The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level computer-based examination conducted every year for admission to postgraduate management programmes such as MBA and PGP at the Indian Institutes of Management and other top business schools.
The CAT exam evaluates candidates on verbal ability, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude through a structured online test format. Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates prepare strategically and manage time effectively during the exam.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 68 Questions |
| Total Marks | 204 Marks |
| Medium | English Only |
The CAT exam is conducted as a 120-minute computer-based test divided into three mandatory sections. Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes and candidates cannot switch between sections.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes per section |
| Question Types | MCQ and TITA (Non-MCQ) |
| Section Order | VARC → DILR → QA |
Candidates should attempt questions carefully as negative marking applies to MCQs. Non-MCQ questions do not have negative marking, allowing safer attempts.
The CAT exam is a computer-based test with a total duration of 120 minutes. It is divided into three sections with 40 minutes allotted to each section. Candidates must follow the fixed order of sections during the exam. The test includes both MCQ and non-MCQ questions. Proper time management is essential to attempt all sections effectively.
The CAT exam usually contains around 68 questions in total. The maximum marks for the exam are 204. Each correct answer carries three marks. The marks are divided among VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Candidates must perform well in all sections to achieve a high percentile.
Yes, negative marking applies only to multiple-choice questions. One mark is deducted for each incorrect MCQ answer. Non-MCQ or TITA questions do not have negative marking. Each correct answer gives three marks. Candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid losing marks.
Candidates cannot switch between sections during the CAT exam. Each section has a fixed time limit of 40 minutes. Once the time for a section ends, the next section begins automatically. Candidates must attempt questions within the allotted time. Proper time planning is important to maximize score.
A basic on-screen calculator is provided during the CAT exam. Candidates cannot carry personal calculators to the exam centre. The exam is conducted in multiple slots on the same day. Scores are normalized to ensure fairness across slots. This ensures equal evaluation despite varying difficulty levels.
The CAT exam is generally conducted in three slots on a single day. These include morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Exact timings are mentioned on the admit card. Candidates must report to the exam centre well before time. Following instructions ensures smooth entry and exam process.