CAT Exam 2022: Dates (OUT), Notification, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Question Papers, Mock Tests

CAT 2022 Exam - CAT, Common Admission Test, is a national-level management aptitude test. CAT 2022 registration has begun on August 3 on the CAT 2022 official website- iimcat.ac.in. Candidates can complete the CAT 2022 registration by clicking here. Candidates can fill out the CAT 2022 application form by September 14. The CAT 2022 exam date is November 27. IIM Bangalore will conduct CAT 2022 exam.
This MBA entrance exam will be held in online mode and 3 sessions. The entrance exam paper will be made of three sections - Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The duration of CAT exam is 120 minutes.
IIM Bangalore issued the CAT 2022 notification on July 31. In this CAT 2022 entrance exam article of CareersToday, we have shared each and every detail pertaining to CAT 2022.
CAT 2022- Exam overview
Before filling CAT 2022 form, candidates should read all the information regarding CAT 2022 such as the purpose of CAT, who should take the test, and when CAT 2022 entrance exam be held, etc. Wondering what the CAT exam is all about? Then you are at the right place. CAT is also known as Common Admission Test is CBT based MBA entrance exam. CAT is conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis for admission to MBA program offered by IIMs and other top B-schools. The IIM Bangalore is the conducting body of CAT 2022.
According to 2021 official website, around 2.30 lakhs eligible candidates registered for the CAT entrance test. The overall CAT test-taker's attendance was approximately 83%. Out of total registered candidates, 1.92 lakh candidates appeared for the CAT entrance exam, 65% were males and 35% were females, and 2 candidates represent Transgender.
Also read:
- CAT 2022 notification
- How to prepare for CAT DI & LR
- How to prepare for CAT QA
CAT Exam 2022 Important Details
Particulars | Details |
Exam name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
CAT 2022 conducting body | IIM Bangalore |
IIM stands for | Indian Institute of Management |
Exam mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
Exam section name |
|
CAT 2022 exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 minutes)
|
CAT 2022 registration mode | Online |
Total number of CAT test cities | 150 |
Number of CAT accepting colleges | 1136 |
CAT 2022 registration fee |
|
CAT 2022 official website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2022 eligibility criteria
The CAT 2022 eligibility criteria include the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to apply such as educational qualification, marks in qualifying exam, nationality, age, etc. Before going to apply for CAT 2022 exam, students should check the CAT eligibility criteria and make sure they meet it.
Particulars | Details |
Academic qualification | Graduation/ Bachelor’s degree |
Minimum marks required in graduation | 50% (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD) |
Age criteria for CAT 2022 | There is no age bar to appear for CAT 2022 entrance test |
Work experience | Not mandatory |
Reservation | Based on category |
Candidates who have successfully completed their graduation in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for SC/ ST/ PwD) from any recognized university/ institution are eligible to apply for CAT 2022.
Those who are pursuing their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for CAT 2022.
There is no age bar to apply for CAT 2022.
It is not mandatory to have work experience in order to apply for CAT.
CAT 2022 exam date
Those candidates who wish to apply for CAT 2022 must know all the important dates pertaining to the entrance test such as CAT online application start date, last date to apply, admit card release date, CAT 2022 exam date, etc. CAT 2022 important dates for all events are provided in the table below as per the CAT 2022 notification.
CAT Exam 2022 Events | Dates |
Release of official CAT 2022 notification | July 31, 2022 |
CAT 2022 registration start date | August 3, 2022 (Opened) |
CAT 2022 registration last date | September 14, 2022 |
CAT 2022 form date for correction | Last week of September 2022 (Tentative) |
CAT mock test 2022 | First week of November 2022 (Tentative) |
Availability of CAT 2022 admit card | October 27, 2022 |
CAT 2022 exam date | November 27, 2022 |
Release of CAT 2022 response sheet and question paper | First week of December 2022 (Tentative) |
Start and end date to challenge the CAT 2022 answer key | First week of December 2022 (Tentative) |
Declaration of CAT 2022 result | Second week of January 2023 (Tentative) |
CAT 2022 selection process dates | April to June 2023 (Tentative) |
Also read-
Best study material for CAT 2022
CAT 2022 exam pattern
The CAT 2022 exam pattern is the structure of the exam which includes the duration of the exam, exam mode in which CAT 2022 will be held, and the total number of questions that will be asked in CAT 2022, marking scheme, etc. The duration of the CAT exam 2022 will be 120 minutes. Also, there is a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section (53 minutes 20 seconds for SC/ ST/ PwD). Check out the sectional breakup of the CAT exam pattern and other key highlights.
