Common Admission Test or CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in our country as it is a gateway to the coveted IIMs and other top B-Schools. CAT is a very competitive exam with approximately 2 lakh candidates vying for about 3600 seats in the IIMs. Some of the major changes were introduced in CAT 2015. Instead of being held in a 20-day window like 2014, CAT 2015 was held in two shifts on a single day, 29th November 2015. The same format continued in 2016 and CAT was held on 4th December, 2016. The computer-based CAT features English, Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation as its components. Moreover, the introduction of the on- screen calculator and the non MCQs in the test was a major shift from the conventional pattern. This year, CAT is anticipated to take place in the month of December and is expected to follow the same pattern.

CAT scores are used as a primary screening tool by B-Schools for short listing candidates for the GD/ PI round. CAT results are generally out in the month of January. CAT cut offs this year are also expected to be similar to last year's cut offs. Normally, the cut offs for old IIMs are higher than those for new IIMs. Also, the CAT cut off scores for non-IIMs are always lower than that of the IIMs.

Following is a comprehensive list of institutes based on their CAT cut - offs: