CAT for International Students

Published on 29 February 2024, 2:58 pm

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance examination in India for admission to MBA (Master of Business Administration) and equivalent programs offered by top management institutes and B-schools. Conducted annually, CAT assesses candidates' aptitude in areas like Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. It is a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions and is renowned for its stringent evaluation process and high competition levels.

CAT scores are accepted by various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other premier management institutions across India. The exam's syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including mathematics, language skills, and logical reasoning, making it crucial for aspirants to undergo thorough preparation to excel. CAT scores play a significant role in determining admission to MBA programs, making it a crucial milestone for MBA aspirants.

Many international students also apply for the CAT (Common Admission Test) examination in India, but there are specific eligibility criteria they must meet. Here's a breakdown:

> Eligibility: International students, including foreign nationals, PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin), and NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks. However, for SC/ST/PWD candidates, a minimum of 45% is required. This eligibility criterion ensures that international students meet the academic standards necessary for pursuing postgraduate management programs in India.

> Application Process: Foreign nationals can apply for the CAT exam by following the same application process as Indian candidates. They need to register on the official CAT website, fill out the application form, and pay the required fees within the specified deadline.

> Acceptance by International MBA Colleges: While the CAT is primarily used for admissions to Indian B-schools, some international MBA colleges also accept CAT scores as a measure of business aptitude for admission. This widens the scope for international students who wish to pursue management education abroad using their CAT scores.

> Alternative Options: Overseas Indian category candidates can also apply with a valid GMAT score instead of a CAT score. They need to have a total scaled score of around 720 to be eligible for consideration.

The students who appear for CAT Examination also have an added benefit to get into some top international B-Schools for different management programs such as MIM, Executive MBA, etc. They can appear for management courses available in the below mentioned institutes: