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CAT Exam Date 2023
CAT which stands for Common Admission Test is the entrance exam for admission into the top management institutes in India. This exam is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM).
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most popular and highly publicized entrance examination in India for admission to premier business schools. Every year, around two lakh students appear in the entrance exam. This exam is conducted to select students for postgraduate management courses such as MBA, PGDM, PGPM, etc.
The purpose of the CAT exam is to analyze and select the best management potential in India for the various IIM institutes. The CAT exam has been a benchmark of excellence in the Indian education system since its inception.
What is CAT Exam?
The CAT exam is known as a very tough exam that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. The CAT exam is conducted on the basis of a three-hour Computer Based Test (CBT). This exam consists of three sections namely quantitative ability (QA), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC).
All the components are divided into sub-sections such as Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Comparison, Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension, etc. The duration of the exam is three hours.
CAT examination is generally conducted in two sessions (morning and afternoon). During the exam, the test takers are given a total of 60 minutes per section. Each section has 40 multiple-choice questions and the total number of questions is 80.
The exam includes two types of questions, Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-Multiple Choice Questions (non-MCQs). All the questions present in the CAT exam are objective types of questions.
CAT Exam Cut-off
The examination pattern for the CAT exam is such that there is no sectional cut-off. A candidate must score an overall cut-off, as set by the IIM to be eligible for admission. The overall cut-off generally ranges between 85-95 percent.
CAT Exam Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for appearing in the CAT exam are very simple. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university or institute in any discipline to be eligible for admission into the management courses in the IIMs. Although all the IIMs have the same eligibility criteria, the weightage for scoring may vary depending on the institute.
CAT Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the CAT exam is divided into two parts – Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability. The sectional syllabus includes topics from basics of Math, English grammar and composition, Quantitative Comparison, Data Interpretation, and more.
The Quantitative Ability section covers topics such as Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Permutations and Combinations, Calculus, Probability, Sets and Relations, etc. The Verbal Ability section covers topics such as Vocabulary, Synonyms and Antonyms, Tenses, Para Jumbles, Critical Reasoning, Fill in the blanks, Error Spotting, etc.
Preparation Tips
To prepare for the CAT exam, one needs to have a good understanding of the topics covered in the exam, excellent command of the English language, strong problem-solving and analysis skills, and above all, good speed and accuracy in solving the questions.
Candidates can also improve their performance in the CAT exam by taking mock tests and sample papers available online or in coaching institutes. Taking mock tests and sample papers can help a candidate understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the exam. This helps a candidate to identify his/her weak and strong areas which in turn can help him/her to prepare for the CAT exam more effectively.
When preparing for the CAT exam, it is important to practice and focus on all three sections of the exam to ensure that all the topics are covered properly. Regular practice and self-evaluation of the mock tests can also help a candidate to be prepared for the exam.
The CAT exam is a challenging one and can’t be cracked on the fly. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and an in-depth understanding of the concepts to clear the cut-off marks. Here are some of the tips to prepare for the CAT exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: The first step of preparation is to understand the syllabus carefully. Buy the best books available for the CAT syllabus and go through each topic.
- Take Mock Tests: One should take as many mock tests as possible to get an idea about the difficulty level of the exam and the way to solve the questions.
- Focus on Time Management: Time management is the key to success in CAT Exam. Make sure to plan a study schedule with enough breaks and practice the mock tests accordingly.
- Revise Regularly: Revise concepts regularly and make notes of important topics. This will help in getting a grip on the syllabus and increase the speed to deal with lengthy questions.
- Set Goals: Set aspirational goals and make sure to achieve them within the desired time frame.
CAT 2023 Exam Date and Important Dates
The expected CAT exam date for 2023 is November 26, 2023. The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based MBA entrance exam conducted by various IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) on a rotational basis. The exam is a national-level entrance test and is widely accepted by top B-schools in India for admission to their management programs. The CAT 2023 exam registration is likely to begin on August 4, 2023. Candidates aspiring to appear for CAT 2023 are advised to check the official CAT website for the latest updates and announcements regarding the exam schedule and registration process.
Here are the tentative dates related to CAT 2023:
- CAT 2023 Notification Date: July 31, 2023
- CAT 2023 Exam Registration Date: August 4, 2023
- CAT 2023 Application Form Last Date: September 13, 2023
- CAT 2023 Admit Card Release Date: October 26, 2023
- CAT 2023 Exam Date: November 26, 2023
- CAT 2023 Result Date: First week of January 2024
CAT Registration 2023
The CAT 2023 registration process has not yet begun. However, here is what you know about the CAT 2023 registration:
- CAT 2023 Registration Start Date: The registration process for CAT 2023 is expected to start in the first week of August 2023.
- CAT 2023 Registration Last Date: The last date to register for CAT 2023 is anticipated to be in the third week of September 2023.
- CAT 2023 Registration Mode: Candidates will be able to register online through the official website of IIM CAT.
- CAT 2023 Registration Fee: The registration fee for CAT 2023 will vary based on the category. For general category candidates, the expected registration fee is Rs. 2300, and for SC/ST/OBC category candidates, it is expected to be Rs. 1150.
Once the registration process begins, candidates should carefully go through the registration guidelines and ensure they have all the required documents and information ready to complete the registration smoothly.
As of now, candidates can use this time to prepare for the CAT 2023 exam by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. CAT syllabus includes three sections-Verbal Capability and Reading Appreciation( VARC), Quantitative Aptitude( QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical logic( DILR).
CAT Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for CAT 2023, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the conducting authorities. Typically, the eligibility criteria include a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution with a minimum percentage requirement. For general category candidates, the minimum percentage required is usually 50% to 55%, while there might be some relaxation for reserved category candidates.
The eligibility criteria for CAT 2023 are as follows:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. For general category candidates, a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying degree is required, while candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwD categories must have secured a minimum of 45% marks.
- Age Limit: There's no upper or lower age limit to apply for CAT 2023. campaigners of any age can appear for the test.
- Final Year Students: Candidates who are in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply for CAT 2023. However, if selected, they must submit the required documents proving their completion of the degree before the prescribed date by the respective IIMs.
- Professional Degree Holders: Candidates with a professional degree such as CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI can also appear for CAT 2023. For general category candidates, a minimum of 50% marks in the professional degree is required, while SC/ST/PwD candidates must have secured a minimum of 45% marks.
CAT 2023 Application Process
The CAT 2023 application process is expected to be conducted online through the official CAT website. Candidates need to create an account, fill in their personal and educational details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee. The fee structure may vary based on the category of the candidate. After successful submission, candidates will receive a confirmation email, and they are advised to keep a copy of the application form for future reference.
The admission process for CAT 2023 is expected to follow the usual pattern and will consist of the following key steps:
- CAT 2023 Notification: The official notification for CAT 2023 is expected to be released by the last week of July 2023. The notification will contain all the important information related to the exam, including exam dates, registration process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and more.
- CAT 2023 Registration: The registration process for CAT 2023 is anticipated to start by the first week of August 2023. Candidates interested in appearing for the exam must register online through the official website of IIM CAT.
- CAT 2023 Registration Last Date: The last date to register for CAT 2023 is expected to be in September 2023, tentatively by the third week. Candidates must ensure to complete the registration process before the deadline to be eligible for the exam.
- CAT 2023 Admit Card: After successful registration, candidates can download their CAT 2023 admit card from the official website. The admit card is likely to be available for download by the last week of October 2023.
- CAT 2023 Exam Date: The CAT 2023 exam is expected to be conducted on November 26, 2023. The exam is typically held in multiple sessions on the same day.
- CAT 2023 Result: The results of CAT 2023 are anticipated to be announced in January 2024. Campaigners can check their results on the sanctioned website of IIM CAT.
- CAT 2023 Selection Process: After the declaration of results, the selected candidates will be invited for the further selection process, which may include Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI) conducted by the individual IIMs and other participating institutes.
- CAT 2023 Admission: Based on the candidate’s performance in the CAT exam, the selection process, and other criteria set by the participating institutes, candidates will be offered admission to various MBA and PGDM programs in the participating institutes.
