CAT FAQ's
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national level management aptitude test for aspirants to make a career in management and business administration. This computer-based exam assesses the aptitude of graduates who intend to pursue management education. The exam can be taken in English and the minimum eligibility requirement is a bachelor’s degree with at least 50%. CAT exams are usually held once a year, usually in November and December (forenoon and afternoon).
What are the advantages of the CAT & how is it useful?
CAT is conducted primarily by the IIMs to evaluate and shortlist candidates for postgraduate programmes. IIMs provide high-quality research and management education. As a result, the CAT exam has many benefits. A key advantage of taking the CAT exam is the opportunity to study at the best management colleges in India. Candidates who pass the CAT exam will be considered valuable and knowledgeable. Graduating from a tier-1 college entitles one to high salaries and unparalleled respect. Last but not least, CAT assists in developing one’s most valuable asset, time.
What is the Test Structure for CAT?
In the present form, CAT consists of 3 sections namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). In CAT 2022 the number of questions in each section were as follows:
VARC: 24 questions to be solved over 40 minutes
DILR: 20 questions to be solved over 40 minutes
QA: 22 questions to be solved over 40 minutes
Overall, there are 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. The sections are presented in the order mentioned and a candidate can go from one section to the next only after finishing the previous one. There are two types of questions that are found at the CAT: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that have four options out of which one is the right answer and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions that have no options and require a numerical input from the candidate. For each correct answer, the candidate gets 3 marks and for each incorrect answer to an MCQ, the candidate gets a penalty of 1 mark. For the TITA questions, incorrect answers do not invite any penalty. There is an online calculator to help candidates with basic calculations in the DILR and QA sections.
The maximum score that can be achieved at the test was 198. However, according to the actual result, 84 marks corresponded to a 99th percentile, 50 marks to a 90th percentile, and 36 marks to an 80th percentile.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for taking the CAT?
Candidates applying for CAT should fulfill any one of the following conditions:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree with the required percentage of marks*.
- Should be in the final year of Bachelor’s degree with required percentage*.
- Completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA) with required percentage*.
*SC/ST/PwD candidates should have a minimum 45%. For General, EWS and NC-OBC candidates, the minimum is 50%.
How should I prepare for the CAT?
To prepare for CAT thoroughly, one needs to work their way up with a planned approach. Before starting CAT preparation it is important to be aware of the syllabus. You will gain greater accuracy in less time if you have good conceptual clarity. Regular reading is essential to understanding the verbal ability section. As soon as you have mastered the basics, you can start solving topic-by-topic and chapter-by-chapter questions. Analyze the mock exams so you have a clear idea where you stand and how to prepare for the real exam.
How will I get the Unfair Advantage with IMS?
- Structured Mentorship : A CAT Mentor is assigned as your Personal coach to guide you throughout your preparation journey. Regular One-on-one & group mentoring sessions to address all your CAT, B-School & career-related queries.
- Video-first Approach : The best way to learn is to have the mentors personally explain each concept to you. The second best way is to watch videos by Master mentors for ALL concepts & practice Questions.
- AI-Powered Adaptive Practice : Now IMS’s AI will assist in achieving your target score! The AI analyzes your strengths & weaknesses & accordingly generates unique questions customized to your learning needs.
We believe that the 3 unique features – Structured Mentorship, Video-first approach & AI-powered Adaptive Practice will give you ‘ the IMS Unfair Advantage’
What are the Career Opportunities after the CAT?
CAT percentile determines eligibility for MBA/PGDBM programs at top B-schools in India. Providing a solid foundation in advanced business concepts and practical experience through assignments and internships, the two-year MBA program is a well-regarded masters degree program worldwide. MBA students can also develop entrepreneurial skills that could lead to starting their own business. Candidates with excellent managerial and administrative skills and experience in all sectors will be in high demand. Career opportunities are also available in marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. As a management trainee, you will be offered management roles within the organization, and once the training is completed, you can move into management.
When would the online content for IMS CAT 2023 programs be available?
Once you enrol, you get access to the Learn & Practice Module, GK Zone, SimCAT Zero & myIMS Channel (specific to your course).
The further content would be released later in a phased manner as per the schedule posted here.
What is a Foundation Module
30+ hours of Math/Verbal Foundation Classes to help students work on their Math/Verbal skills
Until when will I be able to access the online content?
The online content will be available for you to access until 31st March following the exam year enrolled for. (For eg: for CAT 2022 programs, the online content will be accessible until 31st March 2023)