CAT Exam Date, Registration, Notification, Syllabus

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About the CAT Exam

The CAT 2023 exam is scheduled to take place in November 2023. In January 2024, the results will be made public. The CAT 2023 exam will most likely be held on November 27. In the last week of July, the exam schedule will be released. The CAT exam will be held in three sessions in 156 cities in a computer-based examination mode with a two-hour duration. CAT 2023 applications will open in the first week of August and will close in the third week of September 2023. The admit card for the exam will be available in the third week of October.

The CAT is an annual entrance exam held by the IIMs for management hopefuls seeking admission to the country's top B-Schools. Admission to almost 1000 institutes across the country is based on scores. This exam is designed to assess a candidate's ability in the areas of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
January 3, 2023: The CAT 2021 Exam result has been made available on the official website.

Other Important Information Regarding the CAT 2021 Notification

Candidates will be able to download the whole material from the redesigned CAT website as soon as the CAT 2021 notification is posted. The CAT 2021 Notification will list the names of twenty IIMs as well as the registered programmes that a candidate can enrol in. Because this is a time-consuming process, it is recommended that you keep a notebook ready when browsing through the IIM list and write down your choices in order of preference so that you can complete the registration process promptly, which will begin a week after the notification is released.

CAT Exam Information

The Common Admission Test, or CAT exam, is a common aptitude test that candidates must pass in order to be considered for MBA programmes at India's 20 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools. Every year, around two lakh people apply for the exam. MCQs and non-MCQs from Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability make up the CAT question paper (QA). The exam's difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult. The Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) conducts the most popular national-level management entrance exam, the CAT, for admission to 20 IIMs and over 1000 B-schools across India. On an annual rotational basis, one of the IIMs conducts and administers it.

CAT Exam Highlights

Exam Name CAT
Full Form Common Admission Test
Conducting Authority Indian Institute Of Management
Exam Mode Online
Exam Purpose Admission to the top management colleges of India
Exam Duration 120 minutes
Exam Level National
Exam Frequency Annual
Exam Language English
Official Website https://iimcat.ac.in/per/g01/pub/756/ASM/WebPortal/1/index.html?756@@1@@1

 

  • Difficulty Level: The CAT 2023 is an aptitude test that assesses a candidate's quantitative, verbal, data interpretation, and reasoning abilities. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) has consistently been the most difficult component of the paper, according to prior year's papers. The level of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) component is typically moderate, and Quantitative Aptitude has always been the simplest section.
  • CAT Scores: Percentile marks are included on the CAT 2023 scorecard. The percentile, on the other hand, is a relative measure of performance because it is based on how well or poorly other test takers perform.
  • Admissions and Placement: The CAT 2023 exam score is accepted by more than 1000 institutes across India that offer master's or postgraduate certificates in management.

Key Changes in the CAT 2023

There have been several modifications to the CAT 2023 exam. All applicants are highly encouraged to review the revisions listed below.

  • Exam Pattern Changes: The exam pattern for CAT 2023 will be similar to that of 2020, although the overall number of questions will be lowered. As a result, candidates should visit the website on a frequent basis to ensure that they do not miss any updates.
  • Eligibility Criteria for the Revised IIM CAT Exam 2023: Because different universities across the country may use different evaluation patterns as a result of the covid-19 epidemic, the CAT Committee has agreed to reduce the minimum percentage of marks (45 percent and 50 percent [or comparable CGPA] correspondingly) for taking the CAT 2023 exam. This exception is made to ensure that candidates who earned their bachelor's degree in 2020, 2023, or will earn their bachelor's degree in 2023 are treated equally. Please keep in mind that this announcement solely applies to the eligibility requirements for taking the CAT 2023.
  • Candidates should review and adhere to the admission policies of each institution. This is for graduates in the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2023. Graduation with 50 percent - General/ OBC-NC/EWS, Graduation with 45 percent - SC/ST/ PWD is the minimum eligibility condition for all other candidates.
  • CAT 2023 Application Fee Increased: The charge for SC/ST and PwD applicants has been increased by INR 100 (INR 1,100/-), while the fee for General & NC-OBC candidates has been increased by INR 200 (INR 2,200/-).
  • CAT 2023 Exam Cities Grown: From 156 in 2021 to 159 this year, the number of CAT 2023 exam cities has increased.
  • Ulhasnagar has been removed as a CAT Test City.
  • Madgaon (Goa), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), and Srinagar have been included as CAT 2023 test cities (Jammu)

Exam Schedule for CAT 2023

The official CAT 2023 exam notification will be posted soon. The application process is set to begin in August of 2023. To learn more about the CAT exam date 2023 for MBA, see the material below.

