The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their postgraduate management programs (MBA/PGDM) and other top B-schools in India.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
General Category: Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA.
SC/ST/PwD Category: A minimum of 45% marks or equivalent CGPA is required.
Final Year Students:
Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification exam and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply.
Age Limit:
There is no age limit for appearing in the CAT exam.
Syllabus
The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Reading Comprehension
Grammar and Usage
Verbal Logic
Vocabulary
Sentence Correction
Para Jumbles and Completion
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs)
Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Arrangements, Syllogisms)
Quantitative Ability (QA):
Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work)
Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
Geometry (Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry)
Number System
Modern Math (Permutation and Combination, Probability)
Exam Details
Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
Time per Section: 60 minutes each
Questions: Approximately 76-100 questions
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer)
Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer (for MCQs), and no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
Passing Marks
Percentile System: CAT scores are reported as percentiles, with top B-schools typically requiring 90+ percentile for consideration.
Sectional Cut-offs: Each section also has its own cut-off percentiles, varying by institution.
How to Prepare
Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the sections, types of questions, and the marking scheme.
Study Material: Use standard preparation books, online resources, and mock tests.
Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively to ensure you can complete each section within the allotted 60 minutes.
Regular Practice: Consistent practice through mock tests and previous years’ papers.
Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weaker sections.
Join Study Groups: Collaborate with peers to share knowledge and strategies.
Benefits of Coaching
Structured Learning: Coaching institutes provide a structured approach to covering the entire syllabus systematically.
Experienced Faculty: Learn from experienced teachers who provide insights, tips, and shortcuts.
Regular Practice: Institutes offer regular practice tests and mock exams that simulate the actual CAT exam environment.
Personalized Feedback: Receive personalized feedback and guidance based on your performance in practice tests.
Peer Learning: Interact and study with peers, fostering a competitive and collaborative learning environment.
Motivation and Discipline: Coaching institutes help maintain discipline and motivation through regular classes and study schedules.
Here are the top 5 CAT coaching institutes in Delhi, along with an overview, courses offered, and their website links:
1. Career Launcher
Overview: Career Launcher is one of the leading coaching institutes for CAT preparation. It offers comprehensive study materials, experienced faculty, and a variety of learning resources.
Courses Offered:
Classroom Programs (various durations)
Online Coaching Programs
Test Series
Personalized Mentoring
Website: Career Launcher
2. TIME (Triumphant Institute of Management Education)
Overview: TIME is a renowned coaching institute for CAT preparation with a strong presence across India. It offers a variety of courses to cater to different student needs.
Courses Offered:
Classroom Programs
Online Classes
Test Series (AIMCAT)
Correspondence Courses
Website: TIME
3. IMS Learning Resources
Overview: IMS is known for its extensive experience in CAT coaching, providing high-quality study materials, experienced faculty, and a robust test series.
Courses Offered:
Classroom Programs
Online Coaching
Test Series (SIMCAT)
Correspondence Courses
Website: IMS India
4. PT Education
Overview: PT Education is a well-known name in the field of management entrance exam coaching, providing comprehensive preparation for CAT and other management exams.
Courses Offered:
Classroom Programs
Online Courses
Test Series
GD/PI Preparation
Website: PT Education
5. Alchemist
Overview: Alchemist is a reputed CAT coaching institute in Delhi, known for its personalized approach and adaptive learning system.
Courses Offered:
Classroom Programs
Online Coaching
Test Series
Personalized Mentoring
Website: Alchemist India
These institutes provide a range of courses and resources to help students prepare effectively for the CAT exam, each with their unique strengths and offerings.
The Common Admission Test is a computer based test for admission in a graduate management program. The test scores a candidate on the bases of Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
In order to be eligible for the CAT Exam, the candidate has to pass at least their Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% (for General Category and for candidates from the NC-OBC caste). For SC/ST and Differently Abled (DA) candidates, the percentage required is 45%.
The advantage of CAT Exam is that the candidates appearing for CAT Exam can use their CAT Score to get into several other colleges apart from IIMs. Colleges in around 23 states in India accept CAT Score and admit students based on merit.
A weighty of almost 70 percent is allotted to your CAT score, while the remaining 30 percent is based on the application rating score. The estimated percentile for CAT is above 99 for the general category, which demands a requisite of a constant range of 70-75 marks in all the sections of the CAT examination.
There is no limit for the CAT exam candidates to the number of attempts of giving the exam. A candidate can appear unlimited time throughout his / her entire lifespan.However for those who wish to crack CAT exam in the very first attempt, expert coaching can help. Here is the list of Delhi’s top CAT Coaching centers where you can start your journey towards success.