CAT 2023 Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern is likely to remain similar to previous years. It is typically a computer-based test with a duration of 180 minutes (3 hours). The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section is allotted a specific time limit, and candidates must manage their time efficiently to attempt all the questions. CAT is known for its challenging and tricky questions, which test candidates’ problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
Here is what you need to know about the expected CAT 2023 exam pattern:
1. CAT 2023 Exam Sections: The CAT exam is expected to consist of three sections, as in previous years. These sections are
- Verbal Capability & Reading Appreciation( VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical logic( DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude( QA).
2. Total Questions and Marks: The CAT 2023 exam is expected to have a total of 66 questions, and the total marks for the exam are anticipated to be 198.
3. CAT Exam Duration: The total duration of the CAT exam is expected to be 2 hours (120 minutes).
4. Mode of the Exam: CAT 2023 will be conducted in the Computer-Based Mode (CBT), where candidates will answer questions on a computer screen.
5. Types of Questions: The CAT 2023 exam is likely to contain a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (Type In The Answer - TITA).
6. Marking Scheme: For every correct answer, candidates are expected to receive 3 marks. However, for every wrong answer in MCQs, there may be a negative marking of -1 mark. There’s no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
7. Section-wise Time Allotment: Each section is expected to have a time allotment of 40 minutes. For PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates, the time allotment for each section may be 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
8. CAT Time Slots: CAT 2023 is likely to be conducted in three different time slots on the same day. The slots are
- a. Slot 1: 8:30 am - 10:30 am (Morning Session)
- b. Slot 2: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session)
- c. Slot 3: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session).
CAT 2023 Admit Card
The CAT 2023 admit cards are expected to be released on October 26, 2023. Campaigners can download their admit cards from the sanctioned website using their login credentials. The admit card is a crucial document that contains important information such as the candidate’s roll number, exam date, time, and venue. It is mandatory to carry the admit card to the examination center for verification purposes.
CAT 2023 Exam Day
On the day of the CAT 2023 exam, candidates must arrive at the examination center well before the reporting time mentioned in the admit card. They are required to carry a printed copy of the admit card and a valid photo ID proof for verification. Electronic devices, calculators, study material, or any other prohibited items are not allowed inside the examination hall. Candidates must follow the instructions given by the invigilators and maintain discipline throughout the exam duration.
The CAT 2023 exam date is scheduled for Sunday, November 26, 2023. The exam will be conducted in three sessions on the same day, likely in the morning, afternoon, and evening. CAT 2023 will be held at around 300 test centers spread across approximately 154 cities in India.
The registration process for CAT 2023 is expected to start by the first week of August 2023, and the last date to apply for the exam will be in September 2023. The CAT 2023 exam will be conducted as a computer-based test (CBT), and the duration of the exam will be 2 hours. The CAT 2023 exam will consist of a total of 66 questions, containing both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In Answer (TITA) questions. The test will have three sections Verbal Capability & Reading Appreciation( VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical logic( DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude( QA). Each section will have limited sectional time, and there will be negative markings for wrong answers.
The CAT 2023 admit card is expected to be released in the last week of October 2023. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website of CAT for updates and notifications regarding the admit card.
To summarize:
- CAT 2023 Exam Date: November 26, 2023.
- CAT 2023 Registration: Expected to start in August 2023
- CAT 2023 Admit Card Release: Expected in the last week of October 2023.
CAT 2023 Result
After the successful completion of the CAT 2023 exam, the results are expected to be declared in the first week of January 2024. Candidates can check their results on the official CAT website using their login credentials. The CAT scorecard includes the overall percentile and sectional percentiles obtained by the candidate. Based on the CAT scores, participating IIMs and other B-schools will release their respective cut-off marks and shortlist candidates for the next round of the selection process, which may include a Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD), and Personal Interview (PI).
The CAT 2023 result is expected to be released in the last week of December 2023. The result will be published on the official website of the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at iimcat.ac.in. campaigners who have appeared for the CAT 2023 test can pierce their results by logging in with their CAT ID and Word.
The CAT 2023 result will include the overall score and percentile, as well as the sectional scores and percentiles in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The scorecard will also display the candidate's name, registration number, date of birth, contact details, and email ID. CAT percentile scores will be used for admission to various top management institutes, including 20 IIMs, 7 IITs, and over 500 non-IIM institutes.
