CAT Exam 2023, which stands for the Common Admission Test, will take place on 26th November 2023. This prestigious exam, conducted in computer-based mode, spans 400+ test centres in India, accommodating aspiring candidates from all corners of the country.
The official notification for CAT 2023 has been released on 30th July 2023, bringing excitement and anticipation to thousands of eager test-takers. Like previous years, the exam will be conducted in three sessions, allowing the students to showcase their abilities and pursue their dream careers.
It is worth noting that the responsibility of administering CAT 2023 lies in the hands of one of the old Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). This year, this responsibility has been taken by IIM Lucknow. This ensures the same level of excellence, reliability, and fairness that has come to be associated with this esteemed examination.
The registrations for CAT 2023 began from 2nd August and was to be closed by 13th September 2023 but as per the latest notification, the last date of registration has been extended till 20 September . CAT is a two-hour test, composed of MCQs and Non-MCQs. Its total number of questions is expected to be 66, as per the latest pattern. In the last few years, there have been frequent changes in the CAT exam pattern but, it will most probably be the same this time. In this article, you will learn about all aspects of CAT 2023.
Managing an organization demands a blend of expertise and extensive knowledge of various management principles. Many individuals are enticed by the prospect of earning a substantial salary, along with other perks, which motivates them to prepare for MBA entrance. Among these entrances, the Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as a gateway to higher management education. The prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) rely on CAT scores to select candidates for their MBA/PGDM programs. With a total of 20 IIMs, these institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and executive management education programs, catering to diverse learning needs.
What is CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) Exam, organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), is a prestigious national-level management entrance test that offers admission into 20 IIMs and over 100 reputable B-schools throughout India. Each year, one of the esteemed older IIMs is entrusted with the responsibility of conducting this highly anticipated exam.
With more than 2 lakh aspirants appearing for the CAT exam annually, the competition is fierce, as only a select few thousand are able to secure their coveted spots in top B-schools. While the IIMs remain the epitome of excellence, other renowned B-schools such as MDI (Gurgaon), IITs, SP Jain (Mumbai), IMT (Ghaziabad), FMS (Delhi), KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai), Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai), Xavier Institute of Management (Bhubaneswar), and many more prestigious institutions also accept CAT scores, further expanding the opportunities for aspiring management professionals.
Preparing for the CAT exam necessitates extensive dedication, comprehensive knowledge, and adept problem-solving skills. Success in this highly competitive exam opens doors to a world of endless possibilities within the realm of business and management studies.
CAT Exam Pattern 2023: Key Features
In view of limited admission seats and a large number of test-takers, CAT is rightly considered one of the most difficult entrance tests. It is designed to evaluate the candidate’s decision-making, time management, and dexterity in tackling complexity. All these traits determine the candidate’s suitability for management education as well as acumen for managerial occupations. Go through the main features of CAT exam structure:
- The CAT exam is divided into three sections:-
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- The duration of CAT 2023 exam is 120 minutes.
- Since the inclusion of TITA (Type in The Answer) questions in 2015, there has been a slight change in the test pattern of the exam. The number of TITA questions varies, but there is no negative marking for their incorrect answers.
- In the last few years, almost 25-33% of the questions have been non-MCQ (TITA) type.
- There is a penalty of 1 mark for each incorrectly answered MCQ, and 3 marks are awarded for each correct response.
- The order of the sections in the CAT exam is fixed, and students get 40 minutes for each section. Due to sectional time limits, the students cannot switch sections.
Note: In case of changes in the
CAT exam pattern, IIMs notify the candidates on their official website (
iimcat.ac.in). Students should visit the site for mock tests/ tutorials and the latest exam pattern. These mock tutorials will be uploaded in the month of October.
The stated scores of CAT are a result of scaling and normalization based on the performance of candidates appearing in multiple sessions. Most of the institutes set their cut-offs based on
CAT percentiles.
