Globsyn Business School PGDM Admissions 2025
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The Common Admission Test, or the popularly abbreviated CAT examination, is undoubtedly one of the most competitive management entrance examinations in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates register and appear for the CAT entrance examination. A good CAT score will open the doors to admission to the best B-schools in India, such as the Indian Institute of Management, as well as other popular colleges like FMS and SPJIMR. According to the latest reports, only about 2,500 candidates get admitted to the various IIMs out of 2 lakh applicants. This means that the acceptance rate of the IIMs is as low as 2.7%. The answer to the question, Is the cat exam tough? It is subjective and depends on various parameters, but the most influential factor of the CAT exam difficulty is the preparation level of the candidates. The candidates need to understand the difficulty of the CAT examination before attending the exam. This article by Careers360 in-depth analyses the CAT difficulty level by trying to answer the popular question, Is the CAT exam tough?
Before understanding the CAT exam difficulty, it is necessary for the aspirants to understand all the factors that make the CAT exam difficult. Every year, the difficulty of the CAT examination is determined by a combination of these factors. The list of factors that greatly influence the difficulty level of the Common Admission Test is:
The surge in the number of candidates who appear for the CAT examination has become immense in recent times. A few of the reasons for this are the management goals of the candidates and no necessary prerequisite courses for joining the MBA degree. Also, the handsome salaries that the candidates are offered for their job roles after completing their MBA degrees are like no other. So, the number of candidates who appear for the CAT examination is also high and immense. This increases the competitiveness of the CAT examination manifold. The CAT exam must maintain a certain standard to accommodate the competition and choose the best out of the top candidates.
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According to the latest CAT exam pattern, the candidates should attempt 68 questions within a time limit of 120 minutes. The important sections of the CAT examination, such as Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, as well as Quantitative Aptitude, are often tricky and time-consuming. Due to this, the candidates often find it difficult to answer all the questions within the given time limit. Hence, CAT time management has become necessary, and due to this, the difficulty level of the exam has also gone up.
The Common Admission Test is one of the most dynamic management entrance examinations out there. Only recently, in 2024, the CAT exam introduced a change in the exam pattern by introducing 2 extra CAT DILR questions and making the total number of questions 68 from the previous 66. This unpredictability in the CAT exam pattern might catch a few candidates off guard, and due to this, they might feel slightly uneasy. The expected CAT exam pattern for 2025 is provided below for the reference of the candidates. The CAT 2025 examination will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode.
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section | - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise CAT exam time duration | - 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA) - 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section |
Number of Questions | 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded - For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted - No negative marks for Non-MCQs |
One of the major difficulties faced by the candidates during their CAT 2025 preparation is the non-availability of an official CAT 2025 syllabus. The conducting bodies have not revealed any official CAT syllabus. This means that the candidates should refer to the CAT previous year question papers, shortlist the CAT important topics and prepare their own CAT timetable. After analysing the previous year's question papers, the complete CAT syllabus is listed below for the reference of the candidates.
CAT Section | Topics |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Inferences, Odd One Out, Syllogism and Analogies, One-word Substitution, Sentence Correction, Para Summary, Para Completion |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games & Tournaments, Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Scheduling, Sequencing, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Selection, Distribution, Team Assignments (Matrix Grids), Routes, Directions, Networks, Decision Making, Logical Deductions, Analytical Reasoning Puzzles, Syllogisms, Cubes and Dice, Visual Puzzles, Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Spider/Radar Charts, Scatter Plots, Reasoning-based DI, Caselet-based DI |
Quantitative Aptitude | Percentages, Profit, Loss & Discount, Averages, Weighted Average, Speed, Time & Distance, Relative Speed, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligations, Applications of Averages, Boats and Streams, Escalator Questions, Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Algebraic Identities, Simplification, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Functions, Constant Product Rule, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Angles, Points, Lines and Planes, Similar Triangles, Graphical Division Geometry, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Conditional Probability, Set Theory & Function, Laws in Set Theory, Progressions & Series (AP, GP, HP), Derangement, Application of Power Cycle, Number System, LCM & HCF, Remainder Concepts, Power Cycle, Factorials, Number System Shortcut Techniques |
To accommodate the highly competitive nature of the CAT exams, the cutoffs for the best management institutions of the country are high. The top-rated IIMs have cutoffs as high as 99 percentile. This is done to ensure a fair selection of candidates for the limited number of seats available at the top institutions of the country. This means that the candidates are missing out on joining their dream colleges by a variation of 0.05 percentile, which is very unfortunate. This adds up to the CAT exam difficulty.
While answering the question, Is the CAT exam difficult, it will be helpful for the candidates to go through the difficulty levels of the previous year's CAT question papers. This will help the candidates to understand the CAT exam trends, which will help them to make bold predictions of the upcoming CAT difficulty levels. The overall and section-wise difficulty of the CAT examination is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Section | CAT 2024 | CAT 2023 | CAT 2022 | CAT 2021 | CAT 2020 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Difficult | Difficult | Difficult |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Overall | Moderate | Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate-Difficult |
Due to the increasing difficulty of the CAT examination, some candidates might find it difficult to cope with the progressive demands of the examination. Following the best CAT preparation strategies will help candidates perform better in the examination. A lot of the CAT toppers had also once faced all these challenges. But, they ensured not to repeat the common CAT mistakes made by the other candidates. A few tips on how to manage the CART exam difficulty is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Consistency is the most important skill that candidates should possess during their CAT preparation. The candidates can start their CAT preparation as early as possible to ensure that they have enough time for CAT preparation. A 6-month CAT preparation plan is deemed to be the best for the candidates to cover the entire CAT syllabus, and also prepare without any hurdles. The candidates are advised to take a small CAT mock test and analyse their current CAT preparation level, and make necessary adjustments in their CAT preparation based on their performance.
