CAT 2024 preparation is all about finding the right balance of theory and practice. Within the given time duration of CAT preparation, you need to do both - cover CAT syllabus and practice CAT question banks/mock tests. If you are wondering how to prepare for CAT 2024, Shiksha brings to you, top study tips by MBA expert. Check out now and start preparing.
CAT is a high difficulty level exam. So, your preparation should start months in advance. A minimum of 6 months are required to prepare for CAT, even if one has appeared for it before. CAT preparation plan for any aspirant has to be detailed covering all the aspects of the exam - topic wise coverage, practice sessions and revision.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Common Admission Test or CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India, taken by over two lakh aspirants every year. In 2023, over 3 lakh candidates applied for CAT. It is the road to India's best B-schools, the IIMs. Naturally, it is also the toughest entrance exam to crack. So CAT 2024 aspirants must make such a preparation plan that encompasses all the aspects that contribute in scoring 99 percentile and above. If you are planning to appear for CAT 2024, you need to have 100 per cent dedication, only then you will be able to crack it. The CAT exam preparation 2024 will require six to eight hours of study on daily basis with revision of all the concepts and formulae regularly so that it is fresh in memory till the exam day.
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
CAT is an aptitude test for assessing a candidate’s analytical, logical as well as verbal skills, all of which are essential for a successful career in business management. Thus to crack the CAT exam, one needs a sound preparation plan. In this article, you will read all about CAT preparation 2024. Also get section-wise prep tips and previous years' CAT question papers.
Latest: Roadmap to a comprehensive CAT 2024 preparation strategy
CAT 2024 Preparation Through Coaching
CAT preparation is a long term plan. One has to start preparing for it at least six to nine months in advance. Candidates who plan to prepare for CAT by self study must start even earlier (preferable from March 2024). Candidates studying at coaching institute for CAT 2024 preparation will be guided well by the mentors and coaches. The coaching institute will also provide all the study material and CAT mock test series to candidates, while guiding them through tricky topics and questions. However, they will be required to attend classes of six to eight hours daily.
Also Read:
- CAT 2024 preparation: Coaching vs self study
- When is the best time to start CAT 2024 preparation
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 without quitting your job
- CAT 2024: Simple Tips To Optimize Exam Prep
- How to prepare for CAT 2024: Tips from Toppers
- CAT exam: 10 popular myths busted
CAT 2024 Preparation by Self-Study
Aspirants can also prepare for CAT 2024 by self-study. There are many CAT toppers, who have studied for the exam by self. Those who opt for self-study, must not worry about how to prepare for CAT 2024. All they need to do is, do the following:
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Q: How would I know my CAT exam centre?
Candidates will know their allotted CAT exam centre only from the admit card. There is no way to know the test centre before the release of the CAT admit card. The examination authority allots a test centre to aspirants in the city of their first preference as mentioned in the city. So, candidates can atleast be assured that they will get a test centre in the city they had chosen as first preference in the CAT application form. However, the venue will be mentioned only on the candidate’s admit card. So as soon as the CAT admit card is released, candidates must check the test city and test centre details. In order to avoid any confusion, they must visit the centre at least once before the exam day.
Q: How to improve reading speed for CAT preparation?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis every year. The CAT exam is an online computer-based test that is used as a primary criterion for admission into various management programs offered by the IIMs as well as other top business schools in India.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam syllabus is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section consists of 24 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Here is a brief overview of the syllabus and some tips on how to prepare for each section:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading comprehension and language skills. The syllabus includes reading comprehension passages, grammar, para jumbles, para completion, sentence correction, and vocabulary. To prepare for VARC, read a lot of books, newspapers, and magazines to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills. Practice grammar and vocabulary exercises regularly to improve your language skills. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your ability to interpret data and make logical deductions. The syllabus includes bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, tables, Venn diagrams, blood relations, seating arrangements, and puzzles. To prepare for DILR, practice solving a variety of puzzles and logical reasoning questions. Develop a systematic approach to solving questions and focus on improving your speed and accuracy. Practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section tests your mathematical skills. The syllabus includes number systems, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, and modern mathematics. To prepare for QA, start with the basics and gradually move to advanced topics. Practice solving a variety of mathematical problems regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Memorize important formulas and theorems. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of -1 mark.
There is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered.
The CAT exam is used as a primary criteria for admission into various management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as other top business schools in India. The selection process for CAT typically includes the following stages:
CAT Exam: Candidates who clear the CAT cutoff are shortlisted for the next stage.
