CAT Full Form: Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prestigious competitive examinations for admission into MBA and other management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. Conducted annually, CAT assesses a candidate’s management aptitude through sections like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
CAT is a gateway to some of the most prestigious institutions in India, including IIMs, which offer postgraduate courses in business administration and related fields. A high CAT scorecard increases the chances of securing admission in top B-schools and ensures excellent career opportunities with high salary packages for IIM graduates.
The CAT exam is primarily used for admission into MBA and other management programs in leading business schools. It evaluates candidates on verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and logical reasoning, which are essential skills for future business leaders.
Yes, CAT is mainly conducted for admission into MBA and postgraduate diploma programs in management. However, some institutions also accept CAT scores for specialized business-related courses.
Courses that accept CAT scores include:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD category) |
| Final Year Students | Candidates in their final year of graduation are eligible to apply |
| Recognized University | Degree must be from a recognized university (UGC/AICTE approved) |
The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) and consists of three sections:
Each section has a specific time duration (3 hours total), with negative marking for incorrect answers. The exam includes both MCQ and non-MCQ questions (TITA - Type In The Answer questions).
The CAT exam is scored out of 198 marks, with each section contributing 66 marks. A candidate's high percentile score plays a crucial role in the IIM selection process.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT. Candidates can take the exam multiple times, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
A CAT job refers to management roles secured after completing an MBA through CAT. These include positions in marketing specialization, finance specialization, human resources, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Salaries after CAT vary based on the prestigious institution and job role:
The IIM selection process includes:
Candidates often enroll in coaching centers and practice with mock tests to improve their performance. Key strategies include understanding the exam pattern, managing negative marking, and solving TITA (Type In The Answer) questions effectively.
Previously conducted by Prometric testing, the CAT exam is now managed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) under a rotational policy for conducting CAT by IIMs.
Start with the basics of Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Take mock tests, analyze weak areas, and follow a structured study plan.
A 99+ percentile is ideal for top IIMs (A, B, C), while 95-98 percentile can get you into other reputed B-schools like IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, etc.
Self-study with CAT study materials, YouTube tutorials, and mock tests can be sufficient if you’re disciplined. Coaching helps with structured learning, peer interaction, and expert guidance.
Compared to JEE: CAT is easier mathematically, but requires strong logical reasoning and verbal ability.
Compared to UPSC: UPSC is vast and conceptual, while CAT is aptitude-based and time-sensitive.