What is the CAT?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by the IIMs, with a different IIM running it each year. It is used for admission to IIM MBA programs and many other Indian business schools. CAT has three sections with strict 40-minute time limits, and results are reported as percentiles.
Who takes it
- Graduates applying to IIMs and other top Indian B-schools
- Final-year undergraduate students
- Working professionals aiming for a full-time MBA in India
Official information: the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) website.
CAT format at a glance
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 40 min | About 24 questions | Reading comprehension and verbal ability |
| DILR | 40 min | About 22 questions | Data interpretation and logical reasoning sets |
| QA | 40 min | About 22 questions | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number systems |
How CAT scoring works
for each correct answer
for a wrong multiple-choice answer
penalty for wrong type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions
Your scaled score is converted to a percentile, which is what most schools use to shortlist.
How to prepare for the CAT
Respect the sectional time limits
You can't move between sections. Each 40 minutes has to be planned on its own.
Choose DILR sets carefully
Spend the first few minutes scanning sets and pick the ones you can finish.
Use TITA questions wisely
Type-in-the-answer questions carry no negative marking, so attempt them when you're reasonably sure.
Read every day for VARC
Reading comprehension is most of VARC. Daily reading of editorials and essays builds speed.
A sample CAT study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Months 1–2Concepts in QA, daily reading and basic DILR sets
- Months 3–4Sectional tests, set selection and error logs
- Months 5–6Full mocks every week and analysis
How we coach the CAT
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the CAT skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
CAT FAQs
What is the CAT exam pattern?
CAT has three sections — VARC, DILR and QA — each with a 40-minute time limit, for a total of two hours. Recent editions have had about 68 questions in total.
Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes. Wrong answers to multiple-choice questions lose 1 mark. Type-in-the-answer questions have no negative marking.
How long is a CAT score valid?
A CAT score is used for admissions in that year's cycle, typically about one year.
Who conducts CAT?
One of the IIMs conducts CAT each year on a rotating basis.
Can I prepare for CAT online with BetterMyScores?
Yes. Our online coaching costs $20 to $40 per hour, depending on your plan.
CAT guides
CAT Section Strategy: VARC, DILR and QA
CAT gives each section a strict 40 minutes. The best strategy treats them as three separate tests.
GMAT Focus Edition Scores: How the 205–805 Scale Works
The GMAT Focus Edition uses a new scale that doesn't match the old one. Here's how to read it.
XAT Decision Making: How to Approach It
Decision Making is XAT's signature section. A clear framework makes it far more predictable.