Senior Content Specialist | Updated On - Apr 13, 2024
Common Admission Test (CAT), is the prominent entrance examination conducted in India by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission in their first-rate two-year PG Programmes, namely the Post Graduate Program (PGP), Post Graduate Program for executives (PGPX), and the Fellow Program in Management (FPM). The CAT score is declined by more than 155 educational institutions across India for entry.
Each year, CAT is held and it is used as means of assessing a candidate's quantitative & data interpretation & logical reasoning ability, as well as his/her verbal ability & reading comprehension skills, and decision making & general awareness. There is a 3-hour paper consists of 100 questions and 3 sections. CAT exam score remains valid and gets one the admissions for the year of exam and the subsequent year.
CAT 2024 notification that will include all exam dates and other information is scheduled to be released by the middle of July 2023 on the official website. The exam is to be held either in November or December 2024 as an online test covering 158 test cities. The outcome is then announced within three weeks after the examination date. Each shortlisted candidate must apply on their own to a business school of their choice, and sit through the additional rounds of evaluation in the form of group discussion (GD), writing ability test (WAT), and personal interviewing (PI), before being finally admitted.
Passages from a variety of sources, such as news articles, essays, and fiction, will be given. Questions will test your ability to understand the main idea, supporting details, and implications of the passages.
Verbal reasoning
Questions will test your ability to understand and analyze the relationships between words, concepts, and arguments. This may include questions on synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and logical reasoning.
Critical reasoning
Questions will test your ability to evaluate and analyze arguments. This may include questions on identifying the main argument, identifying assumptions, and identifying flaws in reasoning.
Vocabulary
Questions will test your knowledge of words and their meanings. This may include questions on synonyms, antonyms, and word usage.
The CAT exam consists of three major sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The VARC section includes topics such as reading comprehension, sentence correction, grammar, vocabulary-based questions, critical reasoning, and para jumbles.
The DILR section covers data interpretation involving tables, charts, graphs, and caselets. It also includes logical reasoning questions like puzzles, seating arrangements, and analytical reasoning.
The QA section of CAT focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number theory. It includes questions on problem-solving, data interpretation, and quantitative analysis.
CAT does not have specific subject-based questions. It tests candidates' aptitude, reasoning, and mathematical skills rather than domain-specific knowledge.
The core CAT syllabus remains relatively consistent from year to year, with minor variations in question types and difficulty levels. Candidates should always refer to the official CAT website for the most up-to-date syllabus.
To prepare for CAT, create a structured study plan, focus on your weaker areas, practice with mock tests and previous year papers, and allocate time for each section as per your strengths and weaknesses.
No, CAT allows candidates to choose the order in which they attempt the sections. You can begin with any section based on your preference.
CAT typically does not include current affairs or general knowledge questions. However, it's advisable to stay updated with current events for personal awareness.
Yes, there are various CAT preparation materials, books, and online resources available that align with the CAT syllabus. Candidates can choose resources that suit their learning style.