CAT Syllabus 2023
There is no standard syllabus prescribed for CAT, but the type and difficulty level of exam questions have remained nearly the same over time. The following topics are considered important for different areas of CAT:
- Quantitative part mainly focuses on the basic mathematical concepts and topics of arithmetic, number system, algebra, mensuration, geometry, and modern math. Arithmetic forms the major percentage of questions in this section, followed by algebra.
- In the VARC section, reading comprehension passages have always dominated making up almost 70% of the total questions. Other important questions are based on Para-jumbles and Para-Summary. A few questions may also be verbal reasoning, sentence completion, fill-in-the-blanks, etc.
- DI-LR sets primarily delve into caselets, tables, charts, graphs, and the common reasoning topics like arrangements, syllogism, blood relations, etc.
Besides, the non-MCQs feature in all the three sections of
CAT syllabus and are based on similar topics as MCQs.
CAT Notification & Registration 2023
CAT will be conducted on 26th November this year. You can check the official notifications. This is where you will find the online registration process, allowing you to secure your spot for the examination. In addition to the notification, you will also have access to important information such as key dates, application fees, available MBA/PGP programs, and other essential details crucial for your CAT exam preparation.
CAT 2023: Things to Know
- CAT application form has to be submitted online.
- CAT 2023 exam will be held in almost 155 cities across the country.
- CAT registration stays open for nearly 45 days from its start date.
- Most important, CAT aspirants should maintain a valid and unique email account and a mobile number for the selection process to be carried out smoothly.
- CAT result is released within a month of the exam.
CAT 2023: Important Dates
Here is an overview of the tentative dates for CAT 2023:
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Event
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Dates
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30th July 2023
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CAT 2023 Registration Starts
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2nd August 2023
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CAT 2023 Registration Ends
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20 September 2023
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CAT 2023 Admit Card Release
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October 25 – November 26, 2023
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CAT 2023 Exam Date
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26th November 2023
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CAT 2023 Answer Key Release
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1st/ 2nd week of December 2023
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CAT 2023 Result Declaration
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2nd week of January 2024
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CAT 2023: Registration Process
Follow the given steps while applying for CAT 2023 online:
- At the official website, click ‘Register Now’ and generate your login credentials. Input the required details (Name, Date of Birth, Email Address, etc.).
You will also get an email and SMS regarding your login credentials.
- In the next step, you need to login with your user ID and Password. Thereafter, complete your CAT application form and upload the scanned copies of the stated documents.
Remember to click on ‘Save & Continue’ before moving on to every next step. CAT application form can also be completed in several sessions, simply by logging in again.
- Apart from your personal and academic information, you need to provide details about your work experience, if applicable. Further, you also have to indicate your preferred programmes/institutes (IIMs) and select the interview cities from the given options.
- Finally, you need to pay CAT application fee via Net Banking/Credit/Debit Card/ or other such modes. Once you have paid the fee, you will not be able to make any changes in the form. So, double-check the form before the submission and payment.
CAT Admit Card 2023
The admit card for CAT 2023 needs to be downloaded from the official website. CAT admit card displays information regarding your exam center ’saddress, reporting time, exam timing, google map link to locate the center, and other requisite exam day instructions. You need to have a printout of the admit card to present at the exam center. The given steps will help you download CAT 2023 admit card:
- At the official website, login with your CAT user ID and password
- Click on the ‘Download CAT Admit Card’ link. Your hall will be displayed; you can download and take a printout of it. You can also save its soft copy for reference.
CAT Exam Day – Do’s and Don’ts
Before going to the exam, you need to have certain documents. Here is the list of things you are expected to have at the exam centre:
- Admit card: Make sure that you have two print-outs of your admit cards, with your photo pasted on it.
- Identity Proof: You are required to carry a photo ID (employer ID/ PAN card/ Aadhaar card/ driving license/ passport/ Voter ID)
In case, you have changed your name recently, then you must have a name change document or certificate.
Things forbidden at the CAT center:
- Calculator, watch, phone, tablet, or any other electronic item
- Metallic jewellery/ accessories
- Bags/ Jackets/ clothes with pockets/ Closed footwear
- Eatables/ beverages
Exception: People with any sort of metal implant in their body need to have a medical certificate for the same.
