Most of the MBA aspirants start preparing for the CAT exam while still in their final year of graduation. But is it right to prepare and appear for the CAT while still pursuing graduation? Read below to know what are the benefits of appearing in CAT exam while pursuing graduation.
Common Admission Test or CAT is a national level entrance test for MBA/PGDM admission and the minimum eligibility criteria is graduation. Final year students are also eligible to appear for the CAT exam. Every year, over 2 lakh MBA aspirants apply for the CAT. A large number of these applicants are final year students who are in their last year of BTech, BCom, BSc, BBA, etc. courses. Why so? Because the next best PG course after graduation is MBA for a rewardfing career. There are several other benefits of appearing for CAT exam in the final year of graduation. Read below to know more.
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Conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), the CAT exam scores are accepted by over 1,200 B-schools across the country for admission to their MBA/PGDM programmes. Candidates in final year, can prepare for CAT 2024 parallel to their course while in college and save one year of preparation. The CAT is a high difficulty level exam and since a graduation/BTech student is in the habit of studying for long hours, they can continue with the rhythm for CAT preparation too.
Q: What is the CAT eligibility criteria?
Q: What is the IIM selection criteria through CAT?
IIM selection criteria for all the 21 campuses is same and includes selection of candidates through three stages. CAT score Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion GD and Personal Interview (PI) Academic record, work experience Academic and gender diversity CAT exam score is the first parameter on which candidates are shortlisted for admission. In the first state of IIM admission, the institutes shortlist candidates for WAT, GD and PI on the basis of their CAT score and class 10, 12 and graduation marks. The cut offs for shortlisting of candidates is between 95-100 percentile (for SC/ST/PwD candidates the cut offs are lower). These shortlisted candidates have to then appear for What, GD and PI round. Those who clear this round are considered for final admission. For the final selection, every IIMs takes into consideration the following aspects: CAT score What, GD and PI performance Class 10 and 12 marks Graduation marks Work experience Academic diversity Gender diversity.
Q: What is the age limit to appear for CAT?
Also Read:
- Are You Ready for CAT 2024: Start Your Preparation Now
- Roadmap to CAT 2024: A Comprehensive Strategy Guide
Overview of CAT Exam 2024
The CAT exam tests the candidate's general aptitude, analytical abilities and problem solving skills, that are essential to succeed as a manager. The CAT question paper includes questions from Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. CAT 2024 exam will be conducted on November 24, 2024 and CAT 2024 registration is underway (last date to apply is September 13, 2024). Those who plan to appear for CAT 2024 must check out the CAT 2024 exam pattern and other details.
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| CAT Exam Features |
CAT Exam Details |
|---|---|
| Sections |
|
| Number of sections |
3 |
| Total number of questions |
66 |
| Total marks |
198 |
| Exam mode |
Online |
| Exam duration |
120 minutes |
| Question type |
MCQ and non-MCQ |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
| Difficulty level |
High |
Check complete CAT exam syllabus 2024
CAT Exam: Advantages for Students Pursuing Final Year of Graduation
Although it is up to the aspirant to decide when he/she is ready for CAT, appearing for it while still in the final year of graduation has several advantages. We shall discuss a few here.
- Advantage in CAT preparation: Preparation for CAT exam at least requires six to nine months. For a candidate who is in the final year of graduation, it is an ideal time to prepare for CAT alongside their final year. BTech, BSc and BCom students can prepare better because some of the subjects in their course like Maths help them prepare easily for Quantitative Ability.
- Advantage in CAT coaching: Unlike a working professional, candidates in their final year of graduation can easily take out time to attend coaching classes. Such candidates are not bound by nine to five job schedule. Ask any working professional who has cracked the CAT why he/she did not take coaching classes and their answer will be due to lack of time. Taking coaching classes for CAT 2024 preparation may not be necessary for all, but it does help the candidate in disciplined and streamlined preparation. Not ot forget, the valuable guidance and inputs they get from mentors.
- No gap year: As mentioned above that preparation for CAT takes at least six to nine months to prepare, a candidate who has already graduated will have to spare that many months for it resulting in a gap between UG and PG education.
- No loss of income: Many working professional, who plan to appear in CAT, have to quit their well-paying jobs to prepare for the exam. Those who prepare while working have to toil extra to balance studies with job. An undergraduate aspirant does not have to face such a situation.
- Can earn work experience before starting MBA: The IIMs allows, candidates selected for admission to defer their admission for up to two years for candidates who wish to earn work experience before pursuing the PGP course. Around 10 per cent of seats are kept aside for such candidates. If a final year graduation candidate clears IIM admission in a particular year, he/she can even take up a job for a year or two before joining the programme.
Click here for previous years CAT question papers and CAT cut offs.
