Management, Law & CA · MBA · Updated October 2026
CAT ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted annually on a rotational basis by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), CAT is India's premier national management entrance test for admission to MBA, PGDM, and Fellow Programmes across all 21 IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, IIT DoMS, MDI Gurgaon, and 1,200+ B-schools. The 2-hour Computer-Based Test evaluates candidates across three strictly timed 40-minute sections.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- MBA
Start for free with CAT syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CAT exam overview and highlights
About CAT
CAT (Common Admission Test) is the national entrance examination for the postgraduate management programmes of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is accepted by a large number of other business schools, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR and the IITs. It is conducted each year by one of the IIMs on rotation. The percentile score is the first filter, after which institutes hold their own written ability tests, group discussions and personal interviews.
The examination process for CAT comprises 2 stages: Computer-based test, followed by Institute selection rounds. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Each IIM shortlists candidates on CAT percentile, with its own sectional cut-offs and weight for academics, work experience and diversity. Shortlisted candidates go through a written ability test and personal interview, and the final offer combines these with the CAT score.
Key subjects
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
What clearing CAT leads to
- MBA or PGP at the 21 IIMs
- MBA at FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR, IITs, IMT, NITIE (IIM Mumbai) and many other institutes
- Fellow (PhD) programmes at the IIMs
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to PGP, MBA and similar programmes at the IIMs and at many other business schools that accept CAT
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: CAT score valid for that admission cycle only
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation
- Frequency
- Once a year (usually the last Sunday of November)
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (3 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One mark deducted per wrong multiple-choice answer; three marks for each correct answer; no negative marking for type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions
- Official website
- iimcat.ac.in
CAT — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CAT conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CAT |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation |
| Exam Category | Management, Law & CA |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year (usually the last Sunday of November) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Registration from early August to mid-September; exam on the last Sunday of November; result in late December or early January |
| Mode of Application | Online on iimcat.ac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (3 Papers Total): Computer-based test → Institute selection rounds |
| Negative Marking | One mark deducted per wrong multiple-choice answer; three marks for each correct answer; no negative marking for type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions |
| Selection / Merit Process | Each IIM shortlists candidates on CAT percentile, with its own sectional cut-offs and weight for academics, work experience and diversity. Shortlisted candidates go through a written ability test and personal interview, and the final offer combines these with the CAT score. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwD), or an equivalent professional qualification such as CA, CS or ICWA. Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply. |
| Age Limit | No age limit. |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to PGP, MBA and similar programmes at the IIMs and at many other business schools that accept CAT |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | CAT score valid for that admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Around three lakh candidates appear for roughly 5,000 seats across the IIMs |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CAT exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CAT. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official MBA website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Registration from early August to mid-September; exam on the last Sunday of November; result in late December or early January | Once a year (usually the last Sunday of November) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation |
| CAT — Computer-based test | Registration from early August to mid-September; exam on the last Sunday of November; result in late December or early January | Online (computer-based test) |
| CAT — Institute selection rounds | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Seat Intake & Competition
- Around three lakh candidates appear for roughly 5,000 seats across the IIMs. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation and participating counselling authorities prior to choice filling.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Category-wise examination/registration fee is payable online via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card on the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current CAT Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for CAT
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit iimcat.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on iimcat.ac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the CAT application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final CAT Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CAT eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CAT must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by MBA.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwD), or an equivalent professional qualification such as CA, CS or ICWA. Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply.
Age limit & relaxations
No age limit.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India (or eligible subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and categories of Indian origin as notified under Government of India recruitment/admission rules).
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
CAT — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | No age limit. | Must satisfy qualifying examination passing year and minimum aggregate marks criteria. |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Requires a valid SC/ST certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed central/state format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | Up to 3 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Candidate must belong to the central/state OBC-NCL list with a certificate issued within the notified financial window. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD / PwD) | Up to 5 to 10 years relaxation + scribe & compensatory time (20 minutes per hour) facility | Applicable to candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
CAT selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One mark deducted per wrong multiple-choice answer; three marks for each correct answer; no negative marking for type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions. Selection & Merit Weightage: Each IIM shortlists candidates on CAT percentile, with its own sectional cut-offs and weight for academics, work experience and diversity. Shortlisted candidates go through a written ability test and personal interview, and the final offer combines these with the CAT score.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 3 Papers (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability) • Questions: Around 24 • Duration: 40 minutes • A two-hour online test with three sequential, time-locked sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
A two-hour online test with three sequential, time-locked sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Scaled scores and percentiles are released for each section and overall.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Verbal Ability and Reading ComprehensionMix of MCQ and TITA questions Around 24 Varies 40 minutes Data Interpretation and Logical ReasoningSets of 4 to 5 questions each Around 20 to 22 Varies 40 minutes Quantitative AbilityTotal around 66 to 68 questions in 2 hours Around 22 Varies 40 minutes Stage 2: Institute selection rounds
Online (computer-based test) • Each IIM and participating institute shortlists on CAT score plus academic and work profile, then conducts a written ability test, group discussion or personal interview before the final offer.
Each IIM and participating institute shortlists on CAT score plus academic and work profile, then conducts a written ability test, group discussion or personal interview before the final offer.