 

Exam Dates

Events

Dates

Notification Release Date of CAT Exam 2023

4th week of July 2023

Registration of CAT 2023

1st week of August 2023

Last date to fill out the Online Application form

2nd week of September 2023

Last date to submit the fees for the Application Form

2nd week of September 2023

Beginning of Application Correction for CAT 2023

3rd week of September 2023

Admit Card availability for CAT 2023

4th week of October 2023

Date Of Examination of CAT 2023

4th week of November 2023

Answer Key Release Date

1st week of December 2023

Last date to submit an objection

2nd week of December 2023

CAT 2023 Announcement of Results

1st week of January 2024

Note: Exam Dates are subject to change as per the notifications released by the conducting authorities.

Eligibility Criteria for CAT 2023

From the standpoint of the exam, CAT eligibility criteria are critical. Every CAT aspirant must meet specific qualifying requirements set forth by the conducting body. It would primarily focus on the candidate's age and educational qualifications. Applicants who fall into one of the reserved groups are also given some leeway by the conducting authority. This section contains more information.

Who is eligible to participate in CAT 2023?

As part of the CAT 2021 Notification, the CAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria were announced. It looks a lot like the 2020 CAT Eligibility Criteria. Because different universities across the country may use different evaluation patterns as a result of the covid-19 epidemic, the CAT Committee has agreed to reduce the minimum percentage of marks (45 percent and 50 percent [or comparable CGPA] correspondingly) for taking the CAT 2023 exam. This exception is made to ensure that candidates who earned their bachelor's degree in 2020, 2023, or will earn their bachelor's degree in 2023 are treated equally. Please keep in mind that this announcement solely applies to the eligibility requirements for taking the CAT 2023. Candidates should review and adhere to the admission policies of each institution. This is for graduates in the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024. The following are some of the specifics of the CAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria:

  • To be eligible for the CAT Exam, a candidate must have completed a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50%. (for General Category, EWS and for candidates from the NC-OBC caste). The required percentage for SC/ST and Differently Abled (DA) candidates is 45 percent.
  • The University that conferred the degree must be recognised by the MHRD in order for it to be counted.
  • If the university gives grades or a CGPA instead of marks, the university's conversion factor must be utilised. If the University does not specify a conversion factor, the CGPA must be converted to a percentage via direct conversion, which involves dividing the CGPA received by the greatest CGPA possible and multiplying the result by 100.
  • Note: Candidates who are appearing for their final year in 2021 (graduating in 2021 or 2023) will be able to take the CAT 2021 if they received a promotion/pass certificate the previous year.

Registration for CAT

The required percentage of marks in the undergraduate course has been waived for candidates who graduated in 2021 or 2022.

  • Graduation with 50 percent - General/ OBC-NC/EWS, Graduation with 45 percent - SC/ST/ PWD are the minimum eligibility criteria for all other candidates.
  • A candidate's institution or institute must abide by an Act of Parliament or a State legislature in India, or be declared a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or have an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
  • CAT Eligibility for Last Year Students: Students in their final year of undergraduate studies are also eligible to apply for the CAT 2023.
  • CAT Eligibility for Last Year Students: Students in their final year of undergraduate studies are also eligible to apply for the CAT 2023.
  • In addition, if that candidate is accepted into an IIM, he or she will be allowed to join the programme provisionally only if he or she produces a certificate from the principal or registrar of the institute or university where he or she studied, stating that the student has completed all of the requirements for a bachelor's degree.
  • Furthermore, this certificate must be issued on or before the deadline set by the IIM in which the student has been accepted.
  • Aspirants must state their caste or community in accordance with the CAT Caste Certificate Format in the application.

For CAT 2023, students from the OBC (NCL) caste must present the appropriate certificate wherever it is required.

CAT 2023 Age Restrictions

In order to be eligible for CAT 2023, a candidate's maximum age limit is unrestricted. There is no maximum age limit in order to give all prospective candidates, regardless of age, the opportunity to pursue management courses at reputable Indian colleges.

Amount of Attempts

There is also no limit to how many times you can try. Candidates must give out information about their employment experience (if any) on the application form, although it is not a requirement to take the entrance exam.

Eligibility for Foreign Nationals under CAT 2023

Foreign nationals, PIOs, and NRIs must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% (candidates in the SC/ST, PWD categories must have a minimum of 45%) to meet the CAT 2023 eligibility requirements. The certification must come from one of the universities recognised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government of India. Candidates who will be taking the final exam can also apply for the CAT. Those who have completed their studies and are waiting for their results can also apply for the exam.

