CAT Exam 2023: Dates, Notification, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Question Paper, Preparation Tips, Cutoffs

CAT Exam 2023: Dates, Notification, Registration, Syllabus, Pattern, Eligibility, Question Paper, Preparation Tips, Cutoffs

ByVijay Kumar  |  Updated on: Aug 10, 2023
It is announced that IIM Lucknow will conduct CAT Exam 2023 on 26 November 2023. Check CAT 2023 exam date, notification, registration, CAT exam fees, pattern, syllabus and preparation.

CAT 2023 will be conducted on 26 November 2023 (the last Sunday of November 2023) by IIM Lucknow as released in their latest notification. It is one of the most important entrance exams for IIMs. The CAT exam is conducted once in a year by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis to initiate the admission process to the top-most B-schools in India. Following the trends, the conducting body has released the CAT Exam 2023 notification on 30th July 2023 and the registration will start from 2nd August 2023.

CAT Exam will be conducted on 26th November 2023 in 3 slots at 155 exam centres across the country. Note that, there is no official syllabus for CAT Entrance Exam, as the authority does not release all the details related to this on its official website. The candidates can expect a total of 66 questions from the three sections in the upcoming CAT 2023, including VARC, DILR and QA. along with a total duration of 120 minutes (40 minutes sectional time limit). Read the post below to know more about the CAT Exam including fees, eligibility, pattern, application, syllabus, and other relevant information.

CAT College Predictor

Important Dates
CAT Exam Date 2023 (Expected)  -Nov 24, 2024

CAT 2023

Every year CAT Exam is conducted by one of the IIMs in the month of November (last Sunday of November, expectedly) to initiate the MBA admission process in top B-schools in India. Like every year, the officials of IIM CAT have published the CAT Exam 2023 notification on 30th July 2023. The conducting IIM has activated the direct link to fill out the CAT 2024 application form on the official website for all aspiring candidates on 2nd August 2023 till 13th September 2023. Stay tuned to us to get all the latest schedules regarding the CAT Exam.

CAT 2023 Latest Updates

Below we have listed all the important schedules for the upcoming CAT Entrance Exam 2023 for your convenience.

  • 26 November 2023: CAT Exam 2023 will be held tentatively on 26th November 2023.
  • 2nd August 2023: The CAT 2023 registration will start on 2nd August 2023 by the conducting IIM. The candidates are requested to fill out the CAT form as soon as it is released to avoid the last-minute hassle.
  • 30th July 2023: The authority has released the CAT exam notification on 30 July 2023.

CAT Percentile Predictor

CAT Exam Date 2023

The exam authority has announced the official CAT 2023 exam date on the official website. The CAT exam date includes all important dates such as the notification release date, application form date, and more. The below-mentioned timeline for the upcoming CAT entrance exam is as per the latest official updates.

CAT 2023 Events

CAT Exam Date 2023

Details

Declaration of Official Notification

30th July 2023

IIM has released the official information bulletin or CAT Exam notification on the official website.

Released CAT Exam 2023 Registration Form

2nd August 2023

Candidates who wish to apply for CAT 2023 can apply online.

CAT Registration Last Date 2023

13th September 2023

It is advised that applicants must fill out the application form before the last date.

Application Form Correction

To be Declared

Applicants may change the details mentioned in the CAT Exam registration form, including photographs, test cities and signatures.

CAT Mock Test Release

To be Declared

To ensure that applicants are well-versed in the exam, IIM releases the official CAT 2023 mock test.

CAT 2023 Admit Card Declaration Date

25th October 2023 onwards

Admit Card for CAT Exam is issued to all applicants who have successfully registered for the exam.

CAT Exam Date 2023

26 November 2023

CAT Exam is scheduled to be held on 26th November 2023.

Declaration of Answer Key

To be Declared

IIM will release the CAT exam answer key on the official portal after the exam for the candidates who will appear for the exam.

Declaration of CAT Result 2023

2nd week of January 2024

The results are declared in the form of a CAT scorecard.

What is CAT Exam?

The Common Admission Test CAT is the country's most sought-after MBA Entrance Exam. The CAT Exam is administered by one of the IIMs every year on a rotational basis. It is a computer-based entrance test conducted nationally for admission to all the IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges in India. On the other hand, CAT Exam for MBA, also known as the IIM Entrance exam, helps you take admission into approx 20 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools across the country.

  • CAT Exam consists of three sections, namely Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
  • It covers both MCQ & Non-MCQ questions.

The difficulty level of the CAT Entrance Exam is usually moderate to difficult due to the level of the competition and the high number of applicants. As per last year's analysis, the overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate for most of the candidates.

If you plan to appear for CAT Exam 2023, you must know and understand all the details about the exam.

Components

Details of CAT Exam

Exam Name

CAT Entrance Exam

CAT Full Form

Common Admission Test

Official Website

iimcat.ac.in

CAT Exam Conducting Body

IIM Lucknow

CAT Exam Sections

3 Sections

VARC, DILR, QA

Exam Type

National Level, MBA Entrance Exam

CAT Exam Frequency

Once a year

Mode

Online

Is the CAT Exam for MBA?

Yes

Language of CAT Entrance Exam

English

CAT Exam Helpdesk No.

1-800-209-0830 (Toll-Free)

Watch Videos on CAT Exam Preparation Strategy for Beginners

CAT Notification 2023

CAT 2023 notification has been released on 30th July 2023 on the official website. Along with the CAT notification, details about the exam application, registration details, important dates, syllabus, and other details will also be announced by the conducting authority. Applicants must go through the CAT Exam 2023 Notification to ensure they understand all the essential details about the exam.

Download CAT 2023 Notification PDF

The CAT Exam Information Bulletin contains the basic information about the CAT MBA Exam that every applicant must know.

What is the Purpose of the CAT Exam?

The purpose of the CAT Entrance Exam is to provide a common score for admissions to all MBA colleges. All participating MBA Colleges release cut-offs based on CAT scores and call individuals for further rounds. Applicants who wish to pursue MBA from top business colleges in India must apply for the CAT Exam. Besides the IIMs, 90 non-IIM institutions use CAT Entrance Exam scores for admission into their MBA courses. So, the main purpose of CAT is to provide the MBA aspirants opportunity to join top IIMs to study MBA as per their choice of subjects.

CAT Exam Time

As per the latest official updates, the CAT time duration is 120 minutes which includes the sectional time of 40 minutes for each section. The CAT 2023 will be held in three slots like last year, and the tentative timings for each are mentioned below.

CAT Exam Time 2023

CAT Slot Timings

Candidate Reporting Time for CAT Exam 2023

CAT 2023 Slot 1 - Forenoon Session

08.30 am to 10.30 am

7.00 am.

Candidates are NOT allowed to enter after 8.15 am

CAT Exam 2023 Slot 2 - Afternoon Session

12.30 pm to 02.30 pm

11.00 am.

Candidates are NOT allowed to enter after 12.15 pm

CAT 2023 Slot 3 - Evening Session

04.30 pm to 06.30 pm

03.00 pm.

Candidates are NOT allowed to enter after 4.15 pm

CAT Exam: What’s New in It?

The exam conducting authority did not make any changes in the exam pattern and syllabus. But few changes were made in CAT Exam fees in 2023.

  • The fees hike to INR 2400 from INR 2300 for other candidates and to INR 1200 from INR 1150 for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
  • The candidates have to mention the Covid-19 vaccination status in their application form.

Who Conducts the CAT Exam 2023?

Every year, the Common Admission Test CAT is conducted by different IIMs on a rotational basis, and around 5100 MBA seats are offered by the IIMs alone. CAT Exam is a national-level management aptitude test, and approximately 2.30 lakh candidates register for this exam yearly.

The name of CAT 2023 Conducting IIM has been declared along with the declaration of official CAT Notification 2023. Note the table below to know which IIM is conducting CAT Exam 2023.

CAT Exam Year

Which IIM conducted the CAT Exam?

