Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
CAT 2025 – Important Dates
- 🗓 Registration: August
- 🎫 Admit Card: October
- 📝 Exam Date: November
- 📊 Result: January
₹2400 – General / NC-OBC
₹1200 – SC / ST / PwD
Selection Process
- ✔ CAT Score
- ✔ Academic Profile
- ✔ Work Experience
- ✔ WAT / GD / PI
CAT Preparation Tips
- 📘 Strengthen fundamentals
- ⏱ Practice time management
- 📊 Maintain sectional balance
- 🔁 Take regular mock tests
CAT (Common Admission Test) – Complete Overview
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most popular and competitive MBA entrance examination, conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT scores are used not only by IIMs but also by many other leading business schools such as FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and IMI for admission to their MBA and PGDM programs.
If your goal is to study MBA from a top management institute in India, CAT is one of the most important exams you should focus on.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT
To appear for the CAT exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification:
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with
– Minimum 50% marks for General category candidates
– 45% marks for SC, ST, and PwD candidatesFinal Year Students:
Candidates who are in the final year of their graduation or awaiting results are also eligible to apply.Age Limit:
There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT examination.
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is divided into three sections, designed to test different skill sets:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Approx. 24 questions
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Approx. 20 questions
Quantitative Ability (QA) – Approx. 22 questions
Total Questions: 66 (may vary slightly each year)
Total Duration: 120 minutes
→ 40 minutes per section (sectional time limit)
Marking Scheme:
+3 marks for each correct answer
–1 mark for each incorrect MCQ
No negative marking for non-MCQ questions
CAT Syllabus Overview
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Reading Comprehension
Para Jumbles
Para Summary
Sentence Correction
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Tables and Graphs
Bar Charts
Venn Diagrams
Logical Reasoning Puzzles
Data Caselets
Quantitative Ability (QA):
Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Profit & Loss)
Algebra
Geometry and Mensuration
Trigonometry
Number Systems and Modern Mathematics
CAT Scoring and Percentile System
CAT follows a scaled scoring system to ensure fairness across different exam slots. Based on this scaled score, percentiles are calculated, which show a candidate’s performance relative to other test-takers.
Most IIMs and top B-Schools shortlist candidates based on percentiles rather than raw scores.
How to Prepare for CAT
Start Early:
Ideally, CAT preparation should begin 9–12 months before the exam.Use the Right Study Material:
Standard CAT preparation books such as Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude, along with previous years’ question papers and mock tests, are highly recommended.Take Regular Mock Tests:
Mock tests help you understand the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify weak areas.Coaching (Optional):
Coaching institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher can provide structured guidance, but many students successfully crack CAT through disciplined self-study.
CAT Cutoff Percentiles
Top IIMs: 98 – 99.5+ percentile (General category)
Reserved Categories: Relaxed cutoffs as per norms
Top Non-IIM Colleges: Usually between 85 – 95 percentile, depending on the institute
Conclusion
CAT is more than just an entrance exam—it is a gateway to India’s top management institutes. With consistent preparation, a clear strategy, and proper time management, cracking CAT is absolutely achievable.
A strong CAT score can open doors to excellent career opportunities and help you secure admission to your dream B-School.