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Why MBA Overview Mobile

What is an MBA?

MBA stands for Master of Business Administration, a qualification that has shaped countless success stories worldwide. Providing more than a degree, an MBA means you possess modern business knowledge, practical skills, and the determination to succeed in scaling a business. The MBA program builds expertise in key areas of management such as Finance, Marketing, Operations, Systems, and Human Resources. It opens new career opportunities and provides the tools and skills essential for success in today's corporate world.

Why MBA?

As markets expand and opportunities multiply, the demand for skilled and qualified management professionals is higher than ever. If you're aiming for a successful corporate career, earning an MBA from a top business school can be your gateway.

Here are the key reasons why many choose to pursue an MBA:

Learning

Gain real-world business exposure through group projects and diverse academic interactions.

Opportunities

Access a wider range of career paths with a globally recognized qualification.

Growth

Enjoy higher starting salaries & faster career advancement in leading organizations.

Network

Build valuable relationships beyond the classroom with future industry leaders.

How to get into MBA top Colleges?

India's top MBA colleges conduct entrance exams to identify candidates with the right mindset, attitude, and aptitude. Many institutions accept scores from multiple exams, such as CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, and MICAT.

1

Shortlisting

Candidates are shortlisted based on their exam scores and academic profiles in their application form.

2

Selection Process

Candidates receive interview calls and are invited to participate in the next stage admission process. This stage may include a group discussion or a written ability test, depending on the institute.

3

Personal Interview

A personal interview to assesses candidates on different parameters like academic, personal, and professional aspects.

In conclusion, final admissions are granted based on a candidate's performance in these rounds, along with specific selection criteria. The weightage for each component is outlined further down below.

CAT Exam Overview

What is the CAT Exam?

Common Admission Test [CAT] exam is a compulsory eligibility test taken by MBA aspirants to secure their seats in India's top & premier MBA colleges, also known as IIMs - Indian Institute of Management.

These IIMs offer MBA programs in the field of management, finance, operations, sales, marketing, human resource management, and strategy. Providing a great career trajectory and high-salaried job roles placements. Also known as the most important exam for any MBA aspirant, the CAT exam is also widely accepted by non-IIM top MBA colleges like FMS Delhi, SP Jain, JBIMS, MDI Gurgaon, and many more.

Getting a seat at the top IIMs is the dream of many aspirants. For instance, IIM Ahmedabad stands at the top with an average salary of 35.50 LPA, offering a high salary package, quality networking, upskilling and more career opportunities down the road.

CAT Exam Eligibility

  • A candidate should hold a minimum of a 3-year degree in any course from a government-recognized university. However, final year college students are also eligible for the exam, providing a chance for freshers.
  • A candidate should have a minimum of 50% of the total score in their graduation of the latest semester result if they are in their final year. For SC/ST candidates, applications are acceptable with 45% of the total score in their graduation.
  • No age limit is present for the CAT Exam. A candidate can appear multiple times in the CAT Exam.

*The above information is based on the official details of the CAT 2026 exam and is subject to change without prior notice in the upcoming CAT exam.

CAT Exam Important Dates

Events
Dates
CAT Exam Notification
4th Week of July
CAT Exam Application Process Starts
1st Week of August
Last Date to Fill the CAT Exam Application
2nd Week of September
CAT Exam Admit Card Release
Last Week of October
CAT Exam Date
Last Week of November
CAT Exam Response Sheet
1st Week of December
CAT Exam Result
Last Week of December

CAT Exam 2026 registration date will be announced in the month of July. The registration process for CAT 2026 will be conducted online on the official website. The CAT registration form is expected to be released in August 2026, tentatively. Aspirants must keep all the information and documents ready beforehand to fill out the registration form without any hassles.

How to Register for the CAT Exam 2026

The mode of the CAT registration process will be online. Eligible aspirants must click the CAT 2026 registration link and fill out the online form within the deadline.

CAT Exam Registration Roadmap

Download Free Resources

CAT Exam Admit Card 2026: How to Download Admit Card for CAT Exam?

CAT Admit Card is going to be available to download a few week prior to the actual CAT exam. CAT Admit Card will contain information about your slot and exam centre. Without a valid hall ticket, you can't appear for the CAT exam.

  • Go to the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in.
  • Log in with your CAT ID and password.
  • Now, find the admit card on the screen.
  • Lastly, download the call letter for future use.

