CAT Exam 2026

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level examination administered by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) in India. It is conducted once a year, to provide admission for post-graduate management programs rendered by top B-schools of India. CAT 2024 is most likely to be conducted by IIM Calcutta as the previous year was conducted by IIM Lucknow.

CAT Exam 2026 - Highlights

Particular	Details
CAT Full Form	Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Institute for 2024	IIM Calcutta
Exam Level	National
CAT Entrance Exam Frequency	Once a year
CAT Exam Date 2024	November 24, 2024
CAT Exam Timings	Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Session 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Session 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
CAT Exam Fees	INR 2,400 (General category) INR 1,200 (Reserved category)
CAT Eligibility	Graduation with 50% (General) 45% (SC/ST/PWD)
Courses Offered	MBA/PGDM
CAT Syllabus	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
CAT Exam Mode	Computer Based Test (CBT)
CAT Website	https://iimcat.ac.in/

CAT Preparation: Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the entrance exam for MBA aspirants aiming for admission into India's prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. Here we have mentioned some key points that you must should know:

CAT Exam Format:

• It's a computer-based test (CBT) lasting 2 hours.
• You'll answer 66 questions which are divided into three sections:
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Tests your reading skills, grammar, and verbal reasoning (24 questions, 72 marks).
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Analyze your ability to interpret data and solve logical puzzles (20 questions, 60 marks).
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Assesses your mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills (22 questions, 66 marks).

CAT Scoring System:

• Each correct answer fetches 3 marks.
• There's a deduction of -1 mark for every wrong answer (except for non-MCQs in QA).
• Unanswered questions don't incur any penalty.

CAT Preparation Strategy:

• Accuracy is Key: Time management is crucial. Aim to attempt more questions correctly rather than rushing through.
• Sectional Cut-offs: Each section has a minimum score you need to pass. Ensure a decent score across all sections.
• Non-MCQ Advantage: The non-MCQ questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section don't have negative markings, so attempt them strategically.
• Know Your Strengths: You must analyze your strengths and weaknesses in each area. Focus on maximizing scores in your strong sections and improving the weaker ones.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Take mock tests to get familiar with the exam format, time pressure, and question types.