100 Quant Facts Every CAT Aspirant Must Know

Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query:-

Determination of the best time to start the journey of CAT examination is based on individual factors like your current skill level, knowledge ,potential, learning pace and availability. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CAT exam, which usually takes place in November, it's advisable to begin studying between January and March of that same year. This 8 to 12-month preparation window is widely recommended by experts. But if you're managing your college along with the CAT preparations make sure you start from 2nd year onwards. It will hep you manage stress and you'll have ample amount of time to get along with the syllabus , pattern and various practice and mocks .

You'll be able to build a strong foundation in each sections and be able to know your strengths and weaknesses in different topics. The CAT syllabus is extensive, and early preparation allows for thorough coverage. Assess your learning speed and adjust your preparation timeline accordingly.

Essentially, while the ideal start time is subjective, beginning your CAT preparation well in advance is generally considered the most effective strategy for achieving optimal results.

The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE

Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:

- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.

- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.

- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.

- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.

- Now click on the B.Tech course.

By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.

Hey Shathvika,

Let's dive deep into MBA Entrance Exams (Other than CAT)

1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)

Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

- Duration: 3 hours.

- Marks: No negative marking for General          Knowledge.

Key Highlights:

- The Decision-Making section tests analytical and situational judgment skills.

- General Knowledge is evaluated during interviews, not for percentile calculation.

Official Website: https://xatonline.in

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2. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)

Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed) University

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.

- Duration: 1 hour.

- Marks: Total 60 marks (MCQs).

Key Highlights:

- Specifically for admission to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.

- Easy-to-moderate difficulty level.

Official Website: https://snaptest.org

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3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)

Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

- Duration: 3 hours.

- Marks: 400 marks.

Key Highlights:

- Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes.

- Includes an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.

Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in

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4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)

Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.

- Duration: 2.5 hours.

- Marks: 200 marks.

Key Highlights:

- Held multiple times a year in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes.

- Accepted by more than 600 MBA colleges in India.

Official Website: https://mat.aima.in

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5. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)

Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.

- Duration: 2 hours.

- Marks: 360 marks.

Key Highlights:

- Allows three attempts, with the best score considered.

- Accepted by NMIMS and partner universities worldwide.

Official Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat

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6. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)

Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can also apply).

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.

- Duration: 2 hours.

- Marks: 300 marks.

Key Highlights:

- Specifically for IIFT’s flagship MBA in International Business.

- General Knowledge plays a significant role in shortlisting.

Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in

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7. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)

Conducted by: Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: English Proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.

- Duration: 100 minutes.

- Marks: 100 marks.

Key Highlights:

- Focused on social sciences, HRM, and public policy programs.

- General Awareness is crucial (with emphasis on current affairs).

Official Website: https://admissions.tiss.edu

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8. MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)

Conducted by: MICA, Ahmedabad

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Psychometric Test, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Awareness, Divergent-Convergent Thinking, and Descriptive Test.

- Duration: 2.5 hours.

Key Highlights:

- Psychometric Test is a qualifying section.

- Specifically for MICA’s flagship PGDM-C program in Strategic Marketing and Communications.

Official Website: https://www.mica.ac.in

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9. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Eligibility: No specific eligibility; bachelor’s degree recommended.

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.

- Marks: 800 (scaled score).

Key Highlights:

- Globally recognized for MBA programs.

- Popular for Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes.

Official Website: https://www.mba.com

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10. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)

Conducted by: Maharashtra State CET Cell

Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).

Exam Pattern:

- Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.

- Duration: 2.5 hours.

- Marks: 200 marks (MCQs).

Key Highlights:

- Accepted by top Maharashtra B-schools like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.

- Known for its speed-intensive nature with 200 questions in 150 minutes.

Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org

Let me know if you have any doubts regarding a specific exam or any other query.

Have a nice day !!

