Every year IIMs conduct the CAT, the national-level management entrance examination.
It is a computer-based exam required for admission to IIMs’ MBA/PGDM programmes. More than 2 lakh candidates register for this management exam every year, which is a gateway to the IIM and other prestigious B-schools. The CAT Exam tests a candidate’s aptitude, reasoning, and communication skills.
The exam is held in November every year. With about ten months for the exam this year, Candidates need to use this ample time left for preparation wisely. They can choose to gear up their preparation through various CAT Online Coaching programs offered. Online coaching provides more flexibility and convenience than traditional classroom learning. It saves your commuting time and helps you learn from the comfort of your home. Commuting has become difficult with the ongoing pandemic.
Key highlights of the CAT Exam :
- The CAT Exam consists of three sections, namely:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- In CAT 2021, the number of questions was decreased from 76 to 66.
- The time allotted for each section is 40 minutes. Candidates have to answer 66 questions in a time limit of 120 minutes. Until 2019, the CAT Exam was three hours long, with a 60-minute sectional time limit. Due to the pandemic in 2020, there was a change in the time duration and exam format.
- An On-Screen timer will indicate the time left to complete the test.
- Once the exam has begun, it is not possible to switch between the sections. The questions have to be answered in sequential order.
- There are MCQ Questions and TITA Questions in the exam. For the MCQ Questions, the candidate has to choose the right answer from the list of 4 options given. For TITA or Non-MCQ Questions, the answers have to be typed in the space provided on the screen.
- Eligibility criteria and Marking Scheme of CAT 2022 :
- +3 marks for every right answer
- -1 for each incorrect answer.
- There is no negative marking for TITA questions and unanswered questions.
Importance of practising previous years’ question papers:
Solving previous years’ CAT question papers and taking regular mock tests helps you become familiar with the question paper pattern, difficulty level of the exam, and structure. To increase your time management skills to ace CAT 2022, this is the right time to get all your concepts clear and start solving past years’ papers. Mock tests will give you a clear picture of your performance, and analysing the results will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Some expert tips which will help you ace your CAT 2022:
- An effective preparation strategy begins with understanding the syllabus, exam structure and question pattern.
- Make sure to note the fundamental concepts, shortcuts, and formulas. Remember to review your notes frequently.
- Start practising with accuracy.
- Develop the habit of taking mock tests regularly.
- Analyse the results and work on the weaker areas.
- Plan out your schedule for the week ahead and set everyday targets to achieve them.
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs by reading the newspaper every day, which will also help you improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension.