What is the CAT Exam, and why is it required for MBA

What is the CAT Exam, and why is it required for MBA

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance test, taken annually for admission to an MBA at a renowned institute, such as IIMs and other Top non-IIM B-schools. Generally, all standard national-level colleges and universities accept the CAT entrance exam scores. The high cut-off scorers are selected in IIMs and other top-notch institutes.

If you are preparing for the CAT, you must prepare for logical and quantitative aptitude. The CAT tests you on your Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation- Logical Reasoning, which are crucial for management studies. 

Is CAT required for MBA?

No, CAT is not required for all MBA programs. If you are not aiming for the IIMs and other elite institutes, then the CAT is not required. The other competitive exams, such as GMAT,  XAT, NMAT, CMAT, and MAT, are conducted except for the CAT. These scores are also accepted in most of the management institutions.

What is the CAT exam fee?,

The CAT exam fee is 2,600 for General, and 1,300 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. The fee is non-refundable and is paid only once, as it is a common entrance test for approximately. 1,500 colleges. The CAT exam is the primary entrance exam for management courses, and a valid CAT scorecard is mandatory for IIMs and many other B-schools. 

In summary, the fee  is : 

General, EWS, and OBC candidates: 2,600

SC, ST, and PwD candidates: 1,300

Non-refundable:  The fee cannot be refunded once paid.

Single payment:  You pay only once, no matter how many institutes you apply to.

CAT MBA exam Information,

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is an annual, national-level entrance exam in India for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs at over 20 IIMs and 1,200 other B-schools. Each year, one of the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is responsible for organizing the entire exam, from notification to results.  

CAT is a CBT exam (computer-based test), held annually between late November and early December, conducted by the IIMs on a rotational basis, that assesses candidates in three sections: 

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):  Assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence correction. 

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):  Tests analytical and problem-solving skills using data from charts, graphs, and tables, as well as logical reasoning questions. 

• and Quantitative Ability (QA):  Evaluates knowledge of basic mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and statistics. 

It is known for being competitive, focusing on speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills under strict time limits. 

CAT Exam patterns:

Scoring and marking

• Correct Answer: 3 marks 

• Incorrect Answer (for Multiple Choice Questions - MCQs): -1 mark (negative marking) 

• Incorrect Answer (for Non-MCQ or "Type the Answer" questions): : 0 marks (no negative marking) 

What is the CAT exam eligibility?

You must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade, while for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the minimum marks required are 45%. To apply for the CAT exam.

Final Year students can also apply. There is no age limit for CAT Entrance Exams.

• Qualification:  Bachelor’s degree in any stream

• Minimum Marks: 50% (General), 45% (SC/ST/PwD)

• Final Year:  Eligible to apply

• Age Limit :  No age limit