Updated on 16th February 2024 | 3:30 pm | #CATexam
The CAT exam is a highly competitive and widely recognized entrance exam for admission into various management programs, particularly for MBA (Master of Business Administration). CAT scores are accepted by premier business schools in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), as well as numerous other management institutes across the country.
CAT is considered a benchmark for assessing academic excellence and aptitude for management studies. It tests candidates on their quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
The Common Admission Test, commonly referred to as CAT, is a computer-based entrance exam conducted annually in India. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams for admission to postgraduate management programs, primarily Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other related courses.
CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, and the participating institutions may also include other leading management institutes across the country. The CAT 2024 exam is likely to be held on the last Sunday of November 2024. IIM Calcutta is most likely responsible for conducting CAT 2024.
CAT usually consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam pattern may include both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs, and the duration is typically around 2 hours.
Key Features |
Description |
Conducting Body |
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
Course Level |
Postgraduate Management Programs (MBA) |
Exam Fee |
INR 2400/-(General, EWS, and NC-OBC) INR 1200/-(SC, ST, and PwD) |
Format |
Computer-based test (CBT) |
Duration |
2 hours (40 minutes per section) |
Sections |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Number of Questions |
66 |
Eligibility |
Graduation with minimum marks (varies for different categories) |
Frequency |
Once a year (usually November/December) |
The CAT exam pattern has undergone significant changes over the past 10-12 years, particularly in terms of the Number of sections, Number of questions, and Exam Duration. Here's a table summarizing the key changes:
Year |
Number of Questions |
Time Duration |
Sections |
2024 (Expected) |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2023 |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2022 |
66 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2021 |
76 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2020 |
76 |
120 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2019 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2018 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2017 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2016 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2015 |
100 |
180 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2014 |
100 |
170 minutes |
VARC, DILR, QA |
2013 |
60 |
140 minutes |
Verbal Ability, QA, DI & LR |
2012 |
60 |
140 minutes |
Verbal Ability, QA, DI & LR |
Here's what you need to know to be eligible for the CAT 2024 exam:
The CAT exam pattern consists of three sections. Each section is allotted 40 minutes, and the total exam duration is 2 hours.
Section |
Number of Questions |
Question Type |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 |
MCQs & Non-MCQs |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
22 |
MCQs |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
20 |
MCQs & Non-MCQs |
There are many different types of MBA programs in India, each with its own focus and specialization. Here are some of the most popular types
The marking scheme for the CAT exam is as follows:
Following the trends of the past few years, we can expect the CAT exam 2024 to be divided into 3 sections. Due to the lack of a defined syllabus for the CAT exam, CAT aspirants largely focus on studying school-level mathematics and English.
Based on the same conclusion, given below is the tentative CAT exam syllabus for the three sections of the exam-
Section |
Main Topics |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary, inferences, odd one out |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Charts, caselets, arrangements, blood relations, syllogism, Graphs, data |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Algebra, arithmetic, probability, number system, geometry, mensuration |
The CAT will be held at centers in 155+ test cities across the country. The list of cities is mentioned on the official website and the exam center will be mentioned on the admit card for CAT 2024.
When filling out the application form, candidates must specify their preferred exam centers. Each candidate can choose six preferred locations in order of preference for their exam center. The conducting body attempts to offer the candidates their preferred exam centers wherever possible.
Candidates must declare if they are part of a reserved category while submitting the application form. It is stated that changes to this section will not be entertained later on. Candidates will also be required to submit the certificate during the registration process.
Given below are the reservation criteria-
Reserved Category |
Percentage |
Scheduled Caste (SC) |
15% |
Scheduled Tribe (ST) |
7.5% |
Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) |
27% |
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) |
Up to 10% |
Person with Disabilities (PwD) |
5% |
Along with 21 IIMs, other top B-schools also accept CAT scores for admission to their MBA programs. This year, IIFT Delhi is also accepting CAT scores and will not be conducting its own entrance exam. Given below are some of the top institutes accepting CAT exam scores:
The CAT exam is a highly sought-after entrance test for MBA programs, but it's not the only option. Several other exams offer access to prestigious institutions and diverse programs. Here are some of the top alternatives:
The CAT exam is used for admission to Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programs at top business schools in India.
No, the CAT exam is not mandatory for an MBA in India. While prestigious, alternative exams like XAT, NMAT, and SNAP are accepted by many B-schools.
The CAT exam is generally considered moderately to highly challenging compared to other MBA entrance exams in India.
To be eligible for the CAT exam, you must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).