Is CAT Compulsory for MBA

CAT: Common Admission Test

Common Admission Test, an acronym for CAT and CAT exam for MBA, is an entrance exam for admission in Indian top business schools mainly IIMs, and for the 2024 cycle, the CAT exam is scheduled to take place on November 24, 2024. The process of CAT exam registration takes place in August and ends at the end of the month of September. The admit cards are expected to be released on November 6, 2024, and the results will likely be announced in the last week of December 2024 or the first week of January 2025.

Key Details for CAT 2024:

Eligibility: Candidates must graduate with a minimum of 50% marks, however for SC/ST/PwD is 45%. Final-year students are permitted to sit in the CAT exam.

Exam Pattern: TTotal 66 questions with a total duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).

RCVA: 24 questions, duration: 40 minutes (RC: reading comprehension, VA: verbal ability).

QA: 22 questions, duration: 40 minutes (Quantitative Ability).

LRDI: 20 questions, duration: 40 minutes (LR: logical reasoning, DI: data interpretation).

Fees: The CAT exam fee is Rs 2,400 for the General and Rs 1,200 for the Reserved category.

CAT 2025

The registration for CAT 2025 is expected to begin on August 2, 2025, with the exam tentatively scheduled for November 30, 2025. The official notification is expected to be issued in July 2025.

Note: It is sound advice to keep on clicking the official website (iimcat.ac.in) for updates. Preparing for the CAT exam in India or the CAT exam for an MBA requires strong planning. It is better to make your own course or study plan for the Common Admission Test per your own learning pattern. If it requires, get the guidance of CAT exam experts.

CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA

Common Admission Test or CAT is expected to follow the previous year's pattern for CAT exam 2024/25. However, the CAT exam syllabus for MBA is a test of three sections: English, Math, and Reasoning. English is named as VARC, Math is named as QA, and Reasoning is named DILR as the CAT exam syllabus.

RCVA: Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability.

RCVA tests mainly comprehension, para-jumble, para-summary, odd-one-out, sentence completion, and analogies.

QA: Quantitative Ability

QA tests five sections of mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Mathematics, Geometry and Mensuration.

Arithmetic:

• ⯀ Percentages
• ⯀ Profit and Loss
• ⯀ Simple and Compound Interest
• ⯀ Ratios and Proportion
• ⯀ Averages
• ⯀ Time and Work
• ⯀ Time, Speed, and Distance

Algebra:

• ⯀ Linear and Quadratic Equations
• ⯀ Inequalities
• ⯀ Functions
• ⯀ Progressions
• ⯀ Geometry and Mensuration:
• ⯀ Lines and Angles
• ⯀ Triangles
• ⯀ Circles
• ⯀ Polygons
• ⯀ Coordinate Geometry

Number System:

• ⯀ Divisibility
• ⯀ Factors
• ⯀ LCM and HCF
• ⯀ Prime Numbers
• ⯀ Modern Mathematics:
• ⯀ Permutations and Combinations
• ⯀ Probability
• ⯀ Set Theory

DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Data Interpretation:

• ⯀ Tables
• ⯀ Charts (Bar, Pie)
• ⯀ Graphs (Line, Scatter)
• ⯀ Caselets

Logical Reasoning:

• ⯀ Puzzles
• ⯀ Seating Arrangements
• ⯀ Blood Relations
• ⯀ Syllogisms
• ⯀ Statements and Conclusions
• ⯀ Series
• ⯀ Clocks and Calendars

Note: For the CAT exam syllabus for the MBA, always visit the official website so that you don’t miss any updates related CAT exam syllabus.

Best CAT prep strategy

Preparing for the Common Admission Test or CAT exam requires a well-grounded plan, execution, and analysis. CAT exam India or the CAT exam for MBA can be cracked with the highest percentile, adopting the following strategies:

1. Create a Study Plan

Time Management: CAllocate specific hours each day for preparation. Aim for consistent study sessions.

