The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the CAT exam is a gateway for admission into some of the top business schools in the country. In this article, we will discuss why the CAT exam is important and why it is a popular choice among MBA aspirants.
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CAT exam is for MBA aspirants, the score obtained in the exam can also be used for admission to other management programs offered by IIMs and other top B-schools. The CAT score is also accepted by several institutes for admission to their PhD programs in management.
CAT Exam – An Overview
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The CAT exam is a computer-based test that is conducted annually in the month of November. The exam is divided into three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The total duration of the exam is three hours, and it consists of 100 questions.
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Importance of CAT Exam
- Gateway to Top B-Schools
The CAT exam is a gateway to some of the top B-schools in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The IIMs are considered to be the most prestigious B-schools in the country and are ranked among the best business schools globally. The CAT score is also accepted by many other top B-schools in the country.
- High Demand for MBA Graduates
MBA graduates are in high demand in the corporate sector. The CAT exam is one of the most preferred ways for aspirants to get into the best B-schools and secure a high-paying job. The CAT score is also considered by many recruiters while hiring for management positions.
- Holistic Development
The CAT exam is not just about getting into the top B-schools but also about developing the required skills to become a successful manager. The CAT exam tests a candidate’s logical and analytical skills, decision-making ability, time-management, and stress-management skills. Preparing for the CAT exam requires a candidate to develop a holistic approach towards learning and problem-solving.
- Scope for Personal Growth
Preparing for the CAT exam requires a candidate to have a growth mindset. The exam is not just about scoring high but also about learning from one’s mistakes and improving continuously. The CAT exam provides an opportunity for personal growth, and candidates who clear the exam develop a sense of self-confidence, resilience, and perseverance.
How to Prepare for CAT Exam
- Understand the Exam Pattern
The first step towards preparing for the CAT exam is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the three sections of the exam and the type of questions that are asked.
- Create a Study Plan
Candidates should create a study plan that covers all the topics and sections of the exam. The study plan should be realistic and achievable, and candidates should allocate enough time for each section.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
Practicing mock tests and previous year’s question papers is crucial for success in the CAT exam. Mock tests help candidates understand their strengths and weaknesses and help them identify the areas that require improvement.
- Seek Guidance
Aspirants should seek guidance from mentors, teachers, and experts to prepare for the CAT exam. Joining a coaching institute can also be helpful, but it is not mandatory. Online resources such as video lectures, blogs, and forums can also be useful.
Here is the list of participating IIMs in CAT:
These IIMs use CAT scores for admission into their management programs. Other than these IIMs, many other top B-Schools in India also accept CAT scores.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | https://www.iima.ac.in/ |
| IIM Amritsar | https://iimamritsar.ac.in/ |
| IIM Bangalore | https://www.iimb.ac.in/ |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | https://iimbg.ac.in/ |
| IIM Calcutta | https://www.iimcal.ac.in/ |
| IIM Indore | https://www.iimidr.ac.in/ |
| IIM Jammu | https://www.iimj.ac.in/ |
| IIM Kashipur | https://www.iimkashipur.ac.in/ |
| IIM Kozhikode | https://www.iimk.ac.in/ |
| IIM Lucknow | https://www.iiml.ac.in/ |
| IIM Nagpur | https://www.iimnagpur.ac.in/ |
| IIM Raipur | https://www.iimraipur.ac.in/ |
| IIM Ranchi | https://www.iimranchi.ac.in/ |
| IIM Rohtak | https://www.iimrohtak.ac.in/ |
| IIM Sambalpur | https://www.iimsambalpur.ac.in/ |
| IIM Shillong | https://www.iimshillong.ac.in/ |
| IIM Sirmaur | https://www.iimsirmaur.ac.in/ |
| IIM Tiruchirappalli | https://www.iimtrichy.ac.in/ |
| IIM Udaipur | https://www.iimu.ac.in/ |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | https://iimv.ac.in/ |
Conclusion
The CAT exam is an important entrance exam for MBA aspirants, and clearing it can open up a world of opportunities. The exam not only helps candidates get into some of the top B-schools but also provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. Therefore, candidates should prepare for the exam with a growth mindset, seeking guidance, and practicing regularly.