CAT Exam Pattern 2023: Significant Changes and a New Structure

Since 2015, the CAT exam has followed a similar pattern in terms of time duration, number of questions, and sections, with the exception of the last two years, which may be followed for CAT 2023 as well:

  • Duration: 120 minutes Exam: CAT 2023 is a two-hour computer-based test; however, it is not an online exam. • 66 Questions: The CAT 2023 exam, like the previous year, will contain 66 questions divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Ability. Previously, there were 100 questions divided into three portions.
  • 18-20 No Penalty Questions: There will be 18 or more questions with no negative marking out of a total of 66. The questions in the CAT 2023 exam are separated into MCQ and Non-MCQ types, with the Non-MCQs having no negative marking. If any non-MCQs have negative marking, a few MCQs are altered to questions with no negative marking.
  • Negative Marking on 48-50 CAT Questions: More than 48 questions in CAT 2023 are MCQs, which will result in a 1/3 negative marking penalty.
  • Cut-off for CAT IIMs' requirement: IIMs demand a minimum qualifying score in each of the three sections of the CAT 2023 between 70 and 90 percentile to identify candidates for the final admission stage.
  • IIM Shortlisting Criteria: You are a favoured candidate for admission to IIMs if you have a good academic profile with diversity and job experience, in addition to a high score in each of the three portions of the exam.

Syllabus for CAT 2023

The CAT 2023 syllabus will include all topics and will be depending on the questions asked. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability (VA), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) parts of the CAT syllabus are tested (QA). The CAT does not include a section on general awareness. Every year, the CAT exam syllabus is largely the same. The only change is the format of the question paper. The following is the syllabus or list of topics.

  • The syllabus has been updated and now includes a variety of questions that include both MCQs and non-MCQs.
  • There are no penalty questions now for 25-30% of the questions.
  • The majority of the modifications to the syllabus have occurred in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Sections, since the percentage of questions based on Reading Comprehension has increased in comparison to Verbal Ability questions.
  • A few adjustments to the Quantitative Ability component of the syllabus have been made, with a greater emphasis on Arithmetic questions.

Syllabus for CAT 2023 Quantitative Aptitude

The quantitative aptitude section of the CAT 2023 entrance exam is listed below. To help applicants comprehend the quantity of topics to be covered before beginning the preparation process, all of the major themes linked to the CAT subjects are supplied.

  • Arithmetic- Number System, HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Percentage, Average, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Distances
  • Algebra- Hypothesis of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation, and Combination, Sequence and Series
  • Percentages- Percentages and their applications
  • Trigonometry- Trigonometric Ratios, Heights, and Distances
  • Calculus- Minima and Maxima functions
  • Mensuration-Areas and Volumes – Rectangles, Squares, Triangles, Circles, Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes, and Cistern
  • Geometry and its Applications- Angles, Lines, Triangles, Circles
  • Ratio and its applications
  • Numbers and their applications

Syllabus for CAT 2023 Verbal Ability

On the official website, the CAT 2023 entire curriculum for all topics will be published. The CAT Syllabus PDF will include a comprehensive list of all the topics covered in the course. Below is a list of essential topics connected to the verbal ability portion to provide candidates a general idea of what will be covered.

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar
  • Critical Reasoning (and its numerous applications)
  • Idioms
  • Analogies
  • Para Completion
  • Face Interference Judgment

Syllabus for CAT 2023 Logical Reasoning

The following types of questions will be included in the CAT's Logical Reasoning section.

  • Direction Sense
  • Puzzles
  • Series
  • Clocks and Calendars
  • Data Structures
  • Blood Relations
  • Arrangements
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Charts, Tables & Graphs (Bar Chart, Pie Chart, etc.)

Candidates can improve their scores in this area by practising different types of questions. Before taking the exam, students should select how much time they will commit to each section.

Exam Pattern for CAT 2023

The exam pattern for CAT 2023 will be similar to past years, although the overall amount of questions will be lowered. Before taking the CAT exam, students should familiarise themselves with the format of the question paper. It would assist them in developing a successful exam day strategy. The CAT will be administered as a computer-based test online. The question will be broken down into three parts. In total, the candidates will be asked 76 questions (based on 2020). The following are some of the most important aspects of the CAT exam pattern:

Mode Online i.e. Computer-based Test (CBT)
Duration 2 Hours or 120 Minutes
Subjects
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Verbal Reasoning and Reading Comprehension
Medium/Language English

Marking scheme for CAT 2023 is as follows.

