CAT Score Validity: CAT Score Is Valid For How Many Years?
Many aspirants start preparing months in advance, but one doubt keeps popping up in every batch: “CAT score is valid for how many years?”
If you’re planning your MBA journey seriously, you need to understand exactly how many years your cat score, CAT result and CAT scorecard remain useful for MBA admissions to Indian B schools and other management programs.
Short answer upfront: for almost every institute that accept CAT scores, your CAT score validity is valid for one year only. That score is valid for just one academic session and a single admission cycle, not for a subsequent year.
Official sources like the CAT information bulletin and leading MBA portals clearly confirm that the Common Admission Test (CAT) score score validity is 1 year; for example, the CAT 2025 scorecard will be valid only for MBA admissions to the 2026–27 academic year, after which it is no longer accepted.
Let’s break down what this actually means for you, using plenty of examples, timelines and comparisons.
What Is the CAT Exam and Why Does Score Validity Matter?
Before digging deeper into score validity, let’s quickly revisit what the CAT exam is.
The CAT is a national‑level computer‑based exam conducted once every year by the Indian Institutes of Management. It is the primary gateway for admission to flagship graduate management programs (PGP/MBA/PGDM) at the IIMs and many other top B schools and MBA colleges across India.
The current CAT exam pattern has three sections:
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
-
Quantitative Ability
You earn +3 marks for every question answered correctly and lose 1 mark for every incorrect MCQ due to negative marking (there’s no negative marking for certain non‑MCQ questions). The exam duration is 2 hours, with 40 minutes for each section.
Because CAT is offered just once each academic year, and lakhs of test takers compete in a single window, the authorities keep CAT score validity short. This ensures every batch of applicants is evaluated using scores from the same year's cat exam, under similar conditions. The CAT score is valid only for the current year's cat exam and cannot be used for admissions in any other year.
Short Answer – CAT Score Is Valid for One Year
In practical terms, CAT score validity means:
Your cat score, scaled score, sectional scores and percentile are accepted for one admission cycle and one academic session only.
For example, a CAT 2025 score can be used for MBA admissions to programmes beginning in the 2026–27 academic session, but not for the 2027–28 intake.
For IIMs, IITs and non iims that accept cat scores, the rule is essentially the same: the score is valid for 1 year only. After that period, even a very good score will not help for fresh applications—you’ll need to reappear for the cat exam in a later academic session.
You’ll often see this written in brochures as:
“CAT 2025 score is valid only for admissions to programmes starting in the upcoming academic session 2026–27.”
Once that admission window closes, the same cat score has no score validity for new applications.
Understanding “1 Year” CAT Score Validity in Practice
So when we say a valid cat score is valid for one year, what exactly does that mean in terms of dates?
Typically:
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The CAT result is declared in the first week of January following the exam.
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The CAT scorecard remains available for download on the official website until 31 December of that year.
During this period, your score is valid for all stages of the B‑school admission process—shortlisting, written tests, group discussions and the personal interview—for that specific academic session only. After December, that valid CAT score is no longer considered by institutes for new admissions.
Common Admission Test 2026 Score Validity Timeline (Example)
Here’s a simplified, updated timeline for CAT 2026, aligned with the typical IIM admission cycle and official notification pattern.
CAT 2026 Score Validity Timeline
|
Stage |
Approx. Dates (CAT 2026) |
What It Means for Score Validity |
|---|---|---|
|
CAT 2026 Registration |
1 Aug 2026 – 15 Sep 2026 (expected) |
You create your user ID, fill the form, upload documents, and receive your registration number. |
|
CAT 2026 Exam Date |
29 Nov 2026 (expected, last Sunday of Nov) |
You appear for the exam in one slot; raw marks are generated. |
|
CAT 2026 Result & Scorecard |
Early Jan 2027 (expected) |
Your CAT score, scaled score, and percentile are released officially. |
|
Scorecard Download Window |
Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2027 (expected validity period) |
Your CAT 2026 score can be downloaded and verified for admissions during this period. |
|
MBA/PGDM Academic Session |
2027–28 |
Institutes use CAT 2026 scores only for this academic year. |
What This Means for CAT 2026 Score Validity
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CAT 2026 scores will be valid only for admissions in the 2027–28 academic session.
