What is the full form of CAT? Detailed CAT Information

What is the Full form of CAT?

cat full form stands for the Common Admission Test, an exam administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) through a computer-based format to choose students, for their courses. The test comprises three sections.

• VARC is an abbreviation, for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.
• DILR means Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
• QA stands for Quantitative Ability.

The online test lasts for three hours. Is split into one-hour sections, for each part. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) introduced this examination to select applicants for their postgraduate and doctoral programs. The CAT exam takes place once every year.

A short history of the CAT test

• In August of 2011, there was an announcement that the IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) and IISc (Indian Institute of Science) planned to switch to using CAT scores of JMET (Joint Management Entrance Test) for selecting candidates for their management programs starting from the batch of 2012 15.

• Until the year 2009, the CAT used to be a pen-and-paper test held every year for all applicants. 

• The format, number of questions, and duration have changed significantly.

• On the first of May, in 2009 it was declared that the CAT exam would be administered in a computer-based format.

Eligibility criteria for CAT

The candidate must meet the following criteria.

• You need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA while the requirement is 45%, for SC (Scheduled Caste) ST (Scheduled Tribe) PWD (Persons, with Disabilities), or DA ( Abled) categories.

• The degree should be, from a college or university approved by either the state bodies in India or by educational institutions authorized by Parliament. It should also be acknowledged as a university, under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. Possess a certification recognized by the HRD Ministry of the Government of India.

• Applicants who are, in their year of a bachelor’s degree program or an equivalent qualification exam well, as those who have finished the required courses for the degree and are waiting for the results are also eligible to apply.

CAT Exam Duration and Format

• Every year, the CAT exam pattern varies.
• A mock test was offered for the CAT 2018.
• The CAT exam consists of three parts; Verbal and Reading Comprehension Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and QA (Quantitative Ability).
• In the exam, there were 34 questions, in both the QA and VARC sections and 32 questions, in the DI & LR sections.
• Since the year 2015, the arrangement of questions has remained consistent. Prior, to that questions were structured in a manner.

What Is CAT? 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an examination administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to evaluate applicants qualifications, for enrollment, in management programs. The exam consists of three parts;

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This section evaluates an individuals ability to comprehend and respond to inquiries regarding written passages.

Data Interpretation: This part evaluates a candidates ability to comprehend data presented in graphs or tables and respond to questions.

Logical Reasoning: This section assesses a candidates ability to identify patterns and relationships and respond to questions related to them.

The CAT exam is well-known globally as an entrance test with a success rate of less than five percent. Securing admission, to an IIM program requires candidates to achieve scores across all three test sections.

How To Apply for the CAT Exam

The CAT exam assesses students who want to study MBA at business schools. CAT stands for ‘Common Admission Test’.Assesses participants proficiency in skills, verbal communication and reading comprehension, through a computer based format. The test spans 180 minutes. Consists of 100 questions.

To sign up for the CAT exam applicants must first create an account, on the website. During registration, applicants need to provide their educational and contact information.Once all information is provided applicants can select their examination date and center. Applicants must then pay the application fee. Upon payment they can. Download their admission cards from the website.

The CAT examination is conducted in two sessions; morning and evening. On the day of the exam test takers are required to report to their designated testing center with their admission card and a valid photo identification. Items such, as food, beverages, calculators and mobile phones are prohibited inside the examination hall.

The CAT exam consists of three sections; Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. Each section lasts for 60 minutes. Includes 32 questions. Candidates must answer all questions in each section, and incorrect answers do not result in any deduction of marks.

CAT exam results show rankings. The process of securing admission, to MBA programs includes participating in group discussions and undergoing interviews.

[Also Read: B.Ed Full Form: Syllabus, Eligibility, Entrance Exam, Admission 2024]

CAT Exam Pattern 

The CAT Exam, also referred to as the CAT Full Form (Common Admission Test) is a computer based assessment. The CAT exam schedule underwent modifications, in 2020.Before, test-takers had 180 minutes or three hours to answer 100 questions. Now, in the updated Common Admission Test (CAT) format, the test lasts 120 minutes or two hours, with 40 minutes allotted for each section.

• The CAT Exam only takes place in English.
• The test has three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
• To excel in the CAT exam test takers must respond, to both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and ended questions.
• Each part has a time limit.
• Incorrect answers result in a deduction of one point, while correct answers earn three points each.

CAT Admission Process 

To succeed in the CAT exam, also known as the Common Admission Test, one must follow specific guidelines and procedures.

Phase 1:

• Students sit for the CAT entrance exams. Following that IIM releases the cutoff scores, for sections as well as the overall cutoff.
• Candidates move to the next rounds based on their performance.
• Every Indian Institute of Management (IIM) releases its cutoff scores, for the CAT exam, which is short, for the Common Admission Test.

Stage 2:

1. GD (Group Discussion) and/or WAT

Stage 3:

• Personal Interview (PI)

Candidates undergo a one-on-one interview during this stage, assessing their knowledge, communication skills, academic track record, performance in rounds, and practical judgment.

• Final List of Selected Candidates

Stage 4:

Each Indian Institute of Management (IIM) provides information regarding its eligibility requirements, on its website. Additionally they release a list of candidates based on various criteria;

• CAT Exam Score
• WAT, GD, and PI Round Scores
• Class 10 and 12 Marks
• Gender Diversity Factor
• Work Experience
• Reservation

What is the syllabus of CAT?

The CAT examination comprises three sections; VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability). We organize the syllabus based on these components. Here is a summary of the CAT syllabus;

Conclusion

CAT is a test by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) to decide who can join postgraduate programs.It evaluates applicants in three areas; Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). CAT, a demanding computer – based test lasting three hours holds importance, for students aspiring to pursue an MBA.