CAT Exam Syllabus

Particulars
Exam Details
Mode of Exam
Computer-based online test
Number of Slots
3
Exam Duration
120 Minutes
Number of Sections
3 (40 minutes each section)
Sections and Order of Attempt
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical reasoning)
Quantitative Aptitude
Total Number of Questions
68
Sections and Number of Questions
VARC: 24
DILR: 22
Quants: 22
Total Marks
204 Marks
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA)
Marking Scheme for MCQ
+3 Marks for each correct answer
0 Marks for each unattempted answer
- 1 Marks for each incorrect answer
Marking Scheme for TITA
+3 Marks for each correct answer
0 Marks for each unattempted answer
0 Marks for each incorrect answer

*The above information is based on the official details of the CAT 2026 exam and is subject to change without prior notice in the upcoming CAT exam.

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Syllabus

Syllabus
Number of Questions
Reading Comprehension (RC) - 4 RC Sets of 4 Questions Each
16
Para Summary
1-3
Odd One Out
1-3
Para Jumble
1-3
Para Completion
1-3
Total
24

CAT Reading Comprehension (RC Genres)

History
Society and Politics
Psychology and Philosophy
Art and Culture
Environmental
Abstract
Business and Economics
Science and Technology

Note: Reading Comprehension genres are vast and diverse. It is recommended to read a variety of genres regularly to improve understanding and comprehension skills.

CAT DILR Syllabus

Puzzles
Ranking and Order
Routes and Network
Venn Diagrams
Scatter Chart
Games and Tournaments
Linear Arrangements
Quant-based DI
Selection and Distribution
Circular Arrangements
Quant-based LR
Line and Bar Graphs
Caselets
Table and Graphs
Binary Logics
Pie Charts
DI Tables
Cubes

CAT Quantitative Aptitude (Quants) Syllabus

ArithmeticAlgebraGeometryNumber SystemsModern Maths
PercentagesLinear EquationsTrianglesProperties of IntegerSet Theory
Profit and LossQuadratic EquationsQuadrilateralsDivisibilityProbability
SI and CIPolynomialsPolygonsFactorsPermutations & Combinations
Ratio & ProportionIndices & SurdsCirclesRemainder Theorem
AveragesLogarithmsMensuration - 3DLCM & HCF
Mixtures and AlligationInequalitiesCoordinate GeometryFactorials
Time and WorkSequence SeriesTrailing Zeroes
Pipes and CisternsFunctionsLast Digits
Time, Speed & DistanceGraphs
RacesModulus
Trains & Boats

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topic - Wise Weightage

Chapter Name2022 (# Questions)2023 (# Questions)2024 (# Questions)
Averages, Ratios, Mixtures & Alligations3-54-63-5
Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Percentages1-32-32-3
TSD, Time & Work3-52-32-3
Geometry332-3
Quadratic, Polynomials and Simple Equations1-33-42-3
Progression and Series1-321-2
Inequalities, Modulus and Functions3-41-21-2
Logarithms, Surds and Indices0-11-32
Probability and P&C110-1
Number Systems11-22-3
Venn Diagrams000