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The scorecard will likely remain downloadable until 31 December 2027.
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After that, the score does not roll over to the next admission cycle.
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If you want admission in 2028–29, you must appear for CAT 2027.
In Simple Terms
Everything—from registration (Aug 2026) to the last scorecard download date (Dec 2027)—falls within roughly a 1-year window.
But your CAT 2026 score is valid only for the 2027–28 MBA intake.
Once that cycle ends, the score remains part of your record but cannot be used for fresh MBA applications.
CAT Score Validity for IIMs, IITs and Other Indian B Schools
At the IIMs, the policy is straightforward:
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Your CAT score validity is limited to admission for programmes starting in the upcoming academic session only.
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The Indian Institutes of Management use the cat score as the primary shortlisting tool for their flagship management programs and do not consider scores from an earlier particular year.
The same principle applies to most Indian B schools, including:
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Departments of management at IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras
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University‑level Institute of Management departments
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A wide range of top B schools, top Indian B schools, top private B schools and other private b schools
Their admission pages and brochures typically mention:
“The candidate should have a valid CAT score from [latest CAT year] for this academic year of intake.”
How Different Categories of Institutes Treat CAT Score Validity
|
Category |
Examples |
CAT Score Validity Policy |
|---|---|---|
|
IIMs |
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Kozhikode |
CAT score validity is 1 year; score is valid only for programmes starting in the upcoming academic session. |
|
IITs’ management schools |
IIT Delhi (DMS), IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), IIT Madras (DoMS) |
Require a valid CAT score from the most recent cat exam cycle for their MBA/PGDM admission. |
|
Top private B schools |
T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Goa Institute of Management, Great Lakes Institute of Management |
Typically ask for a valid CAT score from the latest exam year; some also accept a GMAT score as an alternative. |
Whether your target is an IIM, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras or a reputed private b school like T. A. Pai Management Institute (often casually called pai management institute), you will see the same message: you must present a valid cat score from the most recent cat exam specified in that batch’s brochure.
So, if you want multiple options across IIMs, IITs and top private b schools, treat your CAT score validity window very seriously and use it to apply to all your preferred choice MBA colleges in that single 1 year.
Top B Schools that Accept CAT Scores
The Common Admission Test(CAT) is the gateway to some of the most prestigious B schools and management programs in India. If you’re aiming for a top-tier MBA program, knowing which institutes accept CAT scores is essential for planning your MBA journey and maximizing your options during the admission process.
Here’s a look at some of the leading B schools and institutes of management that consider a valid CAT score for their flagship programs:
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Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs): All 22 IIMs, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta, use the CAT exam as the primary selection tool for their MBA and PGP courses.
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Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi: FMS is renowned for its ROI and academic excellence, and it shortlists candidates based on their CAT scorecard.
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XLRI (Xavier School of Management): While XLRI primarily conducts the XAT, it also considers CAT scores for select programs, making it a unique option among top B schools.
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Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon: MDI is a preferred choice for many aspirants and accepts CAT scores for its MBA admissions.
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IITs’ Management Departments: Institutes like IIT Delhi (DMS), IIT Bombay (SJMSOM), and others use the CAT test for their management programs, offering a blend of technical and managerial education.
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National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai: NITIE is highly regarded for its specialized management programs and requires a valid CAT score for admission.
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SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai: SPJIMR is among the top private B schools that shortlist candidates based on their CAT score.
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Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: TISS accepts CAT scores for certain management programs, expanding opportunities for social sector management aspirants.
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Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad: IMT is a leading private B school that considers CAT scores for its MBA admissions.
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KJ Somaiya Institute of Management (SIMSR), Mumbai: SIMSR is another top private institute that uses the CAT scorecard in its selection process.
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Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa: GIM is well-known for its academic rigor and accepts CAT scores for its MBA programs.
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Fore School of Management (FSM), Delhi: FSM is a popular choice among aspirants and requires a valid CAT score for admission.
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Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai: LIBA is a respected private B school that considers CAT scores for its management programs.
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T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal: Often referred to as Pai Management Institute, TAPMI is a top private B school that accepts CAT scores for its MBA programs.
