CAT Examination 2023: Gateway to pursue MBA from IIMs

WHAT IS CAT?

CAT, the Common Admission Test, is India’s premier national-level entrance exam. It serves as the most extensive MBA entrance test in the country, with responsibility for its annual administration rotating among various Indian Institute of Management (IIM) branches. 

The CAT exam includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section is allocated a 40-minute time limit, resulting in a total exam duration of 2 hours. CAT Exam 2023 is scheduled for November 26, 2023, and will be conducted as a computer-based test across multiple Indian cities. Last Date to apply for CAT 2023 is September 13, 2023.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process for CAT involves several steps, and it can be completed on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). Candidates must follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CAT website and click on the “Registration” link.

2. Complete the registration form by providing personal and academic details.

3. Upload required documents, including a photograph, signature, and other specified records.

4. Pay the registration fee online using available payment methods. The fee is ₹2,400 for general category candidates and ₹1,200 for ST, SC, and PwD categories.

5. After successfully registering and paying, a confirmation email or notification will be issued.

6. Closer to the CAT exam date, candidates can download their CAT admit cards from the official website. These admit cards contain vital information regarding the test center, date, and time.

Candidates should regularly check the official CAT website for updates and any potential changes in the registration process or fees.

CAT 2023 Admit Card

Candidates those have completed the registration process, can download their CAT 2023 Admit Card on or after October, 25 2023, 05:00 PM.

EXAM TIMINGS

The CAT exam consists of three slots: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening, each lasting 2 hours:

– The Morning slot typically begins at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM (local time).

– The Afternoon slot commences around 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM.

– The Evening slot usually starts at 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.

Candidates must be punctual and arrive well in advance of their reporting time at the test center. Slot information is provided when candidates download their CAT admit cards.

EXAMINATION PATTERN

The CAT (Common Admission Test) exam pattern is structured around 66 questions spread across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). To manage these sections effectively, candidates are advised to allocate 40 minutes to each. This balanced distribution of time allows for a comprehensive approach to each segment and enhances the chances of achieving a competitive score.

SELECTION INTERVIEW

The second phase of the admission process, starts when you qualify the round 1. During this crucial stage, aspirants face a Written Ability Test (WAT). The WAT assesses their written communication and analytical skills. Excelling in the interview and WAT is paramount as it significantly influences the final selection for admission into prestigious management programs.

Popular B-Schools in India accepting CAT Score

For those seeking recommendations for top colleges based on CAT scores, here are a few notable institutions along with their respective fees:

• IIM Ahmedabad – Fees: ₹25 lakhs

• IIM Bangalore – Fees: ₹24.5 lakhs

• IIM Calcutta – Fees: ₹31 lakhs

• IIM Lucknow – Fees: ₹14.16 lakhs

• Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi – Fees: ₹2 Lakh