Also Read:
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 – Ultimate Tips from Expert
- When is the best time to start CAT 2024 preparation
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 without quitting your job
- CAT Preparation: Simple Tips To Optimize Performance
- How to prepare for CAT 2024: Tips from Toppers
- CAT Exam:10 popular myths busted
CAT Eligibility Criteria
CAT eligibility criteria is perfectly suited for a fresh graduate. Check detailed eligibility criteria below:
- The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree in any stream with at least 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA* (45 per cent for SC, ST and PWD/DA category) from a recognized board or university
- The candidate must have completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA) with required percentage
- The candidate appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification or awaiting result is also eligible to apply for CAT
*Percentage obtained in bachelor’s degree would be calculated on the basis of practice followed by the concerned university/institution. In case of grades/CGPA, the conversion would be based on the process defined by the concerned university/ institution. In absence of any percentage conversion scheme, candidate’s CGPA will be divided by maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100.
Q: What is the process to select CAT test city for exam centre allotment?
There are over 170 cities where CAT exam is held. These 170 cities are spread across India consist of metropolitan cities, capital cities, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Candidate can select up to five cities for allotment of test centre. The process of test city selection is a part of CAT application process. In the CAT application form, there is a field in which candidates have to select the cities. They need to select the city of preference in order of 1 to 5. The examination authorities will try to allot the test centre in the city of first preference. Thus, candidates must fill all the five cities carefully. They must choose their home city of city of current residence as the first preference. The test city option can only be changed during the form correction window. After that, the request for change of the city will not be accepted by the exam authorities.
Q: How much CAT score is required for IIM Amritsar?
Candidates seeking admission to the MBA programme must meet the minimum CAT percentile specified in the cutoff list released by IIM Amritsar. As per the IIM Amritsar cutoff list for admission to the MBA programme, the minimum percentile for overall and section-wise categories in CAT was 95 in the year 2023. So, if trends are to be trusted then the minimum percentile for overall as well as section-wise category in the CAT exam should be near 95. Hence, students are advised to prepare well for the CAT exam.
Q: Is CAT fee refundable?
CAT fee is non-refundable. Candidates must note that under no circumstances will the CAT fee be refunded to any candidate. The fee amount of INR 2400 (INR 1200 for Reserved category students) once paid cannot be claimed for refund.
However, if the money has been deducted from your account but the payment process is interrupted, the bank will refund the amount and credit it to your account.
Since, the CAT fee is non-refundable, candidates must make no mistakes in filling the form. There is no option to edit the CAT application form apart from a few fields like – photo, signature and test city. If you have entered a personal or academic information that is incorrect or invalid and submitted the form, you cannot edit it. You will have to fill a fresh form and pay the fees again.
Q: I am in 2nd year 4th semester of BBA. Can I write CAT Exam this year and get into MBA college next year?
Also Read: CAT eligibility criteria 2024
Reservation criteria for CAT accepting colleges
For IIM admission, 15 per cent of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7.5 per cent for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. 27 per cent of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes candidates belonging to the “non-creamy” layer (NC-OBC). Five per cent seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD).
The same reservation criteria applies to all Indian B-Schools.
Since the CAT exam is open for candidates from all streams of education, the number of participants is quite high. The aspirants are a good mix of graduates, final year students and working professionals. Given the competition and the difficulty level of the exam, it is imperative for an aspirant to plan about it in advance, about a year before.
FAQs on CAT Preparation 2024
Q: How much time is required to prepare for CAT exam 2024?
A: CAT is a high difficulty level exam so for freshers about 6-9 months will be required for preparation. However, candidates can decide upon the time duration according to their ability and knowledge of the CAT syllabus. Experts suggest, to prepare well for CAT exam, candidates must start studying at least nine months before the exam date. If you haven't started yet, you should now as the CAT 2024 will be held on November 24, 2024.
Q: Can I crack CAT by self-preparation?
A: Yes, it is possible to crack CAT by self-preparation, all one needs to do is set a time-table and follow self-discipline in following it. Also, start preparing for CAT early on by February-March. Self-preparation will also require you to invest in study material, like buying books and online mock tests for practice. You will also need to join social study groups online for expert guidance and doubt clearing sessions. Candidates option for self study will have to focus more on mock test practice as that will help them eliminate all the weaknesses one by one.
Q: I am working in an MNC. How many hours should I dedicate daily to CAT 2024 preparation?
A: A working professional should dedicate about four hours on weekdays and eight to ten hours on weekends for CAT 2024 preparation. If they are well versed with Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation topics, they might not need more than five to six months to prepare. However, they'll need to dedicate at least 8 hours to CAT on weekends to prepare well.
Q: What is the difficulty level of CAT question paper?
A: CAT question paper is usually of higher difficulty level. Section-wise difficulty level is unpredictable as sometimes Quantitative Aptitude turns out to be tough and sometimes Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension or Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning questions pose challenge to candidates. It is the VARC section which maximum candidates find tougher than the rest two.
Q: Should I drop a year to prepare for CAT exam?
A: Ideal time duration for CAT preparation is six to nine months so if you start CAT 2024 preparation now, you can crack it with good scores. But if you think, you need more time to prepare for the exam then you can drop a year. Dropping a year will not affect your future prospect, if the result of preparation during that one year is excellent.
Q: How many mock test should one practice to score 99 percentile in CAT?
A: Experts and toppers recommend that one should practice at least 35-40 CAT mock tests to score 99 percentile. Some of the previous year toppers have practiced up to 80 mock tests. Candidates must also carefully analyse their performance in each mock test to assess their growth wrt the CAT syllabus.
Q: Is the syllabus of CAT exam tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
A: The syllabus of CAT exam is same as other MBA entrance exam, i.e. Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability. What makes CAT tougher is the type of questions asked in the exam. The difficulty level of CAT questions is higher than any other MBA entrance exam.
Q: Is there negative marking in CAT exam?
A: Yes, one mark is deducted for every wrong selection in MCQ in every section of CAT question paper. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs and unattempted questions. Candidates must be very careful in selecting the right questions to answer in the CAT 2024, as even 1-2 negative marking can affect your exam score as well as admission chances.
Q: What is the test structure of CAT?
A: CAT question paper has three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. The total number of questions is 66. The VARC section has 24 questions, DILR has 20 questions and QA has22 questions. 40 minutes are allotted for every section. Candidates can choose to attempts questions as per their choice. Solving all 66 questions in not mandatory
Q: How much cut off is required for admission to top IIMs?
A: To make it top IIMs, a General category student must aim 99 percentile. However, a good academic record is also essential for being selected by the IIMs. CAT percentile is only the selection criteria for the Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI). Final selection of the candidates is based on their personality, skills, academic and work credentials.
Q: Is there difference between the CAT question papers of slot 1, slot 2 and slot 3?
A: There is no difference between the structure and difficulty level of paper but the question of slot 1, 2 and 3 will be different from each other so that there is no chance of question paper leak and therefore no advantage or disadvantage to any candidate across any slot.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
GIBS Bangalore offers a PGDM program, often considered equivalent to an MBA. It's designed to be industry-focused, with an emphasis on practical learning and entrepreneurial skills. The curriculum includes case studies, industry projects, and a focus on developing soft skills alongside core manageme
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered Yesterday
LEAD college og management ofers admissions based on entrance and merit. The institute offers courses such as MBA AND MCA for duration 2 year full timemode.
Candidates must have minimum marks of 50% in graduation from a recognised university or college. Apart from this, candidates must obtained vali
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
Hi Sanjana,
MDI Gurgaon primarily accepts CAT scores for admission to its PGDM programs. For Indian students, a valid CAT score is required. However, for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Nationals, and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), a GMAT score is accepted.
The last date to apply for the PGDM,
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
Dear Sayandip,
Achieving a 60 percentile in the CAT exam may not meet the typical cutoff requirements for admission to the KIIT School of Management (KSOM). Based on available information, KSOM generally considers candidates with higher CAT percentiles for admission.
Typical Cutoff Percentiles for KS
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Contributor-Level 9
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Yes, Mangalmay Institute of Management and Technology accepts the CAT exam for admission to MBA and MBA+. Further, the college accepts other entrance exam for admission to MBA, such as MAT, XAT, CAT, CMAT Additionally, the college has some basic eligibility criteria that differ from course to course
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
No, CAT score is not required to secure MBA admission at The Neotia University. The university provides merit-based admissions to eligible applicants. Candidates who fulfil the course-specific eligibility criteria can visit the university's official website to apply. They must upload all the require
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Manipal University offers admission to several MBA courses via its affiliated college called TAPMI Manipal. The institute accepts several national-level entrance exams, such as CAT/ XAT/ CMAT, and NMAT, for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses. During the TAPMI Manipal MBA cutoff 2023, the CAT cutoff p
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, freshers can apply for the MBA program at the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM). For admission, NIFM considers scores from various entrance exams, including CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT, and GMAT.
With a CAT percentile of 76.41, you have a good chance of securing admission at NIFM, as th
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, Mody University of Science and Technology accepts the CAT exam for admission to MBA. Further, university also accepts various other entrance exam for admission, such as XAT/NMAT/CMAT/MAT/ATMA/GMAT. Additionally, the university has some basic eligibility criteria that differ from course to cours
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered 6 days ago
With 85 percentile in CAT, it is quite difficult to get MBA at IIT Bombay among General AI category. IIT Bombay offers admission to MBA course on the basis of CAT scores. The IIT Bombay CAT Cutoff 2024 is yet to be released for MBA admissions. However, the cutoff percentile in past few years to get
S
Contributor-Level 9
Mba? And is CAT is mandatory and I know about fee and when admission is going?