These are just a few examples—many other private B schools and Indian institutes also accept CAT scores for their MBA admissions. Each institute has its own eligibility criteria, admission process, and cut-off requirements, so it’s important to check the official websites of your preferred choice of B schools for the most up-to-date information.
The CAT exam is conducted once every academic year, and your score is valid for one year only. The exam pattern includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. The exam duration is 2 hours, and the CAT registration process typically opens in August. Your CAT scorecard will display your sectional scores and overall percentile, which are used by these top B schools to shortlist candidates for the next stages, such as group discussions, written ability tests, and personal interviews.
While some institutes may also consider other exams like GMAT, XAT, or SNAP, the CAT test remains the most widely accepted and recognized for MBA admissions in India. A strong CAT score not only opens doors to the IIMs but also to a wide range of top private B schools and institutes of management across the country.
By understanding which B-schools accept CAT scores and aligning your preparation with their admission process and score validity requirements, you can make informed decisions and set yourself up for success in your MBA journey.
CAT Score vs GMAT Score Validity
Many aspirants also consider the GMAT exam, especially for international options or specialised MBA program formats. One big difference between CAT and GMAT is score validity:
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A GMAT score is valid for 5 years from the test date.
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A CAT score is valid for 1 year only.
This means you can take the GMAT well in advance and still have a valid gmat score when you’re ready to apply. With CAT, you do not have that flexibility—the cat score validity forces you to align preparation, exam attempt and applications within a single academic year.
CAT vs GMAT: Score Validity and Usage
|
Feature |
CAT |
GMAT |
|---|---|---|
|
Full form |
Common Admission Test |
Graduate Management Admission Test |
|
Main use |
Admission to Indian MBA colleges and IIMs |
Global business school and MBA admissions |
|
Score validity |
1 year |
5 years |
|
Attempts |
Once a year on a fixed date |
Multiple times a year, rolling dates |
|
Accepting institutes |
IIMs, IITs, Indian B schools, non iims |
Global and Indian B‑schools accepting gmat score |
|
Sections (current) |
VARC, DILR, QA |
Quant, Verbal, Data Insights (depending on edition) |
|
Negative marking |
Yes, −1 for wrong MCQs |
No negative marking |
This is why some candidates write both exams: they use the cat exam for Indian MBA admissions and a gmat score for international or executive management programs.
CAT Scorecard, CAT Result and Score Validity
Your CAT result is published as:
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Section‑wise scaled score
-
Section‑wise percentile
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Overall scaled score and percentile
Soon after the result is declared, the website activates the cat scorecard download link. You must log in with your user id and password using the same login details and registration number created during cat registration.
The cat scorecard shows:
-
Raw cat marks converted to a scaled score in each section
– verbal ability and reading comprehension
– data interpretation and logical reasoning
– quantitative ability -
Sectional scores and sectional scores percentiles
-
Overall score and percentile
From a score validity point of view, B schools rely on the data printed on this CAT scorecard only while it is within the official 1 year window. Once that time ends, your user id may still work, but the scorecard link is usually disabled and institutes stop treating that cat score as a valid cat score.
Key Points on the CAT Scorecard
Here are some key points to check on your scorecard and how they relate to CAT score validity:
|
Field on Scorecard |
What It Shows |
Why It Matters for Score Validity |
|---|---|---|
|
Candidate name & photo |
Your identity |
Must match application forms and ID documents for admission verification. |
|
Registration number |
Unique ID from cat registration |
Used by institutes to verify your cat result and score validity. |
|
Sectional scaled score |
Normalised score in each section |
Some institutes set minimum sectional cut‑offs for a valid cat score. |
|
Overall cat score & percentile |
Your total performance |
Main metric used by top B schools for shortlisting. |
|
Validity note / date |
“Scorecard will be valid till 31‑12‑20XX” (or similar) |
Clearly states until when the score is valid for applications. |
Always download and safely store multiple copies of your cat scorecard while the score is valid. If there is any mismatch in details, reach out to the cat helpdesk promptly so your admission to a business school isn’t jeopardised.