CAT Answer Key 2023
Almost a week after CAT 2023 exam, its answer key and the candidate’s response sheet will be revealed on the official website. Follow the given steps to access CAT answer key 2023 from the official website:
- Login with your CAT user ID and password at the official website
- Click on 'CAT 2023 answer key' and choose to ‘download’ it as PDF.
Note that the objection window for CAT answer key is open until 3-4 days of the release. If you want to report any such discrepancy or error, you need to fill an online form present on the official site, upload the required document/s to support your objection and pay the stated fee.
CAT Result 2023
CAT result is announced in the month of January. Its scorecard can be downloaded from the official site in PDF format. Here are the steps to check and download your CAT 2023 result:
- At the official website, you will see a ‘CAT scorecard/ result’ tab.
- Provide your related CAT application number and password
- Choose the ‘scorecard’ section and download your CAT score report.
Your
CAT 2023 scorecard will consist of individual sectional scores, sectional percentiles, overall score, and overall percentile.
CAT Exam Centres 2023
CAT is held across various cities of India. So, the candidates can conveniently choose a set of preferred cities from the given list. As per the last year, we are presenting here the complete table of CAT exam centres:
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State
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Exam Centres
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Port Blair
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Andhra Pradesh
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Guntur; Kakinada; Kurnool; Nellore; Rajahmundry; Tirupathi; Vijayawada; Visakhapatnam
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Itanagar
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Assam
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Dibrugarh; Guwahati; Silchar
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Bihar
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Aurangabad; Muzaffarpur; Patna; Purnea
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Chandigarh
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Chandigarh
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Chhattisgarh
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Bhilai; Raipur
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Delhi-NCR
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Delhi, New Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida, Panipat, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida,
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Goa
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Madgaon; Panaji
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Gujarat
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Ahmedabad; Anand; Gandhinagar; Rajkot; Surat; Vadodara
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Haryana
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Ambala; Bahadurgarh; Hisar; Palwal; Rohtak; Sonipat
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Himachal Pradesh
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Simla; Waknaghat
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Jammu & Kashmir
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Jammu; Samba, Kashmir
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Jharkhand
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Bokaro; Dhanbad; Jamshedpur; Ranchi
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Karnataka
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Banglore; Belagavi (Belgaum); Dharwad; Gulbarga; Hubli; Mangalore; Mysore; Udupi
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Kerala
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Ernakulam; Kasaragod; Kollam; Kozhikode; Malappuram; Thrissur; Trivandrum
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Madhya Pradesh
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Bhopal; Gwalior; Indore; Jabalpur; Sagar
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Maharashtra
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Ahmednagar; Amravati; Aurangabad; Jalgaon; Kolhapur; Mumbai, Navi Mumbai; Nagpur; Nanded; Nashik; Pune; Raigad; Satara; Solapur; Thane; Ulhasnagar
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Meghalaya
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Shillong
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Odisha
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Balasore; Berhampur; Bhubaneswar; Cuttack; Dhenkanal; Sambalpur; Rourkela
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Puducherry
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Puducherry
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Punjab
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Bhatinda; Chandigarh; Fatehgarh Sahib; Jalandhar; Ludhiana; Mohali; Pathankot; Patiala; Ropar; Sangrur
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Rajasthan
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Ajmer; Alwar; Jaipur; Jodhpur; Kota; Sikar; Udaipur
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Tamilnadu
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Chennai; Coimbatore; Madurai; Namakkal; Thanjavur; Tiruchirappalli; Tirunelvelli
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Telangana
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Hyderabad; Karim Nagar; Warangal
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Uttar Pradesh
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Agra; Allahabad; Barabanki; Bareilly; Ghaziabad; Gorakhpur; Greater Noida; Kanpur; Lucknow; Mathura; Meerut; Muzaffarnagar; Noida; Varanasi
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Uttarakhand
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Dehradun; Roorkee
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West Bengal
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Asansol; Bankura; Burdwan; Durgapur; Hooghly; Howrah; Kalyani; Kolkata; Siliguri
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CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023
Candidates need to fulfil certain criteria to become eligible for the CAT exam. Make sure you meet the following educational requirements:
- Candidates should have completed Bachelor’s/ equivalent degree from a recognized university/board. Students in their final year of graduation can also appear for the CAT exam.
