An MBA degree is considered the gateway to a lucrative career in management. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the only entrance exam to get into the prestigious IIMs and several other top-rung B-schools in India. Held annually, the computer-based test is your ticket to the various Post Graduate Programmes and Fellow Programmes in Management at the IIMs.
However, it should be noted that CAT is just a means to screen applicants by the IIMs. CAT-qualified applicants who meet the cut-off scores of the IIMs are called for advanced rounds of selection procedures that may include analytical tests, written tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
As a CAT aspirant, you need to hone your skills in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Although regarded as a tough nut to crack, CAT can be aced with focused and thorough preparation. Let’s have a look at the detailed CAT Selection Criteria to help you know who all are eligible to apply. BYJU’S Exam Prep offers a three-tier module of comprehensive coaching, complete with multiple revision and national mock tests, alongside preparation tips for the written test and GD/ PI rounds.
General eligibility conditions for CAT
If you hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian University or educational institute, with a minimum score of 50% or equivalent CGPA, you are eligible to apply for CAT. For SC/ ST/ PwD candidates, the minimum score is scaled down to 45%. The IIMs also accept professional degrees such as CA, CS, ICWA, and Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of India.
If you are awaiting your Bachelor’s Degree results or are in the final year of the program, you can still apply for CAT. Although, you will be allowed provisional admission only if selected, provided you submit a certificate issued by the Principal/ Registrar of your University stating that you have completed all your degree requirements.
Revisions in eligibility conditions for CAT 2021
In view of the disruption caused in the conduction of degree examination and evaluation during 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the IIMs have waived off the minimum percentage requirement in Bachelor’s degree. Candidates who have graduated in 2021 or those who will graduate in 2022 should enter the “Promotion or Pass” option in the CAT application form. This exception in the eligibility condition is applicable only for appearing in CAT 2021.
The selection criteria at the IIMs
The selection process for admission into the IIMs is multi-pronged and may vary from institute to institute. Besides qualifying CAT and meeting the cut-off scores of respective institutions, the other aspects that are considered for selection are your prior academic records and relevant work experience. How your candidature affects the gender and academic diversity of the incoming class also influences the selection decision.
The IIMs set aside seats for SC/ST/ NC-OBC/ EWS/ PwD candidates as per law. However, each applicant is expected to meet the minimum CAT eligibility criteria, irrespective of their category.
The first hurdle for you in the IIMs’ selection process is the sectional and overall CAT score cut-off. IIM Ahmedabad, for instance, has specified a minimum sectional percentile of 70 and an overall 80 for general category admissions in 2022.
The second hurdle to cross is the application rating (AR) awarded to each candidate based on their class 10th, 12th, and graduation marks and weightage accorded to work experience. This AR score is then normalised to rank candidates for the next step in the selection process.
The final selection is made by considering performance in the PI and written test rounds, AT score, and CAT percentile. IIM Ahmedabad accords 50% weightage on PI, 10% on AWT, 25% on CAT score, and 15% on academic records.
Undergo guided CAT prep to cope with the selection process stress-free
The selection procedure at IIMs is complex, but the bottom line is that without a spectacular CAT score, you do not stand a chance to receive a call letter. Hence, it makes sense to get trained by top CAT trainers in India for extensive test preparation. Boost your skills and confidence levels with BYJU’S Exam Prep CAT preparation module.
Stay Connect with our education blogs india.
