What is CAT?
CAT is a competitive entrance exam conducted at the national level for admission to postgraduate business administration program. It’s being conducted by a computer based system in two session’s i.e. morning and the afternoon session.
CAT is for all those aspiring candidates who want to go for post graduation program from the world famous IIMs. It’s an entrance exam to enter in to the MBA.
Talking about the CAT exam pattern:
The mode of examination will be digital or Computer Based Test (CBT) which is to be held in two sessions i.e. morning and the afternoon session. The time of the exam will be 180 minutes i.e. 3 hours. The exam consists of objective and subjective both type of questions. There will be total 100 questions and there is a negative marking scheme also.
The CAT exam pattern has changed over the years and now has 100 questions divided into 3 sections. The exam questions are a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Non Multiple Choice Questions (Non MCQs). Marking Scheme details are as follows:
| Question Type | Correct Answer | Incorrect Answer |
| Multiple Choice Questions | +3 | -1 |
| Non-Multiple Choice Questions | +3 | Nil |
Exam syllabus:
| Sections | Subjects | Time Allotted | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
| Section I | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 60 minutes | 34 | 102 |
| Section II | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 60 minutes | 32 | 96 |
| Section III | Quantitative Ability | 60 minutes | 34 | 102 |
| Total | 180 minutes | 100 | 300 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Reading Comprehension: It consists of :- Medium length Comprehension passages, probably of 250 to 500 words. The question will be asked direct and inferential.
English Usage: It consists of questions from grammar and verbal reasoning such as Fill in the blanks, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Verbal Reasoning, Synonyms, Antonyms, etc.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR):
Data Interpretation: Bar Graph, Data Sufficiency, Combination of Graphs, Line Graph, Caselet, Pie Chart, Tables, etc,
Logical Reasoning: Blood Relations, Binary Logic, Matching Puzzles, Clocks and Calendars, Seating Arrangement, Family Tree, Proposition, Venn Diagram, Statements, Sets, Syllogism, etc.
Mathematics or Quantitative Ability (QA):
Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Higher Maths, Arithmetic, Modern Mathematics, Mensuration, Trigonometry, etc.
Important dates:
| Events | Dates |
| Notification Release | 29th July 2018 |
| Online Registration Starts | 8th August 2018 |
| Last date for Registration | 19th September 2018 |
| Application Correction Starts | 4th week of September 2018 |
| Admit Card Downloading Starts | 24th October 2018 onwards |
| Mock Test | 3rd week of October 2018 |
| CAT Aptitude Test | 25th November 2018 |
| Cut Off Release | Last week of November 2018 |
| Answer Key Release | 1st week of December 2018 |
| Result Announcement | 2nd week of January 2019 |
CAT Registration 2019:
The registration window will be open from 8th august 2018. And the deadline for the application is 19th September. The candidates will have to fill the respective form and required details along with the photograph. The candidates will get the four choices regarding the cities of the exam centre. And filling all the details they will have to print the same for the future reference.
Registration Fee:
The mode of payment will be online payment i.e. through debit cards or internet banking or may be the wallet payment.
The application fee details are given below:
| Category | Fee |
| All other categories | Rs. 1900 + Transaction Processing Fee |
| SC, ST and PwD | Rs. 950 + Transaction Processing Fee |
The CAT best books are:
There are some of the best books which are being suggested or recommended by every teacher or institution to the students to refer they are as follows:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT
Authored by: Arun Sharma - Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT
Authored by: Nishit K. Sinha - Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat
Authored by: Sarvesh K. Verma
There are various other books too which students can refer to crack their exam and they may join some institution for ease.
Some of the tips to crack your exams:
TIP 1: Take the diagnostic test
Take a diagnostic test to help identify your strengths and weaknesses, and then create a structured study plan that targets your weak areas.
TIP 2: Time yourself
If you are taking more than 3 minutes to answer any question, it’s time to guess and move on.
TIP 3: Review answer options
In Sentence Correction questions, quickly review the answer options to note the splits and identify the error type.
TIP 4: Take a break
Every few minutes, take a 10- second break to calm yourself and renew your focus.
TIP 5: Analyze your answers
Spend a lot of effort analyzing your answers, even the correct ones. You will start noticing patterns in CAT answer options.