CAT Exam 2022 Information | Details |
Exam mode | Computer Based (Online) Mode |
Section name |
|
Total time duration for CAT 2022 | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
Sectional time limit | 40 Minutes (for PwD candidates 53 Minutes and 20 Seconds) |
CAT 2022 marking scheme |
|
CAT 2022 exam pattern- Sectional break-up
CAT exam section name | Number of questions |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 24 |
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22 |
Total | 66 |
CAT 2022 syllabus
While understanding the comprehensive CAT 2022 syllabus, it is a must to get an overview of all the important topics from each section. Check out the table outlining important topics from the CAT 2022 exam syllabus.
CAT 2022 syllabus
CAT Syllabus (section-wise) | Major topics |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
|
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Selecting the right B-School
CAT 2022 sample paper
Before appearing for CAT 2022 entrance test, candidates should know the exact exam syllabus. This is where CAT mock test, previous year's CAT question paper, and sample paper play their role. Candidates should solve CAT sample paper as it will help in analyzing the preparation required.
The below table holds the past few years' CAT question paper with answers. By clicking the “Download” link, candidates can get their appropriate question paper for the CAT 2022 entrance exam.
Year-wise CAT sample paper | Download link | |
CAT previous year papers (2020) with solution pdf | Download here | |
CAT 2019 question paper with solution pdf | Download Slot 1 | Download Slot 2 |
CAT previous year papers (2018) with solution pdf | Download here | |
CAT 2017 question paper with solution pdf | Download here |
CAT 2022 application form
CAT 2022 registration started from August 3 and candidates will be able to submit their CAT online form till September 14. CAT registration form can be accessed via online mode by visiting the CAT 2022 official website- iimcat.ac.in. At the time of CAT online form filling candidates will have to pay the application fee of Rs 2,000.
CAT 2022 registration
CAT 2022 registration process involves three steps:
CAT 2022 online registration
Filling up CAT 2022 exam application form
Payment of application fee
How to fill CAT 2022 application form
The candidates who are interested to apply for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2022 are required to submit the CAT application form by visiting the CAT 2022 official website. Check out the step-by-step process to fill CAT application form.
- Visit the CAT 2022 official website i.e. iimcat.ac.in.
- Find and click the button that states “New Candidate Registration” on the right side of the webpage.
- Then it will redirect to the CAT exam 2022 application form. From there, you have to enter the required details such as,
- Name of the Candidate
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Country
- Mobile Number and
- Captcha
- Once you entered all the essential details, click on the “Generate OTP” button. Using the OTP which is sent to the candidate's registered mail id, complete the CAT 2022 registration process.
- Next, log in to the dashboard and fill out the CAT Exam Application Form 2022 with valid details like,
- Personal Details
- Other Personal Details
- Communication Address
- Emergency Contact Details
- Upload Documents (in a prescribed format and size)
- Fill in the academic details of SSC/ Class 10, HSC/ Class 12, Bachelor’s Degree Details, Master’s Degree Details, Other Professional Degree Details.
- After completing the above process, the candidate needs to enter the work experience details if any.
- Then choose the IIM Programmes & Interview Cities.
- Next, select any six preferred test cities to take CAT Exam 2022.
- Final process of the CAT 2022 registration process is to make payment online for an application fee.
For General Category Candidates: Rs 2000
For SC/ ST/ PwD: Rs 1000
NOTE- The final amount also includes applicable additional fees.
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CAT 2022 application form correction window
The Indian Institute of Management will open the correction window for the CAT 2022 application form from the last week of September 2022 probably and it will remain open for two days. Mistakes in scanned images of signatures, photographs, or other documents can be modified during this CAT application form correction window.
Also, candidates can make changes to the test city option if provided. Students must log in and adjust the images as per the suggested specifications. Any other changes can be made with the help of the CAT help desk at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
CAT 2022 exam centres
CAT 2022 will be held at 425 exam centres in 150 cities spread across the country. All details pertaining to CAT test venue and test cities will be available on the CAT 2022 official website. Candidates will be assigned test city as per their preference. The name and CAT 2022 centre venue details will also be mentioned on the CAT admit card. Check out some CAT exam centres states' name as well as exam cities.
CAT 2022 preferred test city and allocation process
Candidates will be given the opportunity to select six test cities of their choice.
Cities and CAT test centres will be assigned to candidates after the CAT 2022 registration process.
There is no need to rush to block CAT test slots and cities in the early days of CAT 2022 registration.
The CAT exam session cannot be chosen because it will be assigned approximately.
