CAT Exam

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CAT Exam

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs, including the MBA

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Runali Deb Roy

Last Update : 13 Jun 2023

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Course Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs, including the MBA. The CAT exam evaluates candidates on various skills and abilities required for success in the business and management field. Here is a course overview for the CAT exam 2023:

  1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

    • Reading comprehension passages

    • Sentence correction

    • Vocabulary-based questions

    • Para jumbles

    • Critical reasoning

  1. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI-LR):

    • Data interpretation from tables, graphs, and charts

    • Data sufficiency

    • Logical reasoning puzzles

    • Analytical reasoning

    • Venn diagrams and sets

  1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

    • Arithmetic concepts including numbers, percentages, ratios, and averages

    • Algebraic equations and inequalities

    • Geometry and mensuration

    • Probability and statistics

    • Number system and number theory

    • Time, speed, and distance

    • Work and time problems

  1. General Awareness:

    • Current affairs

    • Business and economic news

    • Politics and governance

    • Social issues and developments

    • Sports and entertainment

The CAT exam focuses on testing a candidate's analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It requires a strong foundation in quantitative reasoning, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal abilities. The exam also assesses a candidate's time management skills and ability to handle pressure.

To excel in the CAT exam, candidates need to practice extensively, solve previous years' question papers, take mock tests, and work on their weak areas. Additionally, developing a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and business-related books can help improve general awareness and reading comprehension skills.

It's important to note that the specific topics and weightage may vary from year to year, so candidates should refer to the official CAT exam notification and syllabus for the most accurate and updated information.

What You'll learn

  • Problem-solving and Analytical Skills: The CAT exam assesses your ability to analyze complex problems, identify patterns, and develop effective problem-solving strategies. You'll learn to think critically, break down problems into smaller components, and apply logical reasoning to arrive at the correct solution.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: The quantitative aptitude section of CAT tests your mathematical skills and numerical ability. You'll learn various mathematical concepts, such as algebra, geometry, number systems, and statistics, and how to apply them to solve quantitative problems efficiently. You'll also learn techniques for quick calculations and time-saving approaches.
  • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This section evaluates your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in various forms like tables, graphs, and charts. You'll learn techniques to extract relevant information, identify patterns, and make logical deductions. Logical reasoning questions will test your ability to analyze and solve complex logical puzzles.
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: The verbal ability section assesses your proficiency in English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence correction. You'll learn techniques to improve your reading speed, comprehension skills, and effective methods for tackling different question types like para jumbles, sentence completion, and critical reasoning
  • Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial for success. You'll learn strategies to effectively allocate time to each section, prioritize questions, and manage time during the exam to maximize your overall score. Practicing timed mock tests will help you develop your speed and accuracy.
  • General Awareness: CAT exams may include questions on current affairs, business, economics, and general knowledge. You'll learn to stay updated with current events, read newspapers and magazines regularly, and improve your awareness of business and economic news.

Course Content

3 lessons 45m

CAT HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Quantitative Ability (QA).

  2. Duration: The total duration of the CAT exam is three hours. Each section has a time limit of one hour, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the test.

  3. Number of Questions: The total number of questions in the CAT exam may vary each year, but it is typically around 100-150 questions. The number of questions in each section is also subject to change.

  4. Marking Scheme: CAT follows a marking scheme of +3 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer in MCQs. Non-MCQs do not carry negative marking.

  5. Difficulty Level: CAT is known for its challenging and competitive nature. The exam aims to assess candidates' analytical, problem-solving, and logical reasoning abilities, as well as their quantitative and verbal skills.

  6. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the CAT exam, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum percentage (as specified by the participating IIMs). There is no age limit for appearing in the exam.

  7. Selection Process: The CAT exam is the first step in the selection process for admission to the IIMs and other participating management institutes. After the exam, candidates who meet the cutoff criteria are shortlisted for further rounds, which may include Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).

