Lakhs of undergraduate students attempts CAT entrance exam to pursue a career in MBA from their desired University/college. Now that the admit card and exam dates are out it’s time for you to prepare like never before. This blog provides all the relevant information regarding how to prepare for CAT Entrance Exam and study material.
CAT Exam: Brief Introduction
The CAT Exam Full Form is the Common Admission Test which is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). This entrance exam came into play because of the massive number of applicants desiring to pursue an MBA from their preferred educational institution.
CAT 2022 Exam Highlights
| CAT Exam Highlights |
| Exam Name |
Common Admission Test |
| CAT EXam Eligibility |
Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% is minimum for SC, ST and PwD categories) from a university/college recognised by the Govt of India. |
| CAT Exam Fees |
INR 1150 for SC, ST and PWD Category
INR 2300 for all candidates (except ST, SC and PWD). |
| CAT Exam Date |
27 November 2022 (Sunday) |
| CAT Exam Duration |
2 Hours (160 minutes for PWD candidates) |
| Medium of Exam |
English |
| Mode of Examination |
Digital/Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Types of Questions |
MCQ and TITA |
| Number of Sections |
Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Section III: Quantitative Ability |
| Method Markings |
- 3 marks for each correct answer
- Deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer (except non-MCQ type questions)
*No marks will be given or deducted for non-attempted questions. |
| Participating Colleges |
1044 in Total |
| Total No of cities |
CAT will be conducted in around 150 cities. |
| CAT Score Card |
The CAT results are expected to be available in the 2nd week of January 2023.
The CAT 2022 scores are valid till 31st Dec 2023. |
Important Date of the CAT Exam
*CAT Admit Card Release Date: 27 October 2022
*CAT Exam Date: 27 November 2022
CAT TEST CENTRES
CAT Exams will be held in centres spread across 150 cities. These Test cities are mentioned on the CAT website. Also, the name of the test centre will be designated in your Admit Card. IIMs give everyone a fair chance to switch or cancel any test centre, or city and change the test time and date without unease and sharing confidential information.
CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Expected in 2022)
| CAT Exam Pattern |
| Sessions in CAT |
Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Section III: Quantitative Ability |
| CAT Time Duration |
120 Mins (40 mins for each section and also you can’t switch to other section while attempting one) |
*Note: To understand the CAT format properly tutorials will be available on the CAT official website.
How to Prepare for CAT
The CAT Exams don’t have a clarified CAT Syllabus but you can try to solve the CAT mock test papers as a way to prepare. Also, this will help you to understand the question pattern and types of questions included. You can find the mock test paper on the CAT website.
CAT Study Material
Below are the different exam material books for each section of CAT exams:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT by Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma (9th Edition)
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Nishit Sinha (2020)
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S.Agarwal
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (2011)
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha (2020)
Quantitative Ability
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (8th Edition)
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum by Sarvesh Kumar (2020)
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha (2020)
FAQs
What is the CAT exam?
CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the IIMs for admission to MBA and other management programmes at top business schools across India.
Who conducts the CAT exam?
CAT is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis every year, usually in November.
What is the eligibility criteria for CAT?
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognised university. Final-year graduation students can also apply.
How many times can I attempt CAT?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for CAT every year as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
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