CAT Exam Complete Guide: Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation, Percentile & Coaching
Updated: 7 hours ago
By Headache Tutorials, Indore — Expert Coaching for CAT, CMAT, IPMAT & CUET. This is your complete guide to the CAT (Common Admission Test) — India's most competitive MBA entrance exam, conducted by the IIMs for admission to the IIMs and 1,000+ top B-schools. Everything is here: exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, score-vs-percentile, and coaching — with links to our detailed guides for each. The upcoming CAT is held on the last Sunday of November.
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What is CAT?
CAT is a national-level, computer-based test conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. It is the gateway to the IIMs, FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, and most premier B-schools. CAT tests three areas — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
CAT Exam Pattern
CAT is a 2-hour computer-based test with three sections:
Section | Questions | Time |
VARC — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 min |
DILR — Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 40 min |
QA — Quantitative Ability | 22 | 40 min |
Total | 66 | 120 min |
Marking: +3 for correct, −1 for wrong MCQ, no negative marking for TITA (type-in-the-answer) questions. See the full CAT exam pattern and syllabus.
CAT Syllabus
The syllabus covers VARC (reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summary), DILR (sets, arrangements, data sets) and QA (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, modern math). Read the complete CAT syllabus, section-wise.
How to Prepare for CAT
A structured plan — concept building, then mock tests with detailed analysis — is the proven path to a 99+ percentile. See our complete CAT preparation strategy, with a 15-month, 9-month and 90-day plan.
CAT Score vs Percentile
CAT admission is based on percentile, not raw marks. Understanding how marks convert to percentile helps you set the right target. See the CAT score-vs-percentile mapping and expected IIM cutoffs.
Real Results
Strategy beats hours. Read how our student Jayant Prajapat got 12 IIM calls from CAT. — a complete breakdown of what worked.
CAT Coaching in Indore
Small-batch coaching with IIM-alumni faculty and 30+ mock tests makes the difference between a good score and a 99+ percentile. Join the best CAT coaching in Indore at Headache Tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions — CAT
When is the CAT exam held?
CAT is held once a year, on the last Sunday of November, in three slots. Registration usually opens in August and closes in mid-September.
What is a good CAT percentile for the IIMs?
The older IIMs (A, B, C) typically shortlist at 98-99+ percentile, while newer IIMs and strong non-IIMs call at 90-95+. A 99+ percentile opens the widest set of options.
Can commerce students crack CAT?
Yes. Commerce students regularly score 99+ in CAT. Their comfort with arithmetic is an advantage; the key is building DILR and advanced QA systematically.
How long does CAT preparation take?
Most aspirants prepare for 6-10 months. Early starters use a 12-15 month plan; focused late starters can still do well with a disciplined 90-day sprint.
About the Author
Written by Jitesh Gupta, founder of Headache Tutorials, Indore. With 18+ years of coaching experience in IPMAT, CAT, CMAT and CUET, Jitesh has mentored students to AIR 1 in JIPMAT and admissions to IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak and other top B-schools. Headache Tutorials runs small-batch, IIM-alumni-led coaching from its centre near 56 Dukan, Indore.
Serious about cracking CAT? Join the best CAT coaching in Indore — Headache Tutorials. IIM alumni faculty, small batches and 30+ full-length mocks. Call +91 90390 34903 for a free demo class.
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