CAT Exam Guide

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CAT exam for what

The CAT exam (Common Admission Test) is India’s most competitive MBA entrance exam, opening doors to prestigious IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools. It is used for admission to flagship MBA/PGDM programs, Executive MBAs, and even some specialised management courses. Beyond IIMs, institutes like FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, MDI, and IMT also accept CAT scores.

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CAT exam for MBA syllabus

The CAT syllabus for MBA admission covers three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). While the CAT syllabus isn’t officially fixed, it typically includes topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, grammar, vocabulary, and logical puzzles.

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CAT exam fees

The CAT exam registration fee changes slightly each year. For CAT 2025, the expected fee is ₹2,400 for General/EWS category and ₹1,200 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. The fee is paid online during the application process and is non-refundable. Early registration ensures you get your preferred exam city.

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CAT exam eligibility

The CAT exam eligibility criteria require a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final-year students can also apply, provided they complete their degree before the admission cycle closes. There’s no age limit, making CAT accessible for both fresh graduates and working professionals.

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CAT exam date 2025

The CAT 2025 exam date is expected to be Sunday, 30 November 2025, based on past trends. The official notification usually releases in the last week of July, with registration starting in August. Candidates should mark the date early to plan preparation and mock test schedules effectively.

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CAT exam mock test

Attempting CAT mock tests is essential for improving speed, accuracy, and exam temperament. The official CAT mock test is released on the IIMCAT website a few weeks before the exam, while multiple coaching institutes offer full-length, sectional, and adaptive mocks to simulate real exam conditions.

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Cat exam question paper

Practicing previous year CAT question papers is crucial. They reveal:

• Difficulty trends across years

• Question framing styles

• Weightage of QA, DILR, and VARC

Solving them under timed conditions gives you an edge in building accuracy and confidence.

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CAT exam exam pattern

The current CAT pattern has three sections:

1. VARC – 24 questions, 40 minutes

2. DILR – 20 questions, 40 minutes

3. QA – 22 questions, 40 minutes

That’s a total of 66 questions in 120 minutes. Each correct answer fetches +3 marks, while each incorrect answer carries -1. The adaptive slot-based nature means difficulty can vary slightly across shifts.

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CAT exam preparation

CAT prep requires a structured approach:

• 6–9 months of preparation for working professionals

• Building strong fundamentals in QA, DILR, and VARC

• Taking 30–40 mocks before the exam

• Regularly analyzing mistakes to fine-tune strategy

Consistency matters more than intensity—CAT is a test of endurance and smart learning.

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Mock CAT exam free

If you’re just starting out, free mocks are a great way to test your baseline. Several ed-tech platforms and coaching institutes provide 1–2 free full-length CAT mocks. Use them to benchmark your performance and decide your prep timeline. But don’t stop there—paid mock test series are far more reliable for serious prep.

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Books to prepare for CAT exam

Some of the most recommended CAT prep books include:

• QA: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma

• DILR: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha

• VARC: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis + RC practice sets

Pair these books with mocks and online practice to create a well-rounded prep strategy.