- Candidates must have attained at least 50% in bachelor degree/ equivalent. For more details, refer to New Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2023.
Note that the accurate eligibility criteria for MBA admission vary from one B-school to another as well as course to course in some institutes. Further, almost all B-schools provide reservations for various categories of candidates. For detailed information regarding eligibility, checkout the official websites of the respective colleges.
Did you Know: After the foundation of IIM-Calcutta and IIM-Ahmedabad in 1961, the B-schools started conducting the admission on the basis of their own entrance examinations. But after the establishment of IIM-Bangalore in 1973 and IIM-Lucknow in 1983, these institutes decided to hold a common entrance test on the lines of GMAT. This led to the introduction of CAT in 1984.
Top Colleges Accepting CAT Score 2023
A total of 115+ reputed B-schools in India accept CAT scores, and a few foreign institutes also consider CAT. Apart from 20 IIMs, CAT participating Institutes include other public and private institutes. Some of the top B-schools accepting CAT scores are:
- BITSoM, BITS School of Management, Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta
- Indian Institute Of Management(IIM), Lucknow
- S. P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai
- Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon
- Indian Institute Of Management (IIM), Kozhikode
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Indore
- International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi
- Faculty of management studies (FMS), New Delhi
- Institute Of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
- National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Trichy
- Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management (IIM),Shillong
- Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kashipur
- Department of management studies (IIT Delhi), New Delhi
- Sydenham Institute of management studies and research and entrepreneurship education (SIMSREE), Mumbai
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of management studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
- Shailesh J Mehta School of Management (IIT Bombay), Mumbai
- Vinod Gupta school of management (VGSOM), IIT Kharagpur
CAT Cut-off 2023
For most B-schools in India, the Common Admission Test (CAT) serves as a primary criterion for shortlisting candidates for further admission rounds. CAT results, typically declared in January, trigger a flurry of calls from B-schools reaching out to test-takers based on their profiles and scores.
It's worth noting that while CAT scores hold significant weightage for some institutes, others take a more holistic approach, considering factors such as overall academic profile and work experience. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the best-fit candidates are selected for the next phase of the admissions process. So, aspiring business students, gear up and aim for excellence in the CAT to maximize your chances of securing admission to your dream B-school!:
- Total number of students who appear for CAT 2023
- Difficulty level of CAT exam
- Total number of admission seats available at the B-school
- Ranking/reputation of the B-school
The following shows the approximate cut-off figures for reputed B-schools of India:
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CAT Cut-off
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Institutes
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94+
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FMS, MDI-G, IISc-B, IIM-RH, IIM-RN, IIM-RP, IIM-KS, IIM-UP, IIM-T, IIM-BG
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90+ (profile-based)
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IIM-I, IIM-J, IIT-B, IIT-D, IIT-KH, IMT-G
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80+ (profile-based)
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IIM-A, IIM-B, IIM-C, IIM-L, IIM-K, SPJIMR, NITIE, KJSIMSR
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80+
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DU, UBS-CHD, IMT-N, GLIM, FSM, IRMA, TAPMI, NIRMA, IIFM, LBSIM
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70+
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IMT-H, BIMTECH, MDI-M
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MBA Admission Process
After the declaration of CAT result, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious B-schools initiate the shortlisting process for the selection rounds. These selection rounds usually include the –
WAT (Written ability test/Essay writing), Group/Case Discussion (GD/CD), Group Exercise, and Personal Interview (PI). While IIMs and some other top B-schools disclose their admission criteria and cut-offs prior to the result announcement, it is common for a majority of B-schools to announce their cut-offs only after the CAT result is declared. This can lead to a period of anticipation and uncertainty for many students aspiring to secure a seat in their dream B-school. However, it is important to remember that with energy, persistence, and sheer determination, all obstacles can be conquered.
