Common Admission Test
India’s Gateway to IIMs & Top B-Schools
CAT (Common Admission Test) is India’s most prestigious national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIMs. It evaluates candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. CAT scores are accepted by all IIMs and over 1200 top B-schools across India, making it the most important exam for management aspirants.
Exam Level
National
Frequency
Once a year
Mode
Computer-Based Test
Conducted By
IIM (on rotation)
About CAT
What is the CAT Exam?
CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission into MBA/PGP programs. It tests aptitude skills such as quantitative ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and verbal ability. CAT is highly competitive and serves as the primary gateway to India's most prestigious business schools.
Why Take the CAT Exam?
CAT opens doors to top management institutes like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta. It enhances career prospects in consulting, finance, marketing, product management, and leadership roles. A high CAT score can significantly boost placement packages and long-term career growth.
Key Highlights
Accepted by all 21 IIMs
1200+ top B-schools accept CAT score
Computer-based test with adaptive difficulty
Highly competitive national-level exam
1200+ top B-schools accept CAT score
Accepted by all 21 IIMs
Sectional time limits enforced
3.3 Million+
Applicants Every Year
99.9+
Top Percentile Target
21
IIMs in India
1200+
Participating Colleges
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50 percent marks 45 percent for SC ST PwD
Informational
Final Year Students
Candidates in final year of graduation are eligible to apply
Informational
Age Limit
No age limit to appear for CAT examination
Mandatory
Nationality
Indian citizens and eligible foreign nationals can apply
Informational
Work Experience
Work experience is not mandatory but may add value during selection
Informational
Attempts
No restriction on number of attempts for CAT
Application Process
Register on iimcat.ac.in
Upload Documents & Photo
Pay Application Fee
Create Login & Fill Form
Application Process
Select Test Cities
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting your application
Passport-size Photograph
Category Certificate (if applicable)
Class 12 Marksheet (or appearing certificate)
PwD Certificate (if applicable)
Signature
Degree/Marksheet
Caste/PwD Certificate
Scribe Request Letter (if required)
Exam Pattern
Understanding the structure and marking scheme
Section: VARC, DILR, Quantitative Ability
Skills Tested: Verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation,
Computer-Based Test with sectional time limits
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only)
Total Questions: Approximately 66-68
Question Type: MCQs + TITA (Non-MCQs)
Duration: 2 Hours
Confused About Exam Selection?
Chat with our experts and get personalized Exams recommendations based on your profile and choices.
Important Dates
Keep note of the important dates regarding the examination.
Registration Opens: August 2025
Exam Date: November 2025
Counselling: January–April 2026
Admit Card: November 2025
Result Date: December 2025
Preparation
Tips
Start early with basics
Analyze performance deeply
Focus on sectional strategy
Start Prep
Improve accuracy before speed
Solve previous year CAT papers
Analyze performance deeply
Analyze performance deeply
Top Colleges
IIM Ahmedabad
IIM Bangalore
IIM Calcutta
IIM Lucknow
IIM Kozhikode
IIM Indore
IIM Mumbai (NITIE)
FMS Delhi
SPJIMR Mumbai
MDI Gurgaon
Powered by AI
AI - Powered Tools
Smart predictions and insights for your admission journey