CAT 2022 exam centres in states
Andhra Pradesh | Andaman & Nicobar | Arunachal Pradesh |
Assam | Bihar | Chattisgarh |
Chandigarh | Gujarat | Goa |
Himachal Pradesh | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Jharkhand | Kerala | Karnataka |
Madhya Pradesh | Maharashtra | Meghalaya |
Odisha | Punjab | Poducherry |
Rajasthan | Telangana | Tamilnadu |
Daman and Diu | Ladakh | Lakshadweep |
Uttarakhand | Uttar Pradesh | West Bengal |
Manipur | Tripura |
Quick Links
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CAT 2022 mock test
The official mock test of CAT 2022 will be available on the CAT official website at IIM Banglaore tentatively in the third week of October 2022. CAT 2022 mock test gives the actual picture of the CAT exam. If the Indian Institutes of Management, Bangalore offers only one or two CAT mock tests, candidates can try them on the web from various coaching centers. The IIM CAT exam mock test should be an integral part of the CAT preparation because it allows students to know exactly how to answer, navigate between sections, and more. Before going to take the mock test, the candidates should know the CAT exam strategy and tips.
In the meantime, the CAT official mock test can be used to understand how the test goes. IIM Ahmedabad conducts a separate mock test for PwD category candidates. These candidates get 53.20 minutes for each section in CAT 2022. The total of 159.60 minutes to complete the CAT Exam 2022. PwD category candidates with low vision can also practice with CAT mock test from the CAT 2022 official website.
CAT 2022 admit card
Candidates can download the respective CAT 2022 admit card using their CAT login credentials till the day of the CAT exam. CAT 2022 admit card will be issued from October 27 onwards. The CAT admit card 2022 is a mandatory document to take to the examination center. Failure to carry the CAT 2022 admit card at the examination center may result in disqualification from the CAT exam. Therefore, candidates are required to download their hall tickets before the CAT exam day.
How to download CAT 2022 admit card
- To download the CAT 2022 admit card, candidates should follow the steps given below:
- Go to the official CAT 2022 website i.e. iimcat.ac.in.
- Click on the “CAT Admit Card 2022” download link.
- It will redirect you to the admit card login window. From there, enter the required CAT login credentials (User ID and Password).
- A pop-up will appear on the computer screen stating that the CAT 2022 application form has been successfully submitted and then click on the "Close" tab.
- The complete form and information related to CAT candidate details will be displayed on the screen.
- Click on the CAT 2022 admit card download tab.
- A new page will open, which will reveal the test center address and shift time along with the Common Admission Test 2022 admit card.
- Check all the details mentioned in the Admit Card and take its printout.
By following the above steps, candidates can easily download their appropriate CAT exam admit card in pdf format. If there are any errors or discrepancies while downloading the admit card of CAT 2022, send an email to the authorities at cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in or call 1800-266-3549. They will shortly resolve the issues regarding the CAT exam 2022 admit card.
CAT 2022- Exam Day Guidelines
The candidates who are going to appear in CAT 2022 must follow some exam day guidelines which helps them to face the exam without any stress. Candidates should know the time and CAT 2022 exam date so as not to miss anything. This is the primary CAT exam day tip. IIM has strongly advised the candidates to follow these on CAT 2022 exam days.
Also read- What to carry at CAT 2022 test centres
Exam Day Guidelines to Follow at CAT 2022 exam center
Candidates are advised to reach the CAT exam center at least one hour before the gate closes.
Please double-check the reporting time before the deadline for CAT 2022.
Bring the CAT Admit Card 2022 and the required documents (ID Proof).
Use the applicant's number printed on a CAT 2022 admit card to locate the exam lab/ console in the CAT exam centres.
CAT 2022 answer key
IIM, Bangalore will be releasing the CAT 2022 answer key for slot 1, slot 2, slot 3 along with the CAT response sheet in online mode in the first week of December 2022 probably. The final answer key will have the correct answers to the questions asked in the CAT 2022. Candidates can challenge the CAT exam answer key 2022 with evidence in support of their claim.
For the objection, they have to pay Rs 1,200 per question. Officials will refund only for all challenges that appear to be valid. Candidates can measure their potential CAT 2022 score. All the candidates who came for the examination can download the CAT response sheet 2022 file by entering the CAT login ID and password after IIM is released. The response file for the CAT entrance exam 2022 will indicate the answers given by the candidate to a particular question. Details of unanswered questions will also be given in the response sheet.
