What is the overall structure and marking scheme of the CAT exam?

Yes, one can join an IIM without taking the CAT exam, but this alternative route depends entirely on the type of programme. CAT exam remains mandatory for the flagship two-year full-time MBA (PGP/PGDM) programs. However, some courses may not need a valid CAT score for IIM admission.

Getting a 99 percentile in the CAT exam is usually considered difficult, as it places you in the top 1 per cent of roughly 2.5 to 3 Lacs test-takers.

A raw score or scaled score of 72 in the CAT exam is generally considered a good score. Candidates with 72 score are usually placed in the 90th to 95th percentile range.

IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) is generally considered harder in terms of raw subject knowledge. While the CAT exam is more unpredictable and competitive regarding speed as well as strategy.

No, graduates or final-year students from any discipline, including Engineering, Humanities, Commerce, Science, or Arts, can appear for CAT. The eligibility for admissions via CAT remains the same across all IIMs. However, the qualifying cutoff varies for all 22 IIMs