CAT: EXAM PATTERN, SYLLABUS, ELIGIBILITY, CUT OFF & PLACEMENT

CAT (Common Admission Test) exam paper is considered to be the ultimate standard for filtering candidates for MBA in top B-schools in India and is also said to have a highly competitive and rigorous selection process for the students. Introduced in the 1950s by IIM Calcutta, the CAT has now become a common criteria for admission in top MBA colleges all over India.

XLRI, IIFT, FMS, all IIMs and about 1000 top colleges accept CAT score for their MBA admission process. As one of the most competitive exams, CAT ensures that the selection process for MBA programs remains merit-based, transparent, and credible.

CAT 2024 exam was held on 24th November 2024. The registration started on 1st August, ending on 20th September, and the admit card was released on 5th November. After the analysis of CAT 2024 question paper, it was evident that the overall difficulty level of the exam was lower as compared to CAT 2023.

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is held once every year and mostly takes place on the last Sunday of November (according to past year's dates). The registrations mostly start in the month of August, and the admit cards are issued by the first week of November.

Cat exam total marks is 198 as each question carries 3 marks, and the total number of questions is 66. For every correct answer, the candidate is awarded with 3 marks, while for every incorrect answer, there is a deduction of 1 mark. The effect of an unanswered question remains null with no deduction.

CAT 2024 exam was held on 24th November 2024. The registration started on 1st August, ending on 20th September, and the admit card was released on 5th November. After the analysis of CAT 2024 question paper, it was evident that the overall difficulty level of the exam was lower as compared to CAT 2023.

CAT Exam Syllabus

As discussed above, the CAT exam syllabus includes three sections - VARC (Verbal ability & reading comprehension), DILR (data interpretation & logical reasoning) and QA (quantitative ability). The total number of questions is 66, divided almost equally for all the three sections. The cat exam syllabus is designed in a way to assess the candidate's intellectual capabilities and potential for success in a highly competitive and dynamic business environment.

To get the detailed CAT exam syllabus, click the link here: CAT detailed syllabus free download

CAT Eligibility Criteria

The CAT exam eligibility criteria states that general category and NC-OBC category students must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum 50% marks.

Students belonging to reserved category (ST/SC/PwD), get a relaxation of 5% in the marks required criteria of bachelor's degree and need to secure at least 45%.

Final year students pursuing any bachelor's degree can also apply for the CAT, provided they meet the required marks criteria upon completion of the degree. If the candidate is unable to secure the required marks, then it may lead to the cancellation of the admission.

Students having professional qualifications like CA,CS,ICMAI or FIAI are also eligible to apply for CAT.

There is no age limit to apply/appear for the CAT examination.

CAT Registration Procedure

The registration of CAT is completely an online procedure. Follow the steps below in order to register for the exam.

• ➤ Go to the official CAT website at www.iimcat.ac.in
• ➤ Click on the “New Candidate Registration” link.
• ➤ Fill in basic information like name, email ID, phone number, etc., to generate OTP and login credentials.
• ➤ Use the user ID and password to sign in.
• ➤ Access the CAT application form and fill in all the required details carefully.
• ➤ Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format and file size.
• ➤ Next, candidates should select up to six exam centers according to their preference where they want to take the exam.
• ➤ Pay the registration fee using online payment methods.
• ➤ Review the application form and click on the “Submit” link.
• ➤ After completing the CAT registration process, candidates must download and print a copy of their application form.

CAT Exam Fees

According to the past years' records, the registration process for CAT starts in the month of August on the official CAT website, and the registration fee or CAT exam fees for unreserved category students is INR 2500/, while it is INR 1250/ for the reserved category

CAT Cut-Off

The cut-off for admissions is announced or released by the universities and colleges once the CAT results are announced. The expected cut-offs for CAT 2025 are mentioned below:

CAT is considered to be one of the toughest entrance exams for entry into top MBA colleges and universities, and thus, it requires a clear strategy and sincere approach towards preparation. Maxxcell is here to assist you in building a strategy which helps you ace your CAT exam preparation through effective time management, clear concepts building, intense practice sessions and much more.

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