Top 50 MBA Colleges

iQuanta B-school Ranking

RankCollegesAverage CTCFeesExam Accepted
1IIM Ahmedabad35.50 LPA27.5 LakhsCAT
2IIM Bangalore34.88 LPA26.30 LakhsCAT
3IIM Calcutta34.23 LPA27 LakhsCAT
4ISB Hyderabad34.21 LPA38.67 LakhsCAT, GMAT
5FMS Delhi34.1 LPA2.32 LakhsCAT
6XLRI Jamshedpur26.38 LPA30.6 LakhsXAT
7IIM Lucknow32.3 LPA20.75 LakhsCAT
8SP Jain32.10 LPA22.66 LakhsCAT. GMAT
9IIM Kozhikode28.05 LPA23.50 LakhsCAT
10IIM Indore29.57 LPA21.15 LakhsCAT
11IIM Mumbai33.84 LPA (Top 50% of batch)21 LakhsCAT
12JBIMS26.12 LPA8.13 LakhsCAT/MH-CET
13MDI Gurgaon26.20 LPA25.9 LakhsCAT
14IIT Bombay25.82 LPA15.21 LakhsCAT
15IIFT Delhi27.30 LPA21.82 LakhsCAT
16IIM Shillong26.44 LPA26.18 LakhsCAT
17TISS Mumbai28 LPA1.85 LakhsCAT
18IISc Bangalore29.62 LPA5.04 LakhsCAT/GMAT/GATE
19SIBM Pune28.83 LPA27.77 LakhsSNAP
20NMIMS Mumbai25.13 LPA27 LakhsNMAT
21IIT Delhi23.4 LPA12 LakhsCAT
22IIT Kharagpur22.75 LPA12.94 LakhsCAT
23IIM Raipur18.15 LPA18 LakhsCAT
24IIM Trichy19.43 LPA21 LakhsCAT
25IIM Udaipur18.77 LPA21.33 LakhsCAT
26SCMHRD Pune22.16 LPA27.06 LakhsSNAP
27IIM Ranchi19.29 LPA19.20 LakhsCAT
28IIM Rohtak18.73 LPA17.90 LakhsCAT
29XIMB19.53 LPA25.40 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT/XGMT
30MICA19.22 LPA28 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT+MICAT
31IIT Madras17.9 LPA12.26 LakhsCAT
32IIM Kashipur15.04 LPA17.30 LakhsCAT
33IIM Nagpur18.07 LPA21.5 LakhsCAT
34IIT Roorkee17.91 LPA9.74 LakhsCAT
35IIT Kanpur17.2 LPA7.05 LakhsCAT
36BITSOM23.41 LPA28.55 LakhsGMAT, CAT, GRE
37DSE13.92 LPA97.54 KCAT
38DFS19.12 LPA97 KCAT
39IIM Vizag16.40 LPA20.51 LakhsCAT
40IIM Amritsar19.73 LPA (Top 25% Batch)21.5 LakhsCAT
41IIM Jammu15.48 LPA20.73 LakhsCAT
42IIM Sambalpur15.65 LPA21 LakhsCAT
43IMT Ghaziabad16.25 LPA21.53 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT
44GLIM Chennai15.1 LPA21.63 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT
45IMI Delhi16.73 LPA23.54 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT
46GIM Goa15.13 LPA21.45 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT
47FORE16.8 LPA20.77 LakhsCAT/XAT/GMAT
48IRMA Anand14.17 LPA19.78 LakhsCAT/XAT/CMAT
49IIM Sirmaur13.30 LPA20 LakhsCAT
50IIM Bodhgaya13 LPA17.96 LakhsCAT

Top 50 MBA Colleges Selection Criteria Weightage

NO.COLLEGESEXAM SCOREGD/WAT/SOPPIACADSWORK EXP.DIVERSITYOTHERS
1IIM Ahmedabad25%10%50%15%* (Part of Application Rating)
2IIM Bangalore25%10%40%15%10%--
3IIM Calcutta30%8%48%-8%6%-
4ISB Hyderabad-------
5FMS Delhi50%15%15%20%-5%* (additional marks for females)-
6XLRI Jamshedpur-------
7IIM Lucknow30%10%40%10%5%5%-
... (Additional 43 rows with complete selection criteria data)

MBA Colleges with Highest ROI

Several factors overall affect the ROI of an MBA in India, including program fees, placement, industry & job role, geography, and college brand.

COLLEGESAVERAGE PACKAGE2-YEAR MBA FEESROI (%)
FMS Delhi34.1 LPA2.3 Lakhs1482.6
IIM Ahmedabad/Bangalore/CalcuttaAround 34 LPA25 to 30 Lakhs135.26
IIM Lucknow/Kozhikode/Indore/Mumbai28 to 30 LPA20 to 25 Lakhs131.79
JBIMS Mumbai28.02 LPA6 Lakhs467
TISS Mumbai27.22 LPA2.43 Lakhs1120.16
IIT Delhi (DMS)25.82 LPA11.2 Lakhs230.53
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)28.88 LPA14 Lakhs206.28
DFS Delhi17.1 LPA48.5K3525.7

Minimum CAT Percentile Required for BLACKI IIMs

BLACKI is an acronym used for the top IIMs in India collectively. The prestigious IIMs included in this are IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, and IIM Indore. Getting a seat at BLACKI IIM is a dream for MBA aspirants for many reasons, including incredible placement opportunities, exposure, international opportunities, and many more. The cutoff of BLACKI IIMs is quite high as it offers admission to cream candidates. These IIMs release two types of cutoffs, the qualifying cutoff and the final cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile one should secure in CAT in order to be eligible for the further stages of the BLACKI IIM admission process.

