Table of Contents
If you are looking for CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023 for MBA, then this is article is all you need. This article will assist you regarding every information related the CAT exam 2023.
CAT Exam 2023 registration date was on 2nd August and the last date is 13th September 2023.
Therefore, if you want to pursue MBA from top MBA institutes in India, you need to give CAT. And for sitting in this national exam you must fit in its eligibility criteria then you can fill out the CAT 2023 Exam Application form.
In this article you can Check the CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023, Cat Exam 2023 Registration details, CAT Important Dates 2023, CAT Exam syllabus overview, CAT exam pattern overview of various year.
What is CAT exam?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based exam for candidates seeking postgraduate management admission to India's top MBA programs. The CAT exam is held once a year by one of the Indian Institutes of Management. This year the CAT exam 2023 will be conducted in administration of IIM Lucknow.
MBA programs are available in a variety of specializations, such as Sports management, banking and insurance, logistics and supply chain management, finance, and HRM (Human Resource Management). You can study MBA in any speciality and then find a suitable employment, all you need to do is prepare your best for CAT 2023 and get high percentile in the exam to ensure a seat in top MBA Colleges in India.
There are three sections in the exam that you need to attempt in 40 minutes each: verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative ability (QA). Each section has 40 minutes to complete. Total no. of questions will be 66 to be attempted in 120 minutes.
The CAT exam 2023 fees in 2023 is Rs. 2400 for unreserved students and Rs. 1200 for reserved students.
CAT Exam 2023 Highlights
The CAT Exam is a national level entrance exam for admission to MBA programs in India. Over 2 lakhs students take CAT exam every year. They are required to score at least 99 percentiles to get admission in IIMs and some other top MBA institutes.
The exam is computer-based, with negative marking of -1 for each wrong answer. This exam requires you to answer both MCQ and non-MCQ questions. It is divided into three parts, with a total of 66 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes.
The following table contains the whole details of the CAT exam question paper:
| CAT Full form | Common Admission Test |
| Total no. of Questions | 66 questions |
| Types of Questions | MCQ and Non MCQs – (TITA) Type in the Answer |
| Marking Scheme for CAT | -1 for each wrong answer in MCQ+3 for each correct answer in MCQ(no negative marking for TITA) |
| Total sections in paper | 3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Questions in VARC | 24 |
| Total Questions in DILR | 20 |
| Total Questions in QA | 22 |
| Total marks | 198 marks |
| Conducted by | IIM Lucknow |
| CAT 2023 official website | iimcat.ac.in |
Check out the CAT 2023 exam format and an overall analysis of the CAT exam pattern over the years. Also, see the curriculum for CAT 2023 below.
CAT 2023 Exam Pattern Overview
Table below gives an overview of the CAT 2023 exam pattern.
| Total questions in CAT 2023 | 66 |
| Total sections in paper | 3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total time duration | 2 hours |
| Total Questions in VARC (40 minutes) | 24 (34%-36% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total Questions in DILR (40 minutes) | 20 (32%-34% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total Questions in QA (40 minutes) | 22 (34% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total marks | 198 marks |
CAT Exam Question Paper Pattern 2022
The previous year exam question paper pattern 2022 is given below in the table:
| Sections | Total Questions | MCQs | TITA Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 21 | 3 |
| DILR | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 66 | 49 | 17 |
Changes made in CAT Exam Pattern over the years
The exam pattern for CAT 2023 has not always been the same, it has changed over the year. No. of questions in CAT Exam and the time duration of the exam has seen changes in some years. Like in 2017 the no. of questions was 100 to be attempted in 180 minutes, then in 2020 the no. of questions asked were 76 to be attempted in 120 minutes.
From 2021 the no. of question asked in CAT exam has decreased to 66 which is to be attempted in 120 minutes.
See the table below and check out the changes made in CAT exam question paper in different years:
| CAT exam for the year | Time duration | Total No. of Question in CAT Exam |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 140 minutes | 60 |
| 2013 | 140 minutes | 60 |
| 2014 | 170 minutes | 100 |
| 2015 | 180 minutes | 100 |
| 2016 | 180 minutes | 100 |
| 2017 | 180 minutes | 100 |
| 2018 | 180 minutes | 100 |
| 2019 | 180 minutes | 100 |
| 2020 | 120 minutes | 76 |
| 2021 | 120 minutes | 66 |
| 2022 | 120 minutes | 66 |
CAT Exam Important Date
Check CAT 2023 Important dates below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT exam 2023 Registration date | 2nd of August 2023 |
| CAT exam 2023 Application form last date | 13th September 2023 |
| Admit card release date | 25th October 2023 |
| CAT date 2023 | 26th November 2023 |
| CAT 2023 Result | In January (tentative) |
CAT Exam 2023 Registration Last Date
To get admission in top MBA institutions in India such as IIMs, IITs, or other top Management schools in India, you must first pass an entrance exam that is required by top MBA institute. The CAT test is accepted by all IIMs as well as many other top MBA institutes in India.
