The purpose of the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is to evaluate the aspirants' business acumen based on topics like Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA), Reading Comprehension (RC), Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR). The exam is conducted by the IIMs for admission into their business management programs. A computer-based test, CAT, is held once every year in November.

Depending on the key features and duration of the course provided, the fees vary. Right from INR 8,000 for courses like the ones that provide recorded classes, it can go up to around INR 70,000 for comprehensive long-term classroom courses. However, there are always discounts available on the payment of fees. Both long-term and short-term classes are provided in all the best coaching centres.

Generally, the duration of CAT coaching should be anywhere between 10 to 12 months. The preparation can be done through different types of courses such as the classroom program, live online classes, or recorded classes. Some students also prefer to do a self-study by taking up the Books & Materials.

It is advisable to begin preparations for the CAT exam 10-12 months before the exam. However, you can still crack the CAT if you prepare fiercely in a shorter amount of time. CAT draws the highest number of test-takers in Indian management entrance exams; hence, the competition is very stiff. Since every aspirant will be preparing their best; therefore it is important to start early to stay ahead.

Here are the five ways to kickstart your CAT preparation without coaching:

• Familiarise yourself with the paper pattern, syllabus, etc.
• Get your basics right - work on solidifying the fundamental concepts
• Write consistent online mock tests in the proctored format from day 1.
• Iron out any areas of weakness with revision and practice
• Maintain your perseverance, confidence and motivation

The required CAT score varies as per the category of the student. If you are a General Category candidate, you will require a 96%ile to secure a call from at least one IIM. If you are an OBC candidate, you would require around 92%ile to get at least one IIM call. For an SC/ST candidate, this goes down to as low as 77%ile to get an IIM call.

Apart from that, each IIM has a certain shortlisting criterion that takes into consideration your past academic scores (10th/12th/Graduation), CAT Score, Work Experience and Diversity. These scores are combined to calculate a composite score for shortlisting the students for the WAT-PI round.

In the simplest of words, the CAT syllabus comprises nothing beyond the 10th Std. To get a thorough understanding of the syllabus, the best way is to go through the previous year's papers. The official CAT 2022 syllabus has not been released, yet based on previous years it could comprise three sections:

To be eligible for CAT, candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. There is a 5% mark relaxation for reserved categories belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Persons with Disability (PWD) or Differently Abled (DA).

Students appearing for their final year of graduation/waiting for the results are also eligible to sit for the exam. However, on getting selected, they must submit a certificate from the Principal or Registrar acknowledging the same.

CAT doesn't have a 'syllabus', per se. It's a very generalized pattern that tests you on Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Yet, despite the absence of an official syllabus, the pattern has remained the same over the years.

Most CAT questions are based on Mathematics and English topics from the middle school level. While knowing the detailed structure of the syllabus is important, a general overview of the syllabus is equally important as well. CAT 2022 syllabus is expected to have the following section division:

6-8 months of preparation is enough for your CAT preparation if you devote a few hours to your preparation every day. If your fundamentals are weak, you should spend the first 4 weeks solidifying your basics. Here are a few steps to help fuel your 6 months CAT preparation plan:

• Get a strong grip on the Quantitative topics; solve all of your CL Funda books within 30-50 days.
• As a beginner, make it a habit of solving a minimum of 2 RC questions a day. You can gradually increase the number of questions over time.
• Solve LR and DI on a regular basis. If it’s your first time preparing for CAT, prepare question-type-wise.
• Start taking mock tests from the first day of your preparation itself. This will help you benchmark your preparation right from the start.
• Make sure to analyse your mocks in detail.
• Keep a positive mindset, be your own inspiration and never give up.

While CAT is necessary if you wish to get into the IIMs and other premier B-Schools, CAT is not the only entrance exam to get into a B-school. Apart from CAT, some of the other MBA entrance exams are:

• Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT)
• Symbiosis National Aptitude Paper (SNAP)
• Indian Institute of Forgein Trade (IIFT)
• Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test (NMAT)
• TISS National Entrance Test (TISSNET)

The CAT exam is held once a year, usually in the last week of November.

The fee of all the 20 IIMs is as given below in the table

Though there is no stated age limit, a lower age limit of 20 years might be expected, owing to the graduation requirement. The basic eligibility standards for the CAT exam by the IIMs are:

• Candidates should hold a graduation degree certificate with 50% marks.
• Candidates in the final year of graduation/awaiting results are eligible to apply.
• Candidates outside India but fulfilling CAT Eligibility Criteria are eligible to apply.

Physical calculators are not allowed in the exam hall while writing the exam. However, an on-screen calculator will be provided.