IIM Bangalore Cutoff

CATEGORYVARCDILRQAAGGREGATE
GEN80808085
OBC-NCL70707075
EWS70707075
SC60606070
ST55555565
PWD50505060

IIM Lucknow Cutoff

CATEGORYVARCDILRQAAGGREGATE
GEN85858590
OBC-NCL77777782
EWS77777782
SC55555565
ST50505060
PWD50505060

IIM Ahmedabad Cutoff

CATEGORYVARCDILRQAAGGREGATE
GEN/EWS85858595
OBC-NCL/Transgender80808090
SC75757585
ST65656575
PWD*75757585

Note: Recently, IIM Ahmedabad selection criteria changed. Now PWD candidates have different cut-offs from different categories. The above PWD section represents general category PWD cut-off.

IIM Calcutta Cutoff

CATEGORYVARCDILRQAAGGREGATE
GEN80807585
EWS70656575
OBC-NCL70656575
SC65606070
ST55555565
PWD45454555

IIM Kozhikode Cutoff

CATEGORYCAT AGGREGATE PERCENTILECAT SECTIONAL PERCENTILE
GEN8575
EWS/OBC7565
SC6555
ST/PWD5545

IIM Indore Cutoff

CATEGORYVARCDILRQAAGGREGATE
GEN80808090
EWS80808090
OBC-NCL70707080
SC55555560
ST40404045
PWD40404045
CAT Preparation Strategy

CAT Exam Preparation Strategy

The Blueprint to Success

Achieving a top percentile in the CAT exam isn't about luck—it's about precision, consistency, and strategy. Our proven approach mirrors the habits of successful 99%ilers:

  • Master the Syllabus: Gain complete mastery by covering the entire, latest CAT 2026 syllabus not just once, but twice, ensuring zero knowledge gaps.
  • Consistent High-Frequency Revision: Embed knowledge with daily formula brushing and unwavering adherence to weekly/daily preparation goals.
  • Laser Focus & High Stamina: Treat your preparation like a mission. Build unshakeable test-taking stamina and relentlessly target and eradicate your weak areas.
  • Simulate the Real Exam: Conquer the pressure with rigorous practice using Mock Tests and Actual CAT Previous Year Papers to become intimately familiar with the exam environment.

The Foundation You Need: CAT success demands the right mindset, elite study material, personalized mentorship, and unwavering consistency. Plan your journey with clarity.

Start Strong with Expert Guidance: To solidify your basics and gain a competitive edge, enroll in the best structured online coaching. iQuanta CAT Online Coaching stands out by offering:

  • Live Conceptual Sessions + Application-Based Classes
  • 24/7 Dedicated Doubt-Solving Support
  • Personalized Mentorship & Exam-Level Readiness Evaluation

Don't just prepare—out-prepare the competition. Your path to a top B-School starts here.

iCAT Mocks

To consistently hit the 99th percentile, simply taking tests isn't enough—you must analyze them. A typical high-achiever completes 50-60 mocks by treating each one as a deep analytical session. iCAT Mock Tests are essential study material that bridges the gap between knowing the syllabus and performing under pressure.

iQuanta iCAT Mock Test Series: Performance Re-engineered

Our mocks are built not just to test you, but to improve you. The iCAT Series delivers comprehensive preparation through:

  • Realistic Exposure: Tests meticulously mimic the CAT exam standards and question types, providing critical real-world simulation.
  • Holistic Feedback: Benefit from both sectional and full-length tests.
  • Next-Level Analysis: Every session is followed by detailed Video Solutions, an Error Tracker to monitor recurring mistakes, and cutting-edge AI Performance Analysis to guide your next study session.

While familiarity with the pattern is key (and can be gained via official sources), achieving peak readiness requires the strategic depth offered only by a series like ours. Invest in superior analysis, achieve superior results.

CAT Previous Year Questions

CAT Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

CAT Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are the undisputed gold standard for preparation. Created by the exam architects themselves, PYQs are your direct line to understanding what truly matters.

  • Authentic Source: Treat PYQs as the ultimate resource—a gold mine of validated questions.
  • Difficulty Calibration: Consistently solving past papers accurately gauges the current difficulty level and exam pattern across all three sections (VARC, DILR, Quant).
  • Type Familiarity: PYQs ensure you are familiar with the exact structure and types of questions that appear in the live CAT examination.