Other than the CAT, candidates can take several MBA entrance tests to gain admission to one of the top MBA programs. This article also discusses MBA entrance tests other than the CAT.
The table below highlights the key points mentioned in the CAT official Notification 2023 regarding the CAT exam 2023 application form deadline:
| CAT Exam Application start date | 2nd August 2023 |
| CAT Exam 2023 fees | Rs. 2400/- unreserved CategoryRs. 1200/- reserved Category |
| Application mode | Online |
| CAT Exam 2023 application form last date | 13th September 2023 |
You can give other MBA entrance tests, in addition to the CAT, to get admission in MBA programs at top B schools in India. These include the XAT, SNAP, ATMA, CMAT, and others. For further information about these entrance exams, please check out the table below:
What are the other MBA entrance exams?
There are many MBA entrance exams held around India other than the CAT exam, for MBA students seeking admission to the best Management colleges. Other entrance tests, in addition to the CAT, are listed below in the table along with the total number of questions asked in exam, the exam duration, and their official website where you can visit to register.
| Entrance Exam | No. of Questions | Time duration | Official Website to register |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATMA | 180 | 180 minutes | atmaaims.com |
| XAT | 102 | 210 minutes | xatonline.in |
| IIFT | 110 | 120 minutes | www.iift.ac.in |
| NMAT by GMAC | 108 | 120 minutes | www.mba.com/en-in/exams/nmat |
| SNAP | 60 | 60 minutes | www.snaptest.org |
| GMAT | 80 | 187 minutes | www.mba.com |
| PGDBA | 50 | 180 minutes | www.pgdba.iitkgp.ac.in |
| IBSAT | 140 | 120 minutes | ibsindia.org/admissions/ |
| GATE | 65 | 180 minutes | app.gate.iitk.ac.in |
CAT Exam 2023 Syllabus
The CAT Exam 2023 Syllabus has several topics and chapters, such as seat arrangements, pie charts, bar graphs, data interpretation, mathematical reasoning, analytical reasoning, para jumble sentences, reading comprehension, arithmetic, geometry, mensuration, logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and so on.
You can easily complete this whole syllabus by a perfect practice strategy and strong determination. Remember that a strong vocabulary, a solid math foundation, good arithmetic skills, quick calculating procedures, and better time management are all required to achieve a high percentile in the CAT Exam.
Look at the table below. It is a synopsis of the CAT Exam 2023 Syllabus.
| Section and overall weightage in CAT | Questions | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| VARC (34-36%) | 24 (30% VA and 70% RC) | Jumbled Paragraph Questions,Reading Comprehension Questions,Para Summary Questions,Para Completion Questions,Odd-sentence-out Questions |
| DILR (32-34%) | 20 (50% DI and 50% LR) | Logical Sequence, Connectives, MatchingBar Graphs, Line Charts, Venn Diagram, Column GraphSyllogismPie Charts, cubesCalendars and ClocksBlood RelationsNumber and Letter SeriesBinary LogicCaseletsSeating Arrangement etc. |
| QA (34%) | 22 (arithmetic has high weightage) | Number SystemsHCF & LCMProfit, Loss and DiscountCoordinate GeometrySequence and SeriesGeometryMixtures and AlligationsTime & Work Linear EquationsQuadratic Equations etc. |
CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023 for MBA
Check CAT Eligibility criteria 2023 below:
- Undergraduate degree in any subject from a recognised university with 50% of aggregate score in your UG degree if you belong to any unreserved category or 45% if you belong to any reserved category.
- Students in final year of graduation can still give CAT exam 2023, but they must submit the appropriate documents that are asked related to the academic history within the time allotted to submit the documents.
- There is no any kind of age limit or any subject restriction for CAT 2023 exam.
