CAT Exam: Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Important topics and much more!

The CAT is a computer-based entrance exam conducted once every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA programs. IIMs conduct the CAT exam on a rotational basis. It is one of India’s most competitive and prestigious exams, with over 2 lakh students taking the test each year. In this article, we will discuss the CAT exam pattern in detail.

Important Details about CAT

• The exam name is Common Admission Test.
• It is conducted once every year in November.
• Application forms can only be filled out online.
• The exam is administered online.
• The exam aims to grant admission to candidates to various B-schools across India. 
• All IIMs and other private and government Business schools accept CAT scores.
• The exam includes subjective as well as objective-type questions.
• The registration process usually begins in July or August.

To learn more about the CAT exam, the candidates can visit the official site for the CAT exam. 

CAT Eligibility Criteria

To be qualified for the CAT exam, an applicant must meet a set of educational requirements.

• Candidate holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university or board. Students in their final year of graduation may take the test.
• Before the pandemic, there was a minimum percentage requirement. It is yet to be announced whether this criterion will be maintained or suspended for the future year.

CAT Exam Pattern: Section-Wise

The CAT exam is segregated into 3 sections, namely Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is 2 hours long, and each section is timed at 40 minutes, totalling 120 minutes for the three sections. The exam consists of 66 questions in total.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section tests the candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze written material. It consists of 24 questions on Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability. The questions in this section combine multiple-choice and TITA (type in your answer) questions.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section tests the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning skills. It consists of 20 questions on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The questions in this section are a combination of multiple-choice and subjective questions.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

This section tests the candidate’s mathematical skills. It consists of 22 questions. The questions in this section are a combination of multiple-choice and subjective questions. Over the years, the conducting bodies brought down the difficulty level of the Quantitative Abilities (QA).

CAT Exam Pattern: Marking Scheme

Each question in the CAT exam carries three marks. There is a component of negative marking in the CAT exam. 1 mark is deducted per incorrect response. However, there is no negative marking for subjective questions.

CAT Exam Pattern: Important Topics

The CAT syllabus is not defined in terms of topics. But questions from some topics frequently appear in the exam. These topics shall be regarded as essential topics by the candidates. Below is a list of critical section-wise topics.

CAT Study Material

The candidate must be sure of the opted subject matter and the CAT study material to excel in the CAT exam. The finest study material for CAT preparation is difficult to choose because many resources are available online and offline. Here is a list of suitable study materials for CAT preparations.

Best Books for preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay are the best books for CAT VARC preparations.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha is one of the most talked-about books for preparing for Verbal Ability for CAT.
3. Another good book for CAT VARC preparation is Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh.

Apart from these, the following books can be beneficial while building vocabulary; Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary.

Best Books for preparation of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).

1. How to prepare Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma is another reliable book for CAT Preparation.
2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha.
3. How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma.
4. Puzzle to Puzzle you by Shakuntala Devi.

Best Books for preparation of Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

1. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma is a well-known book for CAT Quantitative Aptitude amongst students preparing for CAT. 
2. Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma.
3. Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
4. Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha.
5. Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Goha.

The CAT exam is among the most competitive exams in India. Candidates must thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus to perform well. By following the tips mentioned above, candidates can prepare effectively for the CAT exam and increase their chances of success.