CAT New Test Pattern

CAT Pattern, Score Validity and Admissions Process

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The pattern of the CAT 2012 test is going to be the same as last year with two sections QA+DI and VA+LR, with 30 questions each for a duration of 70 min each. Similar to last last year, the test takers cannot move between sections and can move from the first to the second only after the allotted 70 minutes for the section elapse.

CAT 2012 Score:

The scores will be declared on January 9, 2013. The scorecard will be available for download from www.catiim.in till December 31, 2013.

Admission Process:

The IIMs shortlists candidates for second stage of selection which may be independent of each other. The process may include Written Ability Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Performance in CAT 2012 is an important component of selection process. IIMs may consider previous academic record, work experience and other similar parameters in their selection process. For more details on individual selection process, you may visit the respective IIM’s website.

Non-IIM B-Schools that consider CAT scores:

Last year 162 B-Schools other than the IIMs accepted CAT scores for admission into their programmes. This year, the list is currently around 110. It is expected that more schools will be added to this list. IITs, SP Jain etc. accept CAT and are yet to be added to the list this year.

IIM-CAT 2011-2012 Changes in Test Pattern, Sections and Duration

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The Common Admission Test (CAT), India’s one of the toughest entrance examinations to crack has undergone several changes from 2011-2012 session. Most significant part of the ensuing changes is the transformation of Test Pattern of the CAT. The most prestigious qualifying examination for admissions to Management Programmes into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is known as the most popular entrance examination in the country. CAT has gone so many changes in recent times including introduction of online examination in the place of paper – pencil test. But the changes this time seems to be much related to the nature of the exam, questioning format and patterns and also number of sections and questions. The IIMs have decided to announce these changes much in advance for the benefit of the aspiring candidates. Following are the important changes in CAT from the session 2011-2012:

1) The most crucial changes is the introduction of two sections instead of the existing three sections. The first section of the new CAT 2011-12 will have questions from the topics of Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation. While the second section deals with questions from Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning.

2) The two sections of the examination will be administered sequentially with individual time limits for each section. The duration of the examination will be for 140 minutes (2 hours and 20 minutes + 15 minutes for tutorial). But the most important change here is, candidates have to finish the concerned section within time frame only. They have to answer 30 questions of the each section with in 70 minutes. Once a section is over, you have to move to another section. You will no longer be able to go back to the first attempted section.

3) The new CAT Online Test 2011-2012 will start on 22nd October 2011 and will be conducted for 20 days till 18th November 2011. The check – in procedure for CAT 2011 will be one and a half hours before the actual test time instead of the previous two hours.

The initial response for the changes in CAT from the students and academicians appears to be positive. Experts feel that the changes are welcome move and may result in better examination process. Changing sections from three to two without any alteration in number of questions will bring the pressure off from the students, psychologically. As per the changes, CAT 2011 will have a total of 60 multiple choice type questions with 30 questions from each section. Candidates going to appear for CAT 2011-12 can understand that there is nothing different content-wise, but they need some amount of reorientation while practicing for the examination. They need to practice more mock tests with prescribed time frame.

You can obtain more details of changes and model questions of the changed pattern from CAT official website at www.catiim.in. Details of Number of seats in IIMs and Cut offs info for top IIMs will help the candidates to assess their chances of getting a seat in IIM.

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