What is CAT 2027 exam pattern?

CAT 2027 will have 66 questions across 3 sections — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24Q), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (20Q), and Quantitative Aptitude (22Q). Total marks: 198. Duration: 2 hours.

What CAT percentile is needed for IIM A/B/C?

IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta typically require 99+ percentile for general category. IIM L, K, I, S require 97–98 percentile. New IIMs may shortlist at 90–95 percentile.

Is CAT accepted at colleges other than IIMs?

Yes, over 1,200 B-schools accept CAT scores including SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, XIMB, and many others. This makes CAT the most versatile MBA entrance exam.

Can I improve my CAT score from 70th to 99th percentile?

Yes, with dedicated preparation of 6–8 months, many students have jumped from 70–80 percentile to 99+. Focus on DILR (most improvable), reduce VARC errors, and build speed in Quant.

How many times can I attempt CAT?

There is no limit on CAT attempts. You can appear every year. Many toppers have taken 2–3 attempts to crack the exam.

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CAT Preparation Guide

IIM (Indian Institutes of Management)

Your Complete Preparation Guide for CAT 2027 — strategy, study plan, tips & more.

DifficultyVery Hard

Total Marks198

Duration120 min

Start Practising Now →Free Mock Tests

Exam Overview

Mode

Online (CBT)

Frequency

Once a year

Next Exam Date

November 2027

EEligibility Criteria

Graduate degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD); final-year students eligible

ANumber of Attempts

No restriction

Study Plan by Subject

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Week 1-4: Foundation

Core concepts & basics

Week 5-8: Deep Practice

Advanced problems & revision

Week 9-12: Mock Tests + Revision

Full-length tests & weak-area focus

Refer to official syllabus for complete topic list

Expert Preparation Tips

Read editorials and RC passages daily — VARC (24Q) requires speed and comprehension that builds over months

Practise DILR sets in timed conditions — 20 questions in 40 minutes means selecting and solving the right sets is key

Master Quant fundamentals — Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry from Class 10–12 level form 80% of QA questions

Take weekly full-length mock tests and analyse each mock thoroughly to identify weak areas and fix them

Exam Pattern at a Glance

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration (est.)
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	22	66	40 min
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	22	66	40 min
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	66	40 min
Total	66	198	120 min

Important Dates

Registration Opens

August 2027

Next Exam Date

November 2027

Conducted By

IIM (Indian Institutes of Management)

Frequently Asked Questions

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