The Common Admission Test CAT is one of India’s most competitive exams for students aiming to join top MBA and PGDM institutes. This national-level management test assesses your quantitative skills, logical reasoning and verbal ability to understand whether you are prepared for the academic demands of a rigorous programme. For many aspirants, understanding the basic details of the CAT exam, like eligibility, syllabus, fees and strategies, becomes first major step in shaping their career plans and choosing the right path for their future. Its importance goes far beyond securing admission because the exam often guides students as they think about their long-term goals and the direction they want their professional life to take.
In this article, you will find a clear explanation of the important aspects of the CAT exam, including its eligibility, syllabus, fees and practical preparation strategies.
What Is the CAT Exam?
The CAT is a competitive entrance test designed to help business schools assess a candidate’s readiness for rigorous management education. It plays a central role in shaping the journey of aspirants who want to pursue advanced training in leadership, analytics and decision-making. Students from different academic backgrounds appear for the exam because doing well in the CAT can open access to respected institutions and create valuable opportunities for academic and professional growth.
CAT Exam Overview
Administering Body
The CAT is conducted by one of the older Indian Institutes of Management each year on a rotational basis. The conducting IIM organises and manages the complete process including registration, test design and result declaration
Exam Frequency and Mode
The exam takes place once every year and is conducted in a computer-based mode, which ensures standardised testing conditions and accurate evaluation across all exam centres
Who Takes the Exam and Why
Final-year students, graduates and working professionals take the CAT to strengthen their chances of entering top management programmes, to shift into better roles or industries and to build long-term career growth through structured management training.
Institutions Accepting CAT Scores
CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs as well as by many leading business schools across India that offer MBA, PGDM and related postgraduate management programmes making it one of the most widely recognised entrance tests in the country
CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria helps you know exactly where you stand before you begin preparing. The CAT guidelines are designed to be fair and inclusive so that graduates from all academic paths feel confident applying for the exam.
Educational Qualifications
You must have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or institution and this includes professional qualifications, such as CA, CS and ICWA, which are treated as equivalent to a standard undergraduate degree
Minimum Marks Requirement
General, NC OBC and EWS candidates need at least 50 per cent aggregate marks or an equivalent CGPA while SC, ST and PwD candidates require 45 per cent, which ensures that students from different backgrounds receive fair consideration
Final Year Student Eligibility
If you are in your final year of graduation or awaiting your results you can still appear for the CAT exam as long as you are able to submit valid proof of completing your degree when the admission process begins
Age Limit and Number of Attempts
There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam and you can attempt as many times as you wish, making it flexible for both fresh graduates and working professionals looking to upgrade their career
Reservation Criteria
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC Non Creamy Layer, EWS and PwD categories receive benefits as per official government norms. Such candidates must provide the required supporting documents such as caste certificates or disability certificates during the admission process
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is designed to evaluate a wide range of skills, from language comprehension to logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude. Its structured format allows candidates to demonstrate their abilities across three distinct sections within a fixed time while balancing accuracy and speed to maximise scores.
Sections
The exam has three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
Number of Questions & Format
Total questions: 68, with a combination of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA, non-MCQ) questions
Section-wise Distribution
VARC: 24 questions, DILR: 22 questions, QA: 22 questions
Time Allotted
Total duration is 120 minutes with 40 minutes allocated per section; the order of sections is fixed and switching is not allowed
Marking Scheme
+3 marks for each correct answer, –1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA questions or unattempted questions
CAT Syllabus: Section‑Wise Topics
The CAT syllabus covers a broad range of topics designed to test candidates’ verbal, analytical and quantitative abilities while assessing logical reasoning and problem‑solving skills in a structured format. Understanding the focus areas and typical weightage helps in planning and preparation efficiently.
| Section: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Important Topics: Long and Short Passages, Jumbled Paragraphs, Para-summary, Out of context sentence from a jumbled paragraph Number of Questions: 24 questions |
| Section: Quantitative Ability (QA) Important Topics: Arithmetic, Modern Math, Number System Algebra, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry Number of Questions: 22 questions |
| Section: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Important Topics: Data Charts, Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Seating arrangement, Team formation, Blood Relations, Clocks & Calendars Number of Questions: 22 questions |
CAT Exam Fees and Registration Details
Applying for the CAT exam requires careful attention to both fees and registration steps because completing the process correctly ensures your application is accepted without any issues and helps you plan ahead for a smooth preparation journey.
Application Fees (2025)
· General / EWS / NC‑OBC candidates: ₹ 2,600
· SC / ST / PwD candidates: ₹ 1,300
The fee is non‑refundable and must be paid only once
Payment Mode
Payment is done online using credit/debit card, net banking, UPI or other accepted payment gateways
Registration Process
Step 1: Register for User ID & Password
1. Go to iimcat.ac.in → Click “Register” under New Candidate Registration.
2. Fill in the registration form:
· Name (as per Class 10 certificate)
· DOB
· Email (valid & unique)
· Mobile number (valid & unique)
3. Click Generate OTP → Enter CAPTCHA → Verify OTP
4. Tick I Agree in the Declaration
5. Submit the form
6. Receive User ID & Password via email (and SMS for Indian candidates).
Step 2: Login to CAT Portal
1. Use the system-generated User ID & Password to log in.
2. Open Applicant Details → Click GO TO APPLICATION.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
· Personal details
· Academic details
· Work experience (if you have)
· Select programme/s
· Select Interview City for each programme.
