CAT Exam Guide 2027
CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted by one of the IIMs, chosen on rotation. It is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at the IIMs and many other business schools. This guide covers who can apply, how selection works, what is tested and how to prepare.
- Management
- Computer-based
CAT at a glance
- Full name
- Common Admission Test
- Conducted by
- one of the IIMs, chosen on rotation
- Used for
- admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at the IIMs and many other business schools
- Mode
- Computer-based
- Who can apply
- Bachelor's degree with the minimum marks set by the conducting IIM; final-year students can apply.
- What is tested
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability
- Official website
- iimcat.ac.in
How CAT selection works
- 1CAT score and percentile
- 2Shortlisting by each institute
- 3Group discussion or writing test and personal interview
- 4Final offer
How to prepare for CAT
- Reading practice daily is the base for the verbal section; sets in data interpretation need steady practice too.
- Take mocks from the start, and analyse each one for question selection, not only for score.
- Before you apply, read the latest official notification at iimcat.ac.in. Dates, fees, vacancies and cut-offs change every cycle and are not listed here.
Choosing CAT coaching
Coaching helps most when you need structure, regular tests and a peer group. Ask any centre for the batch size, the full fee including GST, a trial class and last year's results with roll numbers.
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Frequently asked questions
What is CAT?+−
CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted by one of the IIMs, chosen on rotation. It is used for admission to MBA and PGDM programmes at the IIMs and many other business schools.
Who can apply for CAT?+−
Bachelor's degree with the minimum marks set by the conducting IIM; final-year students can apply.
What are the stages of CAT?+−
CAT runs in 4 stages: 1. CAT score and percentile; 2. Shortlisting by each institute; 3. Group discussion or writing test and personal interview; 4. Final offer.
What does CAT test?+−
CAT covers Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability.
Are the dates and fees for CAT on this page?+−
No. Dates, fees, vacancies and cut-offs change each cycle, so confirm them in the official notification at iimcat.ac.in before you apply.