The final merit list at the B-schools is based on candidates’ performance in the CAT exam, selection rounds, and profile. Different B-schools allocate different weightages to CAT score, academic profile/diversity, work experience, and marks in the selection process. Accordingly, the candidates are granted admission to the management courses.
MBA Courses Offered by IIMs
The following table gives a glimpse of the popular and unique MBA/PGDM courses offered by IIMs:
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Course
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Description
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PGP - Post Graduate Program in Management
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The flagship programme of IIMs, PGP is equivalent to an MBA degree.It is a two-year full-time programme spanning six trimesters.
PGP covers all the core subjects of management, and in the second year, students can select their preferred subject from the choice of electives. After completing the programme, students are awarded with PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management).
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PGDHRM - PGP in Human Resource Management
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This is the flagship programme of IIM Ranchi. It is offered by IIM Indore, and similar courses are extended by other IIMs.
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PGP- FABM (Food and Agribusiness Management), previously PGP-ABM
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Offered by IIM-A, PGP-FABM maintains a common syllabus with PGP in the first year. In the second year of FABM, the focus is specifically on agro-based subjects.
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PGPPM - PGP in Public Policy and Management
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Facilitated by IIM-B, PGPPM is a one-year programme developed to train students in public policy and leadership. It also covers an international immersion programme of 2 weeks.
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PGPBM - PGP in Business Management
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PGPBM is offered by IIM Tiruchirappalli. It is a two-year programme devised to mentor working executives for higher leadership.
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PGPEM - PGP in Enterprise Management
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Preferred by senior and mid-level executives, PGPEM is a two-year weekend programme provided by IIM Bangalore. It is meant for people with a minimum 4 years of work experience.
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PGP-ABM - PGP in Agri-Business Management
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PGP-ABM is a two-year full-time programme extended by IIM Lucknow. It is particularly designed to develop leaders in the field of agribusiness.
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PGP-SM - PGP in Sustainable Management
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PGP-SM is a two-year full-time programme offered by IIM Lucknow. It aims to nurture professionals with good knowledge ofsocial, economic, and environmental issues.
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ROI of Top MBA programmes
No doubt, MBA counts among the most expensive courses in India and abroad. Yet, considering the course’s ROI in terms of career prospects and hefty placement packages, it makes the cost worth it. IIMs and other top-ranked B-schools are known for their high ROI. Glance through some great facts about the ROI of the best MBA programmes in India:
- In the year 2022, 190 companies participated, releasing a total of 220 offers at IIM- Ahmedabad.
- Top MNCs such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, McKinsey & Co, Blackstone Group, and Strategy recruit management graduates from IIM Ahmedabad. Many new companies, such as Garena, Eightfold.ai, and H&R Johnson, (Prism Johnson Limited) participated in this year's IIM-A placements.
- At IIM Bangalore, there are 500+ offers from top Multinational Companies and a constant increase in the total number of jobs offered compared to previous years. The Average Salary offered was INR 33.82 LPA whereas the Median Salary stood at INR 31.2 LPA.
- The average CTC of MBA graduates from IIM Lucknow is INR 31.03 LPA, and the Highest CTC: INR 61.59 LPA.
- At IIM Kolkata, the average salary of MBA graduates is 29.71 LPA, and the median salary is INR 42.5 LPA. The top 10% of MBA graduates at IIM Kolkata receive astounding packages of average Rs 54 Lakh per annum. Apart from this, more than 190 companies visited the campus and 631 offers were made during IIM Kolkata placements 2022. The top recruiters of IIM Calcutta in 2022 included leading companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Microsoft and Paytm.
- In the majority of the IIMs, the average placement salary is between INR 20-25 lakh per annum. Other B-schools with the same statistics include FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, etc.
The above data indicates that students of these premier IIMs will benefit innumerable ways. Getting recruited by top multinational companies for varied managerial roles will enhance their learning and raise their career graphs.
