What is the full form of CAT ?

Introduction to CAT

Common Admission Test, or CAT is a nationwide entrance exam for management programs provided by some of India's best business schools. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct it annually on a rotating basis. In addition to the IIMs, many other prestigious B-schools in India accept the CAT score.

The CAT exam is a computer-based test that evaluates a candidate's abilities in several areas, including Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). There are thousands of applicants who take the exam each year, making it quite competitive.

Purpose of CAT

The Common Admission Test's (CAT) main goal is to give a fair and objective evaluation of a candidate's suitability for management education. Some of the most famous management programs in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools, consider the CAT score as a primary factor for admission.

The IIMs and other top B-schools can find the most qualified applicants for their management programmes by administering the CAT exam. The CAT score is used to assess a candidate's suitability for admission to a management programme, along with other admission requirements such academic background, job experience, and performance in group discussion and personal interview rounds.

Structure and Format of CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) measures a candidate's readiness for management education on a computer. The test is broken into three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

The DILR and QA parts each have 24 questions, while the VARC section has 26. The exam will last 180 minutes (3 hours), with each section receiving 60 minutes (1 hour). Candidates are not permitted to travel back and forth between the sections or skip any of them.

On the CAT exam, there are both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQ questions. MCQs require the applicant to choose the best response from a list of alternatives, whereas non-MCQs require the candidate to enter the response using the keyboard. Negative marking is not used for non-MCQs; however, for each erroneous response in an MCQ, one-third of the total marks are deducted.

The CAT exam is made to evaluate a candidate's analytical and problem-solving abilities, capacity for logical thought, and competence in a number of areas, including language comprehension, data interpretation, and mathematical methods. It is a tremendously competitive exam, with thousands of candidates signing up each year. Candidates should concentrate on increasing their conceptual understanding and time management skills as they get ready for the exam.

CAT Eligibility and Application Process

CAT qualifying requirements

• The applicant must be in possession of a bachelor's degree from a reputable college or university.

• The applicant must have passed the prerequisite exam with at least 50% of the possible points, or an equivalent CGPA. The needed minimum percentage for the reserved categories (SC/ST/PWD) is 45%.

• Those taking the bachelor's degree or an equivalent exam in their final year are also eligible to apply.

CAT application process

• The CAT application process is online and can be done on the official website (iimcat.ac.in).

• The application form contains personal and academic details, and candidates must also attach scanned copies of their portrait and signature.

• The CAT exam application fee is Rs. 2,200 for candidates in the general category and Rs. 1,100 for those in the reserved category (SC/ST/PWD). Online payment options for the fee include debit/credit cards and net banking.

• Candidates must download and print their CAT application form for future use after successfully completing the form and paying the fee.

• The CAT application process normally starts in August and finishes in September, and candidates are recommended to visit the official website often for updates.

It is crucial for candidates to confirm that they meet the qualifying conditions before applying for the CAT exam. To prevent any problems during the exam or admissions process, the application form must be filled out properly and all necessary information must be provided accurately.

Conclusion

Candidates must thoroughly prepare for the CAT exam in order to succeed in this intensely competitive exam, which is an essential stage in the admissions process for some of the top management programmes in India. Candidates can increase their chances of receiving a high score and being admitted to their ideal business school by making careful preparations, being committed, and working hard.

FAQs

Q1. Does the CAT exam have any negative scoring?

Ans. Negative marking is appropriate for the CAT exam, yes. For each erroneous response in an MCQ, a penalty of one-third of the total marks is assessed.

Q2. How do I get ready for the CAT test?

Ans. Building conceptual understanding and refining time management and test-taking techniques can help candidates get ready for the CAT exam. Candidates can prepare for the exam using a variety of online tools and tutoring centres.

Q3. What is the CAT score's validity?

Ans. For admission to management programs in the year of the exam or the year after, the CAT score is valid for one year.