CAT Full Form: What Does CAT Stand For?
The Full Form of CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It is the same name every year. The test is called “common” because many schools use it. It is called “admission test” because it helps students get into management programs.
What Is the CAT Test?
The full form CAT is a computer-based test. You take it on a computer. It is an important test in India. Many people want to study for an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at top schools. To get in, they must do well in the CAT. The test is held once a year.
Who Makes and Uses the Test?
The CAT test is planned and run by top schools in India. These are called the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Each year, one of them handles the test. Lots of other business schools also use CAT scores to select students.
Why Do People Take the Test?
- To get into MBA or related courses at IIMs and other schools.
- It is the main test for many top business colleges.
- Even non-IIM schools look at CAT scores to pick students.
When Is the Test Held?
Usually, the exam is on the last Sunday of November each year.
For example:
- CAT 2024 was held on November 24, 2024.
- CAT 2025 is expected around late November 2025.
Who Can Give the CAT?
- You need a bachelor’s degreein any subject.
- You must have scored at least 50% marks. If you belong to SC, ST or PWD categories, you need 45%.
- Students in their final year of graduation can also apply.
What Does the Exam Do?
CAT checks your skills in three areas:
- VARC– Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- DILR– Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- QA– Quantitative Ability (math)
The test is computer-based, timed, and has different sections.
How Is the Test Structured?
- The test lasts 120 minutes(2 hours).
- Each of the three parts lasts for 40 minutes.
- Each correct answer gives +3 marks.
- A wrong answer gives -1 mark(negative marking).
- Some questions have no negative marking.
How Many Take the Test?
Many people take the CAT. In recent years:
- About 9 lakhpeople appeared in CAT 2024.
- CAT 2023 saw around 3 lakhtest takers.
Test Days and Slots
To allow many students to take the exam, test sites are set up in 170+ cities across India. They work in shifts (morning, afternoon, evening) on exam day.
One Score, Many Uses
After you take the CAT:
- Your score is valid for one year.
- You can use it to apply to many business schools. Some schools use it for MBA, others for FPM or PhD programs too.
How the Test Changed Over Time
- Before 2009, it was paper-based.
- In 2009, it changed to computer-based.
- Over the years, time limits and question patterns have changed too.
Why It’s Called “Common Admission Test”
- Common” means the same test lets you apply to many schools.
- Admission Test” means it decides who goes into management programs.
- So, “Common Admission Test” explains its main job: one test for many schools.
Simple Summary
- Name: CAT = Common Admission Test
- Conducted by: IIMs, once a year
- Format: Computer test, 2 hours, 3 parts
- Purpose: Entry into MBA/management programs
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, final-year allowed, marks criteria apply
- Marks: +3 correct, -1 wrong, some no negative
- Cities: Many cities, several time slots
- Score valid: 1 year, used by many schools
Final Thought
CAT is a big chance for students in India. It helps them chase their dream of studying management. It needs good planning, smart practice, and calm mind on test day. The name tells you all: it is the common test you take to get admission.
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