Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) conduct a computer-based Common Admission Test (CAT) which is a prerequisite for admission to various Post Graduate and Fellow/Doctorate programmes of IIMs.

CAT scores are allowed to be used by listed non-IIM member institutions. A list of such institutions is provided on the CAT website. IIMs have no role in the selection process of non-IIM institutions. 

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State legislature in India or declared to be deemed as an University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.
• Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal/Registrar of their University/Institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification on the date of issue of the certificate.

Applicants should note that mere fulfillment of the minimum eligibility criteria will not ensure consideration for shortlisting by IIMs. Please refer to the detailed notification about CAT Eligibility.

Programmes Offered

Post Graduate Programmes in Management (PGP)

Fellow Programmes in Management (FPM) [Doctoral]

Separate advertisements may appear for programmes other than PGP, specific to each participating IIM. Before a prospective candidate makes a decision to appear for CAT, he / she must visit the CAT website and / or read the programme advertisement of the concerned IIM and specific programmes to ensure accurate and updated information on the programmes he / she wants to apply for, including eligibility requirements and admission processes. 

Registration Fees

• Rs 1150 for SC, ST and PwD category candidates
• Rs 2300 for all other categories of candidates

Test Centres

CAT will be conducted in test centres spread across around 150 test cities. Candidates will be given the option to select any six test cities in order of their preference.

CAT Score

Candidates' CAT scorecards will be made accessible on the CAT website. Candidates may also be intimated individually by SMS. The CAT score is available only for a period of one year and will accordingly be accessible on the website.

Admission Process

Each IIM is independent to mandate their own eligibility criteria (including academic cut-offs and relative weights) and follow different selection processes. Performance in the CAT examination is an important component for consideration in the selection process. IIMs may also use the previous academic performance of the candidates, relevant work experience and other similar inputs in short-listing of candidates at various stages of the selection process. For more information, refer to the admissions policies of individual IIMs on their respective websites.

Important Dates (tentative)

Information Sources

CAT Website: www.iimcat.ac.in
Help Desk Number: 18002108720

Source: www.iimcat.ac.in