Sectional Emphasis: Allocate time to each section according to your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Daily and Weekly Goals: Set achievable goals to cover topics and practice questions regularly.

2. Regular Practice

Mock Tests: Frequently take mock tests to adapt environment of the CAT exam. After each full test, evaluate your performance to highlight strong areas, struggling areas, and areas that are important to improve.

Previous Year Papers: Solve old papers or CAT previous question papers so that you keep on monitoring the CAT exam performance.

Timed Practice: Engage in timed practice sessions to enhance speed and accuracy.

3. Focus on Weak Areas

Recognize Areas of Improvement: Utilize mock tests and practice sessions to identify your weak points.

Targeted Practice: Spend extra time strengthening these areas. Use topic-specific practice questions and revision notes.

4. Improve Speed and Accuracy

Shortcut Techniques: Learn shortcut methods and tricks for Quantitative Aptitude to solve questions faster.

Reading Speed: Improve your reading speed and comprehension skills for the VARC section by practicing with various reading materials like newspapers, journals, and online articles.

5. Exam Time Management

Sectional Timing: The CAT exam has fixed time limits for each section. Practice efficient time management during mock tests.

Question Prioritization: Develop the skill of identifying and solving easier questions first before tackling the more challenging ones.

6. Revision and Consistency

Regular Revision: Regularly revise important topics and formulas.

Consistent Practice: Consistency is key. Stick to your study schedule and avoid long breaks in preparation.

7. Join Study Groups and Forums

Study Groups: Join CAT preparation groups on platforms like Facebook or WhatsApp to discuss doubts and share resources.

Best CAT books

As the Common Admission Test is a competitive exam that is attended by more than three hundred thousand CAT aspirants every year hence best CAT books for the CAT exam for MBA become very crucial. These are some books that offer insight into the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, practice for the CAT exam syllabus, and Full Tests as well as some previous year tests of the CAT exam India.

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma: This book is highly regarded for the CAT exam India due to the detailed coverage of the CAT exam syllabus. It includes detailed explanations and a wide variety of practice problems.

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha: This book is well-structured and includes numerous practice questions and solved examples.

The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha: This book is distinguished by its in-depth explanations and an extensive collection of practice questions, encompassing all areas of quantitative aptitude.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay: This book encompasses a diverse array of subjects and provides practice exercises, sample papers, and strategies for enhancing verbal ability and reading comprehension skills.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha: Renowned for its comprehensive practice questions and techniques for addressing various question types, this book is a top choice among CAT aspirants.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma: Renowned for its comprehensive practice questions and techniques for addressing various question types, this book is a top choice among CAT aspirants.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha: Celebrated for its thorough practice questions and methods for handling different types of questions, this book is highly favored by CAT aspirants.

CAT 2023: 10 Mock Tests by Arihant Experts: This book offers ten full-length mock tests aligned with the latest CAT exam format, enabling aspirants to practice and assess their performance effectively.

CAT Solved Papers by Gautam Puri: This book, featuring a collection of previous years' CAT papers along with detailed solutions, assists aspirants in grasping the exam pattern and various question types.

MBA Without CAT

Pursuing an MBA without CAT is possible through several alternative entrance exams or specific programs offered by various business schools in India and abroad. These are top business schools and MBA programs India without CAT.

1. Alternative Entrance Exams

Several MBA programs accept scores from other standardized tests:

XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test): Accepted by XLRI, XIMB, and other Xavier Associate Management Institutes.

MAT (Management Aptitude Test): Held by AIMA, one of the recognized exams and preferred by top business schools in India.

CMAT (Common Management Admission Test): Monitored by AICTE, taken by many AICTE-approved B Schools.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): The most popular exam for MBA in India and abroad.

NMAT by GMAC: Accepted by NMIMS University and other top business schools.

2. Direct Admission or University-Specific Exams

Certain universities and institutions conduct their own entrance exams or offer direct admissions based on academic performance and other criteria:

Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP): Conducted by Symbiosis International University for its various management programs.

IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade) Exam: Specific to IIFT’s MBA in International Business.

TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test): For TISS’s various management and social science programs.

MAH CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test): For MBA/MMS programs in Maharashtra.

IBSAT (ICFAI Business School Aptitude Test): For admission to MBA/PGPM programs at IBS campuses.

3. Executive MBA (EMBA) Programs

Executive MBA programs often do not require CAT scores but may have other criteria such as work experience:

ISB (Indian School of Business): Offers the Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Professionals (PGPpro) without CAT.

IIMs: Many IIMs offer Executive MBA programs (e.g., IIM Bangalore’s EPGP) that accept GMAT or GRE scores and focus on work experience.

SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research): Offers a Post Graduate Management Program for Executives (PGPM) without CAT.

4. International MBA Programs

Many international business schools offer MBA programs that do not require CAT:

• • INSEAD
• • London Business School
• • Harvard Business School
• • Wharton School

These programs typically require GMAT or GRE scores along with a strong professional background.

Note:If you are looking for a full-time MBA from a reputed Business school, you need to crack one of the entrance exams.

Top Colleges Offering MBA without CAT

Here are some top institutions where you can pursue an MBA without the CAT exam:

• ⯀ S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR): Accepts GMAT/GRE.
• ⯀ Xavier School of Management (XLRI): Accepts XAT.
• ⯀ Indian School of Business (ISB): Accepts GMAT.
• ⯀ Symbiosis International University: Accepts SNAP.
• ⯀ NMIMS University: Accepts NMAT.

Note:Each institution has its specific admission criteria and processes, so it's essential to check once before making a final decision.

Top MBA Colleges

Top MBA colleges or top Business Schools are going to give you great exposure to your career. There are many MBA programs India that offer the best MBA programs and that brings your salary in 7 digits. Here are some of the top MBA colleges globally and in India, along with their highlights and the entrance exams they accept.

Top MBA Colleges Globally

• 1. Harvard Business School (HBS)

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Highlights: Known for its case study method, extensive alumni network, and leadership focus.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

• 2. Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)

Location: Stanford, California, USA.

Highlights: A strong focus on fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

• 3. Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Highlights: Finance and entrepreneurship strengths, large alumni network.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

• 4. INSEAD

Location: Fontainebleau, France; Singapore; Abu Dhabi, UAE

Highlights: One-year MBA program, diverse student body.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

• 5. London Business School (LBS)

Location: London, UK

Highlights: Strong finance and consulting focus, diverse international student body.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

Top MBA Colleges in India

• 1. Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA)

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Highlights: Renowned for its demanding academic program and outstanding job placement rates.

Entrance Exam: CAT

• 2. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Highlights: Strong focus on research and entrepreneurship.

Entrance Exam: CAT

• 3. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC)

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal

Highlights: Known for finance and quantitative programs.

Entrance Exam: CAT

• 4. Indian School of Business (ISB)

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana; Mohali, Punjab

Highlights: One-year MBA program, strong alumni network.

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE.

• 5. Xavier School of Management (XLRI)

Location: Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

Highlights: Known for its human resources program and strong placement record.

Entrance Exam: XAT

• 6. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

Location: New Delhi

Highlights: Exceptional return on investment thanks to affordable tuition and a robust placement track record.

Entrance Exam: CAT

• 7. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Highlights: Strong emphasis on values-based leadership and experiential learning.

Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT

• 8. Management Development Institute (MDI)

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Highlights: Known for its strategic location near the corporate hub of Gurgaon.

Entrance Exam: CAT

MBA Programs India

MBA programs India offer a lot of opportunities to join top MBA colleges. Here’s a look at some of the top MBA programs or best MBA programs in the country:

Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)

• 1. IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA)

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Highlights: Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, strong alumni network, and excellent placement record.