How CAT Marks Become Scaled Score and Percentile
CAT uses both raw and scaled scoring:
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First, your raw cat marks in each section are calculated based on:
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Questions answered correctly (+3)
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Incorrect attempts (−1 because of negative marking)
-
Unattempted questions (0)
-
-
These raw marks are then converted to a scaled score through equating and scaling, because different slots may vary slightly in difficulty.
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Finally, your scaled score is converted into a percentile, showing what percentage of test takers scored below you.
IIMs and institutes like IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay and IIT Madras often use both percentile and the underlying cat score in a composite score formula for shortlisting, along with academics, work experience and other factors.
How Score Validity Fits Into the MBA Admission Cycle
In every academic session, your CAT score validity is tightly linked with the MBA admissions calendar.
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IIMs and Indian B schools publish shortlists soon after the cat result.
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They clearly state which year’s cat exam score is being used for that batch.
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The admission process usually runs from January to April/May, followed by final admission offers for the new academic year.
If you want to join an MBA program in that intake, your score validity must cover:
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Application submission
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Shortlisting
-
Written tests / GD
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Personal interview
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Final admission confirmation
How a CAT Score Is Used Through the Admission Cycle
|
Stage of Admission Cycle |
Time of Year |
How CAT Score Is Used |
Score Validity Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CAT result declared |
Early January |
You see your cat score and percentile. |
Start of your 1 year score validity window. |
|
B‑school applications |
Jan–Feb |
You enter your score and upload cat scorecard. |
Score must be current and valid for one year. |
|
Shortlisting for WAT/PI |
Feb–Mar |
Institutes filter by percentile and scaled score. |
Only candidates with a valid cat score are shortlisted. |
|
WAT/GD and personal interview |
Mar–Apr |
Institutes evaluate profile + performance in PI/WAT. |
Still within the same academic session & admission cycle. |
|
Final admission offers |
Apr–Jun |
Composite score finalised. |
Old scores from a subsequent year are not considered. |
|
Classes begin |
Jun–Aug |
You join your business school or institute of management. |
All based on that particular year’s CAT score. |
As you can see, a valid cat score is needed not just on the day you apply, but right through to your final admission at your preferred choice of institute.
Example: CAT 2025 and Its Score Validity
To make this clearer, let’s take CAT 2025 as an example.
-
The notification confirms that CAT 2025 will be held on 30 November 2025.
-
Results are expected in early January 2026.
-
The cat 2025 score will be used for MBA admissions in the academic session 2026–27 only.
If you skip applications that year and try to use the same cat 2025 result later, most b schools will treat it as expired. They insist on a fresh cat exam so that every batch is evaluated with scores from the same particular year.
In simple terms, your CAT 2025 score is valid for just one full 1 year cycle of applications and admission offers. After that, it becomes part of your personal record only; in the eyes of respective institutes, the score validity has ended.
FAQs on CAT Score Validity
Q1. How many years is CAT score valid?
The correct answer is that CAT score validity is 1 year. Your cat score from one exam year can be used only for the upcoming academic session mentioned in the notification. After that, the score is valid no more for fresh admissions.
Q2. Can I use my CAT score after one year?
No. For new applications, once the 1 year validity is over, your cat score validity ends. Even if you can still log in and see an old cat result, it does not count as a valid cat score for a new admission cycle.
Many students ask whether an earlier cat score valid for new forms—unfortunately, it isn’t.
Q3. Is CAT score validity the same for IIMs, IITs and other exams?
Yes. All IIMs, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras and most non iims that accept cat scores follow the same score validity rule: one exam year, one academic session.
Other tests like the gmat exam differ; a gmat score is valid for five years, which is much longer than CAT.
Q4. What if I get admission this year but want to defer joining?
Deferral policies vary by respective institutes. Some business school and institute of management brands allow you to defer admission by a year for strong reasons, but that has nothing to do with extending CAT score validity.
Even if you defer, the seat is still linked to that particular year’s selection, not to a new application using an old score.
Q5. I’m in my final year of graduation. Can I take CAT now and use the score later?
Yes. Final year students are eligible to take CAT, provided they meet the stated eligibility criteria in the notification.
However, even for final year students, cat score validity stays the same: you must use that valid cat score for MBA admissions in the academic session immediately following that exam year.
