What is IIM CAT Entrance Exam? - Full Form, Eligibility, Exam Pattern

What is CAT Entrance Exam?

The full form of CAT exam is Common Admission Test. It is one of the most prestigious management entrance exams in India, which is conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to postgraduate level students in IIMs and other B-grade schools of India.

The CAT exam is a standardized test that assesses the candidates management skills, analytical ability and logical thinking. Through this examination, IIMs evaluate all candidates on a uniform basis, thereby maintaining fairness and quality in competitive management courses.

CAT score plays a vital role in the initial shortlisting process for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Candidates are first evaluated based on their CAT exam performance, and those who meet the cutoff are invited to the next stages like Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI).

CAT (Common Admission Test) is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India. The questions in the exam are complex, and the time to solve them is limited. It requires not only accuracy but also quick thinking and time management skills. The competition is very intense as thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of seats. Therefore, thorough preparation and consistent effort is required to succeed in the CAT exam and get admission into top IIMs.

What is IIM?

The full form of IIM is Indian Institute of Management (IIM). It is one of the reputed business schools in India, offering MBA, PGDM, PGP and other management related courses. IIM is a premier educational institute under the Union Ministry of Education, Government of India. IIMs are renowned for their industry linkages, research opportunities and global experience, through which graduates get better placements and higher salaries in multinational companies.

CAT Exam Purpose

The main purpose of CAT exam is to evaluate the candidate's mathematical ability, logical reasoning, verbal ability, data interpretation and decision making ability. CAT comprehensively tests the candidate's abilities like problem-solving ability, time management and determination, which are considered essential for success in MBA and other management courses.

CAT Exam Summary

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted every year for admission to premier management institutes of India (like IIMs). If you want to get admission in MBA or PGDM course, it is very important to understand the CAT exam pattern. This exam is computer based and consists of the following three sections in total. All these three sections are conducted on the same day and in the same session.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted every year for admission to premier management institutes of India (like IIMs). If you want to get admission in MBA or PGDM course, it is very important to understand the CAT exam pattern. This exam is computer based and consists of the following three sections in total. All these three sections are conducted on the same day and in the same session.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning(DILR) is the second section of the CAT exam. This section evaluates the analytical, problem solving and logical reasoning skills of the candidate. This section is of 40 minutes duration in which a total of 20 questions of MCQ and Non-MCQ type are asked.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Quantitative Ability (QA) is the third and final section of the CAT exam. This section evaluates the candidate's mathematical ability and problem solving skills. This section is also of 40 minutes in which a total of 22 questions of MCQ and non-MCQ type are asked.

CAT Exam Selection Process

The selection process of CAT exam is quite different from other MBA colleges. That is, CAT exam is only the first step for admission in IIM. Based on the CAT score, candidates are shortlisted for further selection process. This process usually consists of stages like GD (Group Discussion), WAT (Written Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview).

Every IIM and other top MBA colleges release their own cut-off list, which includes both the overall CAT score and the sectional scores. After the CAT results are released, the IIM institutes call the qualified candidates, in which they have to go through the below mentioned stages:

1. Group Discussion (GD)

Group Discussion (GD) is a part of the selection process after the CAT exam. In GD, 8-10 candidates are given a topic, in which everyone expresses their views. To perform well in GD, one has to speak on time, listen to others and put forward logical points. The purpose of this process is to test the communication skills, leadership quality, teamwork and critical thinking of the candidates.

2. Written Ability Test (WAT)

Written Ability Test (WAT) is a short essay writing test in which candidates have to write their views on a current topic, social issue or abstract topic within a time limit. Its purpose is to test the writing skills, clarity of thought, content organization and analytical thinking of the candidates.

3. Personal Interview (PI)

Personal Interview (PI) is an important stage after CAT. In this, the interview panel questions the candidate about his educational background, personality, goals, strengths, weaknesses and current affairs.

Courses Offered via CAT Score

CAT (Common Admission Test) is not only the medium of admission to IIMs but also to many top management programmes. Here are some of the major courses offered based on CAT scores:

1. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

MBA is the most commonly pursued course through CAT. It is a two-year post graduate degree program available in various specializations.

2. PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)

PGDM course is equivalent to MBA but it is called diploma because this course is offered by institutes which are not universities.

3. PGP (Post Graduate Programme in Management)

PGP is the flagship two-year course of IIMs which is similar to MBA.

4. Executive MBA / PGPX

This course is especially for professionals with 5+ years of work experience.

5. FPM (Fellow Programme in Management) / Ph.D

FPM or Ph.D is for those students who want to pursue a career in research or teaching.

6. ePGP (Executive Post Graduate Programme) / Online MBA

This program is for working professionals who wish to study management in part-time or online mode.

List of IIMs and Non-IIMs Accepting CAT Scores

CAT (Common Admission Test) is one of the most prestigious and competitive MBA entrance exams in India. Through this exam, candidates get admission to the premier management institutes of the country. CAT scores are not only used for admission to IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management), but many top-tier Non-IIM B-Schools also accept it.

Below is a list of some of the leading IIMs and Non-IIM colleges that offer admission to MBA and other management programs based on CAT exam scores.

1. IIM List

There are a total of 21 IIMs in India that offer admission to MBA/PGP programmes through CAT scores:

2. Non-IIM List

Below is the list of top Non-IIM institutes that offer admission to MBA or PGDM courses based on CAT scores:

CAT Exam Interesting Facts

CAT Exam Advantages

CAT Exam Disadvantages

CAT Exam FAQ