Here is the latest 2023 Common Admission Test (CAT) update. It has been announced that IIM Lucknow will host this exam on November 26, 2023. The exam structure will be divided into three separate two-hour slots.
Latest Update on CAT 2023 Exam
A pivotal change to note is the reduction in the number of questions, which will now be 66, down from the previous 100. Moreover, the CAT 2023 exam will exclude grammar-based questions. Registrations will kick off in the first week of August 2023, with graduates who have achieved 50% in their relevant fields eligible to apply.
IIM CAT 2023 Notification
The CAT 2023 exam will be composed of three main sections, namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Notably, institutions beyond IIMs also consider CAT scores for their MBA programs. Some of these prominent names include the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Management Development Institute (MDI).
What is the CAT Exam
So what is the CAT Exam? It is one of the country’s most prestigious and popular MBA entrance exams, conducted nationwide. It is a prerequisite for postgraduate and fellow management programs offered by the esteemed IIMs. More than 100 institutes accept the CAT score for admissions. The CAT exam is especially important due to the sheer number of candidates participating. Around 2 lakh candidates sit for the exam each year, competing for over 5000 seats offered by the 20 IIMs currently operating in India.
CAT 2023 Examination
Important details surrounding the CAT 2023 examination include its format: it will take place over one day across three sessions on one computer-based test date – August 17 through September 9 will mark its registration window opening up for over 45 days starting August 17. Also, candidates with dual bachelor’s degrees will have to provide academic scores for both programs when filling out the application form.
CAT 2023 Exam Fees
When it comes to application fees, the CAT 2023 exam fees have been slightly increased to INR 2,300 for the General category, up from INR 2,200, and INR 1,150 for candidates from reserved categories, up from INR 1,100. Additionally, candidates will now be asked to state their COVID-19 vaccination status during registration.
CAT 2023 exam Eligibility Criteria
The fundamental changes for the CAT 2023 exam include the extension of eligibility criteria to candidates holding an FCAI Degree, who are now eligible for the CAT Exam. The application procedure also involves steps like providing personal details, and educational qualifications, and uploading signatures and photographs. The exam will now be divided into three sections – VARC, DILR, and QA, with an expected 64 to 68 questions divided among these sections. It is important to note that there will be negative markings for MCQs, with 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer. Non-MCQs will not have any marks deducted.
CAT 2023 Admit Cards
The admit cards for the CAT 2023 will be released on the 24th of October 2023, once the application process is complete. Candidates are advised to thoroughly check the details on the admit card. In case of discrepancies, they should contact the examination department.
The journey to getting admission to one of the IIMs or the other participating management institutes across the country requires meeting the CAT Cutoff set by the respective institutions. As per expert opinions, students scoring more than 120 can achieve 99 percentiles in the exam.
Conclusion CAT exams can be both challenging and rewarding experiences for applicants; with proper preparation and diligence, candidates can secure seats at some of the country’s premier institutes. Best of luck to all CAT aspirants!
IIM Official Notifcation: Click Here
1. When is the CAT 2023 Exam scheduled?
The CAT 2023 Exam will be conducted on November 26, 2023.
2. Who can apply for CAT 2023 Exam?
Candidates with a graduation degree and 50% marks in the relevant field are eligible for the CAT 2023 exam.
3. What is the format of the CAT 2023 Exam?
The exam will have three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA, with a total of 66 questions.
4. When does registration for CAT 2023 start?
Registration for the CAT 2023 Exam will begin in the first week of August 2023.
5. Which colleges accept the CAT score apart from IIMs?
FMS, SPJIMR, IITs, and MDI are some of the top MBA colleges that accept CAT scores besides IIMs.
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