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CAT

CAT, the Common Admission Test, is conducted by One of the IIMs each year, on rotation. MBA and PGP admission at the IIMs and at many other B-schools, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR and the IIT management schools.

  • Level Postgraduate
  • Mode Computer-based
  • Usually held Once a year, on a Sunday in late November
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At a glance

Full name
Common Admission Test
Conducted by
One of the IIMs each year, on rotation
Used for
MBA at the IIMs and other leading B-schools
Level
Postgraduate
Mode
Computer-based.
Usually held
Once a year, on a Sunday in late November. Registration usually opens in August.
Who can take it
A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates). Final-year students can apply.
After the result
There is no common counselling. Each institute shortlists on its own cut-offs, then runs its own written test or interview.
Official website
iimcat.ac.in

How CAT fits into admission

  1. Register in August or September
  2. Sit CAT in late November
  3. Percentile result
  4. Institute shortlists
  5. Written test and interview
  6. Offer

Streams that use CAT

Colleges in our directory that use CAT

21 institutions use CAT for at least one programme.

CAT: common questions

Who conducts CAT?

CAT is conducted by One of the IIMs each year, on rotation.

What is CAT used for?

MBA and PGP admission at the IIMs and at many other B-schools, including FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR and the IIT management schools.

When is CAT usually held?

Once a year, on a Sunday in late November. Registration usually opens in August. Exact dates are announced every year on the official website.

Is CAT online or on paper?

Computer-based.

What happens after the CAT result?

There is no common counselling. Each institute shortlists on its own cut-offs, then runs its own written test or interview.

Who can take CAT?

A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates). Final-year students can apply.

Last reviewed October 2026. Admission rules, dates and eligibility change every year, so confirm them on the official website before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

Planning around CAT?

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