CAT Exam for MBA

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to the CAT exam for MBA. This article is meant to accommodate you in directing information related to the CAT exam for MBA. If you are willing to pursue MBA from the best colleges or universities then you should opt for appearing at the CAT exam and score a good percentile. Therefore most of the CAT candidate's aim is just to crack the 99 percentile and get admission into the best IIMs colleges. Also, the top IIMs colleges are IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Raipur, IIM Trichy, and many more.

Also, we have provided all the necessary information for you, whether you want to know about CAT exam syllabus 2023, CAT exam 2023 registration date, CAT exam fees 2023, CAT exam full form, 2023 CAT exam eligibility, CAT exam 2023 syllabus, CAT exam 2023 application form last date and many more. So let's get started and learn everything you need to know about the CAT exam for MBA. 

Is the CAT exam compulsory for MBA? Yes, if the candidates want to take admission to the best MBA colleges or universities or are scrutinized to take admission at the top IIMs MBA colleges, then they must appear on the CAT exam and also score a good percentile. CAT stands for Common Admission Test which is a computer-based exam and this year the CAT exam for MBA will be conducted through IIM Lucknow. Basically, CAT exams are the entrance exam for MBA courses, which most MBA colleges accept for admission. 

Coming towards what is MBA and what does MBA stand for? MBA stands for Master of Business Administration, it was first introduced by Harvard University Graduate School of Administration in 1908 which is now known as the Harvard Business School. Therefore, the MBA is the initial postgraduate qualification that business organizations offer around the world. Also having the MBA degree helps to make the candidate more unique and valuable. 

Basically, most of the candidates pursue the MBA as it improves their career and compensation possibilities while also enhancing their professional network and business expertise. With the MBA, you can get core management knowledge and gain a comprehensive understanding of business, including marketing, finance, and accounting, and all these will enhance the candidate’s soft skills and leadership abilities.

What's new in the CAT exam? CAT Exam for MBA Highlights. There is good news for the CAT aspirants as there are no changes in the CAT exam pattern and CAT syllabus. It is to be noted that in the last year, there was only one change that was made to the CAT registration process.

CAT exam for MBA Particulars	CAT exam Details
CAT Exam Date	November 26, 2023,
CAT Exam Fees	INR 2,400 (General category) and INR 1,200 (Reserved category)
CAT Exam Timings	Session 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AMSession 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PMSession 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
CAT exam website	https://iimcat.ac.in
CAT Full Form	Common Admission Test (CAT)
CAT pattern	Computer Based Test (CBT) with MCQs and non-MCQs
CAT syllabus	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Quantitative Ability (QA)
Conducting Institute	IIM Lucknow
Courses Offered	MBA/PGDM
Eligibility Criteria	Graduation with 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST students)
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Exam helpdesk no.	1-800-210-1088 (Toll-Free)
Exam Level	National
Exam Purpose	Admission to IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS, MDI, IMT and over 1,200 B-Schools in India
No. of test cities	150
Number of Applications	2.55 lakh (in 2022)
Number of Test Takers	2.22 lakh (in 2022)

CAT 2023 exam dates and Schedule 

The whole calendar of CAT 2023 exam dates and schedules can be found in the table below.

CAT 2023 exam dates and schedule	CAT Upcoming Exam Dates
2 Aug '23 - 13 Sep '23	CAT 2023 registration
25 Oct '23 - 26 Nov '23	CAT 2023 admit card download
26 Nov '23	CAT 2023 exam
To Be Notified	CAT 2023 form correction process
To Be Notified	CAT 2023 mock test release
To Be Notified	CAT 2023 answers key challenge
To Be Notified	CAT 2023 result announcement

CAT Exam details 

To be noted that the below information has been derived from the official website

Acronym	CAT 2023 details
Type	Computer-based standardized test
Developer/administrator	Indian Institutes of Management
Knowledge/skills tested	Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Purpose	Admission to post-graduate management programs
Duration	2 hours
Score/grade range	varies annually
Score/grade validity	1 year
Offered	Once a year (usually in November/December).
Countries/regions	100+ cities and towns all over India.
Languages	English
Annual number of test takers	222,184 (CAT2022)
Prerequisites/eligibility criteria	Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 50 % marks or equivalent GPA (45 % in case of SC, ST, PWD candidates). Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible
Fee	₹2,300 (US$29) for all other candidates.[1]
Scores/grades used by	₹1,150 (US$14) for SC/ST/PWD category candidates
Website	Various business schools in India