Questions Marks Awarded
Correct Answer +3 Marks
Incorrect Answer (MCQs only) -1 Mark
Unattempted Questions No addition or deduction of marks
TITA
  • +3 Marks for every correct answer
  • No negative marking

 

Other Important Information: •

After the scores for all sessions have been normalised, the CAT score will be transformed into a percentile.

CAT Exam Preparation: What Should You Do?

Because the CAT exam demands 'Smart Preparation,' a few months of dedicated preparation can help you pass it. You can self-study with the best books, enrol in a coaching programme, or do a combination of self-study and coaching. According to experts, the following are important parts of preparation:

  • You should have solid fundamentals and a clear understanding of concepts.

  • Strengthen your strong areas while improving your weak ones

  • Mocks, practise tests, and quizzes all demand consistent revision.

  • Form a social media peer group for preparation 

  • Focus more on RC in VARC section; focus equally on DI & LR and practise more Arithmetic questions to clear the section-wise cut offs

  • Accuracy and speed in time management are necessary. 

  • Consult the top CAT preparation books and practise questions from them on a regular basis.

  • On MBAUniverse.com and other media, read interviews and tips from CAT Toppers studying at IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI about their CAT preparation technique.

Registration for CAT 2023

In August 2023, the online CAT 2023 application form will be available (tentatively). On the official website, the application form was available online. Candidates had to register before they could fill out the application form. IIM (conducting authority) gave the registration ID and password to the candidate once they completed the CAT 2023 registration procedure. The registration ID and password were to be used to login to the official website and complete the application process.

Online Registration for CAT 2023

The processes that hopeful candidates must take in order to complete the CAT registration form are outlined below. The CAT exam is administered entirely online. Candidates must first register, after which they must complete the CAT 2023 application form. After successfully completing registration and filling out the application form, the application cost had to be paid.

  • Step 1: Candidates must go to the CAT 2023 official website.
  • Step 2: Provide a valid email address, phone number, and birth date.
  • Step 3: Candidates should supply a legitimate and working email address and phone number, as all future communications will be sent to these addresses.
     

Application for CAT 2023

Candidates were eligible to access the CAT online application form after completing the CAT registration process, as described above. They had to fill out the CAT application form with personal, contact, and educational information. Candidates received a text message on their registered mobile phones verifying that their application had been submitted successfully. If a candidate's application was refused due to any conditions, the conducting authorities contacted them through text message.

Application Process for CAT 2023

Candidates that successfully registered for CAT did so by following the steps outlined below.

  • Login: Candidates received their login credentials through email or text message after completing the registration process. Candidates must write down their login credentials and use them to access the official website. Carefully fill out all of the fields on the application form: Candidates were needed to fill out a variety of fields on the application form. This phase must be completed with the utmost care and attention by the candidates. Spelling and factual errors should be avoided at all costs.
  • Provide Documents as Per Specifications: Candidates were required to upload their pictures and signatures in addition to the application form. Candidates must resize their documents according to the guidelines provided on the website. Candidates who fall into one of the reserved categories will be required to submit their category certificates.
  • CAT Application Fee Payment: Candidates must pay the application fee using Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card at the end of the process. The application fees for each category are listed below:
Category Fee (INR)
General/EWS/NC-OBC INR 2200
SC/ST/PwD INR 1100

Documents Needed to Submit for CAT 2023 Application

Candidates must have soft copies of all required documents on hand before completing out the CAT 2023 application form. The following is a list of the documents that were required to complete the application form. Before uploading, make sure the documents are the right size and format.

  • An authenticated SC/ST/OBC certificate.
  • A PwD certificate signed and attested by the appropriate authorities.

When uploading the scanned photograph and signature for the CAT 2023 Application Form, candidates should follow the rules listed below.

Image/Documents Dimensions File and Format Size Image Resolution
Photograph 30mm(width) x 45mm(height) 80KB - JPEG/JPG 150Pixel (min)
Signature 80mm(width) x 35mm(height) 80KB - JPEG/JPG 150Pixel (min)

Corrections to the CAT 2023 Application Form

When it comes to filling out the application form, candidates have a tendency to make mistakes. Because the CAT is such a crucial exam in terms of determining one's professional path, the authority provides candidates with an application form correction window during which they can make changes to the information submitted in their application. Candidates must exercise extreme caution when editing material, as there will be no opportunity to amend inaccuracies under any circumstances.

Registration for Non-IIM participating Institutes in CAT 2023

To register for Non-IIM institutes, follow the processes outlined below.

