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Common Admission Test for IIMs • MBA Entrance Exam • 2.5+ Lakh Candidates
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to various management programs. CAT is the most competitive MBA entrance exam in India, with over 2.5 lakh candidates appearing annually for around 5,000 seats across 20 IIMs and 100+ other B-schools.
CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and over 1200 B-schools across India. The exam tests candidates on Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Success in CAT opens doors to prestigious management careers in top Indian corporations and multinational companies.
CAT is conducted once every year, usually in the month of November/December. The exam consists of 3 sections:
Educational Qualification:
Bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Age Limit:
No upper age limit for CAT exam.
IIM Ahmedabad
Rank #1
IIM Bangalore
Rank #2
IIM Calcutta
Rank #3
IIM Lucknow
Rank #4
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most prestigious management entrance examination in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis, CAT serves as the gateway to the premier management programs offered by IIMs and other top B-schools across the country.
With over 2.5 lakh candidates appearing annually for approximately 5,000 seats, CAT maintains its position as one of the most competitive entrance exams globally. The exam evaluates candidates across three key areas: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
CAT scores are accepted by all 20 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools including Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), SP Jain Institute of Management, MDI Gurgaon, and other premier institutions. A high CAT percentile opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in consulting, finance, marketing, and operations roles in India's top corporations.
The CAT exam pattern has evolved over the years to include innovative question types and adaptive testing elements, ensuring that only the most capable candidates secure admission to India's premier management programs.
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates).
Note: Final year students can also apply, but must complete their degree before the admission process.
Minimum Age
No restriction
Maximum Age
No restriction
There is no age limit for appearing in CAT exam.
Indian citizens and foreign nationals can apply for CAT.
Highest packages up to ₹1+ Crore per annum
Freshers
₹15-20 LPA
Average
₹20-25 LPA
Top 10%
₹30+ LPA
Complete CAT selection process for IIM admissions
Common Admission Test
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes
Based on CAT Score
IIMs shortlist candidates
Duration: Varies by IIM
WAT & GD/PI
Written test and interview
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Merit List
Based on overall performance
Duration: March-April
Visit the official CAT website and create your account using email ID and mobile number.
Enter personal details, academic qualifications, work experience, and program preferences.
Upload passport-size photograph and signature as per specifications.
Pay ₹2,300 for General category (₹1,150 for reserved categories).
Review all details and submit. Receive confirmation email with registration details.
Key dates and deadlines for CAT 2025 examination
Detailed pattern for Common Admission Test
| Section | Questions | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| Quantitative Ability | 22 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 120 |
Comprehensive topic-wise syllabus for CAT preparation
Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles, Para-completion, Sentence Exclusion, Analogies, Critical Reasoning, Vocabulary, Grammar, etc.
Data Tables, Data Charts, Bar Diagrams, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Data Analysis, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Series, etc.
Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Mathematics, Trigonometry, Calculus, Probability, etc.
CAT admit cards are usually released 10-15 days before the exam date on the official CAT website.
Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in
Click on "Login" and enter your User ID and password
Click on "Admit Card" link and download your hall ticket
Based on CAT 2023-2024 results
| IIM | Verbal | DILR | QA | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 70 | 70 | 70 | 80 |
| IIM Bangalore | 75 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
| IIM Calcutta | 75 | 75 | 75 | 85 |
All CAT exam resources and information
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