CAT 2016 Exam Pattern and Preparation Tips

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a standardized management aptitude test conducted by the IIMs primarily to evaluate and shortlist candidates for the post graduate programme. It is a computer based exam available for eager and eligible candidates to register and take once a year. CAT 2016 will be conducted by IIM Bangalore on Sunday, December 4, 2016 in two sessions on one day.

CAT is a gateway exam for getting in to IIMs and other top tier B-Schools. Other top tier business schools that accept CAT as a selection criteria are: Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) - Delhi University, Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon, SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) and the Indian School of Business (ISB). In 2015, around 2 lakh students have appeared for the test.

Important Dates:

CAT 2016 Registrations ends at 5:00 PM as on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

Admit Card Download: Tuesday, October 18, 2016-09-14

Test Date: Sunday, December 04, 2016.

Exam Pattern:

CAT is a Computer Based Test (CBT) and the questions will be in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format. Some questions may not be in MCQ format, instead direct answers to be typed on the screen. Both, the MCQ and non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks.

Content:

The CAT is a 3 hour test and it contains 100 questions. The test paper is divided into three sections. The three sections in the order of appearance in test are:

• Section I: Verbal and Reading Comprehension
  
• Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  
• Section III: Quantitative Aptitude
  

Though the total test duration is three hours, each section has a time limit of one hour. Student cannot switch between sections. The sections must be completed in the order of appearance.

The sections are described in greater detail below:

1. Verbal and Reading Comprehension: It consists of 34 questions. This section primarily tests the candidate’s command over the English language and vocabulary. Questions typically include sentence correction, choosing the odd one out, questions based on a passage and finding similar words.
   
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: It consists of 32 questions in total. This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically, rationally and laterally. The questions asked are typically in the form of case studies and puzzles. In the data interpretation section, a bar graph or a pie chart or a line graph is presented and questions are asked based on the data represented by the graph or chart.
   
3. Quantitative Aptitude:  The Quantitative Aptitude section plays a major role in the test and consists of 34 questions. This section helps to check the candidate’s mathematical aptitude and comfort level with numbers. Though the students are not allowed to take calculators into the test centre, there is an on screen calculator programmed into the computer. Questions are however not going to be hard from the calculation point of view.
   

Marking Scheme:

For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt'. The scoring scheme for Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) is as follows: Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks, an incorrect answer fetches -1 and no marks are given or deducted for un-attempted questions.

Scoring Pattern:

There are two scores in the CAT test. One is the raw score and one is the scaled score. The raw score is a numerical score ranging from 0-400 marks. Once the raw score of one candidate is calculated, the raw score is placed among candidates who scored the same score. That score is assigned a percentile. This system is called scaling. A student will need to score in the 96^th percentile or more to get into the IIM’s.

10 Awesome Tips & Tricks for CAT 2016:

Here are the preparation tips which the student can follow to get the maximum mark in the CAT test:

1. Online mock exams: The CAT is an online exam and if the student wishes to practice mock test, he/she must practice the mock test in the online format so that the student gets familiarized with the new format.
   
2. Start preparation early: Students are advised to start their preparation a bit early. Starting preparation 5 months before the exam will ensure good results. Early preparation has helped a lot of students achieve a high percentile.
   
3. Setting a time table: To effectively prepare for the CAT exam, students are advised to set a proper time table and consistently adhere to the time table. Consistency is important.
   
4. Speed and time management:  Students will have to complete 100 questions in three hours. There is a section wise time limit as well. Hence students must learn to manage time and develop speed. Students can do this by learning how to calculate faster, use the calculator efficiently and by doing those questions first which are very easy. Students should not spend more than 5 minutes in any tricky question
   
5. Accuracy:  While developing speed, students should not forget about the accuracy of questions. In the 2016 CAT, negative marking has been introduced where there is a penalty of -1 point for every wrong answer. Hence, students must also focus on getting the answers right.
   
6. Develop maximum possible strength in the Verbal and Reading Comprehension section: In the CAT exam, the paper has to be attempted in the order of the question paper. Students are also not allowed to switch between sections Verbal section is the first section in the CAT exam. It is also the easiest section. Hence, students are advised to attain mastery over this section as completing this section quickly in the exam will give the student time advantage to complete the trickier sections with better comfort. To crack this section, the students must read at least two hours every day and have a vocabulary of 10000 words.
   
7. Focus on topics which the student is comfortable with: Students must focus more on those topics which he/she is comfortable with. Students must not focus on getting all the answers right but must focus more on selecting the questions of the students area of expertise.
   
8. Reverse answering:  Sometimes, in certain tricky questions, the student may not be able to solve the problem. In such cases, scanning the answer options is a good idea. Scanning the answer options may provide clues to solve the problem and arrive at the final solution.
   
9. Diet and physical activity: Students are advised to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly as it calms the brain and boosts brain power. It is important to be healthy during the time of exam.
   
10. Calm and composure: On the day of exam, students are advised to maintain their calm and composure. Nervousness will lead to failure. Hence, a positive mind is required to crack the exam.