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Management

CAT: what it is and how counselling follows

Common Admission Test

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Conducted byIndian Institutes of Management (a different IIM is the organiser each year)
CategoryManagement
Used forMBA, PGDM

Overview

CAT is the main entrance test for management programmes at the IIMs. Many other business schools also use CAT scores. One IIM is chosen to organise the test each year, and the official site is run for that cycle. CAT only gives a score. After the result, each institute makes its own shortlist and runs its own selection stage, which usually has a written ability test, group discussion or personal interview. You apply separately to each institute. Read the current CAT notification for exact dates, rules and the pattern for your year.

At a glance

Conducted byAn IIM chosen each year, for all the IIMs
ModeComputer based test at test centres
FrequencyOnce a year, usually in November
DurationIn recent cycles, two hours, with a fixed time for each section; check the notification
Question typeIn recent cycles, multiple choice questions and some typed-in answers
SectionsIn recent cycles, verbal ability and reading comprehension; data interpretation and logical reasoning; quantitative ability
LanguagesEnglish
Who can applyGraduates and final-year students, as per the notification

Who can apply

Check the current information bulletin: age, attempts and qualification rules can change.

  • Graduates in any stream with the minimum marks stated in the current notification. The requirement is usually lower for reserved categories and candidates with disabilities.
  • Students in the final year of a bachelor degree, who can apply and must show proof of the result later.
  • Holders of recognised professional qualifications, as listed in the notification.
  • Each IIM and each other institute may add its own conditions, so check each institute separately.
  • There is no promise of an interview call, which depends on each institute.

Exam pattern

As described in recent official bulletins. The bulletin of the current cycle is final.

Verbal ability and reading comprehensionIn recent cycles, this section tests reading passages and verbal reasoning. Check the notification for the current layout.
Data interpretation and logical reasoningIn recent cycles, this section uses tables, charts and puzzle-style sets.
Quantitative abilityIn recent cycles, this section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems and modern mathematics.
Time per sectionIn recent cycles, each section had its own time limit and you could not move between sections. Check the current notification.
Question formatIn recent cycles, most questions were multiple choice, and some needed you to type the answer. Wrong multiple choice answers lost marks.
Extra timeThe notification states extra time for candidates with benchmark disabilities.

Syllabus areas

Reading comprehension passagesVerbal reasoning, such as para jumbles and summary questionsData interpretation from tables and graphsLogical reasoning and arrangement puzzlesArithmetic, such as percentages, ratios, time and workAlgebra and number systemsGeometry and mensurationModern mathematics, such as permutations and probability

How to apply and appear

  1. Read the current CAT notification on the official site for that year.
  2. Register with your mobile number and email, which are used for all communication.
  3. Fill in the application form with personal, academic and category details.
  4. Choose your test cities and upload the documents the form asks for.
  5. Pay the application fee online.
  6. Download the admit card and read the test day rules.
  7. Take the test and check your scorecard when it is released.

From exam to admission

  1. 1Read the notificationCheck eligibility, dates and the test pattern on the official CAT site
  2. 2Register and applyCreate your account, fill the form, choose cities and pay the fee online
  3. 3Take the testAppear in the computer based test on your slot and centre
  4. 4Download the scorecardThe scorecard is released after the result is declared
  5. 5Apply to institutesApply to each IIM and other school separately on its own portal
  6. 6Selection stagePrepare for the written ability test, group discussion or interview that the institute uses
  7. 7Admission offerInstitutes publish their lists. Accept an offer and complete the joining formalities

After the exam

  • You get a scorecard that you can send with your applications.
  • Each institute decides on its shortlist using its own rules.
  • Shortlisted candidates take the next selection stage, such as a written ability test, group discussion or personal interview.
  • Many institutes also look at academic record and work experience.
  • Dates for the selection stage and the final list are given by each institute.

Courses this exam leads to

PG

MBA

Postgraduate management through entrance exam based admission.

PG

PGDM

Autonomous-institute management diploma, widely regarded as equivalent to an MBA in industry.

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Who conducts CAT?

One of the IIMs is given the task each year, on behalf of all the IIMs.

How often is CAT held?

Once a year. You can take it again in the next cycle if you are eligible.

Does CAT get me into an IIM directly?

No. CAT gives a score. Each institute then runs its own shortlist and selection stage.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes, the notification allows final-year students. They must give proof of the degree later.

What are the sections?

In recent cycles, verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation with logical reasoning, and quantitative ability. Check the current notification.

Is CAT held in English only?

In recent cycles, yes. Read the current notification for any change.

Do I need work experience?

It is not required for CAT. Some institutes give it weight in selection.

Can Padhaidekho promise an IIM seat?

No. We help you plan applications and prepare for the selection stage. We cannot promise any outcome.

Dates, syllabus, pattern, eligibility and fees are published by the conducting body for each cycle. Always read the current official information bulletin.

Content checked against the official sources above in 2026-10. Rules, dates and eligibility change every cycle: always confirm on the official notice. This page is general guidance, not legal advice or an admission guarantee.

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