What is CAT ?

What is CAT?

CAT stands for Common Admission Test

• It is an aptitude test based on multiple choice questions, which measures the skills related to arithmetical problem solving, geometry, statistics, data interpretation, logical reasoning, puzzles, and English language.
• The CAT paper is a 140-minute test.
• CAT is designed to assess the natural ability of a person towards their desired objective. Hence CAT is designed to test the inclination of the applicant towards managerial tasks and roles.
• CAT is conducted by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for admission to IIM's 10 branches.
• It is held once in a calendar year nearing November or December as in 2011.
• CAT is a Computer Based Test from 2010 and not internet or paper based.
• It is accepted by IIM's and other affiliated B-schools all over India.
• The questions in CAT paper are generally very difficult but there is always a big attempt made at time management during the exam.
• It basically consists of 3 sections:
  1. English
  2. Mathematics
  3. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation
• In CAT, the candidate can't escape the consequences, by just performing well in a section. The examinee is required to do well in all the sections.
• The exam does not follow a set syllabus or pattern. It keeps on changing; however,the basic remains the same.
• There is negative marking in the CAT exam and for every wrong answer certain score is deducted from your total. However the IIM's do not disclose the way they calculate the negative marks for the wrong answers.
• There is no specific notification to the examinee regarding the easiest question. He/she has to decide it on his/her own.
  
• This test also identifies your general scholastic ability.
• The test is followed by Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), at the institutes where the candidate applies after clearing the CAT exam.
• The number of questions are 60 in all, divided into two sections of 30 questions each.