About CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and postgraduate management programmes offered by IIMs and other leading business schools across India. CAT evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Through MyRankIndia, students can analyze mock test performance, estimate their expected percentile, predict their rank, and track their preparation progress with detailed performance analytics.
Program Highlight
Total Marks
204 Marks
Questions
68 Questions
Duration
2 Hours
Exam Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT)
About Programs
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and postgraduate management programmes offered by IIMs and other top business schools across India. CAT provides a standardized platform for students aspiring to build careers in management, business administration, finance, marketing, and related fields. The examination assesses candidates through three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Through MyRankIndia, students can analyze mock test performance, track improvement, estimate percentiles, and enhance their preparation with detailed performance insights.
CAT Highlights
- Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Exam Level: National Level
- Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Courses: MBA & Postgraduate Management Programmes
- Participating Institutions: IIMs and Other Leading Business Schools
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Questions: 68 Questions
- Total Marks: 204 Marks
- Marking Scheme: +3 for Correct Answer, -1 for Incorrect Answer (MCQs)
- Sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability
Exam Pattern
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination evaluates candidates' aptitude and analytical abilities through three major sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The test consists of multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions designed to assess language skills, logical thinking, data analysis, and mathematical aptitude required for management education.
CAT Exam Pattern
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 68 Questions |
| Total Marks | 204 Marks |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for Correct Answer, -1 for Incorrect Answer (MCQs) |
CAT Test Structure
| Section | Approx. Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 24 | 72 |
| Total | 68 Questions | 204 Marks |
CAT (Common Admission Test)
- Understand the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, and section-wise weightage.
- Develop strong reading comprehension skills by practicing editorials, articles, and complex passages regularly.
- Improve vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability skills for the VARC section.
- Practice logical reasoning and data interpretation sets to enhance analytical thinking.
- Strengthen quantitative aptitude concepts including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
- Attempt CAT-level mock tests on MyRankIndia to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Analyze mock test performance to identify weak areas and improve section-wise strategy.
- Track preparation progress regularly and optimize your approach for achieving a higher percentile.
CAT Syllabus
The CAT syllabus is designed by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and focuses on evaluating candidates' aptitude, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills required for management education. The examination consists of three major sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates should build strong conceptual understanding, practice regularly, and improve speed and accuracy through mock tests.
Section-wise Syllabus Overview
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Sentence Completion, Odd Sentence Out, Critical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets, Data Analysis, Arrangements, Puzzles, Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Syllogisms, and Logical Reasoning. |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Modern Mathematics, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Probability, and Statistics. |
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, and section-wise weightage.
- Build strong reading habits by regularly practicing comprehension passages from newspapers, editorials, and business articles.
- Strengthen quantitative aptitude concepts by practicing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and advanced mathematics topics.
- Practice Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sets regularly to improve analytical thinking and problem-solving speed.
- Revise important formulas, shortcuts, and concepts for faster problem-solving in the Quantitative Ability section.
- Attempt full-length CAT mock tests on MyRankIndia to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Analyze mock test performance to identify weak areas and improve section-wise preparation strategy.
MyRankIndia AIR Prediction
MyRankIndia's CAT Score & Percentile Predictor helps students estimate their expected CAT percentile and performance based on mock test scores and previous examination trends. By analyzing your test results, the platform provides an estimated score, percentile prediction, and performance insights, helping you understand your admission chances for top IIMs and business schools before the counselling and selection process.
How Prediction Works
- Enter your CAT mock test scores and performance details.
- Our system analyzes your section-wise performance in VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Estimate your expected CAT score and percentile.
- Compare your performance with previous CAT trends and score patterns.
- Track improvement after every mock test attempt.
Prediction Includes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Score | Predict your expected CAT score based on mock test performance and accuracy. |
| Estimated Percentile | Know your expected CAT percentile using previous year score and percentile trends. |
| IIM & B-School Admission Chances | Estimate your chances of receiving calls from top IIMs and other leading management institutes. |
| Performance Analysis | View detailed section-wise analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas. |
| Progress Tracking | Monitor your preparation growth and percentile improvement across multiple mock tests. |
Benefits
- Estimate your expected CAT score and percentile.
- Identify strong and weak sections across VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Track preparation progress after every mock test.
- Plan your MBA college preferences based on predicted percentile.
- Improve your CAT preparation strategy using detailed analytics from MyRankIndia.
Eligibility
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is open to candidates aspiring to pursue MBA and postgraduate management programmes offered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other leading business schools across India. Candidates must fulfill the required educational qualifications and eligibility conditions prescribed by the respective institutions for admission.
CAT Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Nationals and eligible foreign candidates can apply as per CAT and participating institute guidelines. |
| Qualifying Examination | Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university. |
| Minimum Marks | General category candidates require a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation. SC/ST/PwD candidates require 45% marks. |
| Age Limit | There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination. |
| Number of Attempts | There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CAT, provided candidates meet the eligibility requirements. |
| Final Year Students | Candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor's degree are eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling admission requirements. |
Documents Required
- Class 10 Mark Sheet and Certificate (Date of Birth Proof).
- Class 12 Mark Sheet and Certificate.
- Graduation Mark Sheets and Degree Certificate.
- Final Year Graduation Certificate or Bonafide Certificate (for appearing candidates).
- Recent Passport Size Photograph.
- Valid Government Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, etc.).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable.
- PwD Certificate, if applicable.
- CAT Registration Details and Admit Card (during examination process).