  • Step 1: Go to iimcat.ac.in, which is the official website.
  • Step 2: Go to the CAT 2023 link, which should be on the right-hand side of the screen.
  • Step 3: Select "MOU and Application Form Downloading."
  • Step 4: Pay the fees that are due.
  • Step 5: Complete the CAT 2023 Application Form and MOU with care. Then, via email, send the scanned copies, duly filled-in, signed, and stamped, together with the relevant attachments (as listed on the application form).

Note: The programme brochure can be provided separately from the other needed hard copies, or it can be sent together with them.

Admit Card for CAT 2022

From the standpoint of the exam, the CAT 2022 admit card is critical. After the application procedure is done, registered applicants can receive their respective hall tickets from the official website. It will include vital information such as the candidate's personal information, roll number, and the address of the designated exam centre, among other things. If any are discovered, the candidates must contact the appropriate authorities right away. Candidates will also be asked to provide a government-issued picture ID evidence to the exam.

To obtain the CAT 2022 admit card, candidates need follow the processes outlined below.

  • Step 1: Go to the official website.
  • Step 2: Click the 'Admit Card' link in the notification section.
  • Step 3: Log in with the credentials you provided during registration.
  • Step 4: Open the admit card and download it.
  • Step 5: Make a copy of the document

CAT Hall Ticket 2022 Help line for any discrepancies

Various crucial facts will be included on the CAT hall ticket. They must be thoroughly examined. Candidates should report the competent authorities if they identify any problems on their CAT 2022 admit cards using the following contact information:

1800-266-3549 / cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in

Carry the following documents to the CAT 2022 Exam Center

Anyone out of the below-mentioned photo ID proof documents must be mandatorily carried along with the CAT 2022 admit card to the exam centre on the day of CAT 2022: The present education institute or employer must issue an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, PAN Card, Driving License, or Photo ID.

CAT 2022 Exam Centers

The information about the CAT 2022 exam centres is critical, and applicants must download the admit card to check the test centre that has been assigned to them. The list of test cities for 2022 can be found below.

CAT Test State/UTs CAT Test Cities
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Port Blair
Andhra Pradesh Chittoor, Kurnool, Nellore, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam
Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar
Assam Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh
Bihar Aurangabad, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Purnea
Chandigarh Chandigarh
Chattisgarh Bhilai, Raipur
Delhi New Delhi
Goa Madagaon, Verna
Gujarat Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Anand
Haryana Ambala, Bahadurgarh, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Palwal, Rohtak, Panipat, and Sonipat
Himachal Pradesh Solan, Simla
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar
Jharkhand Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Ranchi
Karnataka Bengaluru, Belgaum, Bidar, Mangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, Udupi, Ramanagara, Davanagere, Chikballapur, Mandya, Kolar, Hassan, Tumkur
Kerala Kochi, Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum
Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Sagar
Maharashtra Ahmednagar, Amravati, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Nanded, Ratnagiri, Satara, and Thane
Meghalaya Shillong
Odisha Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur, Balasore, Rourkela
Puducherry Puducherry
Punjab Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Mohali, Patiala, Ropar, Sangrur, Mohali, Paghwara
Rajasthan Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur, Sikar, Alwar, Ajmer
Tamil Nadu Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli and Thanjavur
Telangana Hyderabad, Karim Nagar, Khammam
Uttar Pradesh Agra, Allahabad, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Greater Noida, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Mathura, Bareilly, Prayagraj
Uttarakhand Dehradun, Roorkee
West Bengal Durgapur, Hooghly, Howrah, Kolkata, Kalyani, Siliguri, Burdwan, Asansol.

CAT 2022 Answer Key

Within 10 days of the CAT exam date, the CAT 2022 answer key is usually available. Find more details pertaining to the CAT answer key in the section below.

How to Get the CAT 2022 Answer Key

Candidates can follow the processes indicated below to download the CAT 2022 answer key, and subsequently raise objections if required.

  • Step 1: Go to the iimcat.ac.in website.
  • Step 2: Select the 'Candidate login' link/button from the drop-down menu.
  • Step 3: To access your dashboard, enter your login credentials.
  • Step 4: Download the answer key, question paper, and response sheet from the dashboard

CAT 2022 Result

CAT 2022 results will be released by IIM in January 2023. (tentatively). The results, as well as the scorecards, are published online. Candidates will receive an SMS with their percentage. Scores from the CAT will be valid for one year. Following the announcement of the CAT 2022 results, many institutes will begin posting their cut-off percentiles for further stages.