Before the declaration of the CAT 2023 result, IIM is likely to release the provisional answer key, and candidates will have the opportunity to raise objections within the specified time frame. The final CAT result 2023 will be prepared based on the objections received and subject to the score normalization process. CAT score normalization is used to calculate percentiles and ensures fairness in comparing candidates who have taken the test in multiple sessions.
It is essential for candidates to keep track of updates on the official website regarding the CAT 2023 result declaration, as well as other related events like the release of the provisional answer key and the final answer key. After the CAT 2023 result is announced, IIM will also publish the details of CAT 2023 toppers who have scored exceptionally high percentiles in the exam.
To summarize:
- CAT 2023 Result Date: Expected in the last week of December 2023.
- Result Website: iimcat.ac.in.
- How to Check CAT 2023 Result: Candidates need to log in using their CAT user ID and password on the official website.
Conclusion
The CAT Exam is one of the toughest competitive exams in India. It requires hard work, dedication, and an in-depth understanding of the concepts to clear it with a good score. Therefore, it is important to understand the syllabus, take mock tests regularly and focus on time management to increase the chances of clearing the exam.
It’s important for one to be well prepared and have a thorough knowledge of all the topics covered in the exam. It is also important to take regular mock tests and practice sample papers to score well in the exam. Regular practice and self-evaluation are the keys to success in the CAT exam.
Once you clear the exam, you will be able to get admission to the prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in India. With the right guidance and preparation tips, you can easily crack the CAT Exam and realize your dreams. Good Luck to all the CAT aspirants in their journey toward a successful MBA Career!
Frequently Asked Questions About CAT Exam Date 2023
Q. When is the CAT 2023 exam date?
Ans. As of now, the CAT 2023 exam date is November 26, 2023. Please stay tuned to the official CAT website or leading news outlets for updates.
Q. When can we expect the CAT 2023 exam date to be announced?
Ans. CAT exam dates are usually announced several months in advance. It is likely that the CAT 2023 exam date will be revealed around mid-2023. Keep an eye on the official CAT website for updates.
Q. Can the CAT 2023 exam date be postponed or rescheduled?
Ans. While it is rare, unforeseen circumstances may lead to rescheduling or postponement of the CAT exam date. However, any changes will be officially communicated through the CAT website and other official channels.
Q. How can I check the CAT 2023 exam date once it is announced?
Ans. The CAT 2023 exam date will be published on the official CAT website (iimcat.ac.in). Additionally, it may be available on the websites of participating IIMs and prominent national newspapers.
Q. Can I request a change of the CAT 2023 exam date if it clashes with other exams?
Ans. Generally, CAT exam dates are fixed, and changes are not entertained due to scheduling conflicts. Candidates are advised to plan their preparations and commitments accordingly to avoid clashes.
Q. Will the CAT 2023 exam date be the same for all candidates across India?
Ans. Yes, the CAT exam is conducted on a single day in multiple sessions. The exam date is the same for all candidates appearing for CAT 2023, irrespective of their location.
Q. Can I register for the CAT 2023 exam before the exam date is announced?
Ans. No, CAT registration typically opens after the official announcement of the exam date. You need to wait for the official notification before registering for CAT 2023.
Q. What are the timings for the CAT 2023 exam?
Ans. The exact exam timings for CAT 2023 will be mentioned in the admit card, which will be released after the registration process is completed. Usually, the exam is conducted in two sessions on the designated exam day.
Q. Can I get a refund of the CAT registration fee if I miss the exam due to unforeseen circumstances on the exam date?
Ans. No, the CAT registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including non-appearance on the exam day.
Q. Is there any provision for candidates to change their exam centers after the CAT 2023 exam date is announced?
Ans. Usually, CAT allows candidates to choose their preferred exam centers during the registration process. Once the exam centers are allotted, changes are not permitted. So, choose your exam center carefully during registration.
Q. How can I prepare for the CAT 2023 exam effectively, given the uncertainty around the exam date?
Ans. You can start your preparation by focusing on the CAT syllabus and previous years’ question papers. Stay updated with the latest news about CAT 2023, and once the exam date is announced, create a study schedule accordingly. Flexible preparation will help you adapt to the changes in the exam date.