Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Nov 26, 2023 12:43 IST
CAT 2023 exam is being conducted in three slots on November 26, 2023, in the computer-based test mode. Shiksha visited one of the CAT test centres to take the CAT aspirants' reactions and reviews about the CAT 2023 exam. Read the article below to know the CAT students reactions and reviews.

Check out CAT 2023 student reactions and reviews to know the difficulty level of the exam being held today.

CAT 2023 Students Reaction and Reviews

CAT 2023 Students' Reaction and Reviews

CAT 2023 is being held today in three slots. Shiksha visited a CAT test centre in Noida to speak with the test takers and find out their experience of the exam. According to the candidates who appeared for the first slot of CAT exam from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, the paper was moderate in terms of difficulty level.

Since the CAT exam is usually moderate to tough, test takers were not surprised by the difficulty level. Read below for detailed CAT 2023 student reactions and watch the video of the exam review.

CAT 2023 Student Reactions and Reviews

Aastha

Explore colleges based on CAT

Ahmedabad
#1 NIRF
₹12.00 L
Bangalore
#2 NIRF
₹20.00 L
Kozhikode
#3 NIRF
₹14.00 L
Pune
₹9.50 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Delhi
#4 NIRF
₹12.00 L
Indore
₹12.50 L
Lucknow
#5 NIRF
₹12.60 L
Mumbai
#6 NIRF
₹14.00 L
Gurgaon
₹86.00 K
Kolkata
#7 NIRF
₹27.00 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

The difficulty level of the exam was moderate. I think the VARC section was easier than the last time. The DILR section was tougher. And QA was also moderate level. This was my second attempt.”

Mahima

Q:   Will CAT exam 2025 also be conducted in three shifts?
A:

Yes, CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. The exam was earlier conducted in 2 shifts, but since 2020, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2025 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order.

CAT exam slot timings will be -

  • First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 
  • Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 
  • Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Q:   What are the CAT exam slot timings?
A:
CAT exam is held in three slots for the past three years. Earlier it used to be held in two slots of three hours each, but since 2020 it is held in three slots of two hours each. The three slots are conducted between 8 am to 4 pm. The first slot is held from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, the second slot is held from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and the third slot is held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. In these three slots, about 2.22 Lacs candidates are accommodated at over 400 test centres in about 150 plus cities across India. The exam slots are allotted to candidates by the examination authorities as per the receipt of applications and candidates cannot request for change of examination slot. They have to give the test in the slot mentioned on the admit card.
Q:   What are the items to carry on the CAT exam day?
A:

Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.

“VARC and DILR sections were doable but I created a big blunder in the QA section. I attempted 22 questions in the VARC, 19 questions in DILR and 12 questions in the QA section.”

Nikita

“The exam was average. I was attempting it for the first time. The QA section was difficult. But, I think if you study well for the CAT exam, then one can easily crack it. I was not able to attempt all the questions because of the negative markings.”

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

MAT PBT Exam 2025 (Dec )

13 Dec '25

MU BAAT 2026 Personal Intervie...

13 Dec '25

SNAP 2025 admit card session 2

8 Dec '25 - 14 Dec '25

NMAT 2025 Rescheduling Window

1 Aug '25 - 16 Dec '25

IBSAT 2025 Registration

1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25

XAT 2026 admit card download starts

20 Dec '25

SRCC GBO Registration 2026

21 Dec '25

XGMT registration

30 Sep '25 - 22 Dec '25

MICAT (I) result declaration

24 Dec '25

KIITEE MBA 2026 Registrations

9 Oct '25 - 9 Jan '26

Aarti

“The exam was not very difficult. It was moderate. For me, VARC and DILR was difficult but the QA section was easy and doable. I attempted good number of questions in regards with the sectional time limit. “

Abhishek

“The exam was moderate. I would say if you have prepared well using the CAT mock tests, then the exam was doable. The DILR section was moderate and VARC section was easier. It was basically similar to last year. The QA section was a bit difficult. I practiced from the previous years’ CAT question papers and also I took about 30 mock tests. The type of questions were similar as the last year but there were no repetitions. The exam was overall easy to moderate as compared to last year. I was able to attempt 38 questions out of 66 questions. Since there was negative marking as well, so I am confident about the 38 questions.”

Q:   What are the dos and don'ts for CAT exam day?
A:

On CAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.:

CAT exam day dos:

  1. Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CAT admit card. 2.
  2. Carry two copies of the CAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
  3. PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents. 
  4. Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet 
  5. Cooperate with test centre staff and follow instructions 
  6. 7. While entering answers, use only computer mouse.
  7. Do not touch keyboard as doing so will lead to screen locking.

CAT exam day don'ts:

  1. Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices.
  2. Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
  3. Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets 
  4. Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam. 
  5. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that.
  6. Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT.
  7. Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab
  8. Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.
Q:   Which IIM will conduct CAT 2024 exam?
A:

The top 6 Indian Institute of Management are given the responsibility to conduct the Common Admission Test exam. Each of the top Indian Institutes of Management conducts the exam rotation-wise after a gap of five years. The responsibility to conduct the CAT 2023 was given to IIM Lucknow. Professor Sanjeet Singh had been appointed as the CAT convener. For CAT 2024, IIM Calcutta will be the exam convening institute. IIM Calcutta will be responsible for preparation and conduct of the exam without glitches, in collaboration with TCS  for test labs and centres. The institute will design the question papers, exam pattern and guidelines, as well as manage the conduct of exam and preparation of admit card, answer key and result.

