Complete Guide to CAT Exam 2023: Exam Date, Registration, Notification, Study Materials, Strategies, and syllabus
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) administers the Common Admission Test (CAT), a highly competitive and well-known entrance exam, for admission to their management programs. It is a computer-based test that assesses a candidate's aptitude and abilities in several areas, including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Several other famous management institutes and business schools in India, aside from the IIMs, also accept CAT results for admission to their programmes.
Due to the intense competition for the CAT exam, candidates must thoroughly prepare in order to perform well on it. The CAT syllabus covers a wide range of topics, therefore consistent and targeted study over a long period of several months is required. This committed effort enables applicants to build the skills essential to approach the exam with assurance and produce outstanding outcomes in addition to the requisite information.
CAT Exam 2023: Exam Date, Registration, Notification, Study Materials, Strategies, and syllabus:| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification for CAT 2023 | July 31, 2023 |
| CAT Exam Registration Start Date | August 3, 2023 |
| CAT Exam Registration Last Date | September 21, 2023 |
| CAT Exam Registration fees End Date | September 21, 2023 |
| The CAT Correction Window Opens | before September 25, 2023 |
| CAT Application Editing Last Date | September 28 or 29, 2023 |
| CAT Mock Test | November 8, 2023 |
| CAT Mock Test | November 8, 2023 |
| CAT Exam Date | November 26, 2023 |
| CAT 2023 Answer Key Release Date | On or before December 7, 2023 |
| CAT Result Announcement | Before December 25, 2023 |
All the aspirants seeking admission in management programs and want to enroll for CMAT 2023, needs to apply online on iimcat.ac.in.
Registration Process:To make your journey smooth, we have mentioned all the necessary details for the CAT entrance exam below:
1)Step 1: Candidates need to login to the official website of CAT and create an account through name, email id, and contact number.
2) Step 2: Once the registration is complete, login to your account via generated username and password.
3) Step 3: Fill out the personal details, academic details, work experience (if any), IIM program preference, and CAT exam city preference and click on submit.
4) BStep 4: Upload the required documents such as a passport-size photograph, digital signature, category certificate, or PWD certificate.
CAT Exam Fee Structure- General/ NC-OBC/ EWS - INR 2300
- SC/ ST - INR 1150
- PwD/ DA - INR 1150
The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in a significant shift towards online coaching for several MBA tests, including the CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, NMAT, etc. For CAT preparation, there are many online coaching facilities, study channels, YouTube channels, and online study materials.
CAT 2023 Exam StrategyCandidates who achieved a 99-percentile mark on the CAT exam last year disclosed their study plan. To learn how the best students studied for the test, see the table below:
CAT Exam PatternVARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability) are the three sections of the CAT exam pattern. The candidate must surpass the sectional score cut-offs to be shortlisted for IIM.
Before the test begins, there are no tutorials available, thus applicants are urged to carefully review the tutorials on the official website. A strong academic record with diversity and job experience, in addition to high scores in each of the three areas, will increase your chances of admission to IIMs
According to the revisions made in 2021, the information about the CAT 2023 Exam Pattern is shown below in tabular form:| Examination Mode | Online CAT Exam Description |
|---|---|
| Examination Medium | English |
| Number of Questions | 66 |
| Time Duration | 120 minutes |
| Section | VARC: 24 DILR: 20 QA: 22 |
| Time Duration Each Section | 40 minutes each |
| Type of Questions | MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 for every right answer |
| Negative Marking for Wrong Answer | -1 for every wrong answer, no negative marking in TITA |
The CAT 2023 exam is broken into 3 portions, much like all of the previous CAT exams. The CAT exam does not have a set course; however, it does mostly focus on school-based English and maths. The division of the three exam portions is shown below:
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Allotted | Main Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | Reading comprehension, para-summary, para-jumbles, verbal reasoning, etc. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes | Charts, puzzles, arrangements, graphs, blood relations, etc. |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | Algebra, number systems, arithmetic, geometry, etc. |
Due to recent changes brought on by the pandemic, the stringent requirements for taking the CAT have been less strict than before. To avoid any last-minute scrambling, applicants must carefully review the CAT eligibility requirements. The following list includes the CAT 2023 eligibility requirements in many categories:
Qualification- The CAT exam is open to applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% and 45% (for reserved category) from an accredited institution in any subject.
- Students who are graduating in their last year are also eligible for the CAT 2023.
The CAT Exam has no age restrictions.
Important Points to Follow While Preparing for CAT Exams- Create a Proper Study Schedule and follow the same without any skip
- If you are a working professional then utilize weekends and holidays.
- Prioritize your topics as per the marks and don’t miss the mock tests.
- Consistency is the key to success, stay consistent and persistent.
- Take help from peers, online study material, and video lectures.
- Time management and following a good work-study balance.
The most popular entrance exam for MBA admissions to prestigious B-schools is the Common Admission Test, which is administered annually by the IIMs. For the class of 2024–26, students will be able to apply to IIMs and other prestigious institutions through CAT 2023.
Before being chosen for the institution's subsequent selection processes, candidates for admission to MBA programs must pass this exam and meet the cut-offs. If you missed the test or not qualified then online distance learning would be a good choice. Many well-known universities offer various UG/PG/Diplomas courses through distance education in India.