CAT or the Common Admission Test is the gateway for admission to the most prestigious business schools in India. The exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. The CAT score is accepted by other top management institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), and Indian School of Business (ISB). In this article, we will explore whether CAT exam is compulsory for MBA, whether it is only for MBA, why it is required, and who can take the CAT exam. cat exam for admission into IIMs and other premium MBA schools.

Is CAT Exam Compulsory for MBA?

CAT is not the only route to pursue MBA in India. However, it is a popular and most widely accepted mode of admission. Many B-schools in India consider CAT scores for admission to their MBA programs. The CAT exam score is used by over 500 B-schools in India. However, some B-schools conduct their own entrance exams, and CAT is not mandatory for admission.

Is CAT Exam Only for MBA?

No, CAT exam is not just for MBA. Apart from MBA, CAT scores are accepted by several other postgraduate management programs such as PGDM, PGPM, and Executive PGDM. The eligibility criteria for each of these courses may differ, but the CAT score is a mandatory requirement.

Why is CAT Exam Required?

CAT exam is a national level entrance exam, and it is conducted to evaluate the aptitude of students for the management program. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning skills. The exam aims to test the candidate’s ability to analyze and solve problems. The CAT score is an important parameter to evaluate the candidate’s aptitude for the management program.

Why is CAT Exam Necessary?

CAT exam is necessary for candidates who aspire to pursue an MBA or other postgraduate management programs from the top B-schools in India. The exam score is used by several reputed institutions to shortlist candidates for further rounds of admission.

Is CAT Exam for Commerce Students?

Yes, CAT exam is for commerce students as well as for students from other streams. The eligibility criteria for the CAT exam do not mention any specific stream or discipline. Any candidate who has completed graduation from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks can apply for the CAT exam.

Analysis of Last 3 Years CAT

The CAT exam is highly competitive, and the difficulty level of the exam varies from year to year. Here is a brief analysis of the CAT exam for the past three years:

• In 2020, the CAT exam had three sections, and the difficulty level was moderate to difficult. The Quantitative Aptitude section was the toughest, followed by the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. The Verbal Ability section was relatively easy.
• In 2019, the CAT exam had the same pattern as 2020, with three sections. The difficulty level was moderate, with the Quantitative Aptitude section being the toughest. The Verbal Ability section was relatively easy.
• In 2018, the CAT exam had four sections, and the difficulty level was moderate. The Quantitative Aptitude section was the toughest, followed by the Verbal Ability section. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section was relatively easier.

FAQs

Q. Can a candidate with a backlog in graduation apply for the CAT exam?

A. Yes, candidates with a backlog in graduation can apply for the CAT exam. However, they must clear their backlog before the admission process begins.

Q. Can a candidate with less than 50% marks in graduation apply for the CAT exam?

A. No, a candidate with less than 50% marks in graduation cannot apply