CAT subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension — Part I (Reading comprehension passages)
- Reading comprehension passages
- Para jumbles
- Para summary
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension — Part II (Odd sentence out)
- Odd sentence out
- Sentence completion and inference
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning — Part I (Tables, charts and caselets)
- Tables, charts and caselets
- Arrangements and seating
- Games and tournaments
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning — Part II (Venn diagrams and set theory)
- Venn diagrams and set theory
- Puzzles with constraints
- Data sufficiency
Quantitative Ability — Part I (Arithmetic)
- Arithmetic: percentages, ratios, averages, time and work, time-speed-distance, profit and loss
- Algebra: equations, inequalities, functions, logarithms, progressions
- Number systems
Quantitative Ability — Part II (Geometry and mensuration)
- Geometry and mensuration
- Modern mathematics: permutations and combinations, probability
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (CAT)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past CAT cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Analytical Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency & Applied Concepts
- Multi-step numerical and conceptual application problems
- Graphical, tabular and experimental data interpretation
- Cross-chapter synthesis and formula derivation problems
- Speed calculation, approximation and unit-dimension verification
- Caselets, comprehension passages and critical reasoning scenarios
CAT admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to PGP, MBA and similar programmes at the IIMs and at many other business schools that accept CAT. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to PGP, MBA and similar programmes at the IIMs and at many other business schools that accept CAT.
Exam & Counselling Authority
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation
Scorecard Validity
CAT score valid for that admission cycle only
Seat Reservation Norms
Statutory vertical & horizontal reservations (GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, Female Supernumerary / State Quota where applicable).
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Centralised multi-round online choice filling and merit-based seat upgrades
- Eligibility for AICTE / UGC / Ministry / Institute merit-cum-means scholarships and tuition waivers
- Access to funded research laboratories, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and international exchange semesters
- Direct campus placement eligibility across marquee technology, consulting, core engineering, finance, clinical, or legal recruiters
- PSU recruitment shortlisting or direct fellowship stipends where scores are accepted by public sector enterprises
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Qualify CAT with a strong All-India Rank (AIR) / Percentile
- Participate in Centralised / Institute Counselling, GD-PI / Clinical / Studio rounds & Document Verification
- Core Academic Curriculum, Specialisation Electives & Summer Research / Corporate Internships
- Final Campus Placements, PSU Recruitment, Clinical Residency, or Higher Doctoral / Global Studies
- Long-Term Domain Leadership in Industry, R&D, Academia, or Public Policy
CAT cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation releases the official CAT qualifying cut-off and opening/closing ranks (or percentiles) after each exam cycle. While clearing the qualifying cut-off makes you eligible for counselling, admission to top participating institutes depends on your All-India Rank (AIR) and category seat matrix.
CAT — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When CAT is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one mark deducted per wrong multiple-choice answer; three marks for each correct answer; no negative marking for type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining CAT Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the CAT cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
CAT admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CAT Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CAT Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on iimcat.ac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the CAT e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
CAT Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
CAT Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation declares the CAT result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on iimcat.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official CAT Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
CAT mock tests
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Computer-based test · Around 24 questions · 40 minutes
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CAT previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all CAT previous year papers by year
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Recent CAT question papers
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Complete 10-year CAT paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for CAT
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CAT
- Sections are time-locked, so build a section-wise strategy and practice each section in exactly 40 minutes.
- Accuracy beats attempts in CAT; a 70% accuracy with fewer attempts often yields a higher percentile than many risky attempts.
- In DILR, spend the first few minutes choosing the two or three sets you can solve fully rather than starting the first set you see.
- Read editorials and long-form articles daily to improve reading speed and inference for VARC.
- Take at least 25 to 30 full-length mock tests and analyse each one for time sinks and avoidable errors.
- Start building your profile for the interview stage early, since IIM shortlists also weigh academics and work experience.
CAT FAQs
What is the CAT exam pattern?
CAT is a 2-hour computer-based test with three sections of 40 minutes each: VARC, DILR and QA, totalling around 66 to 68 questions. MCQs carry 3 marks with 1 mark deducted for a wrong answer, and TITA questions have no negative marking.
Who is eligible for CAT?
Graduates with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD) or an equivalent professional qualification, including final-year students. There is no age limit.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes, one mark is deducted for each wrong multiple-choice answer, but there is no negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions.
How many times is CAT held in a year?
Once a year, usually on the last Sunday of November, in multiple slots on the same day.
Which colleges accept CAT scores other than IIMs?
FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, the IIT management schools, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI, TAPMI, GIM and many more. Each has its own cut-off and selection process.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CAT?
CAT is conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on rotation across 2 stages: Computer-based test → Institute selection rounds. Each IIM shortlists candidates on CAT percentile, with its own sectional cut-offs and weight for academics, work experience and diversity. Shortlisted candidates go through a written ability test and personal interview, and the final offer combines these with the CAT score.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CAT?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA (45% for SC, ST and PwD), or an equivalent professional qualification such as CA, CS or ICWA. Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply. Age Limit: No age limit.
Which institutes and programmes accept CAT scores?
Admission to PGP, MBA and similar programmes at the IIMs and at many other business schools that accept CAT. Validity: CAT score valid for that admission cycle only.
When is the CAT notification released and how can I apply online?
CAT is held once a year (usually the last Sunday of November) (Registration from early August to mid-September; exam on the last Sunday of November; result in late December or early January). Online on iimcat.ac.in.
Where can I practice free CAT mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select CAT as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CAT pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for CAT on SmartRank?
Select CAT as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CAT pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.