What is the procedure for checking CAT 2022 results?

Candidates can verify their CAT 2022 results by following the comprehensive methods outlined below.

  • First, go to the official website.
  • Step 2: Go to the "Download CAT 2022 Score Card" notification and click it.
  • Step 3: You will be taken to the login page of the website.
  • Step 4: Enter your user name and password.
  • Step 5: The candidate's account page will be forwarded to the site.
  • Step 6: Download the scorecard by clicking on the download scorecard link.

Candidates can begin applying for chosen colleges and courses based on the various cut offs set by participating IIMs. A Group Discussion, Personal Interview, and Written Ability Test follow the CAT results and application to various IIMs. CAT scores are valid and considered in a variety of different B-schools if they are not for an IIM.

Reservation Statistics for CAT 2022

IIMs are offering reserved category applicants certain seat allocations in CAT 2022. Every year, these are the same. The reservation's goal is to give candidates from all walks of life an equal chance to study at the country's best business schools. The following table shows the percentage of seats that have been reserved:

Category Percentage of Seats
Scheduled Caste (SC) 15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 7.5%
Non-Creamy–Other Backward Classes (NC-OBC) 27%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Up to 10%
People with Disability/Disabilities (PwD) 5%

Note:

  • During the CAT entrance exam application process, candidates are advised to provide all the correct information if they belong to any of the above-mentioned reserved categories. Failure to do so will result in a candidate's application being rejected.
  • Candidates that make it to the interview must bring the relevant documentation with them. Failure to do so will result in a candidate's application being rejected.

Tips for CAT 2022 Exam Preparation

CAT is widely regarded as one of India's most rigorous admission tests. However, with careful preparation, this exam can be aced with excellent results. If you're studying for the upcoming CAT 2022 exam, be sure you review the syllabus and keep the preparation recommendations listed below in mind.

  • Begin with the Fundamentals: Basics are critical, and one must be well-versed in them in order to solve any problem. You can start by focusing on topics like Arithmetic, Numbers, and Geometry, and then gradually expand your understanding to include topics like Functions, Inequalities, Permutation, and Combinations, among others. It's also crucial to concentrate on simpler concepts like progressions and logarithms. It is critical to read a lot when it comes to verbal and RC skills. It is critical to read widely on a variety of topics in order to increase efficiency. DI and LR do a lot of practise puzzles, which will help you ace this portion.
  • Take Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is just as crucial as learning the basics. When you're first getting ready, take some practise tests. It will assist you in determining your own strengths and limitations. Then you may plan your plans and work your path to success. You will grow more familiar with the test as you take more mock tests.
  • Practice: It's crucial to stick to a practise schedule and adhere to it religiously. Regular practise will improve your speed while also strengthening your mental knowledge. You can improve accuracy this way.
  • Time Management: The greatest method to minimise burnout and improve efficiency, speed, and accuracy is to create realistic timetables, plan ahead, and prepare months in advance. Determine your strengths and use them to help you save time on the exam.

CAT Preparation Tips from Toppers

Previous CAT Toppers from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Udaipur, FMS, SPJIMR, and MDI discussed their CAT preparation technique and how they overcame their weak areas to achieve high scores with MBAUniverse.com. These CAT toppers' last-minute CAT preparation suggestions are really beneficial in raising your exam score. Take a look at the list below.

CAT Topper Studying At CAT %ile Profile
Shubham Bajaj IIM Calcutta 99.98 B-Tech in CSE from IEM Kolkata, worked with  Nomura
Nancy Jain IIM Calcutta 99.72 B.Tech from IGDTUW, worked at Tata Motors
Ekansh Gupta IIM Calcutta 99.91 B.Tech, from NIT Jamshedpur. Worked at EXL Services as Risk Analyst for a US bank
Nandan Goel IIM Calcutta 99.95 BMS from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, DU, worked at DE Shaw
Yashvi Bansal IIM Udaipur 94.72 BBA Marketing from Auro University Surat
Venkata Satya SrikarMedisetti IIM Udaipur 98.44 B.Tech from NITK Suratkhal, Worked in a pharmaceutical company

CAT 2022 Reference Books

Candidates taking the CAT 2022 exam will find the CAT 2022 reference books to be the most valuable resource. Candidates can use these resources to answer questions and eventually do well on the exam. The CAT 2022 Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds require the use of newspapers and publications. The Hindu, The Statesman, India Today, and Business Line are just a few of the quality newspapers and magazines recommended. Aside from that, the table below contains some highly recommended exam study material.

