The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams in India, primarily used for admission to top management programs, including those at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading business schools. Here’s a detailed overview of the CAT exam:

1. Purpose of the CAT Exam

• The CAT exam is conducted to select candidates for MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs offered by the IIMs and other top business schools in India.
• It assesses candidates’ abilities in various areas like quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.

2. Conducting Body

• The CAT exam is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. For example, in 2024, the IIM Lucknow will be conducting the exam.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CAT exam, candidates need to meet the following basic requirements:

• Educational Qualifications: A candidate must have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST, and PwD candidates) or equivalent CGPA from a recognized university.
• Final-year Students: Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply.
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit to appear for the exam.

4. CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is a computer-based test consisting of three main sections. It evaluates candidates on their analytical, reasoning, verbal, and quantitative skills.

• Total Duration: 2 hours
• Total Questions: 66 questions (approx.), divided across three sections.

The exam consists of the following sections:

1.     Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

o    Number of Questions: 24

o    Topics: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence completion, and verbal reasoning.

2.     Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

o    Number of Questions: 20

o    Topics: Data interpretation, puzzles, logical reasoning, data sufficiency.

3.     Quantitative Ability (QA):

o    Number of Questions: 22

o    Topics: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, number system, and other quantitative reasoning topics.

• Marking Scheme:
  • Each correct answer: +3 marks
  • Incorrect answer: -1 mark (except in certain question types like TITA, where no negative marking is applicable)

5. Registration and Application Process

• Registration: The registration process for CAT generally starts in August and ends in September. The application is available online through the official CAT website.
• Application Fee: The fee varies each year, but it is approximately:
  • General category: ₹2,400
  • SC/ST/PwD category: ₹1,200

6. Exam Schedule

• Frequency: The CAT is held once a year, usually in November or December.
• Mode: The exam is conducted in a computer-based format.