Written Ability Test (WAT)/Group Discussion (GD)/Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for a WAT/GD/PI round, which is conducted by the respective IIMs or business schools.
Final Selection: Candidates are selected based on their CAT score, performance in the WAT/GD/PI round, academic background, work experience, and other relevant factors. The final selection is based on a composite score that considers all these factors.
The weightage given to CAT score and other selection criteria vary from institute to institute. It is important to check the admission criteria of the respective institutes you are applying to.
Overall, the CAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are advised to prepare well and perform to the best of their abilities.
If you want to prepare you can download LK ACADEMY learning app for daily free mock test, Current Affairs video lectures, study notes and many more all on your convenient time. The coaching provides comprehensive way to cover the syllabus and make you prepare for preliminary, Mains and interview round.
Good luck!
Q: What are the best ways to prepare for the DILR section?
The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should be accustomed to the question types by going through previous years’ question papers and solving those. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is the key to excel in this area.
Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.
Q: What are the key tips for CAT VARC preparation?
CAT VARC section is dominated by Reading Comprehension and Parajumbles, thus you need to focus on reading speed and comprehension. To prepare for this section, candidates need to start early on and start reading books and novels to improve English. The CAT RC passages are long, dense and inference based so you need to be very clear about reading and understanding the passage. You can’t speed read or leave out any sentence.
Practice a lot of sample CAT RC questions throughout your preparation phase. Also practice previous years CAT question papers so that you have a good enough experience of the types of Reading Comprehension passages that are asked in CAT.
Moreover, take guidance from mentor and practice time bound English exercises. Refer to dictionary for word meanings and foreign words.
- Join online study groups on Facebook, YouTube, Quora, Telegram, etc.
- Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
- Buy best books for CAT preparation
- Obtain online study material like CAT mock test series by MBA coaching institutes.
- Make a month-wise CAT preparation plan
CAT exam is held in online mode. The difficulty level of the question paper is usually moderate to difficult. The questions may be easy or tough, but what makes the difference is how well and fast you use your mind to solve them with 100 per cent accuracy.
Knowing CAT syllabus and pattern thoroughly is the first and foremost requirement. Being able to choose the right question, reading them quickly and accurately and solving them quickly and accurately, are the key areas you need to work upon during your CAT 2024 preparation. In the CAT exam, candidates have to take split-second decisions. To master this skill, you need to practice 40-50 CAT mock tests.
Also Read:
- Section-wise CAT syllabus 2024
- CAT exam pattern and structure
- CAT preparation plan and section-wise strategy
- Download CAT question papers 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
How to Prepare for CAT 2024: VARC
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of CAT exam normally has two parts – Verbal Ability (Grammar and Vocabulary) and Reading Comprehension.
Vocabulary-based questions include Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Odd Words, Words Often Confused, Sentence Completion and Cloze Tests. To crack these questions, you require a combination of vocabulary knowledge, reading skills and reasoning powers. Vocabulary knowledge is not merely knowing what a word means but understanding what context the word can fit in to. Once you start understanding a particular word’s usage in context, it will be easy.
Try to understand a word through etymology i.e. understanding root meanings. For exmple, knowing the meaning of a Latin root like ‘loqui’ will enable one to understand words like eloquent, loquacious, soliloquy, ventriloquize, circumlocution, grandiloquent, magniloquent, etc. Add to your understanding of roots, the meanings of prefixes and suffixes and you have considerable control over vocabulary.
Grammar: There are two approaches to solving Grammar based questions – one is, go by rules and learn the various parts of speech and their usages and the rules that apply, or you practice the kind of questions that are asked and you take an approach of learning the kind of errors which lead to questions based on error detection or sentence correction. Once there is familiarity with the error types, a lot of practice helps you cross the line.
Reading Comprehension can be tackled by cultivating the habit of reading over time. Start fiction novel, newspapers and blogs. Target nothing less than a reading speed of about 300 words per minute depending on the level of the text. And read a lot. Choose topics that are out of your comfort zone.
CAT Syllabus 2024: VARC |
|
---|---|
Also Read:
-
CAT Preparation 2024: Your Love For Reading Can Get You Desired Result
- CAT preparation 2024: Common Pitfalls to Avoid in RC Questions
- Types of Reading Comprehension questions in CAT
How to Prepare for CAT 2024: DILR
The weightage of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) in a CAT exam almost the same as the other two sections of the paper. This section is moderately tough and time consuming.
