CAT COMMON ADMISSION TEST Full Form

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Table of Contents

What is CAT?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination for admission to the Management Programme (MP) of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top-ranked postgraduate management programmes across India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT is a computer-based test that assesses candidates’ Aptitude in three sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written text, analyze arguments, and express ideas effectively.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section assesses a candidate’s ability to interpret data presented in various formats, analyze logical arguments, and solve problems involving logical reasoning.
Quantitative Ability (QA): This section tests a candidate’s mathematical skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT

Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
Minimum Percentage: The minimum percentage required varies from institute to institute. However, most IIMs require a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination.
Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.

CAT Exam Pattern

Table 1: CAT Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted (Minutes)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	26	40
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	24	40
Quantitative Ability (QA)	24	40
Total	74	120

Important Points:

The exam is conducted in three slots on a single day.
Each section has a separate time limit.
Candidates can attempt questions in any order within a section.
There is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each incorrect answer.

CAT Syllabus

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension: Passages from various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, humanities, social sciences, and science.
Verbal Ability: Vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, para jumbles, critical reasoning, and verbal logic.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation: Interpretation of data presented in tables, charts, graphs, and other formats.
Logical Reasoning: Logical puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, direction sense, and other logical reasoning problems.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic: Number systems, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, speed, distance, and time.
Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, and progressions.
Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, circles, and MENSURATION.
Calculus: Differentiation, integration, and limits.

How to Prepare for CAT

Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the type of questions asked in each section.
Develop a Study Plan: Create a structured study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus.
Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve your time management skills.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
Develop Reading Habits: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your reading comprehension skills.
Join Coaching Classes: Consider joining coaching classes to get expert guidance and structured Learning.
Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.

CAT Application Process

Registration: Candidates need to register online on the official CAT website.
Application Fee: The application fee for CAT is INR 1,000 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates and INR 500 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Filling the Application Form: Candidates need to fill the application form with accurate personal and academic details.
Uploading Documents: Candidates need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and qualifying examination certificate.
Choosing Test Cities: Candidates need to choose their preferred test cities.
Submitting the Application Form: Candidates need to submit the application form before the deadline.

CAT Admit Card

Download: Candidates can download their admit cards from the official CAT website after the application process is completed.
Important Details: The admit card contains important details like the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, and test center address.
Carry to Exam Center: Candidates must carry their admit card to the exam center on the day of the exam.

CAT Results

Declaration: The CAT results are declared online on the official CAT website.
Score Card: The scorecard contains the candidate’s overall percentile score and sectional percentile scores.
Validity: The CAT scorecard is valid for two years from the date of declaration.

CAT Cut-offs

IIMs: Each IIM sets its own cut-offs for admission to its MP program.
Other Institutes: Other top-ranked postgraduate management programs also have their own cut-offs.
Factors Affecting Cut-offs: The cut-offs are based on factors like the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of seats available.

CAT Preparation Tips

Start Early: Begin your preparation early to avoid last-minute Stress.
Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers to improve your speed and accuracy.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
Develop Reading Habits: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your reading comprehension skills.
Join Coaching Classes: Consider joining coaching classes to get expert guidance and structured learning.
Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.

CAT FAQs

1. What is the eligibility criteria for CAT?

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university. Most IIMs require a minimum of 50% in the qualifying examination. There is no age limit for appearing in CAT.

2. What is the exam pattern of CAT?

CAT is a computer-based test conducted in three slots on a single day. The exam has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a separate time limit of 40 minutes. There is a negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each incorrect answer.

3. What is the syllabus of CAT?

The syllabus of CAT covers topics related to verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.

4. How can I prepare for CAT?

You can prepare for CAT by understanding the syllabus, developing a study plan, practicing regularly, focusing on weak areas, developing reading habits, joining coaching classes, and staying motivated.

5. What is the application process for CAT?

Candidates need to register online on the official CAT website, fill the application form with accurate details, upload scanned copies of documents, choose test cities, and submit the application form before the deadline.

6. How can I download my CAT admit card?

Candidates can download their admit cards from the official CAT website after the application process is completed.

7. When are the CAT results declared?

The CAT results are declared online on the official CAT website.

8. What are the CAT cut-offs?

Each IIM sets its own cut-offs for admission to its MP program. Other top-ranked postgraduate management programs also have their own cut-offs. The cut-offs are based on factors like the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of seats available.

9. What are some tips for preparing for CAT?

Start early, understand the exam pattern, practice regularly, focus on weak areas, develop reading habits, join coaching classes, and stay motivated.

10. What are some good Resources for CAT preparation?

There are many good resources available for CAT preparation, including online courses, coaching classes, mock tests, and previous years’ papers. Some popular resources include:

Online Courses: Unacademy, Byju’s, Khan Academy
Coaching Classes: TIME, IMS, Career Launcher
Mock Tests: Testfunda, Cracku, Oliveboard
Previous Years’ Papers: Official CAT website, MBAUniverse.com

11. What are some common mistakes to avoid during CAT preparation?

Procrastination: Don’t delay your preparation. Start early and stick to your study plan.
Ignoring Weak Areas: Don’t neglect your weak areas. Dedicate extra time to improve them.
Over-reliance on Coaching Classes: Don’t solely rely on coaching classes. Supplement them with self-study and practice.
Lack of Time Management: Develop effective time management skills to avoid running out of time during the exam.
Neglecting Reading Comprehension: Don’t underestimate the importance of reading comprehension. Practice reading passages from various genres.

12. What are some tips for managing exam stress?

Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Eat Healthy: Maintain a healthy diet and avoid junk food.
Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activity to relieve stress.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or Yoga/”>Yoga.
Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you are feeling overwhelmed.

13. What are some career Options after completing an MBA?

Management Consultant: Provide strategic advice to businesses.
Financial Analyst: Analyze financial data and make Investment recommendations.
Marketing Manager: Develop and implement marketing strategies.
Human Resources Manager: Manage employee relations and talent acquisition.
Operations Manager: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a business.
Entrepreneurship: Start your own business.

14. What are some tips for choosing the right MBA program?

Consider your career goals: Choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations.
Research the program’s curriculum: Ensure the program covers the relevant subjects for your desired career path.
Check the faculty and alumni Network: Look for programs with experienced faculty and a strong alumni network.
Visit the campus: Get a feel for the campus Environment and student culture.
Compare program rankings: Consider program rankings from reputable sources.

15. What are some tips for writing a strong MBA application essay?

Focus on your unique story: Highlight your experiences and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate.
Be clear and concise: Use simple language and avoid jargon.
Proofread carefully: Ensure your essay is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Get feedback from others: Ask friends, family, or mentors to review your essay.
Be authentic: Let your Personality shine through in your writing.