CAT stands for Central Administrative Tribunal. It is a quasi-judicial body established by the Government of India to deal with disputes related to the recruitment and service conditions of employees in the Central Government and its affiliated organizations.

The CAT was set up in 1985 under the provisions of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. It has jurisdiction over all matters related to the service conditions of employees of the Central Government, including recruitment, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, and retirement.

The CAT is headed by a Chairperson and has benches located in various cities across India. The tribunal is empowered to hear appeals and petitions filed by aggrieved employees against the decisions of their respective departments.

The CAT has the same powers as a civil court, including the power to summon witnesses, require production of documents, and issue orders. Its decisions are final and binding, and can be challenged only in the Supreme Court of India.

In conclusion, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a quasi-judicial body established by the Government of India to deal with disputes related to the recruitment and service conditions of employees in the Central Government and its affiliated organizations. Its decisions are final and binding and can be challenged only in the Supreme Court of India.