A lot of CAT preparation materials are available for the candidates to enhance their CAT 2025 preparation. It is important that the candidates choose the one that suits their needs from the top CAT preparation books. A few of the top-quality CAT study materials for the candidates, irrespective of their current CAT preparation level, are provided below.
CAT Section | Book Name | Author Name |
Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10) | NCERT | |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Some candidates might be facing issues with a particular section of the CAT examination. This is common because the CAT exam has a broad syllabus, and having a section where the candidates feel like they are lagging is common. But this can be managed by performing well in the sections where the candidates are strong. The candidates should always remember that, as far as the CAT exam is concerned, accuracy matters more than the number of questions due to the presence of the CAT negative marking. So while the candidates should put effort into studying the topics that they need attention on, it can also be managed by focusing on the sections that they are good at.
While the CAT examination is generally considered to have a difficulty level of moderate to difficult, some candidates are often observed to be more underperforming in the CAT examination when compared to the other candidates. By analysing the CAT exam performances of the candidates in the previous years, the results were as follows.
Candidates with weak basics in Math or English. The CAT VARC section and the Quantitative Aptitude sections are the two sections where the candidates are observed to be facing a lot of difficulties. The CAT VARC section has the highest section-wise weightage in the CAT examination, with 24 questions. Underperformance in this section can severely impact the candidate’s CAT success. Often, the quantitative aptitude section is considered to be the most difficult section of the CAT examination. If a candidate can perform well under this section, it will give the candidate an upper hand over their counterparts. But if a candidate is weak in the quantitative section, they might feel the CAT exam to be more difficult.
The candidates who struggle with time management or stress. Choosing the right sets to answer is the most important CAT preparation tip that the candidates must follow. But the time limit of the CAT examination might affect the candidates negatively, and this may lead to underperformance in the CAT examination. Lack of time management might lead to stress, which may end up in panic. This was observed with a lot of candidates during the CAT examination. Hence, the candidate should ensure to stay calm throughout their CAT exam day.
Working professionals with limited CAT preparation time. The CAT exam is attempted by candidates who are studying and working alike. While candidates have been successful with their CAT preparation while working, a lot of them struggle with managing their CAT preparation and work due to a variety of reasons such as procrastination, work commitments and personal reasons. Due to various such reasons, the candidates who prepare for the CAT examination while working might fall short of their expectations and find the CAT exam challenging.
The candidates can refer to the various resources designed by experts of Careers360 using the links provided below.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
The difficulty of the CAT exam largely depends on how well a candidate prepares, but with an acceptance rate of just 2.7% for IIMs, the competition is undeniably intense. Strong basics in Math and English are crucial, and those lacking in either often find the test more challenging.
Apart from the high number of applicants, the CAT exam is tough due to its strict time limits, unpredictable question patterns, and the lack of a fixed syllabus. These factors demand not just knowledge but also adaptability and time management skills.
The three key sections—Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA)—require equal attention, but candidates often struggle most with VARC and QA due to their complexity and weightage.
Consistent preparation using high-quality study materials, mock tests, and a focus on sectional strengths are key. Time management during both preparation and the exam itself plays a major role in handling the pressure and maximising accuracy.
Hello Ashish,
Yes, you can get admission to MBA programs at IISWBM without a CAT score, but only for certain courses. Note that IISWBM has MBA programs under the University of Calcutta and flagship courses like MBA (Day) or MBA-HRM typically require a CAT score. Other programs like the PGDM or Executive MBA/Course may have other entrance examinations on which consideration would be made, or considerations may be based on merit, and of course work experience. Always run any eligibility detail checks with the official IISWBM (https://www.iiswbm.edu/) website or The IISWBM prospectus.
Hello,
Yes, a state (Delhi) NC-OBC certificate is valid for CAT 2025 , but it must be in the central government format (for appointment to posts under Government of India).
Also, it should be issued after 31st March 2025, as required by IIMs. If your certificate meets these conditions, it will be accepted.
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
With 375 marks and an AIR of around 2.6 lakh in NEET 2025, getting admission to Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College (AUTC), New Delhi under the state quota is quite difficult. The cutoffs for government BAMS seats in AUTC generally stay below AIR 50,000, especially for the General and EWS categories. Your score may not meet the cutoff in the first or second rounds, but you might still have a slim chance in the mop-up or stray vacancy rounds, depending on how many seats remain and how other candidates opt. If you're a Delhi domicile and have all your documents ready, you should definitely apply and fill AUTC as a top choice. It’s also good to keep backup options in other AYUSH colleges open.
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
If your son’s first preference is CSE, then Amrita Bangalore clearly leads among the three, simply because CSE opens more doors in terms of placements, internships, and future-proof careers. Amrita is also NAAC A++ and has a strong reputation, especially for CSE. Category 2 is also manageable fee-wise compared to higher categories.
VIT Chennai is a decent campus, and their ECE program is solid, but Category 5 means much higher fees and very low chance of branch upgrade later. CSE at VIT Chennai would have been more competitive here — but ECE at that fee tier is not as strong a deal unless your son has a strong interest in core electronics.
Manipal Bangalore (MIT Bengaluru campus) is a newer campus. ECE there is still developing in terms of placements and faculty compared to the main Manipal campus. Unless your son strongly prefers Bangalore or is getting some advantage here like scholarships or internship access, it doesn't stand out above Amrita.
So, recommendation: Go with Amrita Bangalore CSE (Category 2). It balances a strong branch with a decent campus and better long-term potential in the tech industry. If your son is open to core electronics and you’re okay with the higher cost, VIT Chennai is fine, but still comes second to CSE at Amrita.
All the best!
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