 
Book Author / Publication
How To Prepare For Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma
How To Prepare For the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension CAT Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
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Modifications brought to the CAT Exam over the Years

In the year 2009, CAT was computerised. Since then, the exam pattern for the common admission test has undergone major adjustments. Over the years, we've compiled a table detailing the amount of questions asked in the common admission test. The year of the exam, the overall number of questions asked in the CAT, and the number of questions in each section are all included in the table. The table also shows the number of MCQs and Non-MCQs that were asked each year.

CAT year Total Number of Questions Verbal Ability &Reading Comprehension (VARC) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
CAT 2020 76 26 (18 MCQs & 8 Non-MCQs) 26 (18 MCQs & 8 Non-MCQs) 24 (18 MCQs & 6 Non-MCQs)
CAT 2019 100
  • VA - 10 (10 Non-MCQs)
  • RC - 24 (All MCQs)
  • MCQs - 23
  • Non-MCQs - 11
  • DI - 16
  • LR - 16
  • MCQs - 24
  • Non-MCQs - 8
CAT 2018 100
  • VA - 10 ( 7 Non-MCQs)
  • RC - 24 (All MCQs)
  • MCQs - 22
  • Non-MCQs - 12
  • DI - 16
  • LR - 16
  • MCQs - 24
  • Non-MCQs - 8

Cutoffs for CAT 2022

According to past years, the minimal percentile required to pass the CAT 2022 cutoff for various parts is listed below. Students can use previous year's CAT admission exam cutoffs to help them plan wisely for this year's exam. It's worth noting that there are also cut-offs based on section. A candidate cannot excel in one segment while failing to perform well in the other. As a result, the exam becomes much more competitive. Furthermore, different cutoffs exist for various categories.

Category VRC DILR QA Overall
General 70 70 70 80
NC-OBC 65 65 65 75
SC 60 60 60 70
ST 50 50 50 60
PWD 60 60 60 7

Admissions for CAT 2022

Aspirants should have a thorough understanding of the CAT 2022 admissions process. During CAT 2022 counselling, candidates must present their authentic papers. There is no set timetable for CAT 2022 counselling because each IIM and private college would conduct their admissions or selection processes on their own schedules. If an applicant is shortlisted for a certain programme at an IIM, an email will be issued to that individual. The IIMs have different criteria for shortlisting individuals.

The list of candidates who have been shortlisted for a particular IIM will be posted on the IIM's website. Furthermore, because each IIM has its own admissions policy, one needs go to that IIM's website to learn about its admissions policy.

A Written Ability Test (WAT), a Group Discussion (GD), and a Personal Interview are typically used in the selection process (PI). The CAT Score will be given the most weight in the selection process. Some IIMs may take into account things like prior academic records and professional experience. The weighting given to each of these parameters, however, differs from one IIM to the next:

Academic Diversity Factor for Bachelor's Degree (ADFB) • Work Experience • CAT 2022 Score • Personal Interview • Written Ability Test (WAT)

Note: Each college provides varying weightage to the criteria given above. Despite this, most universities place a high value on the CAT Score.

How to Get Your CAT 2022 Admit Card

  1. Go to the official CAT website and log in with your CAT Login ID and Password.
  2. Select 'Admit Card' from the drop-down menu.
  3. Select Download & Print CAT Admit Card from the drop-down menu.

CAT 2022 Result & IIMs’ Admission Process

Official results for the CAT 2022 exam will be released in the second week of January 2023. IIMs, on the other hand, disclose CAT results in the first week of January. The CAT 2022 result is expected to be revealed in the morning hours of January 5, 2023. IIMs will begin announcing their shortlist for the final selection phase immediately after the CAT results are released, based on CAT scores and other elements in their shortlisting criteria. IIMs will make the final admission offer to candidates in the months of April/May 2023.

Following the CAT notification, each IIM publishes its own admissions process. IIM admissions are based on three important factors: your CAT 2022 exam score, your academic record, and your performance during the Personal Interview round. The IIM Admissions Process is divided into three stages, which are as follows:

  • Stage 1: CAT Exam Performance
  • Stage 2: IIMs Shortlist for PI Round 
  • Stage 3: IIMs Final Selection Process 2023, which includes WAT and PI Round

Your final admission offer is contingent on how well you perform in all three rounds of the IIMs screening process. While the older IIMs have their own selection process, the nine new and baby IIMs have a single admission process (CAP). The remaining IIMs have their own selection procedures in place.