2023

IIM Lucknow

2022

IIM Bangalore

2021

IIM Ahmedabad

2020

IIM Indore

2019

IIM Kozhikode

2018

IIM Calcutta

2017

IIM Lucknow

2016

IIM Bangalore

2015

IIM Ahmedabad

2014

IIM Indore

2013

IIM Indore

2012

IIM Kozhikode

2011

IIM Calcutta

2010

IIM Lucknow

2009

IIM Ahmedabad

CAT Eligibility 2023 - Age Limit, Education, Reservation

Candidates who wish to appear for the upcoming CAT Exam 2023 must know its eligibility criteria. The basic CAT eligibility is a graduate degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Every applicant must check the CAT 2023 Eligibility details before applying for the examination to avoid disqualification at a later stage.

Recently, CAT Exam Eligibility added a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India (FIAI) professional degree as an acceptable eligibility criterion. In 2021, IIM eliminated the minimum grades (45% and 50% [Or comparable CGPA] correspondingly) for appearing for the CAT Exam. This exception was made to ensure that candidates who finished their bachelor's degrees in 2020 and 2022 are fairly represented. Candidates could enter the 'Promotion/ Pass' option in the CAT 2023 application form instead of marks.

CAT Age Limit

As per the official eligibility criteria, there is no upper age limit for CAT Exam 2023. As long as the applicant satisfies other CAT eligibility, there is no limitation on CAT Age Limit.

CAT Exam Educational Qualification

Candidates with the following educational qualifications can apply for CAT 2023.

  • Must have completed UGC recognized Bachelor's degree with 50% marks for the general category and 45% for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories.
  • Applicants with a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FIAI) minimum required percentage can apply for CAT Exam 2023.
  • Candidates in the final year of a Bachelor's degree with the required percentage may also apply.

CAT Reservation Policy

The reservation policy for the CAT Exam is as per the government's legal requirement. The details are as follows:

Category in CAT Exam

Reservation Policy

Scheduled Caste (SC)

15%

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

7.5%

Other Backward Classes "non-creamy" layer (NC-OBC)

27%

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

10%

Note: Your SC/ST/PwD/NC-OBC original certificates must be shown, and a photocopy of the certificates should be submitted during the interview process of CAT 2023. No change in the category will be entertained after CAT Exam registration; hence, the applicants are advised to pay attention while registering.

CAT Entrance Exam: Number of Attempts

There are no limitations on the number of attempts for the CAT Exam. The candidates can appear for CAT at any stage of their career. They must have qualified a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognised university to appear for this exam.

CAT Exam Pattern 2023

CAT 2023 Exam will be conducted in online mode and in a computer-based test.

  • CAT Exam is conducted in the English language only.
  • The exam has three sections- VARC, DILR, and QA
  • Candidates appearing for the CAT Exam must solve MCQ and Non-MCQ questions.
  • There is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section.
  • There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer, and every correct answer is 3 marks. Please note that no negative marking exists for TITA (Non-MCQs) questions. Learn the best tips to reduce Negative Marking in the CAT Exam.

Note the table below to get an expected overview of the CAT Paper Pattern and the number of questions.

Sections in CAT Exam

Total Questions in CAT Exam

MCQs

Non-MCQs

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

24

21

3

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

20

14

6

Quantitative Ability (QA)

22

14

8

CAT Total Marks

66

49

17

Year-Wise Changes in CAT Entrance Exam

CAT Exam has changed over the years regarding exam patterns, the number of questions, and time duration.

CAT Exam Year

How Many Questions are Asked in the CAT Exam?

CAT Time Duration

CAT 2022

VARC - 24

DILR - 20

QA - 22

Total Questions - 66

120

CAT 2021

VARC - 24

DILR - 20

QA - 22

Total Questions - 66

120

CAT 2020

VARC - 26

DILR - 24

QA - 26

Total Questions - 76

120

CAT Exam (2019 - 2015)

VARC - 34

DILR - 32

QA - 34

Total Questions -100

180

CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA

The CAT Syllabus consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Thoroughly understand the syllabus of the CAT Exam to check the list of topics to be covered for the exam.

Download CAT 2023 Syllabus PDF

Candidates preparing for CAT 2023 can also download the CAT Syllabus PDF from the direct link mentioned above. It is a compilation of all the topics to be asked under all three syllabus sections.

CAT Syllabus 2023 for Quantitative Ability

Following are the topics asked in the Quant section of the Common Admission Test CAT. Practice CAT Quant Questions regularly to level up the preparation.