CAT 2022 result
Candidates will get to know how they have performed in the exam when the CAT result 2022 is released by the authorities. To download their CAT scorecard 2022, candidates must use a registered CAT login ID and password. The scorecard for CAT 2022 will have a section and overall scaled score and percentile. Candidates should take the printout of the CAT 2022 result and keep it safe till the admission process is over. CAT result validity period is one year i.e. December 31, 2023.
CAT 2022 Result: key points to note
- CAT 2022 Result Time & Date will be announced on the official website.
- Post declaration of CAT result, IIMs will release the CAT score card along with CAT 2022 rank list.
- You can download the CAT scorecard 2022 as soon as the results of CAT 2022 are declared.
- The conducting body will send the CAT score via SMS to all the candidates
How to check CAT 2022 results online
In order to know the CAT 2022 result, the candidates need to follow the following procedure.
- First, go to the CAT 2022 official website.
- Visit the dashboard using the CAT login credentials like User ID and Password.
- Then find and click the tab called “CAT Result”.
- It will appear on the screen.
- Click the “Download” link to download the CAT scorecard 2022.
CAT 2022 cutoff
The minimum marks required for test-takers to call for an additional MBA selection process are called the CAT cut off 2022. IIMs Like Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kozhikode, Bangalore, Raipur etc will release CAT cutoff from August onwards.CAT 2022 for the best IIMs is typically 99 to 100 percentile for general category students.
IIM CAT Cutoff (Expected)
IIMs colleges in India | General | NC-OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
Ahmedeabad | 80 | 75 | 70 | 60 | 70 |
Calcutta | ≥ 85 | ≥ 75 | ≥ 70 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 65 |
Bangalore | 85 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
Indore | 90 | 80 | 60 | 50 | 50 |
Lucknow | 90 | 82 | 70 | 65 | 65 |
CAT 2022 selection process
Candidates who clear the CAT 2022 entrance examination will have to take part in the selection process of CAT 2022 which includes shortlisting of candidates by the IIMs for the next round of selection. The CAT selection process 2022 will consist of
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interviews (PI)
CAT Reservation Criteria
Check out the category-wise reservation policy of IIMs.
CAT Reservation Category | Reserved Percentage |
NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Other Backward Classes) | 27% |
SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
PwD (Person with Disability) | 5% |
Reservation Policy for Person with Disability (PwD)
For Person with Disability (PwD) candidates, they must submit the PwD certificate issued by a competent authority. Individuals with different types of disabilities who will be accepted under the PwD reservation:
- Blind/ Low vision candidates.
- Candidates with hearing impairment.
- Candidates with a cerebral palsy or locomotive disability
Must read
- One year plan for CAT entrance test
- How to score 100 percentile in CAT
- CAT participating institute 2022
Candidates should understand that CAT participating institutes are of two types namely IIMs and non-IIMs. Around 115 CAT participating institutes allow candidates to enroll in MBA and other management programs.20 IIMs and other institutes like 6 IITs, IISc Bangalore, NITs, JNU, IMT Ghaziabad, IPU, MDI Gurgaon, and SPJIMR Mumbai to name a few use CAT scores.
IIM admission criteria 2022 and programme
IIMs name | Offered programmes | IIM admission criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad | PGP, PGP-FABM, ePGP | IIM Ahmedabad Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore | PGP, PGPEM, PGPPM, PGPBA | IIM Bangalore Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Amritsar | PGP | IIM Amritsar Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya | PGP | IIM Bodh Gaya Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta | MBA | IIM Calcutta Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Indore | PGP, PGP-HRM | IIM Indore Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Jammu | PGP | IIM Jammu Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Kashipur | PGP, EPGP | IIM Kashipur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode | PGP, PGP-BL, PGP-F, EPGP (Kochi Campus & IL) | IIM Kozhikode Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Lucknow | PGP, PGP-ABM, PGP-SM | IIM Lucknow Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Nagpur | PGP | IIM Nagpur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Raipur | PGP | IIM Raipur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Ranchi | PGP, PGP-HRM | IIM Ranchi Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Rohtak | PGP, EPGPX | IIM Rohtak Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur | MBA | IIM Sambalpur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur | MBA | IIM Sirmaur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Shillong | PGP, PGPEX | IIM Shillong Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Trichy | PGPM, PGPBM, PGPM-HR | IIM Trichy Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Udaipur | MBA | IIM Udaipur Admission Criteria |
Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam | PGP, PGPEX | IIM Visakhapatnam Admission Criteria |
B-School accepting CAT score- City-wise
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MBA colleges accepting CAT score in Telangana | MBA colleges accepting CAT score in Maharashtra |