Common Admission Test (CAT): 

CAT is one of the most sought-after entrance examinations in India for entry into top management schools, most importantly, IIMs.
This test examines the candidate’s skills in the fields of Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. To ascertain the importance of knowing the validity of the CAT score.
Knowing how long a CAT score is valid helps the students plan the journey through a more efficient way towards their MBA and not miss an opportunity of getting admitted just because scores have expired.

Understanding CAT Exam and ScoresWhat is CAT?

CAT is a national-level management entrance exam carried out annually by one of the IIMs in a rotational manner.
It is the gateway to various top-class business schools in India. How CAT scores are calculated:
CAT scores are determined based on a candidate’s performance in three sections- 
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), 
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and 
QA (Quantitative Ability).
Raw scores are normalized, and the whole process is made fair with percentile score reflecting the performance of the candidates relative to others. Some of the important benefits while taking the CAT exam are:
What do doors open to CAT scores? Opportunities to study at famous management institutes, IIMs, FMS, and other business school campuses.
CAT scores enable the admissions and also make careers shine bright by providing access to the highest possible education.
 

CAT Score Validity Explained

How many years is the validity for the CAT score?: The CAT is valid for one year.
This would mean that if you take the exam in November of a particular year, the score can be used for MBA admissions starting the following academic year. Year of Examination vs. Admission Process:
CAT scores are usually valid only for the cycle of admission following the year of examination.
For instance, a CAT score obtained in November 2024 can be used for admission in 2025 but cannot be used beyond that.

CAT Score Validity Relevance

Because the validity of the CAT score is only for one year, it is irreplaceable for MBA admission plans to be aptly timed. The candidate should prepare and get himself/herself ready for the application in the chosen colleges before the validity gets over. Things to be kept in mind with admission applications:
Grooming this anticipation, aspirants would be considering the application deadlines, preparation time, and also admission duration of their preferred institutions.
Proper planning would ensure that the CAT score does not become stale by the time of admission

Institutes that Consider CAT Score Here is a list of top institutions that accept CAT scores:

All IIMs, Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) Delhi, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, and Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), among others, consider CAT scores as a valid acceptance criterion. Institutes and their score policies differ:
Differing shortlisting criteria from CAT scores of various institutes:.
While institutes focus on high overall percentiles, others may also consider sectional cut-offs, academic background, and work experience.

Application to Colleges with CAT Score

Step-by-step application with CAT score:
Check the eligibility criteria of the institutes you wish to apply to.
Register for the institute-specific admission process on their official websites.
Fill out the application form along with details of CAT registration.
Attach supporting documents like academic transcripts and work experience certificates.
The application fee along with the fully completed form must reach the office before the specified cut-off date. Application procedure and intake dates
CAT is usually conducted in November and the results are usually declared in January .
Most of the institutes have an application cut-off time falling in the period from January to March and interviews along with final admissions in April-June

CAT Score Comparison with Other Entrance Exams

Comparison of CAT with other entrance tests like XAT and MAT:
CAT comes in at the second best after the hardest management entrance test in India. Meanwhile, XAT and MAT are considered to be easy.
CAT is preferred when it comes to entry for students into IIMs, whereas XAT is used when XLRI and other B-schools and MAT from a few minor institutions is used. This is why CAT scores are preferred most in many institutions:
CAT scores are liked by many top institutions as the scrutiny involved in the testing process helps sieve and shortlist only the best candidates.
CAT is an all-round aptitude test assessing a candidate’s abilities that can be relied upon as an indicator of management education.

Tips to Plan Your MBA Application with CAT Score

When to take the CAT for best admission results:
Take CAT one year before you wish to join your MBA class. That way, the score gets freshness for the next admission cycle, and you are still in time to apply for as many institutes as you want. Strategies to leverage the score for maximum utility:
Apply to a variety of institutes – dream colleges alongside some backup options so that in the worst scenario, too, you get an opportunity to enjoy your graduation period in this super-educational setting.
Prepare well for the group discussion and personal interview stages, as they are critical for final selection.

Frequently Asked Questions about Validity of CAT Score 

FAQ section featuring popular queries:
How long is the CAT score valid? The CAT score is valid for one year. Can I use my CAT score for admission in multiple institutes? You could apply to many institutes on the basis of CAT scores, as they all accept these scores. Do all institutes have the same requirement for CAT scores? No, institutes vary in terms of the requirements they levy according to their admissibility criteria. What happens if my CAT score expires? You will have to take a retake CAT exam if your score expires and still want to get into an MBA.

Summary of key points:

Validity period of CAT score is one year. Candidates must plan accordingly and submit their applications well within that time frame.
General message: Leverage the valid period of CAT score Make the maximum utilization of the CAT score validity Period. Bear in mind the valid period of your score and apply to the institutes best suited to your career goals well in time for availing entry in good MBA programs.