Common Aptitude Test (CAT) FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about CAT

CAT Frequently Asked Questions

CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) and not an Internet-based test (IBT) i.e. a candidate does not take the test on an Internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.


Format Of CAT

I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?
CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) and not an Internet-based test (IBT) i.e. a candidate does not take the test on an Internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?
The format of the test is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer sheet.
Can I take the test from any computer?
No. A candidate will have to test on a pre-assigned workstation and will not have a choice to choose his workstation, in the testing venue chosen by him/her during the time of registration.
Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
No.
What does a CBT test looks like?
A Practice Test is available here to familiarise candidates with the navigation and functionality of the CAT. Note that the sample questions are not representative of the content or difficulty level of the actual test.A CAT practice test will be available shortly on www.catiim.in

Scheduling & Registration

Who is eligible to take the test?

The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Differently Abled (DA) categories], awarded by any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate in the bachelor's degree would be calculated based on the practice followed by the university/ institution from where the candidate has obtained the degree. In case the candidates are awarded grades/CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of grades/CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the university/ institution from where they have obtained the bachelor's degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate's CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor's degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided at the website under CAT Eligibility link.

Prospective candidates must have the following throughout the selection process.

* CAT 2010 Voucher
* Pay-in Slip
* Valid Email ID
* CAT Registration Number / Testing ID (provided to you after completion of your online registration)

Is there any age restriction for appearing in CAT?
No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CAT.
What is the fee for the test?
The fee is Rs.1400. If you belong to the SC/ST category then you can pay a discounted fee of Rs.700
Where do I pay my fees?
The sale of CAT 2010 vouchers has now ended.
When does the sale of voucher start and end?
The sale of CAT 2010 vouchers has now ended.
How can I purchase a voucher?
The sale of CAT 2010 vouchers has now ended.
When and how do I register for CAT 2010 after buying the voucher?
Registration for CAT 2010 is now closed. You may still log on to https://iim.prometric.com to print your Admit Card until the end of the testing window.
Where can I find the voucher number required for registration?
You can find the voucher number under the scratch-off area of the voucher you purchase at an Axis Bank branch. Please ensure that you scratch off gently so the voucher number does not become illegible. Vouchers will not be refunded under any circumstances.
When will CAT be held and can I choose a test date?
CAT will be held during the period Wednesday, 27 October 2010 – Wednesday, 24 November 2010. Yes, you can choose a test date, test time, and venue across 33 cities all over India, subject to availability.
From where can I get the list of test centres?
A list of test centres will be available on the website under CAT Test Site link.
When will I get my Admit Card?
Soon after you fill-in, review, and submit your personal information during the online application, an automated confirmation email, which will contain your Application Summary, will be sent to the email address provided by you.
What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?
The admit card will contain the name of the candidate, test date, time, venue, confirmation number, CAT Registration Number / Testing ID and instructions for the candidate.
Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?
No. The admit card will be sent to the email address provided by you, only after you have filled in your online application and scheduled your test. It is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process.

Note: Admit Card is a mandatory requirement in order to test. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the test centre.
Are there any special provisions for Differently Abled candidates?
Yes. Please refer to the website under DA Candidates FAQ link for more details.
What are the different time slots for scheduling the test for a typical testing day?
A typical testing day for CAT will have 2 exam sessions. Candidates are allowed to schedule for any one of the sessions, subject to availability. Session timings are as follows:

Session 1: Testing will begin at 10 AM and end at 12:30 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 8 AM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 8:30 AM

Session 2: Testing will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 6 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 1:30 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 2:00 PM.
Can I appear for CAT 2010 more than once during the 20-day testing window?
No. You can appear for CAT 2010 only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CAT 2010 more than once. Admit Cards and picture IDs of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test centre.
If I have made any mistake(s) while registering for CAT 2010, can I make changes later to rectify?
Registration for CAT 2010 is now closed. No further changes may be made to you application or schedule. You may still log on to https://iim.prometric.com to print your Admit Card until the end of the testing window.
What are the timings to contact the Candidate Care helpline?
The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email.
Phone: 1-800-103-9293
Webmail:Contact Us

Phone support availability:
Registration Phase: 30 August – 7 October 2010, 9:00AM to 6:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.
Pre-testing window: 1 – 26 October 2010, 9:00AM to 6:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.
Testing window: 27 October – 24 November 2010, 8:00AM to 7:00PM daily
Post-testing window:25 November – 7 February 2011, 9:00AM to 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays

CAT Candidate Care will be closed on the following days:
* Saturday, 2 October 2010 – Gandhi Jayanti
* Monday, 18 October 2010 – Dussehra
* Friday, 5 November 2010 – Diwali

Webmail support availability:
Webmail support will be available from the beginning of registration till candidates receive their score reports. Queries, received by webmail, will be responded to within 48 business hours. Do not send the same email multiple times, as it will delay the response process.


Format Of CAT

I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?
CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) and not an Internet-based test (IBT) i.e. a candidate does not take the test on an Internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?
The format of the test is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer sheet.
Can I take the test from any computer?
No. A candidate will have to test on a pre-assigned workstation and will not have a choice to choose his workstation, in the testing venue chosen by him/her during the time of registration.
Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
No.
What does a CBT test looks like?
A Practice Test is available here to familiarise candidates with the navigation and functionality of the CAT. Note that the sample questions are not representative of the content or difficulty level of the actual test.A CAT practice test will be available shortly on www.catiim.in