What is CAT Exam? Highlights, Timeline, Registration, History, Syllabus, Fees and Eligibility

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to various management programs offered by top B-Schools in India. 

The CAT exam is considered one of India's most prestigious management entrance exams, and scores obtained in the CAT exam are used by several B-Schools for admission purposes.

CAT Exam Highlights:

• Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT)
• Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
• Exam Level: National Level
• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Exam Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Number of Sections: 3 (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability)
• Total Number of Questions: 76-78
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answer and -1 for incorrect answer
• Total Marks: 300
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult

Timeline and Registration:

The CAT exam is usually conducted in November or December each year, and the registration process usually starts in August. The exact timeline and registration details are on the official CAT website.

History:

The CAT exam was first conducted in 1950 by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Over the years, the exam has evolved, and it is now conducted in a computer-based format. The CAT exam is considered one of the toughest management entrance exams in India, and only a small percentage of candidates are able to score high enough to gain admission to top B-Schools.

CAT Exam Syllabus:

The CAT exam consists of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. The syllabus for each section is as follows:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:

• Reading Comprehension
• Para-jumbles
• Para-summary
• Sentence Correction
• Grammar
• Vocabulary

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:

• Data Interpretation
• Logical Reasoning
• Tables
• Charts
• Graphs

1. Quantitative Ability:

• Arithmetic
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Trigonometry
• Number System

Fees:

The registration fee for the CAT exam is usually around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 2500 for general and NC-OBC candidates and Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1250 for SC, ST, and PWD candidates.

Qualification and Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute to be eligible for the CAT exam. There is no minimum percentage requirement for appearing in the CAT exam. Candidates appearing in the final year of their bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification are also eligible to apply. There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.

FAQ

What is the duration of the CAT exam?

ANS: The CAT exam is a three-hour computer-based test.

How many sections are there in the CAT exam?

ANS: The CAT exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

What is the marking scheme of the CAT exam?

ANS: The marking scheme of the CAT exam is +3 for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer.

How many times can I take the CAT exam?

ANS: There is no limit on how many times a candidate can take the CAT exam.

Is there any negative marking for unattempt questions in the CAT exam?

ANS: No, there is no negative marking for unattempt questions in the CAT exam.

Can I use a calculator during the CAT exam?

ANS: No, candidates are not allowed to use a calculator during the CAT exam.

Is there any sectional cutoff in the CAT exam?

ANS: Yes, most B-Schools have sectional cutoffs in the CAT exam, which means that candidates must clear the cutoff for each section to be eligible for further selection processes.

What are the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam?

ANS: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute to be eligible for the CAT exam. There is no minimum percentage requirement for appearing in the CAT exam.

How many times is the CAT exam conducted in a year?

ANS: The CAT exam is conducted once a year.

What is the difficulty level of the CAT exam?

ANS: The difficulty level of the CAT exam is generally considered to be moderate to difficult. However, the actual difficulty level may vary from year to year.

Conclusion:

The CAT exam is a prestigious management entrance exam in India, and scoring well in the CAT exam can open up many opportunities for candidates to pursue management programs from top B-Schools in India. 

The exam is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and the syllabus includes Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. 

Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can register for the exam online, and the fee is nominal.

Find The Best CAT Exam Preparation Center In Your City on Finndit.Com