The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their post-graduate management programs. The exam is held once a year, usually in November or December.
Overview
The CAT 2023 exam will be held on November 26, 2023. The registration process for the exam began on August 2, 2023 and ended on September 21, 2023.
Eligibility Criteria
The CAT 2023 eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Educational qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD) from a recognized university.
- Final year students: Final year students of a Bachelor’s degree can also appear for the exam with the expectation that they complete their graduation with the required marks.
- Age limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.
Candidates who have the following qualifications are also eligible for the CAT 2023 exam:
- Professional degree such as CA/ CS/ ICWA/ FIAI.
- Master’s degree in any discipline.
- Doctorate degree in any discipline.
Candidates who are appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree can also apply for the CAT 2023 exam, but they must complete their graduation with the required marks before they can be admitted to a post-graduate management program.
Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 60 minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 24 | 60 minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 32 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 80 | 120 minutes |
Application Process
The CAT 2023 application process is online and consists of the following steps:
- Visit the official website of the CAT exam: https://iimcat.ac.in/
- Click on the “New Candidate Registration” link: This will take you to a new page where you will need to create an account.
- Enter your personal details and contact information: This includes your name, email address, phone number, and date of birth.
- Create a password: Your password must be at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Once you have created an account, you will be able to log in and start filling out the application form: The application form will ask for your academic details, work experience (if any), and other relevant information.
- You will also need to upload a scanned copy of your passport-size photograph and signature: The photograph must be in JPEG or PNG format and no larger than 100 KB. Your signature must be in black ink and no larger than 50 KB.
- Once you have completed the application form and uploaded the required documents, you will need to pay the application fee: The application fee is INR 2,400 for the general category and INR 1,200 for the reserved category. You can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.
- After you have paid the application fee, you will need to submit your application: Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
The CAT 2023 application process is open from August 2, 2023 to September 21, 2023.
Here are some additional tips for filling out the CAT 2023 application form:
- Make sure that you enter all of the required information accurately.
- Upload clear and legible copies of your passport-size photograph and signature.
- Review your application carefully before submitting it.
- Keep a copy of your application form and confirmation email for your records.
Syllabus
The CAT 2023 syllabus is divided into three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension: This section tests the candidate’s ability to read and understand complex texts, identify the main idea and supporting details, and draw inferences. Questions are typically based on passages from newspapers, magazines, and academic journals.
- Verbal Reasoning: This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and analyze language. Questions include sentence completion, fill-in-the-blank, and paragraph summary.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Data Interpretation: This section tests the candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret data presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Questions include data sufficiency, fact-based inference, and logical reasoning.
- Logical Reasoning: This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve puzzles. Questions include syllogisms, Venn diagrams, and critical reasoning.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Arithmetic: This section tests the candidate’s basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios.
- Algebra: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of basic algebraic concepts, such as equations, inequalities, and functions.
- Geometry: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of basic geometric concepts, such as lines, angles, triangles, and circles.
- Mensuration: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of area, volume, and surface area of different shapes.
- Number Systems: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of different number systems, such as integers, decimals, fractions, and percentages.
The CAT syllabus is quite broad, but it is important to note that the questions asked in the exam are typically based on the fundamental concepts of each topic. It is not necessary to memorize complex formulas or equations. Instead, you should focus on understanding the concepts and being able to apply them to solve problems.
Important Dates
Event | Date |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2023 | CAT 2023 registration begins |
| September 21, 2023 | CAT 2023 registration ends |
| October 25, 2023 | CAT 2023 admit card released |
| November 26, 2023 | CAT 2023 exam date |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Start early. The CAT Exam is a competitive exam, and it is important to start your preparation early. This will give you enough time to cover the entire syllabus and practice your test-taking skills.
- Create a study plan. Once you have a good understanding of the syllabus, create a study plan that outlines what you need to cover and when. Make sure to schedule regular breaks and make time for other activities.
- Use the right resources. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you prepare for the CAT Exam. Choose resources that are well-written and comprehensive, and that cover the latest syllabus.
- Take mock tests. Mock tests are a great way to practice your test-taking skills and identify your areas of weakness. You can find mock tests online and in libraries.
- Analyze your performance. After taking a mock test, analyze your performance to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your preparation on the areas where you need the most improvement.
- Stay positive and motivated. Preparing for the CAT Exam can be challenging, but it is important to stay positive and motivated. Remind yourself of your goals and why you are taking the exam.
FEES
| Category | CAT Exam 2023 Fees |
|---|---|
| General | INR 2,400 |
| SC/ST/PwD | INR 1,200 |
FAQ?
To be eligible for the CAT exam 2023, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Students who are in their final year of graduation can also apply.
The CAT exam 2023 will be held on November 26, 2023.
The CAT exam is a computer-based test of 2 hours duration. It consists of three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 questions, 60 minutes
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 24 questions, 60 minutes
- Quantitative Ability (QA): 32 questions, 60 minutes
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