Don't just practice; practice what the exam setters test.

CAT PYQ

iQuanta CAT Books

Top CAT performers understand that quantity without quality is useless. They seek resources that offer an expansive range of CAT-level questions coupled with rock-solid conceptual clarity and detailed, step-by-step solutions.

This is where the iQuanta Books shine:

Our series is engineered for the serious aspirant, providing the depth and variety required to achieve a top percentile:

Massive Question Bank: Access over 5,500+ CAT-level questions in total.

Quant Depth: 5 dedicated QA Books loaded with 2,350 questions.

LRDI Mastery: 2 LR Books (160 sets each) and 2 DI Books (120 sets each), totaling 560 LRDI Sets (2,240 questions).

VARC Coverage: 3 dedicated VARC Books ensure comprehensive verbal practice.

These books deliver the real exam-level challenge, variety, and conceptual clarity that define a 99 percentiler’s preparation arsenal. Choose iQuanta for updated, exhaustive material designed for depth.

CAT Previous Year Questions

CAT Free Resources

Many CAT aspirants look out for free resources for CAT exam and considering this demand of the aspirants iQuanta has compiled the best resources for CAT. Free CAT 2026 resources include live classes by CAT faculties, live marathons, CAT toppers journey, access to India's largest CAT preparation community, previous year's question papers, important topic-wise CAT questions for all the 3 sections, VARC cheat sheet, quant formula book, CAT quizzes and many more. Check out the details of free resources for CAT 2026.

Live Classes by CAT Faculties

Interactive sessions with expert CAT faculty members

Live Marathons

Extended practice sessions to boost your preparation

CAT Toppers Journey

Learn from the success stories of previous CAT toppers

India's Largest CAT Community

Connect with thousands of CAT aspirants nationwide

Previous Year Question Papers

Access comprehensive PYQs for practice

Topic-wise CAT Questions

Important questions for VARC, LRDI & Quant sections

VARC Cheat Sheet & Quant Formula Book

Essential formulas and shortcuts at your fingertips

CAT Quizzes

Regular quizzes to test your knowledge and track progress

iQuanta Courses

Book Your Free Counselling Session

Get personalized guidance from CAT Experts & 99%ilers

Meet Our Expert Mentors

Learn from CAT 99%ilers & IIM Alumni

Meet Our Mentors

CAT Exam FAQs

Everything you need to know about CAT preparation

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a mandatory entrance exam for admission to IIMs and over 1,000 top MBA colleges in India. Eligibility typically requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

The top 50 MBA colleges list includes the 21 IIMs, plus premier institutes like FMS, XLRI, SPJIMR, and MDI. We provide a detailed breakdown of all top MBA colleges and their required cutoff percentiles on this page.

A dedicated 12 to 15 months of structured preparation is ideal. The strategy should focus on Dual Pedagogy, mastering concepts before immediately solving CAT level questions, followed by rigorous Mock Test Series analysis.

iQuanta offers extensive free resources for CAT, including daily articles for VARC, sectional practice questions, and concept videos. Access our dedicated platform for iQuanta free resources for CAT directly through the link provided on this page.

Our iQuanta CAT Courses feature the Dual Pedagogy system, 24x7 Doubt Solving, and the specialized Non-Engineer's QA Module to build strong Quant foundations, ensuring a high likelihood of achieving a 99%ile.

Utilizing CAT past papers is crucial for preparation. We offer links to download official CAT previous year questions to help you understand the exam pattern and difficulty level of CAT level questions.

Yes, the iQuanta CAT Books and study materials are designed to cover the entire CAT syllabus from basics to advanced levels. They are integrated with our Dual Pedagogy for effective practice and mastery.

We provide proprietary iQuanta CAT tools for mock test analysis, an error tracking log, daily practice questions, final revision tool, SOP generator, BSchool and CAT Percentile Predictor and a dynamic platform for our 24x7 Instant Doubt Solving to streamline your practice and review process.

The CAT exam is divided into three 40-minute sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Yes, it is entirely possible. Our specialized focus, particularly through the Non-Engineer's QA Module, is specifically designed to help students weak in Quants dramatically improve their Quant basics and achieve a high 99%ile.