The tricky part about CAT DILR is that it is not Mathematics and there is no formula. It is logic based and requires some amount of calculation and counting. Meaning, Reasoning is a skill to be acquired and not formulae to be memorised.
Mental calculation is the key here. To strengthen your hold on DILR, don’t use the calculator, rely on your brain. Master Tables from 1 to 20, knowledge of Fractions from 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 to 1/20, basic calculation, etc.
DILR section of CAT can be mastered with practice, the more you practice, the higher accuracy you will develop.
CAT Syllabus 2024: DILR |
|
---|---|
Also Read:
How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Quantitative Aptitude
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Advance Mathematics and Geometry; and makes up for the 1/3rd of the CAT question paper.
In this section, there is no other way of scoring but by being thorough with each and every chapter. Memorise fundamentals and theories. Attempt a variety of sample questions to tackle the QA section of CAT. This section may require heavy calculation. Rely on mental calculation as it will win against the calculator in time consumption.
CAT Syllabus 2024: Quantitative Ability |
|
---|---|
Also Read:
Our advice to CAT 2024 aspirants is to practice, practice and practice more. The more you practice the better will be you speed and accuracy.
CAT Preparation 2024: Solving Sample Papers and CAT Mock Tests
A key aspect of CAT exam preparation is solving sample questions and online mock tests. Candidates must make sure that they practice about 40-50 CAT mock tests during their preparation time. While the ideal time to start full-fledged CAT mocks is October, experts recommend that candidates solve topic-wise sample questions while studying them for better clarity of concepts. Listed below are some key points related to CAT mock test, read on.
- While studying a particular topic, solve its practice questions at least thrice. In the first attempt, you will understand the question and its logic, in the second attempt, you will be able to solve it accurately and in the third attempt, you’ll be able to solve in with accuracy in lesser time.
- Start solving online CAT mock tests after you’ve completed the syllabus so that you don’t get stuck on a particular topic.
- Your aim behind practicing CAT mock tests must be to increase speed and accuracy for solving a 2-hour long question paper. Also, increase your stamina to sit through the three-hour exam without getting mentally or physically exhausted.
- After solving each CAT mock test or sample paper, analyse your performance and assess the area of improvement. Do not solve more than one sample paper in a day. Your mind needs rest after a grueling session.
- Do not feel demoralized if the result is not encouraging initially, continue to assess gaps and work on them. The only way you can win on CAT or any other MBA entrance exam is by winning on mock tests.
- Since, CAT exam has sectional time-limit, it is essential to practice sectional mock tests as well, to learn and manage time efficiently.
Take free CAT Mock Test below to improve your speed and accuracy
CAT_Mock_Test | CAT_Mock_Test_Solutions |
CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
CAT Questions for Practice - Download PDF
Download free PDFs of CAT questions for practice. The questions are clubbed as easy, medium and difficult for you to have a practice of all type of questions.
CAT Preparation: Solve Previous Year CAT Question Papers
Along with sample papers and mock tests, candidates must also solve previous year CAT question papers of at least last five years. This will give them an idea of question paper pattern, difficulty level of questions, types of questions, topic-wise break-up of questions and marking scheme of the CAT. Candidates can download free PDFs of CAT question papers of previous years below.
