Is CAT The Toughest Exam In India?
Explore the intricacies of the Common Admission Test (CAT) and its standing as one of the most challenging examinations in India. And learn, Is CAT The Toughest Exam In India?
Anil Solonki19 Feb, 2024
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CAT The Toughest Exam In India: When we talk about tough exams in India, the Common Admission Test ( CAT ) is often a hot topic. Many students want to get into good management schools, so they take this test every year. But is CAT really the hardest exam in India?
Here, we will look closely at CAT, compare it to other tough exams, and figure out why people think it's so challenging. So, get ready as we start this journey to understand CAT and how it fits into the world of competitive exams in India.Also Read: How to Apply for CAT 2024 Exam
Note: The selection rate for the CAT exam is low, with a very small percentage of candidates being selected each year. The competition for admission to the IIMs and other top business schools is intense, with a very high number of applicants competing for a limited number of seats.Is CAT The Toughest Exam In India?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is considered one of the toughest exams in India. It is a national-level computer-based exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program.- The exam is known for its high level of competition, unpredictable difficulty level, and limited seats in the top institutions .
- The exam pattern is not constant and changes as per the rules of the convener, adding to its difficulty.
Note: The success rate of candidates appearing for the exam is less than 1 percent, making it highly challenging to crack.
What makes CAT The Toughest Exam In India?
The CAT (Common Admission Test) is considered one of the toughest exams in India due to several factors.- Firstly, the exam has a moderate to high difficulty level, and the questions are becoming increasingly difficult over the years.
- Secondly, the exam has a time constraint, and candidates must answer all the 100 questions in 180 minutes.
- Thirdly, the syllabus is complicated and includes a wide range of topics, and candidates must understand the fundamentals of each topic.
- Fourthly, the exam is highly competitive, and lakhs of people take the test each year, making it challenging to attain a perfect score or even pass the exam.
| CAT Exam Important Links | |
| CAT Score Vs Percentile 2023 | CAT Percentile Predictor 2023 |
| CAT Syllabus for MBA | CAT Exam 2024 |
| CAT Exam Analysis 2023 for Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3 | CAT Exam Pattern 2024 |
Success rate for CAT for different categories of Candidates
The chances of passing the Common Admission Test (CAT) can vary for different groups of candidates. It depends on the cutoff scores set by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools.- For general category students, the cutoff scores for admission to IIMs and other top business schools are typically high, around 95-100 percentile.
- Success rates for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) may be higher, as the cutoff scores for these groups are usually not as high as those for general category students.
| Success rate for CAT for different categories of Candidates | ||
| Category | Cutoff Percentile Range | Success Rate |
| General | 95-100 | Lower |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Lower than General | High |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Lower than General | High |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Lower than General | High |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Lower than General | High |
Average score required to get into top B-schools through CAT
The average score required to get into top B-schools through CAT (Common Admission Test) varies depending on the institute and the candidate's category. Generally, a CAT percentile of 95 or above is required to get admission to top B-schools. However, some B-schools also accept candidates with a CAT percentile between 80 and 90. For example, K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai, TAPMI, Manipal, and Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi, are some of the best MBA colleges that accept CAT scores between 80 and 90 percentile. Note: The average package offered by these colleges is around 14 LPA (lakhs per annum).| Average score required to get into top B-schools through CAT | ||
| B-School | CAT Percentile Requirement | Average Package (LPA) |
| Top B-Schools (General) | 95 or above | Varies |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | 80 - 90 | 14 LPA |
| TAPMI, Manipal | 80 - 90 | 14 LPA |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi | 80 - 90 | 14 LPA |
CAT Exam Section Overview and Preparation Tips
Here is the required CAT exam section overview and preparation tips listed below for a detailed clarity to candidates:| CAT Exam Section Overview and Preparation Tips | |||
| Section | Verbal Ability (VA) | Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) | Quantitative Ability (Quant) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate to Challenging | Moderate |
| Trends | Increasing difficulty, especially for engineers | Questions becoming difficult for most candidates | Combination of difficulty levels, comfortable for engineers |
| Characteristics | - | Lengthy, time-consuming, and complex questions | - |
| Recommended Skills | - | Puzzles solving, above-average logical reasoning ability | - |
| Preparation Tips |
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| General Advice | Consistent practice is key | Mastering the basics is crucial before tackling more challenging problems | Strategize and plan your approach, especially in sections where you face difficulties |
| Even a slight improvement in marks can significantly impact your sectional percentile | |||
| Also Read: | |
| CAT Syllabus for MBA | CAT 2024 Exam Date |
Is CAT The Toughest Exam In India FAQs
Is CAT the toughest exam in India?
CAT is considered one of the most challenging exams in India, especially for admission to prestigious management programs.
What makes CAT difficult?
CAT is challenging due to its diverse sections like Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Ability, testing a wide range of skills.
Are there other tough exams besides CAT?
Yes, exams like UPSC Civil Services, JEE Advanced, and AIIMS MBBS are also known for their difficulty in different fields.
Can anyone crack CAT with proper preparation?
Yes, with consistent and focused preparation, many candidates successfully crack CAT and secure admission to reputed business schools.
Is CAT the only path to a successful career in business?
While CAT opens doors to top business schools, success in the business world depends on a combination of skills, experiences, and networking, not solely on the exam.
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