| Updated On - Sep 10, 2024
Is CAT Exam Tough?
Most MBA aspirants look for an answer to this query when looking for admission options in IIMs. In this article you’ll get answers to all your doubts and apprehensions about the difficulty level of CAT exam, how to cover the vast syllabus of CAT, exam competition level, opportunities after clearing the exam, how difficult is IIM admission post CAT exam, alternatives to CAT exam, and more.
Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most prestigious and challenging entrance exams and the only gateway to MBA in IIMs. With its reputation for rigor and selectivity, CAT poses various concerns and challenges for students. Read the article to get a clear understanding of what and how to approach CAT exam, MBA in colleges other than IIMs, salary and career prospects.
CAT Exam Difficulty Level
The overall difficulty level of CAT exam is moderate to tough. CAT 2022 exam maintained continuity with the 2021 pattern, with no notable changes. In 2022, across all three slots, the overall difficulty level was considered moderate. However, it's worth noting that the Slot 2's Quantitative Ability (QA) section was slightly more challenging than Slots 1 and 3. Slot 3's QA section included lengthy "Type in the Answer" (TITA) questions, known for their difficulty, demanding a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills.
Must Read: What is a Good Score in CAT?
In summary, CAT 2022 featured a well rounded format covering three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Success in the exam relied on mastering these subjects and effective time management within the 120 minute timeframe for a total of 66 questions, including both MCQs and non-MCQs.
| Section | Number of Questions | Number of NonMCQ Questions | Difficulty Level | Net Correct for 99 percentile | Time (in minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 3 | Moderate | 4042 | 40 |
| DILR | 20 | 6 | Moderate | 3639 | 40 |
| QA | 22 | 8 | Moderate Difficult | 3133 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 17 | Moderate | – | 120 |
Must Check:
- CAT VARC Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level, Questions, Good Attempt
- CAT DILR Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level, Questions, Good Attempt
- CAT Quant Paper Analysis: Difficulty Level, Questions, Good Attempt
Is CAT Exam Syllabus Difficult to Cover?
CAT exam syllabus is indeed extensive, comprising three main sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. However, it can be effectively managed by breaking it down into subsections with specific topics and weightage. Candidates should strategically allocate their preparation time to master each subsection and topic, emphasizing their strengths while addressing weaknesses. CAT exam syllabus consists of three main sections, which can be further subdivided into five effective sections due to the varying weightage and key topics:
| Subject | Weightage | Important Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | 34% | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry |
| Reading Comprehension | 24% | - |
| Logical Reasoning | 16% | Games and Tournaments, Arrangements, Blood Relations |
| Verbal Ability | 10% | Parajumbles, Para Completion |
| Data Interpretation | 16% | Tables, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams, Network & Grid Charts |
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
This section covers RCbased questions, Parajumbles, Para summary, and Out of Context Sentence, with an overall weightage of 36%.
- Verbal Ability (VA): Includes Jumbled Paragraphs, Parasummary, and picking the out of context sentence from a jumbled paragraph, accounting for 10% of the total weightage in the exam.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): Focuses on long and short RC passages followed by questions based on vocabulary, statements, inferences, and elaboration of ideas in the passage, contributing to 24% of the total weightage in the paper.
| VARC Syllabus | Topic-Wise Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 |
| Para Jumbles | 3 |
| Para Summary | 3 |
| Odd Sentence Out/ Para Completion | 2 |
Check:
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
This section involves data analysis using charts, tables, graphs, as well as questions related to direction sense, seating arrangements, and more, with an overall weightage of 32%.
- Data Interpretation: Comprises questions based on data charts, data tables, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams, constituting 16% of the total weightage.
- Logical Reasoning: Includes questions on seating arrangement, team formation, clocks & calendars, direction sense, and family tree, also accounting for 16% of the total weightage.
