CAT 2024 : Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to MBA and other postgraduate programs offered by its 21 campuses, including NITIE Mumbai, now known as IIM Mumbai. Each year, over two lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam, and in 2023, applications hit a record high of 3.30 lakh. A strong CAT score opens doors to more than 1200 MBA colleges across India, including the prestigious IIMs, with CAT being valid only for Indian business schools.

The CAT exam is designed to test a candidate’s speed and proficiency in three core areas: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam’s difficulty level ranges from moderate to high, and it’s known for testing time management skills along with subject knowledge.

Programs Offered Through CAT at IIMs

The CAT score is not only used for full-time MBA programs but also for admission into other programs such as Executive MBA, PhD, and Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM) offered by IIMs and other business schools. The exam is open to graduates, postgraduates, and working professionals alike. Below is a list of the courses offered by various IIMs through CAT:

This makes the CAT exam an excellent pathway for those looking to advance their careers in management, with a wide range of programs and specializations offered across the IIMs.