CAT is the abbreviated term for Common Admission Test. This test is carried out annually by the Indian Institute of Managements (IIMs). Common Admission Test ascertains candidate's presence of mind and mental ability to perform under crunch situations.

CAT or Common Admission Test is highly regarded amongst prospective management students. Success of students in these exams depends on two major parameters: reducing the number of negative markings with a strike rate of 85% , and selective and intelligent question paper solving skills. The duration of the examination is 120 minutes. A usual CAT questionnaire varies between 75 and 150, though the exact number of questions varies every year. The questions are objective in nature and the aspirant has to choose the best answer from options given on the OMR sheet. Every correct answer is awarded with one mark and every wrong answer faces a deduction of 1/4th of a mark. Differential marks are offered to the questions and therefore questions may be 0.5 mark, 1 mark or 2 marks.
These exams are conducted once a year in November - December. All graduates with 50% aggregate marks are eligible to appear for CAT exams.

How to Prepare for CAT Exams 2009

Here are some tips to prepare for CAT examinations in India:

Quantitative Aptitude: A candidate seeking admission to MBA programme is expected to have aptitude for basic and elementary accounting as well as the knack of solving the simple arithmetic problems. This is one of the areas in the admission test which, if properly prepared and practiced, is likely to put the candidate ahead of his competitors. A candidate can score up to 100% marks.


Logical Reasoning: Questions on logical reasoning may be of several types and in several forms. These could include a statement on which the candidates are asked to draw correct interference. There could be questions on series of words and figures, arrangement of alphabets, brain teasers or even such questions as only call for drawing logical inferences. Just like quantitative aptitude test, this portion of admission test also needs special and detailed preparations and practice. Most of the questions under this category in fact test the common sense and sense of proportion and reasoning among the candidates and therefore, must be attempted with a cool head.


Comprehension Test: Comprehension test is aimed to gauge the understanding of english language skills of the candidates. A paragraph is given which the candidates are required to go through carefully and then answer the question by choosing the correct options. The candidates need to practice how to read at a quick speed with understanding. Most answers are to be found within the paragraph. Regular practice would help the candidates to attempt the comprehension test in more effective and appropriate manner. Candidates need to read and write fluently.

General Awareness: Basic facts encompassing subjects like, general knowledge like Science, Geography, History, Economics, Polity are required to be known by the candidates. A good knowledge of all branches of general knowledge is essential which can only be achieved by reading good books. Reading Newspapers regularly will keep you updated in whatever important is happening around the world.

CAT Exams 2009 Date Sheet

The CAT exams 2009 will be a computer based examination. Application forms are available from mid July 2009 (by Axis Bank) till 2nd week of August and till mid August from IIMs. Completed CAT forms should be submitted by September 2009. Date of CAT Entrance Exam is scheduled for 15th November, 2009 and results are expected by January, 2010.