QA Topics in CAT Exam

CAT Subjects

Number System

LCM and HCF

Divisibility Rules

Base Change

Finding Units place and tens place of a number

Cyclicity

Remainders

Prime Factorisation

Factorials

Indices and Surds

Arithmetic

Time, Distance, and Speed

Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns

Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Ratios, Proportions, and Variations

Percentages and Averages

Profit and Loss, Discount

Mixtures and Allegations

Geometry and Mensuration

Circles

Triangles

Polygons

Coordinate geometry

Lines and Angles

Trigonometry

Algebra

Inequalities and Modulus

Functions and Groups

Linear and Quadratic Equations

Polynomials

Logarithms

Algebraic Identities

Maxima and Minima

Modern Mathematics

Permutations and Combinations

Probability

Set Theory & Venn Diagram

Binomial theorem

Arithmetic progression, Geometric progression, Harmonic progression

CAT 2023 Syllabus Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

The DILR section of the CAT exam is majorly divided into Data Interpretation and Reasoning. Download the DILR CAT Questions PDF to improve the score in the section.

Data Interpretation Topics asked in CAT Exam

Logical Reasoning Topics asked in CAT Exam

Tables

Venn Diagram

Line Chart

Pie Chart

Scatter Plot

Radar Chart

Bar Graph

Column Graph

Routes and Network

Bubble Chart

Data Caselets - Reasoning-Based DI

Team Formation

Arrangements

Order and Ranking

Binary Logic

Games and Tournaments

Candidates can go through CAT Logical Reasoning Questions to evaluate what kind of questions are asked in the CAT exam. Experts have also curated a detailed guide on how to prepare logical reasoning for CAT to help you ace the section in the upcoming exam.

CAT Exam Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

As per the past trends and questions asked in the CAT 2023, the following topics are covered under the CAT syllabus for VARC. Download VARC Questions PDF to practice the section.

  • Para Summary
  • Para Completion
  • Para Jumbles (with and without options)
  • Odd One Out
  • RC for CAT

CAT 2023 Selection Process

The CAT selection process for MBA colleges will begin soon with the CAT 2023 exam and results. The list of candidates shortlisted for future rounds will be published on the respective IIM's websites. Each IIM shall send interview letters to the shortlisted candidates directly for CAT exam counselling.

You will be selected based on:

  • Written Ability Test (WAT)
  • Group Discussion (GD)
  • Personal Interview (PI)
  • Academic Records

CAT GD WAT: You will be called for a CAT Writing Ability Test and/or a Group Discussion based on your performance in CAT.

CAT Personal Interview: This is the final round where you will be judged on several factors such as communication skills, academic performance, General Awareness, performance in the previous round, and more.

☛ Also Check: Group Discussion Topics

CAT Result: IIM Individual Final Merit List: All the IIMs then release the final merit list based on several factors such as CAT Exam score, your performance in WAT/AWA, Group Discussion and Personal Interview, 10th, 12th, Graduation marks, Gender Diversity, Work Experience, and Reservations.

CAT Registration 2023

The online application link for CAT Exam 2023 will be made available on the official website of IIM CAT on 2nd August 2023. Many aspirants wait eagerly for the online application process to start and to fill out the CAT Exam application form to get one step closure to their desired IIMs to study MBA. To apply for the CAT Entrance Exam, candidates must fill out the CAT form on the official website before the last date. The CAT Exam fee 2023 has increased from last year as expected.

How to Apply for the CAT Exam?

To successfully apply for the CAT 2023, applicants must go through the CAT registration details and know the stepwise process of how to fill out the CAT form. Interested candidates can apply for the exam through the official website once the registration link gets active.

How to Fill the CAT Form?

The step-by-step process of filling out the registration form for the CAT 2023 is given below.

  1. CAT Registration
  2. Submit the CAT Exam 2023 application form
  3. Upload documents
  4. Select exam cities test city
  5. Pay the application CAT form fee

Follow the steps to apply online for the CAT Exam 2023. Please note that the CAT 2023 registration can be done through online mode only; there is no offline mode available.

  1. Visit the official website and register to generate a unique User ID and password for the CAT 2023 website.
  2. Register on the website using the credentials.
  3. Fill in the following information to successfully create your user profile
    • Name of Candidate
    • Date of Birth
    • Email Address
    • Mobile Number
  4. After submitting the CAT Exam registration form, you will receive your Login Details on the registered email address.

