About CAT (Common Admission Test) Exam
CAT exam is initiated by Indian Institutes of Management as a part of their admission process. Later in 2011, the scores of CAT are considered by other institutes like Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for the Management courses. The paper based test was modified as Computer Based Test. The exam is conducted once in a year.
CAT (Common Admission Test) Eligibility
Bachelor degree from a recognized University with 50% marks or equivalent CGPA is the academic eligibility for CAT. Candidates appearing for final year Graduation are also eligible for the exam on the condition that incase of selection, the student must submit the required certificates which prove the completion of Graduation within specified period.
Why to Take the CAT (Common Admission Test) Exam
The score in the exam is considered during the admission process by various reputed institutions for Management Courses like Master of Business Administration (M.B.A). Most of the Management Schools consider CAT as prerequisite for the admission process. The scores are valid for one year or till mentioned in the notification.
CAT (Common Admission Test) Exam Structure
The exam consist three sections – Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal and Reading Comprehension. Total number of questions is 100. The duration of Computer Based Exam is 3 hrs. There is negative marking for incorrect answer. The process of correction is Scaling process. The rank is provided for each section individually and for the total score. Modified rules allow the candidate using the screen calculator while appearing the exam.
How to apply CAT (Common Admission Test)
Candidates need to apply the exam through online registration from the official website of CAT (Common Admission Test). The students have to follow the registration steps:
- Has to create a profile
- Find the User ID mailed and Password sent to registered mobile
- Log in as an existing user with the received ID and Password
- Get ready with the information like previous academics details, personal details, work experience; besides scanned images of passport size photo and signature
- Fill the Application form
- Pay the exam fee online through net banking or Debit/Credit Card
After the successful submission of application, download the application summary. The admit cards are to be downloaded after the mentioned date in the notification. Candidates have the provision of selecting four cities out of 136 test cities. Any one of the centers would be allotted as per the preference.
How to prepare CAT (Common Admission Test)
As the exam aims to check the concepts of the candidates along with his speed and accuracy, being clear with the concepts and time management are equally important. As the system of examination is computer based, the knowledge of computer plays a key role.
Divide the curriculum and practice all of the topics regularly. Spare equal time for concept understanding and practicing. Improving the speed can be attained only through thorough practice and continuous testing. Testing oneself with time limit is very useful.
Start as early as possible. It gives enough time to practice step by step which enables clear concept understanding.
Mock tests, previous question papers help a lot in understanding the questioning pattern and in checking the answering time etc. Practice with as many mock tests and previous test papers as possible.