Check:
QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
This section focuses on individual questions covering topics such as arithmetic, algebra, modern math, geometry, mensuration, number systems, and trigonometry, with an overall weightage of 34% in the exam.
| Quant Syllabus | Topic-Wise Weightage |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 7-9 |
| Algebra | 6-8 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-4 |
| Number System | 1-3 |
| Modern Math | 0-2 |
Check:
The vast nature of the CAT syllabus can be effectively covered by prioritizing topics based on their weightage in the exam. Aspirants should allocate their study time strategically, emphasizing stronger areas while addressing weaknesses. Regular practice, solving previous years' papers, and taking mock tests are essential for comprehensive syllabus coverage. With a well structured study plan and dedicated effort, mastering the CAT syllabus is achievable for candidates.
Must Check:
CAT Exam Competition Level
CAT exam competition level, as reflected by the number of candidates who actually appear for the examination compared to the number of registrations, varies from year to year. Here's an overview of the competition level based on the number of test takers versus registered candidates each year:
| CAT Exam Year | Number of Candidates Registered | Number of Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,55,501 | 2,22,184 |
| 2021 | 2,29,969 | 1,91,660 |
| 2020 | 2,27,835 | 1,90,144 |
| 2019 | 2,44,169 | 2,09,926 |
| 2018 | 2,41,000 | 2,09,405 |
| 2017 | 2,31,067 | 199,632 |
| 2016 | 2,32,436 | 195,679 |
| 2015 | 2,18,664 | 1,79,602 |
| 2014 | 1,96,951 | 1,70,000 |
| 2013 | 1,94,516 | 1,73,714 |
These figures demonstrate that while there is a variation in the number of candidates who take CAT exam each year, the participation rate generally hovers around 83% to 87%. This indicates a significant level of competition among registered candidates, as a majority of them do appear for the examination, making CAT a highly competitive entrance test for management programs.
Also Check:
CAT Vs. GMAT: Comparison
Students who aspire to get into MBA courses in India or Abroad often get confused about the right choices as both of the exams are widely accepted by top B schools. Hence, we are going to draw a comparison between CAT and GMAT to develop a comprehensive understanding about your career plans.
| Features | CAT | GMAT |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test | Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Institute of Management | Graduate Management Admission Council |
| Validity | In India, only valid for one year | Global for five years |
| Eligibility | Graduation with 50% Mark is Required | No Minimum Percentage is required in Graduation |
| Frequency | Once a Year | Round the Year (Maximum 5 Attempts a Year8 attempts in a lifetime |
| Exam Syllabus |
|
|
| Number of Section | 3 | 4 |
| Number of Questions | 66 | 80 |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes | 187 Minutes |
| Difficulty Level | High | Moderate |
| Exam Fees | INR 2300 (For Gen and OBC)INR 1150 (SC/ST/PWD) | USD 250 (INR 20000) |
| Acceptance | Apart from 20 IIMS, more than 1200 MBA colleges in India accept CAT Scores. | More than 7000 MBAprograms of 2500 B schools worldwide accept GMAT score for MBA admission. |
| Success Rate | Every year around 2 to 3lakh Indian students appear for CAT and only 2% students pass the exam. | The average score on GMAT is 564.84. Only 27% of GMAT aspirants score over 650. So the success rate is GMAT is comparatively higher than CAT |
| Preparation Time | 6-12 Months | 3-6 Months |
| Total Number of Seats | Approximately 5000 | Approximately 40000 |
| Total Number of Applicants | Around 2 Lakh students in India | Around 2.5 Lakh students globally |
| Good Percentile | 95% | 55% |
| Avg Salary | 25 Lakhs for Top IIMS | 50 Lakhs |
It is evident from the table that the GMAT is quite candidate-friendly compared to CAT. However, only a few top-tier colleges in India accept GMAT scores whereas 1200 colleges in India accept CAT scores. So if you want to pursue MBA courses from Indian colleges, then CAT will be a wise choice.
How Difficult is Clearing CAT Cut off and IIM Admission?