Preparation Tips for CAT 2023
Usually, aspirants start preparing at least six months before the exam. Ideally, it should begin with going through the syllabus and building conceptual clarity of essential topics to practising
CAT mock tests and previous year papers. Listed below are some expert tips and tricks to include in your CAT preparation plan:
- Make quick notes of important formulae and shortcuts for last-minute revisions.
- Develop a regular habit of reading newspapers, books, magazines, etc.
- Jot down notes/ use flashcards for new words you learn every day. If you make it a point to utilize them while communicating, you will be able to build a strong vocabulary.
- Practice topic-wise and sectional tests on a periodic basis. Alongside, monitor your improvements in speed and accuracy over time.
- Identify your weak and strong areas and strategize to work on the former.
- Once you are thorough with all the requisite topics, start practicing the full-length mock tests and analyze your performance.
- You may need to modify your test-taking strategy after testing it during mocks. Keep in mind that different strategies work for different candidates.
- Remember to take regular breaks in between your study routine. It will help you stay motivated and focused.
Lastly, you must have a well-planned daily schedule as well as a month-wise plan for
CAT preparation. Consistency, coupled with a smart exam strategy, will help you crack CAT 2023 with an excellent score.
Best Books for CAT 2023
There are many CAT books available both in online and offline formats. After thorough scrutiny, our experts have shortlisted the most reliable and
best books for CAT preparation. Here is the list of CAT books for your reference:
- Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
Apart from the above-listed, it is recommended that you begin with the books like:
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary
- Puzzles to Puzzle you by Shakuntala Devi
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
NOTE: Make sure to buy only the latest edition of these books.
CAT Coaching
Considering the high competition and difficulty level of CAT, students usually opt for coaching so as to crack the exam with a good score. With lakhs of MBA aspirants competing for the limited seats of IIMs, it is not easy to attain a top percentile in CAT. To guide you the right way, we at Hitbullseye, provide you with the most comprehensive study resources, including eBooks, recorded and live lectures, mock tests, and more in our
CAT prep courses.
CAT Sample Papers
Sample papers and mock tests play a crucial role in CAT preparation. They are meticulously designed to reflect the expected pattern and questions of the actual exam. By undertaking these practice tests, you not only gain familiarity with the exam environment but also sharpen your abilities to handle time constraints and navigate various difficulty levels. This comprehensive preparation reduces the chances of encountering surprise elements or experiencing nerve-racking moments on the exam day, allowing you to approach the CAT with confidence and composure. This is because with every next
CAT sample paper or mock test that you practice, you will have bettered your exam-taking strategy. Here, we have provided a list of sample papers for CAT 2023:
| CAT Sample Papers |
Download Link |
| CAT Sample Paper 1 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 2 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 3 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 4 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 5 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 6 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 7 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 8 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 9 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 10 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 11 |
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| CAT Sample Paper 12 |
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Previous Year CAT Papers
The actual CAT papers prove to be highly useful resources for candidates looking to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level in depth. By solving these papers, you not only gain insight into the structure and format of the exam but also get a chance to identify the important topics covered in different sections. It's a valuable opportunity to gauge your progress and readiness for the upcoming CAT exam. So don't miss out on solving these papers and taking your preparation to the next level!
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Paper
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Description
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Link
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CAT 2022
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CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot I
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CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot II
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CAT 2022 Question Paper Slot III
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CAT 2021
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CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot I
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CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot II
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CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot III
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CAT 2020
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CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot I
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CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot II
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CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot III
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CAT 2019
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CAT 2019 Question Paper Slot I
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CAT 2019 Question Paper Slot II
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Previous Year CAT Analysis
CAT exam has undergone several changes since its inception. These changes have been seen in its exam pattern, type of questions, number of questions, and time limits. Nevertheless, the difficulty level of the exam has always remained on the higher side. Here is a brief section-wise
analysis of the actual CAT papers of the last few years:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
In this section, you will come across four RC passages. These passages are accompanied by a series of questions, which collectively contribute to nearly 70% of the total weightage of this section. Apart from the RC questions, you will also encounter other question types like Para jumbles, Para Summary, odd-one-out, and various grammar-based topics. These additional question types provide a comprehensive assessment of your reading and language skills, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This particular section is commonly acknowledged as the lengthiest among all, mainly due to the calculation-intensive nature of its questions. It comprises of about four to five sets that are primarily based on data interpretation and reasoning. Each set is accompanied by a set of four to six questions, providing ample opportunities for in-depth analysis. In the data interpretation sets, you will encounter information presented in various graphical formats, such as bar graphs, charts, tables, and more. On the other hand, the logical reasoning questions encompass a wide range of intriguing themes, including arrangements, blood relations, syllogism, and related topics.