• 2. IIM Bangalore (IIMB)

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Highlights: Strong focus on research, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

• 3. IIM Calcutta (IIMC)

Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Highlights: Noted for its finance and quantitative programs.

• 4. IIM Lucknow (IIML)

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Highlights: Known for its diverse curriculum and strong focus on international exposure.

• 5. Indian School of Business (ISB)

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP)

Duration: 1 years

Entrance Exam: GMAT or GRE

Locations: Hyderabad and Mohali

Highlights: One-year MBA program, strong alumni network, and global faculty.

• 6. Xavier School of Management (XLRI)

Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: XAT

Locations: Jamshedpur

Highlights: Recognized for its outstanding human resources program and impressive placement success.

• 7. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

Program: MBA

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Locations: New Delhi

Highlights: Offers a high return on investment with its affordable fees and exceptional placement outcomes.

• 8. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)

Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT

Locations: Mumbai

Highlights: Strong emphasis on values-based leadership and experiential learning.

• 9. Management Development Institute (MDI)

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: CAT

Location: Gurgaon

Highlights: Known for its strategic location near the corporate hub of Gurgaon.

• 10. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)

Program: MBA

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: NMAT

Locations: Mumbai

Highlights: Strong focus on industry-oriented education and placement.

• 11. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM)

Program: MBA

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: SNAP

Locations: Pune

Highlights: Known for its strong industry connections and excellent placement record.

• 12. Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Program: MBA in International Business

Duration: 2 years

Entrance Exam: IIFT

Locations: New Delhi and Kolkata

Highlights: Concentrates on proficiency in international business and trade.

• 13. Great Lakes Institute of Management

Program: Post Graduate Program in Management (PGPM)

Duration: 1 years

Entrance Exam: CAT, GMAT

Locations: Chennai and Gurgaon

Highlights: One-year MBA program, focus on analytics and digital business.

Top Online MBA Programs

Leading best online MBA programs provide flexibility and allow for a balance between work and study while delivering high-quality education. Here are some of the top online MBA programs available globally and in India:

Global Top Online MBA Programs

• 1. University of North Carolina (UNC) – Kenan-Flagler Business School

Program: MBA@UNC

Highlights: Strong alumni network, robust career services, diverse specializations.

Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top online MBA programs by U.S. News & World Report and The Financial Times.

• 2. Indiana University – Kelley School of Business

Program: Kelley Direct MBA

Highlights: Flexible schedule, interactive online platform, high ROI.

Ranking: Top-ranked by U.S.

• 3. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business

Program: UF Online MBA

Highlights: Accelerated programs, global immersion experiences, strong faculty.

Ranking: Highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

• 4. IE Business School

Program: Global MBA

Highlights: International focus, innovative teaching methods, strong entrepreneurship focus.

Ranking: Top-ranked by The Financial Times and QS World University Rankings.

• 5. University of Southern California (USC) – Marshall School of Business

Program: USC Online MBA

Highlights: Strong emphasis on leadership and strategy, interactive learning experience.

Ranking: Highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Top Online MBA Programs in India

• 1. Indian School of Business (ISB) – PGPMAX

Program: Post Graduate Programme in Management for Senior Executives (PGPMAX)

Highlights: Designed for senior executives, international immersion, strong faculty.

Ranking: Recognized for executive education.

• 2. Amity University Online

Program: Online MBA

Highlights: Accredited by UGC, flexibility, wide range of specializations.

Ranking: Recognized among top online MBA programs in India.

• 3. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)

Program: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA)

Highlights: Flexible, industry-relevant curriculum, strong alumni network.

Ranking: Well-regarded for distance learning programs.

• 4. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) – Global Access School for Continuing Education

Program: Online MBA (Distance)

Highlights: Recognized by UGC, comprehensive curriculum, flexible learning.

Ranking: Highly regarded for its distance MBA programs.

• 5. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)

Program: MBA

Highlights: Affordable, recognized by UGC and AICTE, extensive study material.

Ranking: Popular for its open and distance learning approach.