The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam is a gateway to prestigious management schools and programs in the country.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the CAT exam info, including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, preparation tips, and more.
Eligibility Criteria for the CAT Exam
Before you start preparing for the exam, it’s essential to check whether you’re eligible to take the test. Here are the eligibility criteria for the exam:
- You must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- If you belong to the reserved category (SC/ST/PwD), you must have a minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply for this exam.
CAT Exam Pattern
The exam consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The duration of the exam is 2 hours, and each section has a time limit of 40 minutes.
Here’s a breakdown of the CAT exam pattern:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 26 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 24 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 26 | 40 minutes |
This exam has both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. MCQs have negative marking, while non-MCQs do not have any negative marking.
Preparation Tips for the CAT Exam
To crack the CAT exam, you need to have a comprehensive preparation strategy. Here are some preparation tips that can help you score well in the exam:
- Understand the exam pattern: Before starting your preparation, go through the exam pattern thoroughly to understand the number of sections, the type of questions, and the time limit.
- Create a study plan: Make a study plan that suits your strengths and weaknesses. Divide your time equally among all the sections, and focus on your weak areas.
- Practice mock tests: Take as many mock tests as possible to get an idea of the exam pattern and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Improve your vocabulary: The VARC section tests your English language skills, so work on improving your vocabulary and reading speed.
- Focus on time management: Time management is crucial in this exam. Practice solving questions within the time limit to avoid running out of time in the exam.
Conclusion
This exam is a crucial step towards pursuing an MBA degree from top management schools in India. With the right preparation strategy and hard work, you can crack the exam and fulfill your dream of pursuing an MBA. Follow the tips mentioned in this blog and give your best shot at the CAT exam. All the best!
To be eligible for the CAT exam:
You must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. For candidates belonging to the reserved category (SC/ST/PwD), the requirement is 45% marks or equivalent CGPA.
Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply for the exam.
The CAT exam is divided into three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) with 26 questions and a time limit of 40 minutes.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) with 24 questions and a time limit of 40 minutes.
Quantitative Ability (QA) with 26 questions and a time limit of 40 minutes.
The total duration of the exam is 2 hours. The exam includes both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. While MCQs have negative marking, non-MCQs do not.