Quantitative Aptitude
The quantitative section in the CAT (Common Admission Test) is primarily focused on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. It comprises around 8-10 questions related to arithmetic, testing various concepts and problem-solving techniques. Following that, there are typically 4-6 questions pertaining to algebra, covering topics such as equations, inequalities, and functions. Additionally, the section includes 3-4 questions exploring geometry, with an emphasis on angles, triangles, and circles. Apart from these core topics, there may also be a few questions that touch upon modern mathematics, encompassing areas like probability, permutations, and combinations.
FAQs Regarding CAT 2023
- Who is eligible for CAT exam?
Candidates with a bachelor's degree/equivalent from a recognised institute can appear for CAT. Also, they need to have attained at least 50% marks/equivalent CGPA in their bachelor's degree. Even the candidates in the final year of their graduation can take CAT, but they must be able to fulfil the remaining conditions before admission.
- What is CAT exam used for?
CAT is the entrance test for admissions to MBA/PGDM/equivalent programmes offered by B-schools and management institutes.
- Is CAT exam only for MBA?
Yes, it is a compulsory test for people seeking admission to MBA programmes for most of the B-schools in India. However, several B-schools accept other similar entrance test scores also.
- Is the CAT exam tough?
Yes, CAT is not just a competitive exam but also complex in terms of questions. However, if you stay focused and follow a disciplined preparation strategy, you will be able to crack it well.
- What is the registration fee for CAT 2023?
CAT 2023 fee is Rs. 2400 for general category and Rs. 1200 for reserved category students.
- What is fee for raising objection on CAT 2023 answer key?
You need to pay Rs. 1200 per question, while challenging the answer key.
- How long are the CAT scores valid?
Generally, the CAT score is valid for one year except for the institutes which offer deferred admission, taking into account the work experience of the candidate. For CAT 2023, the score is valid only till December 31, 2024.
- Are there any age restrictions for appearing in CAT?
There is no age bar to appear for CAT.
- How many times can I take the CAT exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT.
- Can I appear for more than one slot for CAT?
No, you are not allowed to appear for more than one slot for a CAT session.
- Can I opt for the exam shift of my choice?
CAT is held in 2-3 shifts on a single day. However, the slot/shift is assigned by the authorities only.
- What is a good score/percentile in CAT?
Initially, most of the IIMs shortlisted candidates with 95-99 percentile. But in the last few years, the top ones like IIM-A have started profile-based shortlisting and have set their CAT cut-offs at 80 percentile. Yet, it is still better to target a percentile of 95 and above, if you want to stay open for a more number of B-schools.
- How many questions should I attempt to get 99+ percentile in CAT?
CAT is more a test of tactical skills than time management. Experts recommend that you will need to attempt atleast 75% questions with high accuracy so as to get 99+ percentile.
- Is there any sectional qualifying score in CAT?
Most B-schools differ in their overall
CAT cut off as well as sectional cut offs. However, the top institutes like IIMs usually set their sectional cut off criteria somewhere between 70 to 90 percentile.
CAT 2024
Based on the observation of trends in the past years, it is anticipated that CAT 2024, the prestigious management entrance exam, will be scheduled on the last Sunday of November 2024. As for the registrations, aspirants can expect to receive notifications by July 2024, with the registration process likely commencing in August and concluding within the same year. Stay tuned for further updates and important dates to embark on your journey towards achieving your management goals! You can visit
CAT 2024, for more information.
More updates will be posted soon!