Download:
- CAT 2023 question paper
- CAT 2022 question paper
- CAT 2021 question paper
- CAT 2020 question paper
- CAT 2019 question paper
- CAT 2018 question paper
- CAT 2017 question paper
- Previous Years’ CAT question papers
CAT Preparation Tips from Toppers
We spoke to some of the CAT toppers to know how they prepared for the exam and what is their secret of scoring 100 percentile. Click on the links below to know their CAT preparation strategy:
CAT Toppers |
CAT Topper Interviews |
---|---|
Kartik Bhageria CAT 2023, 99.99 percentile |
"I began my CAT preparation around July 2023. Being an engineering student, I did not spend a lot of time learning new concepts in the Quant and DILR sections. I spent most of my time giving mocks to practice and try to increase my attempted questions with better accuracy in each attempt." Read Kartik's full interview |
Riddhi Dugar CAT 2023, 99.91 percentile |
"My overall strategy was to finish the entire syllabus a few months before the CAT. From July, I focused entirely on taking mock tests and sectional tests to maximise my score and have a strategy for D-Day. I completed around 70 mocks from July until the CAT exam day." Read Riddhi's full interview |
Rounak Tikmani CAT 2023, 99.90 percentile |
I started my preparation properly in May 2023. My preparation strategy was simple build your foundations by having conceptual clarity in the basics of each section. Then It was just mocks every day. I gave around 110 mocks and made sure I spent enough time analyzing them properly. Taking a mock is not as important as analyzing the mocks and improving on your mistakes. Read Rounak's full interview |
Nisakar Kumar CAT 2023, 99.83 percentile |
"Quant emerged as my strength, whereas DILR presented a challenge. To address my weakness in DILR, I invested considerable time in understanding the question types and engaged in extensive practice until they became more intuitive. Simultaneously, I dedicated time to revising and practising Quant to maintain a solid grasp. I considered myself decent in VARC." Read Nisakar's full interview |
Risshi Agrawal CAT 2022, 99.99 percentile |
Mocks play a crucial role while preparing for CAT. It helps you determine the strategy which suits you the best.Read Risshi’s full interview |
Parul Arora CAT 2022, 99.93 percentile |
I started preparing for CAT in April. My preparation strategy for CAT was to clear my basic concepts in all topics and then maximum practice. Read Parul’s full interview |
Aditya Singh CAT 2022, 99.90 percentile |
For my first attempt I attended offline coaching classes, post which I only took the online test series. This year I took the test series from two of the most renowned coaching institutes. Coaching really helps a lot. Read Aditya’s full interview |
Atish Naskar CAT 2022, 99.81 percentile |
I started my CAT preparation back in January 2022. I set a daily target for all 3 sections that included daily 3-4 RCs daily 3-4 LRDI sets 20-30 QA questions or some QA concept understanding. The last 2-3 Months gave mocks and analyzed them properly. Read Atish’s full interview |
Lastly, we recommend practice, practice and practice more. The more you practice questions from VARC, LRDI and QA the better control you'll have on the CAT question paper.
FAQs on CAT Preparation 2024
Q: When will CAT 2024 will be conducted?
A: CAT 2024 will be conducted on November 24 in 170 cities across India. The CAT exam notification was released on July 28, 2024 and the application window opened from August 1, 2024. The exam will be held at over 400 test centres in computer based test mode. The exam will be conducted in three sessions on a single day.
Q: When should I start CAT 2024 preparation?
A: One must dedicate at least six to nine months to prepare for CAT exam. Thus, the ideal month to start CAT 2024 preparation is March. Daily eight to ten hours of study is required at least five days per week. However, some candidates may be able to complete the preparation in lesser time like in six months. Each candidate must start CAT preparation according to their capability and their knowledge of VARC, DILR and QA topics.
Q: What is the complete CAT 2024 syllabus? Which is the toughest section of CAT exam?
A: The complete CAT 2024 syllabus is mentioned above in this blog. Candidates can check the important topics of CAT syllabus. One cannot really say which section is the toughest in CAT. Although QA is considered tough because it is calculation intensive, but it has been seen in the past, that sometimes VARC turns out to be tricky or DILR has surprise questions. Overall, the difficulty level of CAT exam is higher than any other MBA entrance exam.
Q: Can I prepare for CAT on my own?
A: Yes, you can prepare for CAT on your own, but that would require strict self-discipline, hard work and dedication on your part. You should start CAT preparation from March onwards. You must be prepared to dedicate a good amount of their time (6-8 hours) to studies on a daily basis, including weekends.
Q: Is coaching mandatory for scoring 99 percentile in CAT?
A: No, coaching is not mandatory for CAT exam preparation. Many candidates in the past have scored 99 percentile by self-study. However, to join a coaching school or not is an individual decision to be made keeping in mind personal discipline and availability of time for CAT preparation. The advantage of coaching is that, you get a mentor to guide you through your preparation journey.
Q: How many questions are asked in CAT?
A: The CAT question paper has 66 questions. The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section has 24 questions, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning has 20 questions and Quantitative Ability section has 22 questions. The total time duration is 120 minutes with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section.
Q: Is there negative marking for wrong answers in CAT?
A: Yes, there is negative marking of-1 for every wrong attempt in CAT exam. If the option selected by you as answer to a question is incorrect, you will be marked -1 for it. So, the candidates must carefully mark their answers in the CAT question paper. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions so if you enter wrong answer you'll be marked 0.
Q: Do PwD candidates get extra time in CAT exam?
A: Yes, PwD candidates get extra time for each section in CAT exam. For each section they get 13 minutes extra to solve the questions. To avail this facility they need to upload PwD certificate with the CAT application form and carry one copy of the certificate to the exam centre.
