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CAT Full Form is Common Admission Test. It is one of the most important exams in India for students who want to study management, like an MBA. The CAT exam is held once every year. It is used by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and many other top business schools to choose the best students. This test checks skills in English, math, and logical thinking to see if someone is ready for advanced study.
It is a computer-based test that is three hours long and has three different sections. Many students work very hard for months to prepare. A good score in the CAT exam can open doors to great colleges, excellent teachers, and strong careers in business. This article will explain everything about CAT Full Form.
What is CAT Full Form?
Full Form of CAT is Common Admission Test. It is an entrance exam for students who want to study management, like MBA courses, at top colleges in India. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) started this test to choose students for their postgraduate courses.
The CAT exam is held once every year. It is a computer-based test that checks if a student has good reading, math, and reasoning skills. It is very popular and very important for students who want to get into the best management schools in India.
When a student take CAT test, they compete with many other students from all over the country. A high score can help get into famous IIMs and other top business schools. That is why so many students work hard to prepare for it.
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History of CAT
The CAT exam has an interesting history. This test was taken on paper in the past. Students filled in answers with a pen or pencil on paper sheets until 2009. It was held on many days so all students could take it.
In 2009, things changed. It was announced on 1 May 2009 that CAT would become a computer-based test. Now, students take the test on computers at special centers. This makes it easier to manage and faster to get results.
It was decided that even IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IISc (Indian Institute of Science) would use CAT scores in August 2011. Before this, they had a different exam called JMET (Joint Management Entrance Test). They started using CAT scores for their management courses too from 2012 onwards.
The exam has changed over time, but it has always been used to find the best students for management studies.
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Who Can Take the CAT?
Students must follow some eligibility criteria to take CAT exam. These criteria is as follows:
- Students need to have a bachelor’s degree (this is usually a 3- or 4-year college course).
- They should have at least 50% marks (or an equal grade) in degree.
- The rule is easier for students who are SC, ST, or have disabilities (PWD), they need 45% marks.
- Students who are in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also take the test. Even if they don’t have their final results yet, they can still apply.
- Students degree must be from a college or university that is approved by the Indian government. This makes sure all students have the right kind of education before trying for an MBA.
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CAT Syllabus
The CAT syllabus covers English, logic, and math topics. Students can check the table below for the three sections and their most important topics for CAT 2025.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Set Theory, Puzzles with Data, Coding-Decoding, Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration |
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam has three parts that test different skills:
- VARC – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This part tests English skills, like understanding passages and grammar.
- DILR – Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This part checks if students can read graphs, solve puzzles, and think logically.
- QA – Quantitative Ability: This part is all about math questions.
The exam lasts three hours in total. Each section has one hour.
Students can check key details about CAT Exam Pattern in the table below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of CAT exam | Computer Based Test |
| Duration of exam | 120 minutes 40 minutes per section |
| CAT exam shifts | Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Number of questions | 66 or 68 (varies by year) |
| CAT total marks | 198 or 204 (depending on total questions) |
| Language of question paper | English |
| Number of answer choices | 4 |
| Question Type | MCQ and Non-MCQ |
Why is CAT Important?
The CAT exam is very important because it is the main way to get into India’s top management schools, like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). These colleges are famous for giving excellent education in business and management. A high score in CAT exam can help students get into these top institutes and many other good business schools across India.
This exam is also fair and equal for everyone. It does not matter where you come from or which school you went to. Everyone takes the same test on a computer, and the results are checked in the same way. This helps choose students only based on their skills.
Doing well in the CAT exam can lead to many good opportunities. It means studying with great teachers, learning with talented classmates, and getting strong job offers after finishing the course. Many people who pass CAT go on to become successful business leaders, managers, or entrepreneurs.
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How to Prepare for CAT?
CAT preparation takes time and effort. Because this test is very competitive, many students start studying months or even a year before the exam date.
The following are some simple ways to prepare:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Students must know the three sections, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Practice Mock Tests: Taking practice tests helps get used to the timing and the computer-based format. Students can find many free and paid mock tests online.
- Read and Improve English: Read newspapers, magazines, and books. This helps do well in the VARC section.
- Learn Shortcuts for Math: Quick calculations save time in QA section. Learn tricks to solve problems faster.
- Solve Previous Years’ Papers: Old question papers give an idea of the difficulty level and the types of questions.
- Make a Study Plan: Divide time for each section and stick to a plan. Regular study is better than last-minute cramming.
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CAT Full Form FAQs
What is CAT Full Form?
CAT Full Form is Common Admission Test, an entrance exam for management courses.
Who conducts the CAT exam?
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct the CAT exam.
Who can apply for the CAT exam?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree with required marks or final-year students can apply.
Is CAT only for MBA admissions?
Yes, CAT is mainly used for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other management courses offered by IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
How many times can I appear for CAT?
There is no limit to the number of times you can appear for CAT. You can take it every year as long as you meet the eligibility.
Is CAT a tough exam?
CAT is challenging because it is highly competitive. But with the right preparation and practice, many students can crack it successfully.
