With the CAT a few weeks away (most aspirants, I’m sure, are counting days now), this is a good time to recap what we know about CAT 2009.
Let’s start with a quick look at CAT 2008.
In 2008 the CAT lived up to its reputation of introducing the unexpected. At that time the split of the questions across the sections was not uniform. There were 25 questions each in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and the Logic and Data Interpretation (LDI) sections and 40 questions in the English Usage (EU) section.
Last year, QA was clearly the toughest section with the emphasis being on testing the thoroughness of the candidate with the concepts and the ability to apply these.
The LDI section, on the other hand, departed from the trend of the previous couple of years and we saw the resurgence of the Logic Puzzles in this section. There was also a focus on sets of questions that were calculation intensive.
The EU section was, perhaps, the easiest of the three sections, but when it comes to the CAT, that is not saying much. The questions increased in complexity with candidates being required to look out even for spelling mistakes in addition to errors in grammar usage (in the “grammar” based questions). However, the saving grace was that the answers were far less ambiguous this time around.
CAT 2009 will be nothing like CAT 2008, or for that matter any CAT so far. If you haven’t already heard, CAT 2009 will be an online test for the first time in its history. What this means is that instead of using a pencil to shade ovals on an OMR (Optical Mark Reader) sheet, you will now need to use a mouse to click on the appropriate answer choice.
You will be able to go back and forth between questions, skip questions, and even change your answer choice. However, remember that once you’ve marked a choice, then there is no way that you can skip that question, you can only change your answer choice.
Another big question that, I’m sure, has been running through your mind must be about doing rough-work. The IIMs have stated that you will get writing pads with numbered pages on which you can do your calculations / rough work. However, please do not tear off any part of the pad as you are expected to leave the pad and all sheets on the table before you leave. If you run out of paper, the invigilator will be happy to give you another pad.
The other big question that everyone wants an answer to relates to the “pattern” of this year’s paper. Good news, we know something.
The IIMs have said that CAT 2009 will have three sections and between 60 – 70 questions. But that is all that we know. For more clarity, we will have to wait for November 28, 2009.
However, what you need to keep in mind is that the change is in the mode of presentation of the paper and not in anything else. So to a serious candidate, this change in the CAT should not make any difference at all. Knowledge and command over the fundamentals will still be the differentiating factor and the key to a good score in the CAT.
All the best.
(The author of this article is Jaideep Singh Chowdhary, a senior member of the academic team, Triumphant Institute of Management Education, T.I.M.E. )
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