Q6. Is CAT score validity ever 2 years or more?
No. Unlike some specialised tests where the score is valid for more than one year, CAT is always valid for one year only. If you skip a cycle or want a higher percentile for better MBA colleges, the only option is to retake the cat exam in a later academic session.
If you were hoping CAT score validity might be 2–3 years and wondering how many years you can use the score, remember: for CAT it is always 1 year of official score validity.
Using Your Valid CAT Score for the Right Academic Session
Because your cat score stays valid for only one academic year, planning is critical.
As soon as your cat result is out:
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List all target IIMs, IITs and top b schools.
-
Track their deadlines and admission process stages.
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Prioritise institutes where you have a realistic chance based on your cat score and profile.
For each institute, carefully check which year’s cat exam they are accepting. Most institute of management websites clearly state:
“We will consider only CAT 2025 scores for admission to the 2026–27 batch.”
If you’re unsure, contact the cat helpdesk or email the admissions office of that institute.
By doing this, you can align a single valid cat score with multiple applications across IIMs, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras and top private b schools, making the most of your 1 year validity window.
What Happens If You Miss the Admission Cycle?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to use your cat score in the year when it’s valid—maybe due to health issues, family reasons or work.
If you decide to pursue an MBA in a subsequent year, you will almost always need to appear for CAT again to get a fresh valid cat score.
The earlier attempt is still valuable:
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You understand the exam pattern much better.
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You know which sections—verbal ability, quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning or reading comprehension—need more work.
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You can tailor your preparation for a good score next time.
With better preparation and better understanding of the exam pattern, you can aim for an even stronger performance and target more top b schools and MBA colleges in your next attempt.
CAT Score Validity vs GMAT and Other Exams
If you want more flexibility over how many years your management test score is valid, you might also explore other exams.
-
A gmat score is valid for five years, so you can plan applications at a more relaxed pace.
-
Some niche tests have 2‑year validity.
However, for mainstream Indian MBA admissions, especially to IIMs and top Indian b schools, a fresh cat score from the latest cat exam remains the main requirement.
Many candidates therefore take both tests:
-
Use the cat exam for IIMs and other Indian b schools.
-
Use a gmat score for foreign business school options or special management programs that allow GMAT.
Either way, the CAT side of the plan still gives you just 1 year of score validity.
How Mockat Helps You Make the Most of 1 Year of CAT Score Validity
Because your cat score validity window is short, strong performance in that particular year matters a lot. That’s where Mockat can support you.
Mockat offers structured preparation for:
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Quantitative ability
-
Verbal ability and reading comprehension
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Data interpretation and logical reasoning
so that you can chase a good score and a strong valid cat score in a single serious attempt.
Mockat’s mock tests mirror the real exam interface, timing and negative marking rules, giving you the closest possible feel of the actual test. Analysing your attempts helps you increase the number of questions answered correctly and reduce avoidable errors.
Beyond the test itself, Mockat supports your entire MBA journey:
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Understanding CAT eligibility criteria
-
Shortlisting MBA colleges, top b schools and top private b schools
-
Preparing for written tests and personal interview rounds during admission
All of this helps you convert that one valid cat score into admission offers from top business school brands.
Connect This Page to the “CAT Exam Eligibility” Pillar Page
If you are still at the planning stage, start by checking whether you meet the CAT eligibility criteria.
You can do this on Mockat’s CAT Exam Eligibility pillar page (make sure this article on score validity is internally linked from there and vice versa for stronger SEO and better navigation on mockat.com).
Once you’re sure you’re eligible:
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Plan which particular year’s CAT you will take.
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Map out the academic session and admission cycle for your target institutes.
-
Use Mockat resources to prepare and aim for a valid cat score in that year.
Final Thoughts
Whether your dream is an IIM, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras or a pai management institute‑type private b school, the rule is the same:
One CAT exam, 1 year of score validity.
Use this understanding of how many years a CAT score is valid to plan your preparation, your applications and your overall MBA journey. With focused work and smart use of Mockat, you can earn a valid cat score from the latest cat exam and turn it into admission to the best management programs in the country.
