The new CAT

The CAT exam being held this year has been transformed into a more candidate-friendly format. Although the syllabus for the papers remains the same, the time given to attempt the paper has been extended, as the number of questions per section has also increased. Experts believe that the latest changes have more positives than negatives. However, the fact that the format has changed this year, means that the aspirants taking the exam need to adapt themselves to the new structure to be on top of their game.

amendments in CAT 2015

Firstly, the examination has been bifurcated into three sections instead of two for the year 2015 i.e. Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and logical Reasoning (DIlR) and Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC). However until last year, Data Interpretation was a part of QA and logical Reasoning was part of VRC. 

Second, QA and VRC will have 34 questions each, DIlR will have 32 questions. Third, as per the new pattern, the CAT 2015 will be held in two different sessions on the same day i.e November 29 and results will be announced in the second week of January 2016. Additionally, not all questions will be objective. Some descriptive questions in each section may require students to type answers. The duration has been extended to 180 minutes (3 hours) from 170 minutes. The students will be given 60 minutes to answer the questions in each section and as per the new pattern and they would not be allowed to switch from one section to another while answering questions. The section after completion of one hour will automatically switch over to the next section.

it bodes well for the future

The addition of descriptive questions in the new CAT will give a fair chance to students from diverse background giving them an opportunity to score high. This section may benefit the non engineering students as it requires a description of answers.  Furthermore, the comprehensive section would also help students from diverse backgrounds in B-schools as most engineering students have a logical approach towards any topic and they are more compatible with MCQs.

The change in the pattern of CAT is a stepping stone towards diversity in B-schools. The class room learning experience would be better for the students as there will be varied responses and an emphasised approach to problem solving. 

Preparing for the new transition

With the changes in the exam pattern, the students need to now upgrade their strategies to prepare and answer the papers. As the switching of sections is not permitted anymore, candidates are advised to attend the examination with a focused approach. This approach can help avoid negative marking. The preparation techniques also need attention as there would be additional descriptive questions. Intelligence guessing strategy used for MCQs should be avoided.

In addition to focused approach, the students also need to increase their answering speed with maximum accuracy. Time management would be the key to success as 100 questions need to be answered in 180 minutes. The CAT aspirants need to incorporate practice sessions of the same pattern in their preparation schedules. Also, the candidates should focus more on the questions which they know well and avoid wasting time on lengthy ones. 

Change in format for CAT exams in not a new phenomenon, as in the year 2010 the exams went online with a change in exam pattern taking place every two years. However, the CAT has seen no changes in its pattern since 2011, so the aspirants need to be wary of the changed format now and not assume that they can stick to their old formula of preparation. The examination shouldn’t be very tough as it concentrates mainly on testing the student’s ability to attempt it. Therefore, if a candidate completes 50 per cent to 75 per cent of the questionnaire with approximately 85 per cent accuracy, candidates have a good chance to qualify.

(The writer is dean, graduate programme, MDI Gurgaon).