Every year, lakhs of students appear for various management entrance tests like CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, etc. Undoubtedly, CAT is one of the toughest exams and provides a gateway to prestigious IIMs and other premier B-Schools across the nation. CAT is conducted in a computer-based mode by Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. A two-year post-graduate degree in management from one of the top IIMs is an assurance for a bright career in the corporate sector. In these programmes, candidates get to learn management principles and develop leadership qualities required for working in top multinational companies.
CAT 2021: Official Announcement
CAT remains one of the most sought-after competitive examinations and attracts graduates of all streams. Many working professionals also take CAT in order to step up the corporate ladder. The score is not only accepted by the IIMs, but also by other 100+ top-notch B-schools across the country. Approximately, 5100 MBA seats are offered by the IIMs alone.
After a gap of 5 years, IIM Ahmedabad will conduct CAT 2021. For the smooth administration, Prof. M.P. Ram Mohan, faculty IIM, has been appointed as the CAT 2021 exam convenor. While we can expect CAT to be administered without any delay yet a few changes in the pattern are anticipated.
The official registration of CAT begins in the month of August and the test will be conducted in November. Here, we bring you the important dates of the CAT 2021 so that you gain a fair idea about CAT and plan your preparation accordingly. A well-structured plan and a step-by-step approach are required for covering the entire syllabus and score well in the exam.
CAT 2021 will be conducted in November, 2021.
CAT 2021: Important Dates
| CAT 2021 Exam Details |
CAT 2021 Exam Dates |
| CAT Notification release date |
Last Week of July 2021 |
| CAT 2021 Registration Start Date |
First Week of August 2021 |
| CAT 2021 Last Date for Online Registration |
Third Week of September 2021 |
| CAT 2021 Issue of Admit Card |
Fourth Week of October 2021 |
| CAT 2021 Exam Date |
Fourth Week of November 2021 |
| Release of CAT Answer Key |
First Week of December 2021 |
| CAT 2021 Result Announcement |
Second Week of January 2022 |
Note: Students are advised to go through the official CAT website for latest exam pattern as well as mock tutorials.
CAT 2021: Important Facts
A quick overview of important facts about CAT:
| Name of test |
Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Purpose of test |
Qualifying test for admission to 20 IIMs and over 100 B-schools across India |
| CAT 2021 Exam Date |
Fourth Week of November 2021 |
| CAT Entrance exam sessions (As per CAT 2020) |
3 Sessions/Slots |
| Slot Timing (As per CAT 2020) |
Slot 1 (8.30 am to 10.30 am)
Slot 2 (12.30 pm to 2.30 pm)
Slot 3 (4.30 pm to 6.30 pm) |
| Conducted by |
IIM Ahmedabad |
| Exam type |
National level |
| Periodicity |
Once in a year |
| Score/Percentile Validity |
One Year |
| Annual Number of Test Takers |
2-2.5 lakh |
| Pattern of Test |
MCQs and Non-MCQs |
| Number of Questions (As per CAT 2020) |
76 |
| Test Duration |
2 hours |
| Marking Scheme |
+3 for every correct answer
-1 for each wrong answer |
| Syllabus |
Questions from VARC, QA and DI & LR |
| Mode of Conduct |
Computer-based |
| CAT 2021 Convenor |
MP Ram Mohan |
| Application Fee |
Rs. 2000/-
|
| Reservation of seats in IIMs and B-schools |
As per the Government of India regulations |
| Official Website |
https://iimcat.ac.in/ |
Over the last few years, there have been significant changes in the pattern of CAT; one such major change being the drop in the number of questions from 100 to 76 in 2020. Accordingly, the time limit and total marks were altered for the exam. However, this year, the conducting body may revert back to the previous pattern. Nonetheless, the dates for the exam notification, registration, and result remain nearly same. The students are required to register online for the CAT 2021 from the month of August.
