Understanding the CAT Exam: A Comprehensive Overview

24 September 2024, 12:58 pm IST

2023 saw a record 3.3 lakh aspirants registering for the CAT, short for the Common Admission Test. This number has grown over the years, especially in light of the rising demand for management professionals.

Are you preparing for the CAT exam and stuck in the preparations? Well, let us shed some light on it. The CAT is a prestigious competitive exam. It is the best choice for people who wish to have a management degree. This computer-based examination is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Enrolling on this exam and passing it will enable you to get admission to MBA programs in the top management institutes of the country. The CAT exam for MBA  tests the skills of candidates in the field of management.

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Eligibility Criteria for CAT Exam

Eligibility Criteria for CAT Exam

Top business schools evaluate the aptitude and readiness of the students through the CAT. This makes the exam a crucial step in achieving the long-awaited dream. It is important to devote an ample amount of time to prepare for the exam. Moreover, when you focus on the CAT exam, it guarantees that you can get a secured seat in the best management institute in India. It is important to meet several educational qualifications to be eligible for the CAT exam for MBA:

  • You must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or the equivalent CGPA. The required cut-off for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, however, is 45%. It must be a government of India recognized degree.

  • There is no specific age limit for general category aspirants. SC, ST, and PwD candidates get an additional 5 years to prepare for the exam. Once they meet the eligibility criteria, candidates have enough time to take the test.

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Exam Pattern For CAT Exam

Exam Pattern For CAT Exam

The CAT exam for MBA follows the below-mentioned pattern:

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): There will be 21 MCQ questions and 3 non-MCQs.
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): You must answer 14 MCQs and 6 non-MCQs.
  • Quantitative Ability (QA): This section presents 14 MCQs and 8 non-MCQs.

Candidates have 2 hours or 120 minutes to answer 49 MCQs and 17 TITA (non-MCQ), each worth 3 marks. Each multiple-choice question has four options from which a candidate must choose the correct response. The full mark in the CAT exam is 198. Prior to 2020, the time duration was 180 minutes.

This section has a specific weightage for the exam.

  1. VARC- 34%
  2. DILR- 32%
  3. QA- 34%

Marking System

  • Every correct answer gets awarded 3 marks.
  • Each wrong answer is penalized by deducting 1 mark.
  • There is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.

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CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA

Syllabus  for CAT Exam

The CAT exam syllabus for mba covers three different sections:

  1. ### Quantitative Ability

Candidates are tested on their mathematical skills, which include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. In this particular section, one must solve the mathematical problems properly.

  1. ### Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

This section tests a candidate’s grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning. It is important to have a solid grasp of the language to secure a good score in this part.

  1. ### Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

This section requires candidates to extract data from tables, graphs, and charts. Only with their logical thinking and reasoning power can candidates analyze and solve complex problems. The section evaluates the candidates' decision-making skills and their ability to think critically under pressure.

Preparation Tips for CAT Exam

Preparation Tips for CAT Exam

One should follow the below tips before enrolling in the CAT exam for MBA:

  • Read books, editorials, and journals to improve your vocabulary.

  • Consider using study materials for quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning.

  • Create a study schedule and stick to it. This helps you manage your time smoothly and efficiently.

  • Knowing the marking scheme can boost accuracy and strategic answers. You can make better decisions and prepare for the exam.

  • Opt for regular mock tests and practice with sample papers. This helps you familiarize yourself with the exam format. Moreover, you can improve your speed and accuracy with regular practice.

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Conclusion

It is vital to know the importance of the CAT exam for MBA if you are preparing for the test. However, working professionals and students who do not have the time and means to prepare for CAT but want an MBA can also get the degree, that too without appearing for the exam. Several platforms and institutes offer online MBAs that you can consider to fulfil your dream of getting a degree. Consider factors like accreditation, curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student support, and flexibility to make your choice.

Amity Online is one such credible platform with a world-class faculty and a range of MBA programs. Students can put their theoretical learning into practice through projects, case studies, and internships. Visit the website to browse through the courses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAT exam for MBA?

Full form of CAT is the Common Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship MBA programs.

Who is eligible for the CAT exam?

The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC/ST/PwD categories) from a recognized university or educational institution

Is CAT MBA difficult?

CAT is considered one of the most toughest exam in India because of multiple factors

What job after CAT exam?

Management consulting, data analysis, financial analysis, human resources, marketing analysis, business analysis, and even aim for top leadership roles in companies

What is the salary of CAT?

The average C.A.T. salary ranges from approximately ₹30,03,135 per year (estimate) for a Manager to ₹30,01,365 per year (estimate) for a Manager.

Which subject is toughest in CAT?

VERBAL ABILITY AND READING COMPREHENSION(VARC)