How Many Times Is the CAT Exam Offered Annually?
- Saurabh Kulkarni
- Mar 26
- 4 min read

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is perhaps one of the most competitive exams in India for future Management students. This examination is conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is the gateway to the best MBA colleges in Pune and all over India. If you are planning to appear for the CAT exam, one of the most important things you might like to know is the CAT exam frequency per year.
In this article, we will answer that question comprehensively, plus other relevant details on the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, preparation strategy, and how you can use your CAT score for top MBA colleges admission.
How Many Times is the CAT Exam Conducted in a Year?
CAT is conducted only once a year by IIMs. Typically, it occurs during the months of November and December, and registrations for the exam usually begin around August and September.
Important information regarding the CAT examination:
Exam Type: Online (computer-based test).
Number of sittings (marks) available: The test is commonly administered in several sittings on the same dates.
Application Period: Usually starts in August and ends in September.
Announcement of the results: Usually completed in January.
Since the CAT exam is conducted just once annually, candidates have to wisely prepare in order to pass in one go. If you miss the exam or don’t get the score you want, you have to wait until the following year to try again.
Details About the CAT Exam:
CAT is an online test that tests candidates on their logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and aptitude. The exam has three sections:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Every section has a predetermined time, and candidates need to solve the questions in the given time. The CAT exam lasts 120 minutes (2 hours), and each section has 40 minutes. The test is organized with a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQ (TITA - Type In The Answer) questions.
In Which Month is CAT Conducted?
CAT is held every year, typically on the final Sunday of November. The official announcement for CAT comes out in July or August, and then the application process starts. The candidates need to register within the provided time frame, generally between August and September. The date of the exam is announced officially along with the announcement, and admit cards are issued in October.
As the CAT test is only given once a year, aspirants must judiciously prepare so that they can clear it in a single attempt. In case you miss the test or fail to get the desired score, you must wait till the next year to attempt again.
What Should You Prepare For In The CAT Exam Syllabus MBA Section?
The CAT syllabus aims at evaluating students in the following three subjects:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Comprehension Passage
Sentence Framing
Para Jumbles
Grammar and Vocabulary
Data Interpretation & Logic Reasoning (DILR)
Graphs and Charts
Riddles
Caselets
Sitting Arrangement
Quantitative Analysis and Assumptions (QA)
Arithmetic: ( Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work )
Algebra: ( Equation and Progression )
Geometry and Mensuration
Systematic Number and Probability
Focusing on Varied And Earmarked Areas Would Aid Students In Clearing The CAT Examination.
Steps:
Having proper strategies mapped and prepared will make it easy to crack the CAT exam which is held only once a year. Here are some expert tips:
Make Sure to Start Early: The preparation should start 6 to 12 months in advance for optimum results.
Take Mock Tests: In order to develop proper accuracy and better time use, completing previous years’ papers and mock tests is essential.
Focus on Weak Areas: Track your performance in every section to understand your strong and weaker areas. Divide your time wisely.
Join a Coaching Program: If you require assistance, you May join a well known institution or an online MBA coaching center in Pimpri Chinchwad that offers such services.
Stay Updated: Make sure to follow all the institutional websites to check for any announcements concerning the CAT examination calendar and its content revision.
Career Opportunities After CAT: Why Choose MBA Institutes In Pune?
After the CAT examination, learners may vies for admission at leading business schools. That is why Pune is the other preferred destination for MBA aspirants in view of its quality education and existing industries.
Why Choose MBA Institutes in Pune?
Houses prominent colleges such as ASM’s IBMR which has great ranking for its MBA and PGDM programs.
Presence of numerous industries that provides job opportunities.
Offers distance and online learning programs such as the online MBA in Pimpri Chinchwad for busy professionals.
Conclusion
For students wishing to pursue an MBA from one of the best business schools, the CAT exam represents one of the most important steps. Because it is only held once a year, every candidate must sufficiently and strategically prepare it. If you are looking to start your MBA from a reputed institute, consider ASM’s IBMR in Pune, which offers excellent placement assistance and is known for its industry-driven MBA programs.
To build a successful career in management, begin preparing for the CAT exam right now!
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