  8. Validity: CAT scores are valid for one year and can be used for admission to the corresponding academic year only.

  9. Application Process: The CAT application process is conducted online, and candidates need to register, fill in the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee within the specified timeframe.

  10. Test Centers: CAT is conducted at various test centers across India. Candidates can choose their preferred test center during the application process.

It's important for candidates to stay updated with the official CAT website and notifications for the latest information regarding exam dates, registration, eligibility criteria, and other details.

CAT TIMELINE AND REGISTRATION

The CAT exam timeline and registration process for CAT 2023 may vary each year. However, here is a general overview of the CAT exam timeline and registration process:

  1. Notification: The official notification for CAT is typically released in July or August of the respective year. The notification provides detailed information about the exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, and other important details.

  2. Registration Start: The CAT registration process usually begins in August or September. Candidates need to visit the official CAT website to register for the exam.

  3. Registration End: The registration window remains open for approximately 4-6 weeks. The exact end date is specified in the official notification. It is important for candidates to complete the registration within the given timeframe.

  4. Application Form: During the registration process, candidates need to fill in the CAT application form. The form requires personal details, academic information, choice of test centers, and other necessary information. Candidates may also need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and other required documents.

  5. Application Fee: After filling in the application form, candidates are required to pay the application fee. The fee amount is specified in the official notification and can be paid online using various payment modes.

  6. Admit Card: Once the registration process is complete and the application fee is paid, candidates can download their CAT admit cards. The admit card contains important details such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam center, and exam date. It is necessary to carry the admit card to the exam center on the day of the CAT exam.

  7. CAT Exam Date: The CAT exam is usually conducted in November or December. The exam date and session (morning or afternoon) are mentioned on the admit card.

It's important to note that the above timeline is a general overview and may vary. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CAT website for the latest updates, notifications, and specific dates for CAT 2023 registration and exam.

CAT MARKING SCHEME

The CAT exam follows a specific marking scheme. Here is the marking scheme for CAT 2023:

  1. Total Marks: The CAT exam is conducted for a total of 300 marks.

  2. Correct Answer: For each correct answer, candidates are awarded 3 marks.

  3. Incorrect Answer (Negative Marking): There is a penalty for wrong answers. For each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted as negative marking.

  4. Unanswered Questions: No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. Hence, it is better to leave a question unanswered if you are unsure about the answer rather than guessing.

  5. Multiple Responses: In the case of multiple responses for a single question, it is considered an incorrect answer and negative marking is applied.

  6. Non-MCQs: In addition to multiple-choice questions (MCQs), CAT also includes non-MCQs where candidates need to type the answer using the keyboard. These questions do not have negative marking for incorrect answers.

It is important to understand the marking scheme of the CAT exam to plan your attempt strategy. Guessing should be avoided unless you can eliminate some options and have a reasonable chance of selecting the correct answer. It is recommended to focus on accuracy while attempting the CAT exam.

Please note that the marking scheme provided here is based on the general pattern of CAT exams. However, it is always advisable to refer to the official CAT website or the information bulletin for the most accurate and up-to-date marking scheme for CAT 2023.

CAT MARKING SCHEME

Course structure

1

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
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  1. Number Systems and Number Theory
  2. Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, etc.)
  3. Algebra (Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, etc.)
  4. Geometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, etc.)
  5. Mensuration
  6. Probability and Statistics
  7. Permutation and Combination
  8. Time, Speed, and Distance
  9. Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, etc.)

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2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
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  1. Reading Comprehension passages
  2. Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies)
  3. Grammar and Sentence Correction
  4. Para-jumbles (Sentence rearrangement)
  5. Para Completion and Inference
  6. Critical Reasoning and Paragraph Summary

3

3. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
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  1. Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, etc.)
  2. Data Sufficiency
  3. Logical Reasoning (Arrangements, Selection Criteria, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, etc.)
  4. Venn Diagrams
  5. Puzzles and Cubes
  6. Assumptions and Arguments

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