CAT exam for MBA Eligibility Criteria 

The candidates from any stream who has pursued graduation from any stream are perfectly eligible for CAT exam for MBA. Therefore, below we have mentioned the guided details regarding the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam for MBA: 

• Candidates must be in possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50% (45 percent for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category candidates) or an equivalent CGPA in order to participate in the CAT 2023.
• The bachelor's degree program should be a 3-year program and can be completed through conventional classroom instruction or online learning.
• Candidates who have earned the required percentage in a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) are also eligible to take the CAT.
• Candidates who are waiting for their results and are at the last year of a bachelor's degree or comparable certificate may also sit for the CAT 2023 exam.
• Before submitting an application for the exam, CAT Aspirants must be entirely familiar with the CAT Exam Eligibility in detail.
• Candidates will be required to provide their information and upload supporting documentation for their schooling during registration.
• The exam authority has the right to immediately revoke a candidate's eligibility for the CAT 2023 if it discovers any irregularities. 
• It should be noted that meeting the CAT Exam Eligibility requirements does not ensure admission to the IIMs or any other business school. 
• Candidates will be selected for further selection stages (WAT and PI) based on their CAT 2023 results.

Latest changes made to the CAT exam for MBA

Last year there were not any main or particular changes made to the CAT exam. Below are the latest updates or changes made on the CAT exam for MBA:

The organization that is conducting the CAT has declared that the minimum percentage criteria for the upcoming exam will be removed completely. 

The candidates who are having backlogs in their education qualifications are now also eligible to appear for the CAT exam without any issue. 

As per the official eligibility information, prior work experience is not mandatory. 

Important Note: To prevent any misunderstandings, candidates must review the most recent eligibility requirements. Also, a point to remember is that if the conducting authority determines that the candidates have not met the standards of the official CAT Exam, then they have the full right to refuse the candidate's application.

CAT 2023 Syllabus for MBA

Candidates who want to appear in the CAT exam must start the preparation 6 months before the CAT exam date. Because there is a huge competition for the CAT exam and also CAT exam is one of the toughest exams. The top IIMs colleges in India accept a 99 percentile as the CAT result. Also, the CAT syllabus is huge and time taking. 

As the IIMs do not provide the official syllabus so every year the CAT syllabus is generalized. The CAT 2023 exam pattern is divided into three sections that are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The CAT exams are basically depended on the Mathematics and English concepts that were learned during school.  Let’s look at the table of the CAT 2023 exam syllabus:

CAT VARC Syllabus 2023 

The first component of the test is the VARC section which has a 40-minute time limit. With around 70% of the section's overall score going toward reading comprehension. Let’s see the topics that are covered in the CAT VARC Syllabus 2023. 

2023 CAT VARC Syllabus

• Jumbled Paragraph
• Reading Comprehension
• Summary Questions
• Para Completion
• Odd-sentence-out

The English-related topics covered in the VARC portion include grammar, reading comprehension, inferences, and verbal reasoning.

CAT 2023 DILR Syllabus 

In comparison to the other portions in the CAT Exam Syllabus, the DILR section, the second section of the exam has the least definition. The CAT syllabus 2023 includes the following two subsections under the DILR section:

• Data Interpretation: In these, you will be asked to answer questions based on the data that is presented in the form of a graph, chart, or other type of representation.
• Logical Reasoning: In this section, the candidate will be questioned as like the material that is not structured and asked to structure it and determine the answer to the given questions.

Let’s see the CAT DILR Syllabus 2023:

• Tables
• Caselets
• Logical Sequence
• Bar Graphs
• Line Charts
• Syllogism
• Column Graphs
• Venn Diagrams
• Logical Connectives
• Pie Charts
• Calendars
• Blood Relations
• Number and Letter Series
• Clocks Binary Logic
• Cubes
• Seating Arrangement
• Logical Matching

CAT 2023 DILR Syllabus 

All students should prepare for the topic of algebra because it has the most questions in the majority of the CAT Exams. The second-highest weighted topic in terms of the number of CAT Exam questions is algebra. The 2023 CAT DILR Syllabus has the largest section. Major subjects covered by the CAT QA Syllabus include:

