikode
• FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai
• IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), IMT Ghaziabad
• Many other private and government B-Schools

9. Can final year students appear for CAT?

Yes, final-year students can register for the CAT Exam. They must provide proof of graduation at the time of admission.

10. How to prepare effectively for CAT?

• Follow a section-wise strategy (VARC, DILR, QA)
• Take regular mock tests and analyze performance
• Focus on accuracy, time management, and conceptual clarity
• Revise formulas, shortcuts, and key strategies regularly