Yes, for the NIFT entrance exam in Fashion Designing, you are required to give both the GAT (General Aptitude Test) and the CAT (Creative Ability Test). The GAT assesses your general knowledge, quantitative ability, and reasoning skills, while the CAT evaluates your creative skills, including drawing and visualization. Both tests are essential for admission, as they help assess both your aptitude for fashion design and your creative capabilities.

For more details you can visit the link given below

https://design.careers360.com/articles/difference-between-cat-and-gat-in-nift

Hello Ayush,

K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.

Hello,

Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:

1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).

2. Give equal time to all subjects.

3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.

You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-

1. CUSAT CAT Syllabus 2025

2. CUSAT CAT Sample Papers

Hope it helps !

Hello there,

Yes, you can apply for CAT examination after completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) .

The Common Admission Test (CAT) has no restrictions regarding your educational background thus allowing you to submit your application following your completion of a Pharm. D degree.

The Common Admission Test permits candidates to take the exam after completing any undergraduate degree without any restrictions to the area of study. The professional doctoral degree of Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) functions as an equivalent to bachelor's level for CAT eligibility recognition.

Therefore, Candidates who received their Pharm. D degree can pursue the CAT exam application process based on their qualification standards.

Hope this will help!

With a CAT percentile of 89.27 and your academic scores, you have a fair chance of getting into some of the top-tier and upper-mid-tier B-schools in India. Here are some of the best options you can target:

Top Colleges You Can Apply To

1. IMI Delhi (International Management Institute)

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Known for: Finance, Marketing, and Consulting placements.

2. IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology)

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Strong alumni network and good placement records.

3. XIMB Bhubaneswar (Xavier Institute of Management)

CAT Cut-off: 85+ percentile

Known for HR, Finance, and Operations.

4. TAPMI Manipal (T.A. Pai Management Institute)

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Consistent placement records in marketing and finance.

5. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Good ROI and strong industry connections.

6. GIM Goa (Goa Institute of Management)

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Known for a strong finance and marketing curriculum.

7. FORE School of Management, Delhi

CAT Cut-off: 85–90 percentile

Offers good placements and industry exposure.

Hello Ayushi,

With a GATE score of 402 in the OBC category, securing admission to M.Tech programs in Biotechnology at IITs may be challenging. For instance, IIT Delhi's 2022 cutoff for Biomedical Engineering was 650 for OBC candidates.

It's advisable to check the specific admission criteria of each IIT and consider applying to multiple institutions to increase your chances.

Hope it helps !

With a 99 percentile in CAT, you've definitely got a strong foundation for your MBA aspirations.

FMS Admission Process

FMS Delhi considers various factors for admission, including:

1. CAT score (99 percentile is excellent!)

2. Academic performance (your low academic background might be a concern)

3. Work experience (you didn't mention any, but certifications and courses can help)

4. Extracurricular activities (your Engage 7x Course and Spanish foreign language course are positives)

5. Personal interview (this is an opportunity to showcase your skills and passion)

SC Category Advantage

As an SC category candidate, you'll have a relaxation in the admission criteria. FMS Delhi has a reservation policy for SC/ST candidates.

Chances of Getting into FMS

While a 99 percentile CAT score is impressive, FMS Delhi is a highly competitive institution. Your low academic background might affect your chances, but:

- Your SC category status will provide some advantage.

- Your certifications and courses (Engage 7x, Spanish) demonstrate your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

It's difficult to predict admission outcomes, but I'd estimate your chances as follows:

- FMS Delhi: 20-30% chance (considering your CAT score, SC category, and certifications)

- Other top MBA colleges: 50-70% chance (considering your CAT score and SC category)

Next Steps

1. Apply to FMS Delhi: Submit your application, highlighting your strengths and certifications.

2. Prepare for the personal interview: Showcase your passion, skills, and experiences.

3. Consider other MBA colleges: Apply to other top colleges that align with your interests and goals.

Stay positive, and best of luck with your applications!