The CAT Exam—short for the Common Admission Test—is one of the most competitive and prestigious entrance tests conducted in India for admission to MBA and other management programs. lakhs of aspirants attempt the CAT Exam every year with dreams of entering top IIMs and elite management institutes.
This blog explains everything about the CAT Exam—from its eligibility and syllabus to the exam pattern, preparation strategy, mock tests, and post-CAT admission process. Whether you are a beginner or a repeat aspirant, this guide will help you understand the exam thoroughly and plan your CAT Exam preparation with clarity.
Table of Contents
What is the CAT Exam?
The CAT Exam is a computer-based national-level entrance examination designed to test aptitude in areas essential for management education—analytical thinking, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and quantitative ability.
Why is the CAT Exam important?
- It is the gateway to 21 IIMs in India.
- Over 1,200+ top B-schools also accept the CAT Exam score.
- It helps evaluate skills necessary for management roles and MBA programs.
- A high percentile can shape your entire career path.
Who conducts the CAT Exam?
Every year, one of the IIMs conducts the exam on a rotational basis.
Frequency of the exam
The CAT Exam is conducted once a year, usually in November or December.
Eligibility Criteria for CAT Exam
Here is the eligibility for the CAT Exam:
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Minimum Marks | 50% for General/EWS/OBC; 45% for SC/ST/PwD |
| Students in Final Year | Eligible to apply |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
The eligibility criteria are simple and inclusive, making the CAT Exam accessible to students from all academic backgrounds.
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step in planning your CAT Exam preparation. The test consists of three sections, each timed separately.
CAT Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | Total Questions | Time Allotted | Key Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 40 minutes | Reading comprehension, verbal reasoning |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 20 | 40 minutes | Analytical reasoning, logical problem-solving |
| QA (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 40 minutes | Mathematics, arithmetic, algebra, geometry |
Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- –1 mark for every incorrect MCQ
- No negative marking for non-MCQ / TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions
Important Notes
- Sections are time-locked: you cannot switch between sections.
- The exam is held in three slots on the same day.
- Total duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
Detailed CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
Although the CAT Exam does not officially release a fixed syllabus, the pattern has remained consistent for years. Below is the widely accepted CAT Exam syllabus, broken down section-wise, using LSI keywords like cat exam syllabus and cat test.
A. CAT Exam Syllabus – VARC
The VARC section tests language proficiency and comprehension skills.
Topics in VARC
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Sentence Completion
- Critical Reasoning
- Vocabulary & Grammar (occasionally)
Skills Needed
- Speed reading
- Understanding tone, inference, and context
- Logical connection between sentences
B. CAT Exam Syllabus – DILR
This is one of the most unpredictable sections of the CAT Exam.
Topics in DILR
- Bar charts, pie charts, graphs
- Tables and caselets
- Logical arrangements
- Seating arrangements
- Puzzles
- Venn diagrams
- Data sufficiency
- Condition-based reasoning sets
Skills Needed
- Pattern recognition
- Logical sequencing
- Ability to choose the right set
C. CAT Exam Syllabus – QA
The QA section is math-based and usually considered moderate to difficult.
Topics in QA
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, TSD, Ratios)
- Algebra (Equations, Progressions, Inequalities)
- Number System
- Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Mensuration)
- Coordinate Geometry
- Modern Maths (Permutations, Probability)
Skills Needed
- Conceptual clarity
- Fast calculation
- Formula retention
- Logical interpretation
How to Prepare for the CAT Exam (Complete Strategy)
Your CAT Exam preparation should be systematic, data-driven, and consistent. Below is a preparation roadmap designed for both beginners and advanced learners.
Step 1: Understand the CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before you pick up books or join coaching, understand the CAT Exam syllabus, previous trends, and difficulty levels.
Step 2: Build Conceptual Clarity (First 2–3 months)
- For QA, revise school-level math from Classes 6–10.
- For VARC, develop a reading habit.
- For DILR, solve simple puzzles before progressing to complex sets.
Step 3: Start Solving Sectional Tests
- Early in your preparation, begin with:
- VARC sectional tests
- DILR concept-based mini tests
- QA chapter-wise tests
This builds confidence and identifies weak areas.
Step 4: Take Regular CAT Mock Tests
A cat mock test is one of the most powerful tools in CAT preparation. Many toppers credit mock tests for their success.
Benefits of CAT Mock Tests
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Help identify strong and weak sections
- Simulate real exam pressure
- Improve time management
- Reveal exam-taking psychology
How many mock tests should you take?
| Preparation Level | Recommended Mock Tests |
|---|---|
| Beginners | 15–20 |
| Intermediate | 25–30 |
| Serious Aspirants | 40+ |
After every cat mock test, analyse:
- Time spent per question
- Accuracy levels
- Wrong attempts due to guessing
- Questions skipped due to poor time allocation
Mock test analysis is more important than the test itself.
Step 5: Create a CAT Exam Study Plan
Below is a sample CAT Exam study plan:
6-Month Study Plan
| Month | What to Focus On |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Basics of QA, daily RC practice, simple DILR sets |
| 3–4 | Advanced QA, mixed DILR sets, sectional tests |
| 5 | Full-length mock tests, revision, solving previous sets |
| 6 | High-intensity mocks, strategy refining, stamina building |
Step 6: Use CAT Preparation Online Resources
Thousands of aspirants today prefer cat preparation online as it is flexible, affordable, and comprehensive.
Benefits of CAT Preparation Online
- Access to video lectures
- Topic-wise practice questions
- Mock tests and analytics
- Doubt-solving communities
- Time flexibility
- Combine online resources with books to maximize results.
CAT Exam Day Strategy
Your strategy on exam day is as important as your preparation.
Tips for CAT Exam Day
- Start each section with easy questions
- Don’t stick to a single tough question
- Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marks
- Keep calm and composed
- Follow your mock test strategy
Mindset Tips
- Trust your preparation
- Don’t compare yourself with others
- Focus on one question at a time
What Happens After the CAT Exam?
Once the CAT Exam is over, here is the selection process:
Step 1: CAT Result
You receive:
- Scaled score
- Sectional percentile
- Overall percentile
Step 2: Shortlisting by IIMs & Colleges
Each institute releases:
- Sectional cutoffs
- Overall cutoff
- Shortlist for WAT-GD-PI
Step 3: WAT/GD/PI Rounds
These include:
- Written Ability Test
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
Step 4: Final Admission
Final score includes:
- CAT Exam percentile
- Academic profile
- Work experience
- WAT/GD/PI performance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I prepare for the CAT Exam online?
Yes. Many aspirants prefer cat preparation online, which includes courses, mock tests, and study material.
Q2. How many hours should I study for the CAT Exam?
On average, 2–3 hours daily for 6–8 months is sufficient.
Q3. Is CAT very difficult?
The CAT test is challenging but crackable with consistent preparation.
Q4. How many times can I attempt the CAT Exam?
There is no limit on attempts.
Q5. What is a good CAT percentile?
98–99+ percentile: Top IIMs
90–97 percentile: Good management colleges
80–89 percentile: Mid-tier institutes
Conclusion
The CAT Exam is not just a test of knowledge but a test of patience, strategy, discipline, and clarity. With the right preparation plan, regular practice, and a structured mock-test schedule, anyone can score well in CAT and secure admission into top business schools.
Whether you choose self-study or cat preparation online, remember that consistency is the real key. Start your journey early, stay focused, keep practicing, and analyze your progress thoroughly.
The road to a top B-school begins with your first step—and that step is understanding the CAT Exam thoroughly.
You now have everything you need to begin your preparation with clarity and confidence.
