The Common Admission Test (CAT), a pivotal examination for admissions into prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), has undergone evolution over the years, witnessing variations in its format, structure, and content. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of these changes.

In 2011, the CAT was administered by IIM Calcutta, comprising 60 questions distributed across two sections: Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation (QA & DI) and Logical Reasoning & Verbal Ability (LR & VA). The duration allocated was 140 minutes, allowing approximately 140 seconds per question.

The following year, in 2012, IIM Kozhikode took the reins, maintaining the same question count, duration, and section-wise distribution as the previous year.

In 2013, IIM Indore assumed control, perpetuating the pattern established by its predecessors in terms of question count, duration, and section composition.

2014 witnessed a slight deviation as IIM Indore increased the number of questions to 100 while extending the duration to 170 minutes, allocating roughly 102 seconds per question. The sections remained consistent with QA & DI and LR & VA.

In 2015, IIM Ahmedabad introduced a notable alteration by expanding the test to three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). The number of questions remained at 100, with a duration of 180 minutes, providing approximately 108 seconds per question.

Subsequent years from 2016 to 2019 maintained this three-section format and duration, with each IIM taking its turn to set the exam. IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, and IIM Kozhikode successively conducted the CAT, ensuring consistency in structure while varying the content of questions to assess candidates comprehensively.

In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, IIM Indore made adjustments to the CAT format, reducing the number of questions to 76 and the duration to 120 minutes. This change aimed to accommodate the challenges posed by the pandemic while still evaluating candidates’ aptitude effectively.

The following year, in 2021, IIM Ahmedabad maintained the reduced question count and duration introduced by IIM Indore in the previous year, signaling a potential shift towards a streamlined approach to the examination.

In 2022, both IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta adopted the 66-question format with a 120-minute duration, continuing the trend initiated by IIM Indore in 2020.

In 2023, IIM Lucknow adhered to the 66-question format and 120-minute duration, ensuring uniformity in the CAT structure across different IIMs.

Overall, the CAT has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changing circumstances while striving to uphold its integrity as a rigorous assessment tool for selecting candidates for management programs at the esteemed IIMs. From variations in question count and duration to the introduction of new sections, each iteration of the CAT reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of management education in India.

Year	Set by	Number of Questions	Duration (mins)	Seconds Allocated Per Question	Number of Sections	Sections
2011	IIM Calcutta	60	140	140	2	QA & DI, LR & VA
2012	IIM Kozhikode	60	140	140	2	QA & DI, LR & VA
2013	IIM Indore	60	140	140	2	QA & DI, LR & VA
2014	IIM Indore	100	170	102	2	QA & DI, LR & VA
2015	IIM Ahmedabad	100	180	108	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2016	IIM Bangalore	100	180	108	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2017	IIM Lucknow	100	180	108	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2018	IIM Calcutta	100	180	108	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2019	IIM Kozhikode	100	180	108	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2020	IIM Indore	76	120	95	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2021	IIM Ahmedabad	66	120	95	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2022	IIM Bangalore	66	120	95	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2022	IIM Calcutta	66	120	95	3	QA, DILR & VARC
2023	IIM Lucknow	66	120	95	3	QA, DILR & VARC

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