• Number Systems
• HCF & LCM
• Profit, Loss and Discount
• Speed, Time & Distance
• Percentages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Averages
• Ratio & Proportion
• Time & Work 
• Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Complex Numbers
• Logarithm
• Sequence and Series
• Inequalities
• Surds & Indices
• Probability
• Permutation and Combination
• Set Theory & Function
• Coordinate Geometry
• Geometry
• Mixtures and Allegations
• Mensuration
• Trigonometry

CAT Exam 2023 Registration date

As per the official information that is IIMs Lucknow will conduct the CAT 2023 exam and the candidates who were eagerly waiting for the CAT exam, now the wait is over. The most frequently asked question from the 2023 CAT aspirants was when is CAT exam 2023 registration date? So the CAT exam 2023 registration date is the 2^nd of August 2023. And also the last date to apply for the CAT exam 2023 is 13 September 2023. Therefore, the three sessions of the CAT exam will likely take place in 154 cities in 2023. The CAT 2023 will last for 2 hours in total. IIM Lucknow's Professor Sanjeet Singh is in charge of organizing the CAT 2023 test.

CAT Exam Registration steps 

What are the steps to register for the CAT 2023 exam? The CAT candidates can easily fill out the CAT 2023 application form with the help of the below steps: 

Step 1: First click on the CAT 2023 registration on the website homepage. 

Step2: Then register to generate the unique password and user ID

Step3: After the above steps fill in the required information that is categorized into six parts those are:

• Personal Details
• Academics 
• Work Experience 
• Programs 
• Test City
• Payment

Step 4: Lastly make the payment and submit the application form.

CAT 2023 Registration quick points 

• On August 2, 2023, registration for the CAT Exam will be online.
• The deadline to submit an application for the CAT exam in 2023 is September 13, 2023.
• CAT 2023 eligibility criteria: A minimum combined score of 50% for general category candidates. A minimum combined score of 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Students in their final year may also be able to submit an application for the CAT 2023 admission exam.
• CAT 2023 registration fees: Rs. 1200 for SC/ST/OBC category o Rs. 2400 for the General Category

How to fill CAT 2023 Application form? The CAT 2023 application form will be released on the 2^nd of August and the last date to fill the CAT 2023 application form is 13^th September. If the candidates are filling out the CAT exam application form then they must fill the CAT application form very carefully and also provide all the information in a detailed way. Candidates have to submit the CAT registration form on the official website. If the candidate has to make any changes in the application form then they can do when the correction window of CAT is active. To prevent your application from being rejected, double-check that all the information is input accurately. Before submitting the application form, double-check the information.

CAT 2023 Exam fees

As with all the previous years the CAT exam registration fees can be paid only through online mode, and for the candidate's good the organization body has provided the various payment option for the 2023 CAT exam fees some are credit cards, debit cards, internet banking, etc. 

CAT 2023 Exam Fees Structure

For admission to graduate management programs, candidates must take the Common Admission Test which is a computer-based exam. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability make up the three sections of the test. Three hours are allotted for the exam, with an hour allotted for each section. Below is the 2023 CAT exam fees structure

Candidates’ Category	CAT Exam Form Fees
SC/ST	INR 1150/-
General	INR 2300/-

CAT Exam for MBA details/ CAT exam for MBA history  

The Indian Institutes of Management or IIMs chose to conduct the CAT Exam in 2 hours in 2020, with 40 minutes allotted to each component, due to COVID safeguards. This exam was developed by the Indian Institutes of Management, which also uses it to choose students for their MBA or PGDM business administration programs. According to a rotational policy, one of the Indian Institutes of Management administers the test each year. In August 2011, it was announced that starting with the 2012–15 batch, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc) would also choose students for their management programs using the CAT scores rather than the Joint Management Entrance Test (JMET). 

Prior to 2009, all candidates took the CAT on a single day, using paper-based testing. Over the years, there have been significant alterations in the format, quantity, and length of the questions. It was stated on May 1st, 2009, that beginning in 2009, the CAT would be a computer-based test. In charge of administering the test from 2009 to 2013 was the American company Prometric. Technical issues plagued the first computer-based CAT. 