MBA/PGDM Admissions 2022 Open | Apply Now
BITS Pilani MBA in Business Analytics BIMTECH Greater Noida AdmissionsOpen
Jagsom Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2022 Great Lakes Admissions App. Deadline: 10th March
IMI Kolkata PGDM Admissions 2022 AIMA FEBRUARY MAT EXAM Registration Open
IFMR-GSB, KREA University MBA Admissions 2022 XIME Bangalore PGDM in Business Analytics
SOIL Gurgaon PGPM & PGDM Admission 2022 CIMP Patna PGDM Admissions 2022 Open
JIMS Rohini Delhi PGDM Admissions 2022 VIT University MBA Admissions 2022 Open
SDA Bocconi Mumbai 2 year IMB Admission 2022 Amrita School of Business MBA Admissions 2022
Sri Balaji University, Pune MBA admissions 2022 XIME Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2022
NDIM New Delhi PGDM Admission 2022 UPES University Dehradun MBA Admissions 2022
IBA Bangalore PGDM Admissions 2022 Open NIA Pune PGDM Admission 2022

Documents to be delivered to the Admissions Office

During the admissions process, aspirants must bring various documents to verify their eligibility. The following is a list of documents that must be brought with you.

  • Original marksheets (for all semesters) and diplomas
  • SC/ST/PWD/EWS candidates must present a photocopy of the applicable Class/Caste/Disability or corresponding certificate.
  • Final-year students must present a certificate from the institute or university's principal or registrar, as well as the preceding exam's mark sheet (minimum of 50% for General/EWS and 45 percent for SC/ST/PWD Category).

IIMs' Courses Offered Through CAT 2022

As previously said, there are numerous advantages to taking the entrance exam. Candidates who pass the CAT exam with flying colours are eligible for admission to courses offered at top IIMs. The names of the institutions, as well as their locations and all of their programmes, are shown in the table below. Candidates who meet the CAT 2022 Exam eligibility requirements can apply for their selected course.

IIMs also offer FPM and EFPM, which are similar to Ph.D. programmes, in addition to the Diploma in Management. The acronyms EFPM and FPM stand for Executive Fellow Programme in Management and Fellow Programme in Management, respectively. The table below lists the IIMs that offer the FPM and EFPM.

Institutions Programs (PGP/MBA) Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM) [Doctoral]
IIM Ahmedabad PGP, PGP-FABM, PGP PhD
IIM Amritsar PGP FPM
IIM Bangalore PGP, PGPEM, PGPPM, PGPBA FPM
IIM Bodh Gaya PGP Ph.D. (FPM)
IIM Calcutta MBA Doctoral
IIM Indore PGP, PGP-HRM FPM
IIM Jammu PGP -
IIM Kashipur PGP, EPGP FPM & EFPM
IIM Kozhikode PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, EPGP (Kochi Campus & IL) FPM
IIM Lucknow PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM -
IIM Nagpur PGP -
IIM Raipur PGP FPM & EFPM
IIM Ranchi PGDM, PGP-HRM Ph.D., E.Ph.D
IIM Rohtak PGP, EPGP, EPGPX FPM, EFPM
IIM Sambalpur MBA PhD
RGIIM Shillong PGP, PGPEX FPM
IIM Sirmaur PGP PhD
IIM Tiruchirappalli PGP, PGPBM, PGPM-HR FPM
IIM Udaipur MBA PhD
IIM Vishakapatnam PGP FPM

Note: Different IIMs may post separate adverts for courses other than PGP. Candidates should first check the availability of the programme, its eligibility criteria, and admission process on the official website of the IIM in question, and then apply for it.

On www.iimcat.ac.in, you may find a list of non-IIM institutes that accept the CAT score. IIMs have no bearing on a candidate's admission to non-IIM institutes that recognise the CAT exam results.

The Evolution of CAT Registration

The IIM-CAT journey has seen significant changes. The number of sections and types of questions in the CAT have varied dramatically in recent years. The following are significant changes in the pattern and conduct of CAT:

  • The CAT has transitioned from a paper-based to a computer-based test;
  • The CAT now includes three sections rather than two; and 
  • The CAT has added 25 to 30 percent questions with no negative marking.

Since it was digitised in 2009, the CAT Exam format has undergone noticeable alterations throughout the last 12 years. Prior to 2009, the CAT paper pattern was based on paper pens. In 2009, the CAT exam format was modified from a paper-based exam to a computer-based test. Even after that, the CAT paper pattern altered from three to two sections, and then back to three sections in 2015. CAT has followed a similar pattern since then.

Although the amount of MCQs and Non-MCQs may fluctuate, the CAT 2022 format will be the same as the CAT test 2022 pattern, with three parts and three hours of time.

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