What is CAT Exam? The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to prestigious business schools, & primarily the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The CAT exam evaluates candidates on their quantitative ability, verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, & logical reasoning skills. It is considered one of the most challenging MBA entrance exams, & thousands of aspirants appear for it each year.
Exam Structure and Eligibility
The CAT exam is a computer-based test with three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) to be eligible for the exam. Final-year students can also apply.
What is CAT Exam?
What is CAT Exam? The CAT exam is a gateway to top MBA colleges in India, including IIMs & other reputed business schools. The exam is conducted once a year, typically in November or December, & the results are declared in January. The scores are used by various institutes to shortlist candidates for further admission processes, which include group discussions & personal interviews.
CAT Exam Fee
The exam fee varies based on the category of the candidate:
- General & OBC Candidates: ₹2,400
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹1,200
The fee must be paid online during the registration process. It is non-refundable and covers the cost of application processing and exam administration.
Other Costs Involved
Apart from the registration fee, candidates may incur additional expenses, including:
1. Coaching Fees
Many aspirants enroll in coaching institutes to prepare for the CAT exam. Coaching fees range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on the institute & course duration.
2. Study Materials
Books, mock tests, and online study materials may cost anywhere between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000.
3. Exam Day Expenses
Candidates appearing for the exam in a different city may have to spend on travel and accommodation, which could range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000, depending on the location.
4. Application Fees for Colleges
After the CAT results are announced, candidates applying to different business schools must pay an application fee for each institution. This fee varies between ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 per college.
Conclusion
What is CAT Exam? The CAT exam is a highly competitive test & that serves as a gateway to India’s top management institutes. While the exam fee itself is not very high, the overall cost of preparation, study materials, and application fees can be significant. Proper planning & preparation are essential for success in this exam.