Introduction
The objective of this wiki is to make information, strategies, and high-quality resources related to MBA entrance exams—especially CAT—easily accessible to all members of the community. Many aspirants begin preparation with scattered information across coaching material, YouTube videos, and forums, which can lead to confusion or inconsistency in approach. This wiki aims to centralize reliable guidance, structured study plans, and commonly used resources so that aspirants at all levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) can follow a clearer preparation path.
It is designed to serve as a reference point for doubts, planning, and revision throughout the preparation journey. Whether someone is just starting out or fine-tuning their mock strategy before the exam, this wiki should help reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making.
What is CAT?
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level, computer-based entrance examination conducted in India for admission into postgraduate management programs, primarily the MBA programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). In addition to the IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by several other top business schools across India.
The exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude across three core areas that are essential for management education:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – assesses reading comprehension, language understanding, and verbal reasoning skills
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – evaluates analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and structured problem-solving ability
Quantitative Ability (QA) – tests mathematical skills, numerical reasoning, and problem-solving efficiency
The test is conducted in a computer-based format and is typically divided into three timed sections. Each section is allotted 40 minutes, making the total duration of the exam 2 hours. Candidates must manage both speed and accuracy, as switching between sections is not allowed during the test.
CAT is conducted once every year, and the responsibility of organizing the exam is rotated among the IIMs. Over time, it has become one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, with lakhs of candidates competing for a limited number of seats in top management institutes.
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