CAT Exam Fee

The CAT 2023 exam fee is updated and released along with the official notification. The CAT Registration Fee is as follows.

Candidate's Category

CAT Form Fee

General/EWS/NC-OBC candidate

₹2400

SC/ST/PwD candidate

₹1200

Note: The final amount to be paid may vary, as it will incorporate applicable additional charges. The CAT Exam form fee can be paid online via net banking/credit card/debit card.

How to Prepare for CAT Exam 2023?

Candidates preparing for CAT 2023 should have complete knowledge of the syllabus and paper pattern to begin with. Conceptual clarity, regular practice, and excellent time management are key to acing the CAT Exam. Applicants can also follow expert CAT Preparation Tips to ensure their preparation strategy is efficient and result oriented.

To begin with, learn how much time is required to prepare for the CAT. Depending on the time left for the CAT 2023, design a daily timetable for CAT preparation as per your needs to have a disciplined approach.

Approximately more than 2 Lakh candidates apply for the CAT Exam each year. As the competition is intense, it is important to have a clear preparation plan and a clear CAT 2023 on 1st attempt.

☛ See Also: Is CAT Exam Tough?

CAT Practice Set Papers

The best way to understand the questions asked in the examination is by practising the CAT Exam previous years' papers. Attempt the CAT Papers online and strategies for your exam preparation accordingly.

CAT Exam Quizzes

Understand the topic, learn the formulae, comprehend the best trick to solve the questions, and attempt the CAT quizzes. Solve CAT Quant Quiz to excel at solving all types of problems with improved accuracy and speed. Also, solve the Logical Reasoning Quiz for CAT, DI Quiz, and Verbal Quiz For CAT.

CAT Previous Year Question Papers

The best way to learn and analyze what to study for the CAT Exam is by analyzing the CAT Previous Year Papers. Download the CAT Question paper PDF and solve them in an exam setting. After solving each paper, analyze the question paper for mistakes and update your preparation strategy accordingly.

Below we have listed a direct download link for CAT Previous Year Paper for the last 7 years to assist you in your preparation.

Best Books to Prepare for CAT Exam

Candidates preparing for the CAT Entrance Exam must choose the Best Books for CAT Preparation to cover all three sections and practice ample questions comprehensively. Choosing the right set of books for the CAT 2023 is highly recommended as it saves a lot of time and provides conceptual clarity.

  • It will improve candidates' ability to think. So that they can easily find the answers at the time of the CAT Exam.
  • Additionally, CAT books will also enhance the confidence level, which is extremely important to solve the questions with 100% accuracy.

CAT Study Materials

Apart from the above-mentioned books for CAT Exam, the candidates can follow the below study materials also at the time of preparation.

CAT Study Materials

Authors/Publication

High School English & Grammar

Wren & Martin

NCERT Books

NCERT

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

CAT 2023 Admit Card

The exam authority has declared the CAT Admit Card 2023 a few days before the exam on the official website. It is a must-have document for all applicants, as candidates will not be able to take the exam without the hall ticket

How to Download a CAT Admit Card?

  • Log in to the official website using your user id and password.
  • Click on the admit card tab.
  • Go to download and save your copy of the CAT Exam admit card.

Ensure you go through the CAT 2023 Admit Card details to check for discrepancies. It is important to note that the CAT admit card will only be available online.

CAT Exam Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the CAT 2023 must note the Do’s and Don'ts of the CAT. The instructions are also printed on the admit card. Along with the set of instructions for the CAT Exam day, there is a list of documents to carry and prohibited items. Candidates can take a look at the CAT entrance exam day events on the flowchart below:

What to Carry for CAT 2023?

Candidates must bring the following documents to the CAT Exam centre to get access to the exam hall:

  • CAT admit card
  • Valid Identity Proof
  • Additional photograph
  • Self-declaration form
  • Covid safety-related items such as sanitiser, face masks, etc.
  • Name change document (If Required)
  • Medical Certificate & Scribe Affidavit (If Required)

What not to carry for CAT Exam 2023?

A list of items is prohibited in the CAT 2023 exam centre.

