CAT is a computer based test which consist of four sections i.e Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. Each of the section have 30 questions with a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes. The total duration if the test 2 hours and 35 minutes. India's Top Business schools use CAT score for taking admission in MBA program, there are approximately 145 colleges takes admission through CAT in India.

CAT Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Differently Abled (DA).

CAT Exam Duration and Pattern

The Pattern of CAT exam has been changed time to time. As per the most recent CAT exam held in 2011, there were 2 sections, The first section was Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; the second section was Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning.The examination was of 140 minutes duration. Candidates had 70 minutes to answer 30 questions within each section which had an on-screen countdown timer. Within the 70 min provided for the section, candidates could review the answers.A 15-minute tutorial would be provided before the start of the test, and candidates were advised to go through that carefully before starting the main examination. The total duration will be 2:35 Minutes including the tutorial.

CAT Reservation

As per the Government of India requirements, 15% of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7½% for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates belonging to the “non-creamy” layer.

IIM Admission Process


Each IIM has a different procedure for selecting students for second round of selection process. IIM may conduct a Written Ability Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview or IIMs may use previous academic performance of the candidates, relevant work experience and other similar inputs in short listing and ranking of candidates at various stages of the admission process. For more information on this students may refer to respective IIM's website.

How To Apply for CAT


To apply for the CAT Exam, Candidate has to buy a voucher from the selected Bank branches approved by CAT, in 2011 these voucher could be bought from selected Axis bank branches.Note that the Voucher must be bought only in the name of the candidate as it appears in the school leaving certificate. After buying the voucher, candidate may visit CAT Official website for registering and scheduling for his/her test.

As we've mentioned that CAT keep on change it's Admission process, Exam Pattern, Eligibility Criteria and Reservation criteria etc, So we recommend our readers to go through CAT official website for more details.