How Many Attempts are Allowed in CAT Exam? There is attempt limit set for the CAT examination. You can appear for the examination as many times as you wish.
Every year, a number of students will go through the CAT exam. Others make their first consumptions. Others paraphrase it so that they can attain better grades. This is one of the questions that are asked after every so often. What is the number of times I can take the CAT exam?
The solution is simple. There is no limit. The CAT is a re-testable test. No rule stops you. You can take it this year. You can take it next year. You may also repeat it then. This is a very reassuring provision to students. There is no reason to be concerned that you are not able to achieve your target score in the first round. You can do it better next time. Students that take the CAT three/four times. That is also fine. Every endeavor is a lesson.
No Limit on CAT Attempts
There is no rule of attempt by the examiner team of CAT exam. They simply check whether you are qualified or not. You can have the exam in case you happen to. That is all. You can do the test annually. There is no ban on repeated attempts.
Many of the students examine in their final college year. Others do it within two or three years of service. Even when they get in an MBA, others redo it. There is no rule that controls this.
CAT Attempt Policy
The CAT attempt policy details are shared in the table below.
| Year | Attempts Allowed | Note |
| 2022 | Unlimited | Rule stays the same |
| 2023 | Unlimited | No changes made |
| 2024 | Unlimited | Same as before |
| 2025 | Unlimited | Open for all students |
| 2026 | Unlimited | Rule remains same |
As you can see, the rule has not changed in the last few years. You can take the test every year without a problem.
CAT Eligibility Rules
You can take the CAT exam many times. But each time you take it, you must meet the rules. These are the rules made for all students. The exam team checks these rules before giving the admit card.
Basic Qualification
You must have a bachelor’s degree. It can be from any stream. The degree should be from a college that is approved, and if you are in your final year, that is also okay. You can still apply. If your degree result is not yet out, you can still take the exam. But you must show your passing proof when you join the college.
Marks Requirement
If you are from the general group or from the NC OBC group, then you must have fifty per cent marks. If you are from SC or ST, or if you have any physical difficulty, then you must have forty per cent marks. That is the basic rule for everyone.
Age Rule
There is no age rule in CAT. You can take the test at any age. You can take it while in college. You can take it after college. You can take it after five years, also. There is no age bar.
Work Rule
CAT does not ask for work experience. You can also apply with no job. The score is only based on your exam marks. The IIMs may ask for work experience later during interviews. But for the CAT exam, it is not needed.
CAT Eligibility Details
Check out the CAT exam eligibility details shared below.
| Rule Type | Requirement |
| Degree | Must have a valid bachelor’s degree |
| Marks | Fifty percent for general and NC OBC. Forty five for SC ST PwD |
| Final Year | Final year students can apply |
| Age | No age limit |
| Work | Work experience not needed |
These are the only things you need to check. If you meet these, then you can apply.
Check CAT Related Articles:
CAT Exam Guidelines
CAT is an online test. It is held once every year. One should follow steps before the exam. These are measures that will see to it that there is smooth running.
Form Filling
You will need to fill the form on the official site of CAT. You must put your name and your marks and your category. You need to upload your photo. Your degree or marksheet should also be uploaded.
You would select that option in case you are in your final year. Then you do not need to upload marks. Once you fill the form, you will be expected to pay the fee. Thereafter you shall be confirmed. After that you wait and receive your admit card.
Admit Card
This card would be needed during the exam day. It will include your centre name and your time slot. You must take a print of it. An ID proof should also be carried. In their absence you will not be admitted.
Test Instructions
You will sit at a computer. The test has three sections. One of them is the one that looks at your reading skills. One tests your logic skills. One tests your number skills. Every section is assigned a specific time. After time has elapsed there is no need to go back.
You will get a rough pad. You can solve that. No calculator or cell phone is allowed in. You must follow the rules. You are going to get cancelled on your test in case you violate any rule.
Score Validity
Your CAT score is valid within one year. You will have to retake the test in case you would like to apply again the next year. You cannot use an old score. This renders the process just among the students.
Every Failure is a Change to Be Better
Since CAT will allow a high number of tries, you can plan. You can learn from each test. You can fix your weak points. You can build confidence. Your marks can improve with each time.
Other students take one attempt to experience it. Then they train more to the next. That is fine. Some clear it in one go and some take time. Every path is valid. Always strive to do your best and prepare with a calm mind, solve papers, take mock tests and stay focused. And you will make more points when you do so. You will be in a better position to your target college.
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Unlimited attempts allowed for CAT exam. -
CAT scores are valid for one year only. -
No age limit for taking the CAT exam. -
Work experience is not mandatory for CAT.