  • Calculator, watch, phone, iPad, or any other electronic item
  • Eatables and beverages
  • Bags and purses
  • Jewellery and accessories that contain metal
  • Jackets and clothes with pockets
  • Closed footwear

CAT Exam Center

CAT is conducted in various test centres across the country. Candidates must select 6 test cities' preferences at the time of the application form. The allotted CAT Exam centre details are released on the admit card. CAT 2023 will be conducted in 155 cities across India.

CAT 2023 Cut Off

CAT Exam cut-off will be announced by individual IIMs after releasing the result & scorecard. The institutes announced the CAT cutoff for IIM admission on their official websites after the result declaration. CAT Cut Off is declared in two forms:

  • Qualifying CAT Cut Off
  • Final CAT Exam Cut Off

CAT Exam Analysis

Exam experts will conduct and share a detailed CAT Analysis after the exam. CAT Exam analysis includes valuable information about the exam, such as the difficulty level, sectional weightage, the kinds of questions asked, and more. Along with the CAT 2023 analysis, you get details about the expected cutoff and more.

Candidates who have appeared in CAT Exam 2023 must also go through the analysis to get a clear picture of their performance. Get detailed section-wise CAT Exam analysis for all the slots below.

Difficulty Level of CAT Exam

Check the table below for the overall difficulty level of the CAT Exam in the past five years:

CAT Exam Year

CAT Difficulty Level

2022

Moderate

2021

Moderate

2020

Moderately difficult

2019

Moderately difficult

2018

Moderately difficult

2017

Moderately difficult

2016

Moderately difficult

Watch Videos for Previous Year CAT Exam Analysis

CAT Response Key

IIM will release the CAT Exam Response Sheet on the official login portal within a few days after the exam. Candidates appearing for the upcoming exam can download the CAT Response Sheet 2023, which will include the questions asked and the applicant's response to it. Candidates can calculate their scores and prepare for the upcoming rounds.

The CAT Exam response sheet is released along with the answer key. It contains the answer marked by the candidate and the official answer as per the answer key.

CAT 2023 Answer Key

The CAT Exam 2023 conducting authority will release the provisional answer key along with the response sheet on its official site. IIM will release the CAT 2023 Answer Key for Slots 1, 2, & 3 separately on its official site. The CAT Exam answer key PDF also contains the candidates’ individual response sheets. Candidates can match their responses with the official CAT answer key to calculate the score.

How to Download the CAT 2023 Answer Key?

The CAT Answer Key can be downloaded from the official website after logging in.

  • Visit the official IIM CAT website.
  • You can use CAT Exam login credentials which are the username and password
  • CAT answer key will appear on the screen

After checking the CAT 2023 Answer Key, you have a window to raise objections and submit the challenges. The final answer key will be released after the objection window.

Previous Year CAT Exam Answer Key

The candidates can also download previous years' CAT response sheet cum answer key from the links below.

CAT Exam Result & Scorecard

CAT 2023 result will be declared in the 2nd week of January 2024 along with the scorecard by CAT Exam conducting authority after the exam. In 2022, the CAT Exam result cum scorecard was released on 21 December 2022 on the official website. The CAT Scorecard contains each candidate's scores and percentile (sectional and overall).

Steps to Check CAT Exam Scorecard

Follow the steps mentioned below to check the IIM CAT MBA Result

  • Log in to the official website using your User ID and Password
  • You will find the scorecard
  • The result will be available on the same website as per the schedule.
  • You can also download the CAT Exam 2023 result cum scorecard for future reference.

CAT 2023 Score vs Percentile

CAT Scorecard and result contain both CAT score and percentile. CAT Score Validity is for 1 year from the date of the result. It is important to understand both as they are important to getting admission to IIMs and other MBA colleges. Raw CAT Exam score is converted to CAT percentile using the normalization process released by IIM. Learn How to Calculate CAT Percentile for the upcoming exam.

The key steps are to calculate the overall and sectional CAT Exam percentile scores obtained by a candidate.

  • Step 1 - Total number of candidates who appeared for CAT 2023 in all three shifts.
  • Step 2 - A rank will be assigned to all candidates who appeared for CAT. This will be based on the scaled scores obtained in the QA, DILR & VARC sections.

