The MBA program is the most sought-after career choice in India. Earning an MBA can be a way to build management and leadership skills, accelerate your career and elevate your employability prospects.
However, to earn an MBA degree from a recognized B-school, you need to crack the entrance exam, of which the most popular is the Common Admission Test (CAT). CAT exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Management for admission into graduate management programs.
Overview
CAT exam is not any ordinary exam. It’s your gateway to get into top institutes like IIM and several other non-IIM colleges across India like XLRI, MDI, TAPMI, IMT, SPJIMR, etc. The dream of getting into prestigious MBA colleges can come true only if you get through the CAT exam with good scores. The CAT exam is conducted annually across the country at 4000 + exam centers in 150+ cities. Your CAT scores, along with a personal interview, written ability test, and group discussion, are considered for admission into an Institute.
Some basic details about CAT 2021 exam are as follows –
| Sections | Quantitative Aptitude (QA)Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Total number of questions | 76 |
| Total marks | 228 |
| Exam duration | 120 minutes |
| Question type | MCQ and Non-MCQ |
| Negative marking | Yes |
| Difficulty Level | High |
Why is the CAT exam so important?
CAT examis one of the toughest MBA exams that requires an unconventional approach with diligent hard work, but the following points make all that efforts worthwhile –
- CAT accepting colleges have highly experienced faculties- There cannot be a more pertinent reason to crack CAT and join IIM than to learn from the well-qualified and highly knowledgeable faculty who broaden your perspective and help you think out of the box.
- Most of the CAT accepting colleges are brand names in the industry – CAT gives you a chance to study in a college that has existed for years, has a strong alumni network, and is recognized for providing superior education. The name of such a college adds immense value to your CV.
- CAT participating colleges offer excellent placement opportunities – Quality education produces quality candidates that companies look out to hire. The average CTC received by students graduating from CAT participating colleges ranges from 70 lakhs to 1 Crore. Companies that always look to hire IIM grads are – JP Morgan, Barclay, Deloitte, Accenture, etc.
- Opportunity to interact with the sharpest minds in the country- Every year, lakhs of students appear for the CAT Exam but only a selected few make it to IIMs. Associations formed here are beneficial for personal and professional development.
- Consistency in practice – CAT exams are not challenging; they need to be studied strategically and consistently. All the hard work pays off once you get your ticket to IIM.
Conclusion
CAT 2021 exams are scheduled to be held on 28th November 2021. By cracking the CATExam, you allow yourself to immerse yourself in a period of two years of intense personal and professional development that enables you to accelerate your career, lead organizations, and think differently. So why wait? Tighten your seatbelts and start your preparation for CAT now!