· Choose your preferred test city (at least 5 different cities)
· Declaration and application fee payment
After Submission
· Confirmation Email: You receive an email confirming successful submission
· Application Summary: Available in read-only mode whenever you log in
Document Upload Requirements
· Photograph: JPEG/JPG, 30 mm × 45 mm, ≤ 80 KB
· Signature: JPEG/JPG, 80 mm × 35 mm, ≤ 80 KB
· Category/PwD certificates if applicable, in the prescribed format
CAT Preparation Strategies for High Scores
Preparing for the CAT exam requires a focused approach, consistent practice and a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses because high scores come from a combination of smart planning, structured study and effective self‑assessment.
| Aspect | Strategy & Explanation |
| How to Start Your CAT Preparation | Begin by assessing your current strengths and weaknesses across VARC, DILR and QA to identify areas needing more attentionDecide whether to pursue coaching or follow a self-study plan based on your learning style, discipline, and time availability |
| Study Plan: 3-Month, 6-Month & 12-Month Approach | For a 12-month plan, start with concept-building and topic-wise practice; for 6 months, focus on balancing concept clarity with regular practice; for 3 months, prioritise revision, shortcuts, and mock testsPrepare daily, weekly and monthly goals to ensure steady progress and avoid last-minute stress |
| Section-Wise Strategies | VARC: Improve comprehension and reasoning by reading diverse texts and practising para-jumbles, summary-based and inference questions regularly DILR: Enhance speed and accuracy by solving puzzles, graphs, caselets and seating arrangement sets with time-bound exercises QA: Strengthen fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number system and practise problem-solving to improve accuracy under time pressure |
| Recommended Books & Online Resources | VARC: ‘How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension’ by Arun Sharma, online RC platforms DILR: Arun Sharma’s Logical Reasoning book, online puzzle platforms, CAT-specific apps QA: Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude book, online problem sets and videos Mock Tests: IMS, Career Launcher, TIME, Handa Ka Funda, Oliveboard and other online CAT platforms |
| Mock Tests & Analysis | Attempt full-length mocks under exam conditions to build stamina and speedAfter each test, analyse mistakes, identify weak areas and track improvement over timeFocus on both accuracy and time management to refine exam-taking strategies and reduce errors in the actual CAT |
Essential Tips for First-Time CAT Aspirants
For first-time CAT aspirants, preparation can feel overwhelming, but focusing on key strategies can make a significant difference in performance. Developing good habits early, managing time effectively, and practising consistently can help you approach the exam with confidence and minimise errors.
- Time Management: Allocate fixed time slots for each section during practice sessions to simulate exam conditions, avoid spending too long on individual questions, and build the ability to make quick, accurate decisions under pressure
- Building Reading Habits: Read diverse materials, including newspapers, journals, non-fiction books, and online articles, to enhance comprehension, improve vocabulary, and develop faster reading speed for VARC passages
- Improving Calculation Speed: Strengthen basic arithmetic, algebra, and mental calculation skills through daily practice, short tricks, and regular problem-solving exercises to increase accuracy and efficiency in QA
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Focus on avoiding careless errors, skipping instructions, overcomplicating questions, and mismanaging time. Regular mock tests and thorough analysis of mistakes help identify patterns and prevent repeating them in the actual exam
Conclusion
The CAT exam is one of India’s most competitive entrance tests for management education. It evaluates candidates across verbal, logical and quantitative skills while opening doors to top MBA and PGDM programmes. Structured preparation, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of strengths and weaknesses are essential for performing well and achieving a high percentile in this rigorous exam.
For aspirants, it is important to stay disciplined, follow a well-planned strategy, and keep a positive mindset throughout the preparation journey. Persistence, focus, and self-belief often make the difference between average and exceptional performance. With dedication and smart preparation, first-time candidates can also confidently navigate the CAT exam, improve their skills, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in management.
FAQS
How is the CAT score used by different IIMs and business schools?
Each institute has its own weightage for CAT scores, academic records, work experience, and personal interviews. Some IIMs may place more emphasis on specific sections of the CAT, while others consider the overall percentile for shortlisting.
What is the validity of a CAT score?
A CAT score is valid for one admission cycle (usually the academic year immediately following the exam). Candidates need to reappear for the exam if they want to apply for admission in a subsequent year.
What is the role of sectional cut-offs in CAT selection?
Apart from the overall percentile, many institutes have sectional cut-offs that candidates must clear to be considered for the next stage of admission. Failing to meet even one section’s cut-off can disqualify an applicant.
How frequently do CAT exam patterns and difficulty levels change?
The exam pattern and difficulty can vary slightly each year based on the guidelines set by the conducting IIM. While the structure remains mostly stable, question types and time allocation may change, requiring flexible preparation strategies.
Are there any opportunities to improve the CAT score if I am are not satisfied?
Candidates can attempt the CAT exam again in subsequent year/s if they wish to improve their scores, as there is no limit to the number of attempts, provided they meet the eligibility criteria each year.