The CAT Exam scaled scores are deduced after considering several factors and steps to normalize the score obtained by any CAT aspirant. First, for CAT Normalization, the raw scores of any candidate are calculated by counting the number of correct and incorrect answers.

The raw scores for each candidate are then normalized, taking into consideration the following factors:

  • The difficulty level of the slot/shift he/she has appeared for the CAT exam
  • Scores of top scorers in that slot

This process is done for both section-wise scaled scores and Overall scores.

CAT Score vs Percentile: Year-Wise Details

A glance at the table provided below for the following years and learn how many marks you need to achieve and to secure to get 90+ percentile in total. Check the details about CAT Score vs Percentile.

Percentile

Marks in

Marks in

Marks in

Marks in

Marks in

Marks in

Marks in

CAT 2022

CAT 2021

CAT 2020

CAT 2019

CAT 2018

CAT 2017

CAT 2016

Total Marks

198

198

228

300

300

300

300

99.9

110.72

120

131

196

192

208

191

99.5

93

107

115

170

170

183

168

99

82.5

97

102

157

155

173

153

95

60

71

77

120

125

139

123

90

48.5

59

63

90

110

121

108

80

35.5

45

49

75

80

98

84

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Entrance Exam Score

All IIMs accept CAT Scores. In 2022, the CAT Entrance Exam score was accepted by 20 IIMs and 90 Non-IIM institutions. Check the complete list of Colleges Accepting CAT 2023 scores. Below mentioned is the list of IIMs, along with the seat intake details. Check Colleges Accepting CAT Score 80 90 Percentile.

To MBA Colleges in India

Seat intake

IIM Ahmedabad

385

IIM Calcutta

462

IIM Bangalore

412

IIM Udaipur

180

IIM Shillong

120

IIM Bodhgaya

60

IIM Sirmaur

60

IIM Indore

550

IIM Sambalpur

140

IIM Lucknow

436

IIM Kashipur

210

IIM Nagpur

60

IIM Ranchi

155

IIM Kozhikode

353

IIM Visakhapatnam

60

IIM Raipur

210

IIM Rohtak

180

IIM Amritsar

60

IIM Trichy

180

IIM Jammu

45

Apart from the IIMs. check the list of best colleges for MBA in India

CAT Exam Alternatives

Several MBA entrance exams apart from CAT are held for MBA admissions to various colleges. Certain colleges, like XLRI, Symbiosis, IIFT, etc., administer their own MBA exams for admission. If you wish to pursue MBA from abroad, go through the details about GMAT vs CAT.

Check details about all the MBA exams to make an informed decision

MBA Exams

College

CAT vs MBA Exams

XAT

Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur + Other MBA Colleges

XAT vs CAT

CMAT

Colleges approved by AICTE take admission through the CMAT exam

CMAT vs CAT

SNAP

15 Colleges under Symbiosis International (Deemed) University and various additional private MBA colleges

SNAP vs CAT

IIFT

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi

IIFT vs CAT

NMAT

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and other colleges

NMAT vs CAT

MICAT

MICA Ahmedabad

MICAT vs CAT

MAT

Conducted by AIMA MAT for admission into 200+ MBA colleges in India

MAT vs CAT

CAT Mock Test

Regular practice with BYJU'S Exam Prep CAT Exam test series will ensure that you are prepared to handle all kinds of questions in the exam. The CAT Mock test is designed by experts based on the latest exam pattern and question trend. The CAT 2023 Online mock test also helps you solve all your doubts and strengthen your concepts.

CAT Official Mock Test 2023

CAT 2023 official mock test will be released a few days before the exam in online mode. The conducting authority will declare the link of the official CAT Mock Test PDF on the official website. Candidates taking the CAT 2023 can take the official mock examinations available at IIM CAT official website to analyze their preparation level. The IIM CAT Exam mock test aims to familiarize applicants with the types of questions commonly given in exams.

CAT Online Coaching

Level up your CAT Exam Online Preparation with the guidance of India's top teachers with a proven track record. The CAT 2023 online coaching will help you cover the syllabus promptly with a good understanding of all the critical concepts. You will also be able to learn the best tricks to solve the questions with ease and speed.

