Exam guide · Entrance Exams
CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT is the gateway to India's best-known management programmes. It tests verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude — and it is only the first step, because IIMs also weigh interviews, academic records and work experience.
- Conducted by
- One of the IIMs, by rotation
- Leads to
- MBA / PGP at IIMs; widely accepted by other B-schools
- Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree with minimum marks (final-year students can apply)
- Held
- Once a year, usually in late November
About the exam
CAT results are reported as percentiles. IIMs shortlist candidates using CAT scores together with their own criteria, which can include Class 10 and 12 marks, graduation marks, work experience and diversity factors. Shortlisted candidates then take written ability tests, group discussions or interviews.
For deciding whether an MBA suits you, see MBA vs M.Tech After B.Tech and MBA / PGDM (Master of Business Administration).
Who takes this exam
- Final-year students and graduates of any discipline
- Working professionals considering an MBA
Eligibility (general)
- A bachelor's degree with minimum marks (relaxed for reserved categories)
- Final-year students can apply
- No age limit or attempt limit under current rules
Exam pattern
| Feature | In recent years |
|---|---|
| Sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA) |
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Sectional time | Fixed time for each section |
| Question types | Multiple-choice and type-in-the-answer questions |
| Marking | Deduction for wrong multiple-choice answers; typically none for type-in answers |
Syllabus overview
There is no official syllabus. Quantitative Ability covers school-level arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number systems; DILR tests puzzles and data sets; VARC tests reading comprehension and verbal reasoning.
Want help applying this to your own situation? Guidance for College Students on the Career Captain website.
Courses and institutions it leads to
All IIMs and many other leading B-schools accept CAT scores. Each has its own shortlisting and selection criteria.
How the process usually works
- RegisterApply online and choose programmes/IIMs of interest.
- Take CATComputer-based test in late November in recent years.
- ShortlistingIIMs release shortlists based on their criteria.
- WAT/GD/PIWritten ability test, group discussion and interview rounds.
- Final offersComposite scores decide admission.
How to prepare
- Start with fundamentalsRebuild school maths and reading habits.
- Practise DILR setsSolve varied sets and learn to choose which to attempt.
- Take mocks regularlyAnalyse each mock carefully.
- Prepare for interviews earlyKnow your academic and work story, and current affairs.
After the result
Choose between offers based on programme quality, specialisations, placements, fees and fit. Many strong programmes outside the IIMs also accept CAT.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring academic-record weightage in IIM shortlisting
- Taking mocks without analysing them
- Choosing an expensive, weak programme just to get an MBA
Alternatives and backup options
Frequently asked questions
Is work experience needed for CAT?
Not for taking CAT, but some IIMs give it weight in selection.
Can engineering or arts graduates take CAT?
Yes. CAT is open to graduates of any discipline.
What is a good CAT percentile?
It depends on the institutes you target, your category and profile. Top IIMs typically need very high percentiles.
Published by Career Captain Global Solutions. This page is general guidance; see the disclaimer below. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.