Candidates are eligible to apply for this exam if they successfully meet all of the CAT eligibility criteria 2023 for MBA, regardless of their age or the subject of they read in bachelor's degree.
CAT Exam 2023 Registration Process
The registration process for CAT 2023 is detailed here. The CAT Exam 2023 application deadline is September 13th. Go through the registration process outlined below to gain a better understanding of the CAT 2023 Registration Process and to avoid making mistakes when filling out the application form.
The CAT's official website is www.iimcat.ac.in. Registration opened on August 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. and will close on September 13, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
The following is the registration process for CAT 2023:
Step 1: First and foremost, get yourself registered in order to create an individual User ID and Password.
Step 2: Log in to the portal using the generated User ID and Password.
Step 3: To complete the registration and application process, submit the application form after filling it out and paying the fees online.
Once payment has been done and the application form has been submitted, applicants will be unable to make modifications.
After submitting the application form, make sure to print it.
Make sure you register before the September 13th deadline for the CAT exam 2023 application form. Don’t wait till last minute.
Documents Required for CAT 2023 Exam Registration
You must provide certain documents to the portal in order to complete the CAT 2023 registration form. Check the following list of documents for the CAT exam 2023 application form:
- 10th and 12th grade mark sheets
- a secondary education as well as a bachelor's degree.
- Work experience certificate, if applicable
- a passport-size photo (in white background and not more than 6 months old).
- Scanned signature
- Debit, credit, and net banking cards, as well as other payment options, are accepted.
Before sending any of your documents, please review the following.
- Ensure that the signature and passport-sized photo are both scanned.
- Files must also be in.jpg or.jpeg format and no larger than 80 KB in size.
- A good photograph with a resolution of at least 150px is essential.
Admission Process After CAT Exam
Consider the following important aspects of the MBA admissions process:
The most crucial factor in MBA admission is the CAT Exam score. And other factors are exam results, academic achievements, and a personal interview.
You will be admitted to an IIM or any other top MBA college if you perform well in the three critical factors stated above.
The MBA Admissions Procedure is divided into three parts:
1. The first step is to obtain CAT exam results.
2. In the second step, the colleges conduct individual interviews.
3. The IIMs WAT & PI 2024 Final Selection Process is the final phase for IIM admission.
The results of the three IIM rounds indicated above will determine your final admission in IIMs and other top B schools.
Steps to download CAT 2023 Mock Test
The CAT Mock papers are based on the most recent CAT examination format and are an exact replica of the actual exam. Taking practice tests may be the most effective way to prepare for the CAT exam in 2023.
The majority of top students at IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, and Kozhikode see mock CAT tests as the most crucial component of CAT preparation. They advise taking a large number of Mock tests and going through your flaws in each of them.
You can get the CAT mock papers from the CAT official website once they are posted.
How to download CAT 2023 Admit Card
The CAT 2023 admit cards will be available on October 25th, according to the official CAT Notification. The CAT 2023 admit card is required for the exam it acts as a exam hall ticket that you must compulsorily have on the day of exam. Candidates who have registered for the CAT 2023 exam can access their admit cards by logging in.
To receive your CAT 2023 admit card, follow these steps:
- Only enrolled students will be able to acquire their CAT 2023 admit card.
- Candidates can get their CAT 2023 admit card by going to iimcat.ac.in and entering their CAT ID and password.
- The CAT 2023 admit card will provide information about the exam location, date, and time.
- Do not forget to double-check your admit card before going to the exam center.
CAT Exam 2023 Preparation Tips
How to prepare for CAT Exam 2023?
CAT applicants typically begin their studies as soon as they can. If you're not sure where to begin with your CAT 2023 preparation, read about the preparation tips that will help you cover your syllabus and complete your CAT 2023 preparation.
The CAT exam is separated into three sections, each of which demands great effort and desire to complete the curriculum and practice.
You must practice sufficiently so that you can complete all three portions of the CAT exam in the allotted 40 minutes time of each section. The entire exam lasts 120 minutes. Keep in mind that simply finishing the curriculum is insufficient; you must also practice as many mock papers as possible.
According to toppers from IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, and other top MBA campuses, mock paper practice is essential for CAT preparation. Mock papers could be beneficial, assist you in identifying your shortcomings and weak points so that you can work on them.
Another benefit of taking practice exams is that you will have enough practice to pass the exam in the time allocated.
Check out the preparation advice listed below and get started as soon as possible.