As the CAT Exam is held online, it is a good option to prepare for the exam in online mode. It is also convenient for aspirants preparing for CAT while working or studying. CAT 2023 online preparation allows you to study at your own pace and per your schedule.

FAQs on CAT Exam

  • CAT stands for Common Admission Test. CAT Exam is a national level MBA exam that is held by one of the IIMs for admissions into one of the 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and 80+ other MBA Colleges. Candidates who wish to pursue MBA from India usually opt for the CAT exam. 

  • No, it is not compulsory to take the CAT exam for MBA. However, if you wish to pursue MBA from the top IIMs or other top MBA colleges in India, you must take the CAT exam as most top colleges demand a CAT score. It is also important to note that IIMs only accept CAT score for MBA admission.

  • Candidates who wish to register for CAT Exam 2023 can visit the official website to register for the exam. Below are the steps that you can follow for the below steps for registration

    1. Visit the official website and complete registration for CAT 2023 portal
    2. Fill out CAT Application Form 2023
    3. Upload Documents which are required
    4. Select CAT Test City as per your convenience
    5. Pay Application Fee
  • The exam authority still has released the CAT Exam Date 2023. CAT 2023 will be conducted online on 26 November 2023.

  • CAT Exam is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. The authority has announced the name of CAT 2023 conducting IIM. As per the latest update, in 2023, CAT Exam will be administered by IIM Lucknow.

  • CAT exam is conducted once every year in the month of November. Last year, the IIM CAT was held in three slots in one day. There is no limit to the number of attempts for the CAT exam.

  • Any candidates who have a graduate degree from a UGC-approved university/ college with a minimum of 50% marks for the General category and 45% for the reserved category are eligible to apply for CAT Exam. Candidates who have a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA) can also apply. Final-year students are also eligible to apply for CAT 2023. 

  • As per the latest exam pattern, the CAT 2023 includes three sections

    • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
    • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
    • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

    IIMs do not release the CAT syllabus officially. Candidates preparing for the CAT Exam can go through the syllabus which is curated as per the previous year's papers. 

  • The CAT Exam pattern has been changing over the years. Last year (2022), the CAT consisted of 66 questions (VARC - 24, DILR - 20, QA - 22_ whereas CAT 2020 had 76 questions (VARC - 26, DILR - 24, QA - 26).

    • CAT Exam is held online and includes both MCQ and Non-MCQ questions.
    • There is a negative marking of -1 marks for MCA questions. No negative marks for Non- MCQ (TITA Questions).
  • All IIMs accept the CAT score. In 2022, 20 IIMs and 90 Non-IIM institutions recognised the CAT score. Among the top colleges that accept CAT scores, IIMs are FMS, Delhi, JBIMS, MDI, etc.

  • CAT Exam is conducted by one of the IIMs each year on a rotational basis. Considering this, the CAT Question Paper is prepared by one of the IIMs. The name of the CAT conducting authority for 2023 will be released along with the declaration of official CAT Notification 2023.

  • The best book to prepare QA for the CAT exam is NCERTs as it provides a very strong foundation and conceptual clarity.

  • To score such a high percentile in the CAT exam, it is very important that you are fully prepared for all three sections. As the competition is very high to Score 99 or 100 percentile in CAT, your approach must be smart and planned. 

  • After the CAT 2023, IIM releases the CAT result in the form of a scorecard. The CAT scorecard contains the raw CAT score and percentile. Depending on the CAT score & percentile, the list of candidates who have been shortlisted for the next round of selection will be posted on the individual IIMs' websites. Shortlisted candidates will get interview letters directly from each IIM.

    IIM conducts Group Discussion, written ability test, and personal interview to further select candidates for admission.

  • Common Admission Test or CAT is the national-level entrance exam for candidates who wish to make a career in Management and Business Administration, i.e., MBA. This examination is conducted by the IIMs every year on a rotational basis.

  • There are no restrictions in appearing in CAT Entrance Exam. If the candidates qualify for the basic eligibility they can appear for the exam as many times as they want.

  • The MBA schools you intend to apply to will determine the value of your CAT percentile. 95+ percentile is a good score for a Tier 1 B-School, whereas 80-90 percentile is a decent score for a Tier 2 institute.

CAT & MBA

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