Qualifying CAT Cut offs and securing admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. Here's why it can be considered difficult for every aspirant:
- High IIM Call Cut off Percentiles: CAT cutoff percentiles for IIMs are notably high, especially for General category candidates. For example, IIM Lucknow's cutoff is at 90 percentile for General candidates. This implies that a significant portion of test takers falls below this threshold, making competition fierce.
| IIM | Final Call Cut off |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 99+ |
| IIM Bangalore | 99+ |
| IIM Calcutta | 99+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 98+ |
| IIM Indore | 98+ |
| IIM Kozhikode | 98+ |
| IIM Amritsar | 96+ |
| IIM Nagpur | 96+ |
| IIM Sambalpur | 96+ |
| IIM Tiruchirapalli | 95+ |
| IIM Raipur | 95+ |
| IIM Ranchi | 95+ |
| IIM Kashipur | 95+ |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 94+ |
| IIM Udaipur | 94+ |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 94+ |
| IIM Shillong | 94+ |
| IIM Sirmaur | 92+ |
| IIM Jammu | 92+ |
| IIM Rohtak | 92+ |
- Varied Admission Parameters: The IIM admission process is multifaceted. It involves evaluating candidates on various parameters beyond CAT scores, such as academic records, work experience, diversity factors, and performance in interviews or group discussions. Meeting the cutoff percentile is just the first step; candidates must also excel in these other areas.
| Indian Institute of Management | Admission Parameters |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Check Here |
| IIM Bangalore | Check Here |
| IIM Kozhikode | Check Here |
| IIM Calcutta | Check Here |
| IIM Lucknow | Check Here |
| IIM Indore | Check Here |
| IIM Raipur | Check Here |
| IIM Rohtak | Check Here |
| IIM Udaipur | Check Here |
| IIM Kashipur | Check Here |
| IIM Trichy | Check Here |
| IIM Ranchi | Check Here |
| IIM Shillong | Check Here |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | Check Here |
| IIM Jammu | Check Here |
| IIM Nagpur | Check Here |
| IIM Amritsar | Check Here |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | Check Here |
| IIM Sambalpur | Check Here |
| IIM Sirmaur | Check Here |
- Limited Seats: Each IIM has a limited number of seats available. With a large pool of applicants, only a fraction of candidates who clear the cutoffs ultimately secure admission. This adds to the overall competitiveness.
| IIM | MBA/ PGP Seats (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | 385 |
| IIM Amritsar | 360 |
| IIM Bangalore | 565 |
| IIM Bodh Gaya | 120 |
| IIM Calcutta | 462 |
| IIM Indore | 450+150 |
| IIM Kashipur | 210 |
| IIM Kozhikode | 525 |
| IIM Lucknow | 490 |
| IIM Nagpur | 240 |
| IIM Raipur | 210 |
| IIM Ranchi | 450 |
| IIM Rohtak | 240 |
| IIM Sambalpur | 120 |
| IIM Shillong | 180 |
| IIM Sirmaur | 170 |
| IIM Trichy | 210 |
| IIM Udaipur | 150 |
| IIM Visakhapatnam | 120 |
| IIM Jammu | 120 |
- Diversity Factor: Many IIMs prioritize diversity in their admissions, including factors like gender, academic background, and work experience. This means that even if a candidate meets the cutoff, they might not secure admission if they don't fulfill the diversity criteria. Read IIM Shortlist Criteria
- Competition Beyond IIMs: Apart from IIMs, other reputed management institutions like SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, and FMS Delhi also have high CAT cutoffs. This means that candidates who aim for these institutes also face stiff competition.
| Top Non-IIM Colleges | NIRF 2023 Management Ranking |
|---|---|
| Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi | 5 |
| Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, SOM, IIT Bombay | 10 |
| Management Development Institute, Gurgaon | 13 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur | 14 |
| Department of Management Studies, IIT Madras | 15 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | 18 |
| S P Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai | 20 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | 23 |
| Amity University | 28 |
| Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | 30 |
Must Read:
- Consistency Required: Achieving the required percentile in CAT is not enough; candidates must maintain a high level of consistency across all admission parameters to stand a good chance.