- Carefully overview the CAT 2023 Syllabus
- Select either an online or offline coaching as per your convenience
- Focus on clearing concepts from basics, do not try to skip topics
- Do not skip any single topic from the CAT 2023 syllabus
- You can also prepare notes for quick revision
- Learning Time management is crucial
- Mock papers and practice papers are must
- Be focused
- Try to stay away from distractions.
What are the Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT Scores?
| S. No. | MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | Karnataka |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | Kerala |
| 4 | IIM Calcutta | West Bengal |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | Delhi |
| 6 | IIM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| 7 | National Institute of Industrial Engineering | Maharashtra |
| 8 | IIM Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| 9 | XLRI-Xavier School of Management | Jharkhand |
| 10 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Maharashtra |
| 11 | IIM Raipur | Chhattisgarh |
| 12 | IIM Rohtak | Haryana |
| 13 | Management Development Institute | Haryana |
| 14 | Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | West Bengal |
| 15 | Indian Institute of Technology Madras | Tamil Nadu |
| 16 | IIM Udaipur | Rajasthan |
| 17 | Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Maharashtra |
| 18 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | Uttarakhand |
| 19 | IIM Kashipur | Uttarakhand |
| 20 | S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research | Maharashtra |
Top MBA Colleges In India Without CAT
The CAT score is required for admission to the top MBA institutions in India. Some of India's best MBA universities, however, accept admission without a CAT score. These institutes offer MBA admission using different MBA entrance exams such as XAT, SNAP, GMAT, and others.
The following table contains a list of the best MBA colleges in India that do not require CAT Score:
| MBA Colleges without CAT | Location |
|---|---|
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Pune |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research | Mumbai |
| ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education | Hyderabad |
| Chandigarh University | Mohali |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore |
| SVKM`s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Mumbai |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi |
| Mudra Institute of Communications | Ahmedabad |
| Institute of Management Technology | Ghaziabad |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | Dehradun |
| T. A. Pai Management Institute | Manipal |
| Xavier Institute of Management | Bhubaneshwar |
| Anna University | Chennai |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Bhubaneswar |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara |
| International Management Institute | Delhi |
Frequently Asked Questions about CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023
Q. When is the last date for CAT exam 2023 registration?
Ans. The last date for CAT Exam application is 13th September 2023.
Q. What are the documents requires for CAT 2023 Application form?
Ans. In order to complete the registration form for CAT 2023 you will require to upload certain documents at the portal. Check the list of documents you may need to fill the CAT exam 2023 application form:
- Class 10th and 12th mark sheet
- secondary education and a bachelor's degree.
- Work experience certificate, if any
- passport-size photo (with a white backdrop and not 6 months old).
- Scanned signature
- Debit, Credit cards, Net Banking, or other payment methods are accepted
Check the following before submitting any of your document
- Make sure that both the signature and the passport-sized photo must be scanned.
- Also, the files must be in.jpg or.jpeg format and no greater than 80 KB in size.
- It is very important to have a clear image with a resolution of at least 150px.
Q. What are the steps to download CAT 2023 official notification?
Ans. It is vital to carefully study the official notification for the CAT exam 2023. If you wish to download the CAT official announcement 2023, please follow the steps below:
- Go to the CAT official website, iimcat.ac.in, and click on the PDF link for the CAT Information Bulletin to get the CAT 2023 announcement.
- The CAT official website also has supplemental PDFs of the CAT Eligibility requirements, the IIM Selection Process, and other important information.
- On iimcat.ac.in, you may also obtain all of the necessary credentials for completing the CAT Exam 2023 application form, such as scribe affidavits, cast certificates, and disability certificates.
Q. Can I bring my calculator to the CAT exam centres?
Ans. Calculators and personal watches are not permitted in CAT exam centers. There are some crucial things to remember about the CAT exam center, check the points below:
- You will be permitted to use an on-screen calculator in the CAT test room, but you will not be permitted to use your personal calculator.
- A digital clock will appear on your computer's screen. Personal watches are not permitted in the examination room.
- You will be given extra sheets for rough work, which you must turn in at the end of the exam in the exam room.
Q. Can I get admission at top MBA colleges without CAT?
Ans. Yes, getting admission at top MBA colleges in India without taking CAT is no big deal.
The CAT score is required for admission to the top MBA institutions in India. Some of India's best MBA universities, however, accept admission without a CAT score. These institutes offer MBA admission using different MBA entrance exams such as XAT, SNAP, GMAT, and others.
