CAT 2018 to be held on November 25: Details here
What's the story
The 2018 Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to management programs in IIMs and other institutes will be held on November 25.
However, the date is liable to change 'in case of exceptional circumstances,' the official statement stated.
A detailed notification is expected to be out in July or August.
In a change, IIMs are likely to start awarding degrees from the next session.
Exam
What will the exam be like?
The CAT is generally held in two sessions of 180 minutes each. Each has three sections to measure candidates' verbal ability and reading comprehension (Section I); data interpretation and logical reasoning (Section II) and quantitative ability (Section III).
Candidates get exactly 60 minutes for each section. A basic calculator can be used.
There are both subjective and objective questions.
Next
What next for the successful candidates?
Apart from the 20 IIMs, CAT scores are also accepted by over 100 colleges for admission into their business courses, including the IITs, IISc's, SPJIMR Mumbai, FMS Delhi etc.
Based on CAT scores, previous academic performance and work experience, IIMs shortlist candidates for a writing test, group discussion and personal interview.
Interview letters are sent to the chosen candidates.
Information
Here's what the schedule generally looks like
Last year, IIM-Lucknow organized the CAT 2017. The detailed notification was issued in July, and registration had started on August 9. Results are usually released in January. Those holding a Bachelor's Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA are eligible for the exam.
IIM Bill
IIMs likely to start handing out degrees instead of diplomas
In December, the Rajya Sabha passed the IIM Bill that allowed the institutes to award degrees and make appointments themselves, among other changes.
Earlier, Masters students got a PGDM. Doctoral researchers got the title of a 'Fellow.'
Indecision on the administration's part meant some students got degrees this time, while others got diplomas.
But all IIMs are likely to start awarding degrees from 2019.