In summary, while clearing the CAT cutoff and securing admission to IIMs and other top Bschools is challenging due to high cutoffs and a multifaceted admission process, it is not impossible. Candidates who are well prepared, consistent in their performance, and fulfill the various criteria set by institutions can increase their chances of success. However, it's essential to recognize the competitiveness of the process and approach it with determination and diligence.
Check CAT 2023 College and Call Predictor
Can a Non Engineer Crack Exam?
Engineering students are generally prone to appear in CAT due to their strong quantitative background compared to non-engineering students. However, if you follow the CAT 2024 syllabus closely, you will notice that the majority of CAT quants are based on the class 10th syllabus. So if you want to crack CAT 2024 as a non-engineer student, you must develop a basic understanding of quantitative aptitude. Apart from that, focus on strengthening your VARC and DILR. For engineers, VARC is considered one of the highest-scoring sections in CAT. Indeed, acquiring sectional cutoff only in Quant will not help you to get into IIMS but there are other B schools like SPJIMR, and BITSoM that accept CAT scores.
Let’s Check CAT Score Vs. Percentile
Till now, we have all heard that without getting 99 percentile it is impossible to get into top B-schools or IIMS. Only 0.1% of CAT aspirants get into IIMS and that makes it tough. But other than IIMS there are other B-schools as well. Most importantly
you don’t need to attempt all 66 questions to score 99%ile in the exams. Attempting 36 questions can help you to obtain a 99%ile in CAT.Here is a complete list of questions and scores that will help you to understand how many questions you need to answer to score maximum.
| Number of Questions | Score | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 39 | 75 |
| 15 | 45 | 80 |
| 17 | 51 | 85 |
| 20 | 60 | 90 |
| 24 | 72 | 95 |
| 27 | 81 | 97 |
| 32 | 97 | 99 |
| 36 | 107 | 99.5 |
CAT Sectional Percentile
There are a total of 66 questions and from each section, you will have to attend 22 questions. So, try to master at least one section to ace CAT. For example, if your quant is strong, try to attempt more questions from this section. It will boost your overall score. So, if you follow a strategic approach while attempting CAT questions, cracking CAT will be easier. Hence, we have prepared a sectional percentile list to help you with your CAT preparation.
In this section we will discuss how much sectional percentile do you require to score 99% in CAT. Take a Look:
| Out of | 72 | 60 | 66 | 198 |
| Percentile | VARC | DILR | QA | Overall |
| 100 | 63 | 58 | 60 | 160 |
| 99.5 | 54 | 37 | 49 | 120 |
| 99 | 45 | 32 | 36 | 98 |
| 97 | 39 | 26 | 28 | 80 |
| 95 | 33 | 23 | 25 | 71 |
| 90 | 30 | 20 | 21 | 61 |
| 80 | 26 | 15 | 14 | 45 |
The CAT exam is considered as one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India as it has no fixed syllabus and lower success rate. But with the proper strategic approach, right mindset one can easily crack CAT.
Alternatives to CAT Exam
When it comes to pursuing an MBA in India, CAT is undoubtedly one of the most prominent entrance exams. However, there are several other national level MBA entrance exams that serve as viable alternatives to CAT. Here are some of these exams, along with a brief overview of their level of difficulty compared to CAT:
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test):
- Conducted by Xavier Association of Management Institutes (XAMI)
- Over 1 lakh candidates appear for this exam.
- XAT usually happens in early January.
- XAT syllabus is similar to CAT but includes additional sections like Decision Making, General Awareness, and essay writing.
- Moderate to challenging difficulty level.
- CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
- Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Over 75,000 candidates apply for the test annually.
- Typically conducted in March.
- CMAT covers Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Moderate difficulty level, and its timing allows for easier preparation.
- NMAT (NMIMS Management Test)
- Conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council).