The following table contains a list of the best MBA colleges in India that do not require CAT Score:
| MBA Colleges without CAT | Location |
|---|---|
| XLRI – Xavier School of Management | Jamshedpur |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management | Chennai |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Pune |
| S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research | Mumbai |
| ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education | Hyderabad |
| Chandigarh University | Mohali |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Coimbatore |
| SVKM`s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies | Mumbai |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi |
| Mudra Institute of Communications | Ahmedabad |
| Institute of Management Technology | Ghaziabad |
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | Dehradun |
| T. A. Pai Management Institute | Manipal |
| Xavier Institute of Management | Bhubaneshwar |
| Anna University | Chennai |
| Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology | Bhubaneswar |
| Lovely Professional University | Phagwara |
| International Management Institute | Delhi |
Q. Where can I check CAT 2023 Important dates?
Ans. The CAT 2023 official notification provides information regarding the CAT 2023 important dates, you can find it on the official CAT website or you can find the CAT 2023 important dates in the table below:
| CAT 2023 Events | Date |
|---|---|
| CAT Exam 2023 Registration start date | 2nd of August 2023 |
| CAT form Last date 2023 | 13th September 2023 |
| Admit card release date | 25th October 2023 |
| CAT 2023 Exam date | 26th November 2023 |
| CAT 2023 Result | In January (tentative) |
Q. What is the admission process for MBA in 2024?
Ans. Consider the following important aspects of the MBA admissions process:
The most crucial factor in MBA admission is the CAT Exam score. And other factors are exam results, academic achievements, and a personal interview.
You will be admitted to an IIM or any other top MBA college if you perform well in the three critical factors stated above.
The MBA Admissions Procedure is divided into three parts:
- The first step is to obtain CAT exam results.
- In the second step, the colleges conduct individual interviews.
- The IIMs WAT & PI 2024 Final Selection Process is the final phase for IIM admission.
The results of the three IIM rounds indicated above will determine your final admission in IIMs and other top B schools.
Q. What is the CAT 2023 exam pattern?
Ans. CAT 2023 exam pattern are:
| Total questions in CAT 2023 | 66 |
| Total sections in paper | 3 sections – VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total time duration | 2 hours |
| Total Questions in VARC (40 minutes) | 24 (34%-36% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total Questions in DILR (40 minutes) | 20 (32%-34% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total Questions in QA (40 minutes) | 22 (34% of CAT 2023 score) |
| Total marks | 198 marks |
Q. What is the best strategy to prepare for CAT exam 2023?
Ans. The best way to prepare for the CAT exam in 2023 is to practice as many mock papers as possible. You should undoubtedly take a large number of mock exams and put in a significant amount of practice time in order to fully prepare for the CAT exam 2023 and achieve a high percentile. Mock exams are the most effective method of preparing for competitive exams.
According to toppers from IIM Ahmedabad, Kozhikode, and other top MBA campuses, mock paper practice is essential for CAT preparation. Mock papers could be beneficial, assist you in identifying your shortcomings and weak points so that you can work on them.
Another benefit of taking practice exams is that you will have enough practice to pass the exam in the time allocated.
Check out the preparation advice listed below and get started as soon as possible.
- Carefully overview the CAT 2023 Syllabus
- Select either an online or offline coaching as per your convenience
- Focus on clearing concepts from basics, do not try to skip topics
- Do not skip any single topic from the CAT 2023 syllabus
- You can also prepare notes for quick revision
- Learning Time management is crucial
- Mock papers and practice papers are must
- Be focused
- Try to stay away from distractions.
Q. What are the Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT Score in 2024?
Ans. Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT Scores 2024 are:
| S. No. | MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIM Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| 2 | IIM Bangalore | Karnataka |
| 3 | IIM Kozhikode | Kerala |
| 4 | IIM Calcutta | West Bengal |
| 5 | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | Delhi |
| 6 | IIM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| 7 | National Institute of Industrial Engineering | Maharashtra |
| 8 | IIM Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| 9 | XLRI-Xavier School of Management | Jharkhand |
| 10 | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay | Maharashtra |
Q. What was the pattern of previous year CAT Question Paper?
Ans. The pattern for previous year CAT question paper :
| Sections | Total Questions | MCQs | TITA Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 21 | 3 |
| DILR | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| QA | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 66 | 49 | 17 |
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