Q: How can I master VARC section of CAT?
A: To have a stronghold on VARC section, start reading English novels and books of all genres from the early stage of CAT preparation. This will strengthen your vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension skill. Apart from reading, you should also focus on grammar and vocabulary as these help in tackling fill in the blanks type questions.
Q: Is practicing sample questions enough to cover DILR section?
A: Since Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning is logic-based section, one may think that practicing sample papers will be enough, but to build a strong base to solve any type of puzzle, it is very important to understand the fundamentals of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning topics. That too can be achieved by solving a variety of sample questions.
Q: Which IIM will conduct CAT 2024?
A: CAT 2024 conducting institute is IIM Calcutta. One of the top six IIMs conduct CAT on rotation. Each of these six IIM is given the responsibility of conducting the exam after a gap of five years. In 2022, the CAT exam was conducted by IIM Bangalore and in 2023, it was conducted by IIM Lucknow.
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jan '25 | XAT 2025 Cut Offs Release |
17 Jan '25 | XAT 2025 result |
8 Jan '25 | SNAP 2024 result announcement |
21 Dec '24 | SNAP 2024 session 3 |
13 Jan '25 - 17 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Exam Window (second ... |
5 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25 | NMAT 2024 Scheduling Window (s... |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
24 Dec '24 - 2 Mar '25 | MAT 2024 Registration Process ... |
24 Dec '24 - 9 Mar '25 | MAT 2024 Registration Process ... |
Feb '25 | IBSAT 2024 Selection Process (... |
28 Dec '24 - 29 Dec '24 | IBSAT 2024 Exam |
31 Jan '25 - 2 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release a... |
25 Jan '25 | CMAT 2025 exam date |
25 Dec '24 - 10 Feb '25 | MAH CET 20245 registration pro... |
Mar '25 | MAH MBA CET 2025 |
24 Jan '25 - 21 Feb '25 | TANCET 2025 Registration |
Feb '25 | TANCET Admit Card Download |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Student Forum
Answered 14 hours ago
Hey! I've been in your shoes, so I totally get how you're feeling right now. Scoring the 78 percentile in CAT is a solid achievement, and you might be wondering whether it's enough to get into PIBM Pune. Let me tell you, PIBM looks beyond just numbers—they focus on your overall profile rather than j
S
Beginner-Level 1
Answered Yesterday
MBA in Human Resources Admission is based on either numerous admission tests such as the CAT, MAT, SNAP, CMAT, and others, or on merit. After passing the entrance tests, the student must go through a Group Discussion and Personal Interview Round to be further screened. Students need to hold their b
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
No, your CAT 2026 attempt will not be considerd a gap year because you will be in your final year when you take the exam in November 2026.
- The CAT exam is usually held in November every year.
- Since you graduate in November 2026, you will still be a student at the time of the exam.
- A gap year is counted
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The admission threshold at top IIMs based on CAT scores stands higher than 50 percent hence students with this percentile will have access to other acclaimed B-schools. These colleges form a list of institutions that could accept your application for admission:
- University Business School (UBS), Chand
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can get admission at Centre for Liberal and Advanced Studies MBA without CAT. The institute accepts admisison based on entrance exams. The institute accepts other national exams such as MAT, XAT, CMAT, and others. Candidates can appear on any of the exams accepted the institute. It is
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
It is mandatory to clear CAT examination to seek admission at IIM Ahmedabad. The Institute considers CAT percentile for the admission to MBA, along with the understanding of the CAT percentile for IIM Ahmedabad that reached up to 99.6 in the past years which shows how challenging it is for a candida
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing gui
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, candidates can get into the Vidyasagar University MBA course with the CAT percentile. As per the admission guidelines of the university, candidates are shortlisted for the MBA course based on multiple national-level exams such as MAT/XAT/ ATMA/ CMAT. Candidates must make sure to apply for the e
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
No, CAT is not compulsory for admission to AIMS Mumbai. Aspirants with a valid score in any of the accepted entrance exam such as XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, etc. can get admission provided they also fulfil the eligibility requirements. Candidates need to provide the entrance exam score in the applica
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Mewar University MBA course admission is entrance-based. Candidates must participate in national-level exams such as CUET-PG, MAT, CMAT, CUET, and MUEE. Therefore, candidates can get admission to the MBA course without a CAT score since candidates can opt for any on of the entrance exams mentioned a
T
Contributor-Level 7
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation: