About the CAT exam
Common Admission Test is one of the better-known exams in India. It is administered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on a rotating basis and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held once a year, usually in November.
Format of the real exam: Computer-based test (CBT) with sectional time limits. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why CAT mock tests matter.
CAT eligibility
A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories), or final-year students awaiting results.
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), on a rotating basis before you apply.
CAT exam pattern and marking scheme
Three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability, each timed at 40 minutes. MCQs earn 3 marks and cost 1 mark when wrong, while typed-in answers have no negative marking.
- Subjects and sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability.
- Mode of the real exam: Computer-based test (CBT) with sectional time limits.
- Frequency: Once a year, usually in November.
CAT syllabus: what to study
The CAT syllabus is organised around 3 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Quantitative Ability: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for CAT
A good CAT plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Read widely and daily, as reading speed drives the VARC section.
- Practise DILR sets under the clock and learn to skip sets that look too heavy.
- Take at least one sectional mock a week and one full mock every weekend in the last two months.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise CAT mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A CAT mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.