CAT Conducting Indian Institute of Management Over the Years:

  • 2023: IIM Lucknow
  • 2022: IIM Bangalore
  • 2021: IIM Ahmedabad
  • 2020: IIM Indore
  • 2019: IIM Kozhikode
  • 2018: IIM Calcutta
  • 2017: IIM Lucknow
  • 2016: IIM Bangalore
  • 2015: IIM Ahmedabad
  • 2014: IIM Indore
  • 2013: IIM Indore
  • 2012: IIM Kozhikode
  • 2011: IIM Calcutta
  • 2010: IIM Lucknow
  • 2009: IIM Ahmedabad

For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.

Also Read:

Check out the video below to get the detailed CAT 2023 Students Reactions and Reviews for Slot 1:

CAT Percentile predictor prepared by Shiksha.com helps students to get their predicted CAT percentile on the basis of their expected exam score. So, predict your CAT score by clicking the link below:

CAT Percentile Predictor

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CAT Admission Calls

 Also Read:

Read More:

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

Saumya Jain is an English Literature graduate from University of Delhi. She brings over 8 years of editorial and content writing experience. At Shiksha.com, she has spent over six years creating research,

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

20 Dec '25

XAT 2026 admit card download s...

4 Jan '26

XAT 2026 Exam

8 Dec '25 -

14 Dec '25

SNAP 2025 admit card session 2...

14 Dec '25

SNAP 2025 session 2

28 Oct '25 -

16 Dec '25

NMAT 2025 Admit Card Issuance

1 Aug '25 -

16 Dec '25

NMAT 2025 Rescheduling Window

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

13 Dec '25

MAT PBT Exam 2025 (Dec )

23 Oct '25 -

15 Dec '25

MAT CBT Registration 2025 (Dec...

1 Jul '25 -

19 Dec '25

IBSAT 2025 Registration

5 Nov '25 -

27 Dec '25

IBSAT Slot Booking 2025

25 Jan '26

CMAT 2026 exam

26 Nov '25 -

28 Nov '25

CMAT 2026 form correction

16 Apr '26 -

18 Apr '26

MAH MBA CET 2026 exam

9 May '26

MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2

Jan '26

Publication of TANCET notifica...

Jan '26

TANCET registration window

Mar '25

IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno...

Feb '25

IRMASAT Personal Interviews

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 20 hours ago

The Jaipur National University CAT Cutoff 2025 will be released soon. In the meantime, according to the Jaipur National University CAT Cutoff 2024, students needed to secure overall 70 percentile and 40 percentile sectional for admission to the MBA/PGDM course. In 2023, and 2022, the cutoff was also

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 21 hours ago

The Jaipur National University CAT Cutoff 2025 will be released soon. In the meantime, according to the Jaipur National University CAT Cutoff 2024, students needed to attain 70 percentile overall and 40 percentile sectional. In 2023 and 2022, the cutoff was the same, indicating that the CAT Cutoff 2

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 21 hours ago

For MBA admission, Sister Nivedita University accepts the national-level entrance exams, such as CAT, MAT, etc. It also accepts valid SNUET entrance exam score conducted by Sister Nivedita University for MBA admission. In 2024, the sectional CAT cutoff percentile was 25, for the General AI category

...Read more

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 23 hours ago

The  K J Somaiya Institute of Management CAT Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the MBA/ PGDM courses. The CAT Cutoff 2024 was 84 for the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course at  K J Somaiya Institute of Management. Students who are aiming for admission have to attain qualifying cut

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

The IMT Nagpur CAT Cutoff 2025 will soon be released by the institute for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses. In the meantime, judging from the IMT Nagpur CAT Cutoff 2024, the qualifying CAT percentile was 85 for all categories under the All India quota. The institute also accepts the cutoff of vario

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Hi.

For PGDM and MBA admissions at GIBS Business School, Bangalore, the following entrance exams are accepted:

Accepted Entrance Exams

ExamType / Level
CAT – Common Admission TestNational-level MBA entrance exam
XAT – Xavier Aptitude TestNational-level MBA entrance exam
MAT – Management Aptitude TestNational-level MBA entrance exam
CMAT – Common Management Admission TestNational-level MBA entrance exam
GMAT – Graduate Management Admission TestInternational / National-level MBA entrance exam
ATMA – AIMS Test for Management AdmissionsNational-level MBA entrance exam
State CET (e.g., Karnataka PGCET)State-level MBA entrance exam for Karnataka candidates

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered Yesterday

Hi.

GIBS considers any one valid score from these exams for shortlisting candidates.

Some exams (like CAT, XAT, CMAT) are preferred for national-level merit-based selection, but State CET scores are also accepted for Karnataka domicile candidates.

Along with the entrance score, academics, work experien

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered Yesterday

The GIM GOA CAT Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to its MBA/PGDM courses. Candidates seeking admission should have a valid CAT Cutoff to be able to avail a seat at this institute. The CAT Cutoff 2024 for the PGDM in Healthcare Management course was at 88 percentile for all categories under the

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Hi.

Yes — you can pursue an MBA at Chandigarh University (CU) without appearing for CAT or MAT. CU has its own entrance process for MBA admissions, and they accept multiple types of eligibility credentials.

CU MBA Admission Eligibility

To be eligible for MBA at CU:

Bachelor's degree in any discipline fr

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered Yesterday

The Institute of Management, Nirma University CAT Cutoff 2024 was released for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses. Students who are aiming for admission at this institute have to attain qualifying percentile to get a chance at admission. The overall CAT Cutoff 2024 was 60 percentile and 40 percentile

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10