- Offers flexibility in choosing exam dates and venues over a 75 day window (OctoberDecember).
- Covers Quantitative Skills, Logical Reasoning, and Language skills.
- Moderate difficulty, and candidates can take the exam up to three times within the window.
- SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
- Conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU).
- Offers a wide range of MBA specializations.
- Typically conducted in December.
- Exam includes sections on General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Moderate difficulty level.
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- Conducted by AIMA (All India Management Association).
- Held four times a year (February, May, September, and December) in various modes (CBT, IBT, PBT).
- Exam covers sections such as Language Comprehension, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
- Generally considered to have an easy to moderate difficulty level.
These MBA entrance exams offer candidates a variety of options to explore based on their preferences, strengths, and timing. Check CAT Vs Other MBA Exams
Admission Opportunities After Clearing CAT Exam
Clearing the CAT exam is not just about getting into a prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) but also about unlocking a world of opportunities that can fasttrack your career and significantly enhance your earning potential. Here's why preparing for and clearing the CAT exam is worth the effort:
- Career Growth: In today's competitive job market, an MBA degree is often considered a prerequisite for career advancement. It equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in leadership roles across various industries.
- High Salary Potential: MBA graduates, especially those from top tier institutions like the IIMs, have the potential to earn significantly higher salaries than those with just undergraduate degrees. The difference in earning potential can be substantial over the course of your career.
Check Placement Statistics 2023 for All 21 IIMs
- Diverse Specializations: MBA programs offer a wide range of specializations, allowing you to tailor your education to your career goals. Whether you're interested in finance, marketing, operations, or entrepreneurship, there's a program that suits your aspirations.
- Global Opportunities: An MBA degree from a reputed Indian institute can open doors to international career opportunities. Many multinational companies value the skills and expertise of Indian MBA graduates, making them desirable candidates on a global scale.
- Entrepreneurship: If you aspire to be an entrepreneur, an MBA can provide you with the necessary business acumen, leadership skills, and network to launch and manage a successful startup. The failure rate for businesses started by MBA graduates is notably lower.
- Networking: MBA programs, including those at IIMs, offer extensive networking opportunities. You'll interact with accomplished professionals, faculty, and fellow students, creating valuable connections that can aid your career progression.
- Job Roles: After completing your MBA through CAT, you can explore various job roles, including CEO of an organization, entrepreneur, mid-senior management positions, marketing analyst, business analyst, and more.
- Career Security: MBA graduates often enjoy better job security due to their advanced skill set and ability to adapt to changing business environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Is the CAT Exam Tough?
Ans. Yes, CAT exam is tough in terms of both the competition level and the questions asked. The CAT 2022 exam maintained a moderate difficulty level across all three slots. However, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section in Slot 2 was slightly more challenging. While challenging, CAT demands a well rounded preparation strategy and effective time management, given the 120 minute time constraint for a total of 66 questions.
Ques. Is CAT Exam Syllabus Difficult to Cover?
Ans. CAT's syllabus is extensive, encompassing three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Effective preparation involves breaking it down into specific topics and weightage. A strategic approach and regular practice can help you master the syllabus.
Ques. What Is the CAT Exam Competition Level?
Ans. CAT's competition level varies annually based on the number of candidates who appear for the exam compared to those registered. The participation rate typically ranges from 83% to 87%, making CAT highly competitive among registered candidates.
Ques. How Difficult Is Clearing CAT Cutoffs and IIM Admission?
Ans. Clearing CAT cutoffs and securing admission to IIMs is challenging due to high cutoff percentiles, varied admission parameters, limited seats, and the emphasis on diversity factors. Success requires not only meeting cutoffs but also excelling in interviews, group discussions, and other evaluation criteria.
Ques. What Are the Alternatives to CAT Exam?
Ans. Several MBA entrance exams serve as alternatives to CAT, including XAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP, and MAT. These exams offer varying levels of difficulty and provide opportunities to secure admission to prestigious business schools in India.
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