Overview of CAT exam
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer based exam for admission into management programs in top business schools in India. The exam was created in the early 1950s by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as an admission criterion for their management programs. Initially, CAT was a paper-based test conducted locally by each IIM.
According to Wikipedia, in 2009 CAT became a centralized, computer-based test with a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. The new pattern aimed to eliminate bias and improve fairness and test efficiency. Currently, IIMs use CAT scores for shortlisting applicants for their Post Graduate and Fellow management programs.
The key purpose of CAT exam is to evaluate a candidate’s Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning skills (LR) for admission into premier management institutes. It serves as the first level screening tool to shortlist candidates with high aptitude for management education. The exam is accepted by over 150 management institutes across India.
CAT holds great importance for MBA aspirants. It is considered one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India with over 2 lakh test takers. Good CAT scores improve chances of getting into a top MBA college. It is the gateway to admission in IIMs as well as other reputed institutes for their flagship Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP).
Exam Format
The CAT exam consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The exam format varies slightly every year in terms of number of questions and time duration.
The VARC section tests verbal reasoning and comprehension skills. It contains 24-30 questions including reading comprehension passages, verbal logic, vocabulary, grammar, and critical reasoning. CAT Exam Pattern 2023
The DILR section consists of 16-18 questions testing data interpretation and logical reasoning abilities. Questions include charts, graphs, tables, puzzles, syllogisms, and logical sequences. Candidates need to analyze data and use logic to solve problems.
The QA section has 20-25 questions on quantitative ability, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, and speed-time calculations. It evaluates mathematical skills and aptitude.
Earlier CAT had 150 questions divided into 3 sections. In 2020, the exam was reduced to 76 questions and the sectional time limit removed, giving more flexibility. The reduced length makes CAT more intense with focus on speed and accuracy. CAT Exam Pattern 2023
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for CAT exam 2023 are as follows:
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved category candidates) from a recognized university. Candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply.
Reference: https://www.careerlauncher.com/cat-mba/eligibility/
Age Limit
There is no age limit criteria for CAT exam. Candidates of any age can appear for the exam as long as they meet the educational qualification requirement.
Reference: https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-eligibility-criteria
Number of Attempts
There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the CAT exam. One can appear for CAT any number of times.
Reference: https://byjusexamprep.com/mba-entrance-exams/cat-exam-eligibility
Exam duration
The CAT exam will be 2 hours long in total for 2023, with sectional time limits (CAT Exam Pattern 2023). The exam is divided into 3 sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 40 minutes
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 40 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – 40 minutes
Candidates need to attempt each section within the specified time limit. The total time allotted for the CAT exam 2023 is 120 minutes. Time management is crucial in the exam to ensure all sections are attempted properly within the stipulated time.
Registration Process for CAT 2023
The registration process for CAT 2023 generally begins in the first week of August and continues till the third week of September. The registration is completely online at the official CAT website https://iimcat.ac.in/.
To register for CAT 2023, candidates need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official CAT website and click on the registration link.
- Fill the registration form with all the required personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, caste certificate (if applicable), and other documents.
- Make the registration fee payment online via net banking, credit/debit card, UPI or any other available payment mode.
- Download the confirmation page after submission of form.
The required documents for CAT registration are:
- Scanned photograph
- Scanned signature
- Caste certificate (for NC-OBC/SC/ST candidates)
- PwD certificate (for candidates with disabilities)
The registration fee for CAT 2023 is ₹2,200 for general category candidates. Reserved category candidates have to pay ₹1,100 as registration fees.
Important Dates
The important dates for CAT 2023 are as follows:
Registration Timeline:
- The registration window opened on August 2, 2022 and closed on September 14, 2022. Candidates had to register online at iimcat.ac.in.
Admit Card Download:
- CAT admit cards will be available for download from October 27 to November 27, 2022 on the official website.
Test Center Allotment:
- CAT exam centers are allotted to candidates in the last week of October or first week of November 2022.
Result Dates:
- CAT 2022 results are expected to be declared by the second week of January 2023 on the official website.
Exam Syllabus
The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Let’s look at the detailed syllabus of each section:
The VARC section tests you on:
- Reading Comprehension – passages from different genres like fiction, non-fiction, academic writing etc.
- Verbal Ability – topics like synonyms, antonyms, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, sentence correction etc.
- Vocabulary – words usage in context, idioms, phrases etc.
The DILR section covers:
- Data Interpretation – analyzing data presented in forms of tables, charts, graphs etc.
- Logical Reasoning – topics like syllogisms, logical deductions, analogies, visual reasoning, decision making etc.
The Quantitative Aptitude section includes questions on:
- Arithmetic – numbers, speed-time-distance, time-work, percentages, profit-loss, ratio-proportion, mixture-allegations etc.
- Algebra – linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, graphs etc.
- Geometry and Mensuration – 2D and 3D shapes, trigonometry, coordinate geometry etc.
- Modern Mathematics – set theory, venn diagrams, permutations-combinations, probability etc.
The detailed syllabus helps you strategize your preparation and focus on strengthening your concepts in these topics. You can refer to the official CAT syllabus for the weightage of each section.
Question paper analysis
The difficulty level of CAT papers has varied over the years. According to the CAT Exam Analysis, the 2020 paper was of moderate difficulty level while the 2021 paper was comparatively tougher. The quantitative ability and data interpretation section is usually considered the toughest.
The topics covered in CAT exam have remained consistent, aligning with the prescribed syllabus. Areas like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, data interpretation are covered in QA/DI section. Verbal ability focuses on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, logical reasoning. The VARC section covers passages from diverse topics – social sciences, humanities, sciences etc.
The nature of questions is mixed. There are MCQs as well as non-MCQs. Non-MCQs include Type in Answer, Pick from a Drop Down List, and Arrange in Correct Order. Some questions require lengthy calculations. Data Interpretation questions are based on bar graphs, tables, pie charts etc. Logical reasoning questions test analytical skills.
Preparation tips for CAT exam 2023
Developing a comprehensive study plan is crucial for CAT preparation. Experts recommend starting preparation at least 4-6 months in advance and setting aside at least 2-3 hours daily for self-study (Source). The study plan should cover all sections of the exam and focus on strengthening conceptual knowledge as well as speed and accuracy.
Attempting mock tests regularly is also an important part of exam preparation. Aspirants must analyze their mock test performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. As per experts, attempting 40-50 mocks is ideal for getting exam-ready (Source).
Some important books and resources for CAT preparation include previous years’ question papers, Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, and Verbal Ability by Nishit Sinha. The official CAT website and online learning platforms like Byju’s also offer prep resources (Source).
Managing time efficiently is critical for maximizing CAT score. Aspirants should practice solving mock tests within the allotted time to improve speed and time management.
Latest updates
Some key updates to know about the CAT exam 2023 include changes to the exam pattern, COVID-related updates, and new exam centers added.
In terms of changes to the exam pattern, CAT 2023 will now have shorter test duration of 120 minutes instead of 180 minutes previously. The number of questions has also reduced from 100 to 76. There will be sectional time limits of 40 minutes for each section. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam 1.
For COVID-related updates, CAT 2023 will be conducted at test centers with strict social distancing protocols. Candidates will be required to wear masks at all times, and seating arrangement will ensure adequate spacing between students 2.
The number of exam centers has also increased to 158 in 2023, up from 156 in 2022. New centers have been added in Itanagar, Agartala, Dehradun, etc to facilitate access for students across India.