The problem was so critical that the Government of India requested a report from the convener. 'Conficker' and 'W32 Nimda', the two viruses that targeted the test's system display and slowed down servers, were identified as the source of the issue.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been conducting the CAT exam since 2014. 100 questions from 34 in the quantitative ability section, 34 in the verbal ability and reading comprehension section, and 32 in the data interpretation and logical reasoning section made up the 180-minute CAT 2015 and CAT 2016 examinations. From CAT 2020 on, the exam will last two hours, with 40 minutes allowed for each section. Therefore, the last to apply for the CAT exam is 13th September 2023. 

CAT 2023 Registration Guidelines 

• The recommended browsers for CAT exam registration 2023 are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome (prefer the most recent version). 
• Candidates must submit their applications for the CAT exam by the deadline for CAT registration.
• Keep all necessary captures and documents on hand so that there are no delays or uploading errors when you register for the CAT exam in 2023.
• Have all of your academic records on hand to prevent giving false information while registering for the CAT exam.
• Ensure that the photo, signature, and other necessary documents for CAT 2023 registration are prepared and in the correct format and size for upload.
• To prevent submitting errors in the CAT exam form, please have someone check the information supplied before making the final submission.
• Decide which selection centers to visit and the priority order. Choose locations that are convenient and accessible while keeping in mind the present traffic situation. Six cities must be entered on the CAT 2023 registration form.
• Learn more about the participating institutions by reading. This will make it easier to complete the courses and institutes sections of the CAT 2023 application form.
• Prior to the registration deadline for CAT 2023, kindly register and finish the CAT 2023 application.

CAT Exam for MBA Facts 

Let us look at some of the CAT exam facts that will help the CAT aspirants in facing the CAT exam 

• On July 30, 2023, the CAT 2023 notification was released.
• On August 2 to September 13, 2023, will be the registration period for CAT 2023.
• There will be three sessions of the CAT exam in 155 cities in 2023.
• The CAT 2023 will take place over the course of two hours.
• IIM Lucknow's Professor Sanjeet Singh is in charge of organizing the CAT 2023 test.
• The CAT 2023 exam will take place on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
• This year's CAT is anticipated to draw over 2,50,000 applicants.

CAT Exam for MBA Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When is the CAT exam registration date? 

Ans. The CAT exam registration date is 2^nd August 2023.

Q. What is the last date to apply for the CAT exam 2023?

Ans. The last date to apply for the CAT exam is 13^th September 2023. 

Q. What is CAT Exam Eligibility 2023 for IIMs?

Ans. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% (45% for the reserved category) in order to take the CAT exam. Candidates should be aware that IIMs Eligibility and CAT Exam Eligibility 2023 are not the same. Therefore, it is advised to review the eligibility information for the relevant IIMs before submitting your application.

Q. Can the backlog candidates appear in the CAT 2023 exam?

Ans. Yes, applicants with backlogs are still eligible to apply for the CAT Exam. However, they received a 50% grade for their graduation and 45% for the reserved category.

Q. What is the cat exam 2023 syllabus? 

Ans. The first and most important step in studying for this IIM entrance exam is having a comprehensive understanding of the CAT exam syllabus. There are main three components of the CAT syllabus for 2023 which are Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). 

Q. Who is eligible for the CAT 2023 exam?

• The candidates from any stream who has pursued graduation from any stream are perfectly eligible for the CAT exam for MBA. 
• Candidates must be in possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50% (45 percent for SC, ST, and PWD/DA category candidates) or an equivalent CGPA in order to participate in the CAT 2023.
• The bachelor's degree program should be a 3-year program and can be completed through conventional classroom instruction or online learning.
• Candidates who have earned the required percentage in a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) are also eligible to take the CAT.

Q. What are the CAT exam 2023 fees? 

Ans. Students from the general category must pay Rs 2,400 for CAT 2023 registration, while those from the SC, ST, and PwD categories must pay Rs 1,200.

Q. What is the CAT 2023 official website?

Ans. The official website for the CAT exam 2023 is iimcat.ac.in

Q. When is the CAT 2023 exam date? 

Ans. The CAT 2023 exam date is 26^th November 2023

Q. Is the CAT exam compulsory for MBA?

Ans. Yes, if the candidates want to take admission to the best MBA colleges or universities or are scrutinized to take admission at the top IIMs MBA colleges, then they must appear on the CAT exam and also score a good percentile.