Common Admission Test 2024 2025

CAT (Common Admission Test) is considered as one of the toughest exams for management courses attempted by lakhs of students every year. The examination is organized once in a year. Students wanting to appear for CAT 2021 exam can check the given details on the exam notification, dates, application, pattern, preparation tips and much more.

CAT 2021 Important Dates

The candidates can check CAT exam 2021 dates here:

CAT 2021 Application Process

Registration is a four-step procedure. Read the instructions mentioned at the start before beginning to fill-up the form. In case of filling incorrect information not only the candidature will be treated as invalid but CAT registration fee will also be forfeited. 

The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Registration - Visit the official website of CAT and enter your email id, phone number, and date of birth.

Note: Number and ID must be active and valid, as the entire communication related to the exam will be notified on it.

Step 2: The applying candidate needs to fill the application form by entering your personal details like contact information, academic details, work experience, program preference and exam center preference.

Note: In case, any incorrect information entered, there will be a risk of the application being rejected.A one-time facility to make corrections in the form is also provided. 

Step 3: Upload all the required documents – Scan and Upload your documents (Photograph, Signatures & Required certificated) according to CAT 2020 Photo Size, Dimension, Format and Other Details

Step 4: Payment of Application Fee - CAT 2020 Application Fee can be paid online via net banking/credit card/debit card. 

CAT 2021 registration fee is different for general and reserved category candidates.

CAT 2021 Exam Pattern

CAT exam pattern is unforeseeable and changes every year. For now, no change in the paper pattern has been apprised by the IIMs. Persisting on the lines of the previous year exam pattern, CAT 2020 will consist of 3 sections with a total of 100 questions. You need to secure a high score in each of the sections as there is also a sectional score cut off in IIMs for shortlisting.

• Exam duration: 3-hour (one hour is assigned to each section).

• Total Questions: 100 (in three sections).

 Quantitative Ability: 34 questions.

 Data interpretation and Logical Reasoning: 32 questions.

 Verbal and Reading Comprehension: 32 questions.

• Students cannot switch between section, each section has to be completed before moving on to the next section.

• Questions with negative marking (Multiple Choice Questions): 75 (+3 for a correct answer and -3 for a wrong answer).

• Questions without negative marking (non-Multiple Choice Questions): 25.

CAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates having a graduation degree with minimum 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent CGPA (45 per cent for Reserved category) can apply for CAT 2021
• Candidates who have completed professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA) with minimum 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent (45 per cent for Reserved category)
• Candidates in their final year of graduation degree are also eligible to apply for CAT exam. Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria.

CAT 2021 Syllabus

• Quantitative Aptitude
•  Number Systems
•  Percentages
•  Profit, Loss and Discount
•  LCM and HCF
•  Interest (Simple and Compound)
•  Time and Work
•  Speed, Time and Distance
•  Ration and Proportion
•  Averages
•  Linear Equations
•  Quadratic Equations
•  Complex Numbers
•  Logarithm
•  Progressions (Sequences and Series)
•  Binomial Theorem
•  Surds and Indices
•  Inequalities
•  Permutation and Combination
•  Probability
•  Functions
•  Set Theory
•  Mixtures and Alligations
•  Geometry
•  Coordinate Geometry
•  Trigonometry
•  Mensuration
• Data interpretation
•  Pie Charts
• Tables
• Line Graphs
•  Bar Graphs
• Caselets
• Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning
• Coding and Decoding 
•  Blood Relations
•  Arrangements-Linear, Circular, Grid Matrix, Order and Ranking
• Cubes and Dice related problems
•  Direction Sense
• Games and Tournaments
• Critical Path
• Venn Diagrams
• Set Theory
• Analogies-Number and Letter
• Series-Number, Letter and Symbol
• Odd Man Out
• Clocks and Calendars
•  Binary Logic or Knights and Knaves
• Matchsticks and Coins
• Verbal Arithmetic or Quantitative Reasoning
• Logical Conditions or Logical Deduction
• Inequalities and Conclusions- Coded Inequalities
• Pan Balancing
• Sequential Output Tracing
•  Assertion and Reasoning
• Symbols and Notations or Symbol Based Logic
• Statement- Courses of Action
• Critical Reasoning
• Statement and Assumption
• Statements and Conclusions
• Logical Grouping
• Mathematical Operations
• Syllogisms
• Rankings
• Team Formations and Selections
• Analytical Puzzles
• Decision Making
• Input and Output
• Double Line Up/Distribution
• Logical Connectives
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Verbal Ability
• Vocabulary Based (Synonyms Antonyms) 
• English Usage or Grammer:
  Sentence Correction 
  Cloze Passage 
  Fill in the blanks 
  Jumbled Paragraph 
  Analogies or Reverse Analogies 
  Summary Questions 
  Meaning- Usage Match 
  Facts/Inferences/Judgements 
  Verbal Reasoning 
  Reading Comprehension

CAT 2021 Preparation Tips

Refer to CAT sample papers/Previous year papers to prepare for the exam and enhance your skills.

Basic Guidelines