FAQs on the new CAT 2011

1. When is the CAT 2011 starting?
   Ans: The CAT test window is from 22nd October to 18th November. However, like last year it will be conducted on 20 days in this test window with two slots per test day.
   
   


2. How many test centers are there for CAT 2011?
   Ans: The total number of test locations (cities) for CAT 2011 is 36 with the inclusion of 3 new cities – Bhilai, Jammu and Dehradun. To reduce the difficulties in purchasing CAT vouchers, now candidates will also be able to purchase CAT vouchers from 201 Axis Bank branches, an increase of 30 outlets.
   
   


3. What is the total duration of the test from checking into the center to the end of the test?
   Ans: The check-in procedure this year will start one-and-a-half hours before the scheduled test time instead of two hours last year. A 15-minute tutorial will be provided before the start of the test. The total duration of the test will be two hours and 35 minutes including the tutorial.
   
   


4. How many sections are there in CAT 2011?
   Ans: There are two sections in CAT 2011 – Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (Section 1) and Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning (Section 2). This is a major change in the pattern as compared to last several years, when the paper used to comprise 3 sections.
   
   


5. Are there sectional time limits? What is the number of questions in each section?
   Ans: Yes, there is a sectional time limit of 70 mins for each section. This is a major change as there has been no sectional time limit in CAT for the last several years. Both the sections will have 30 questions each.
   
   


6. Can I choose which section to attempt first?
   Ans: No, we cannot choose the section we want to attempt first. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation will be the first section, followed by Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning, which will be the second section.
   
   


7. Can I move to the second section before 70 mins, if I have completed the first section or want to skip the first section?
   Ans: No, only once the time (70 mins) ends for the first section, you will be automatically moved to the second section.
   
   


8. Can I move back and forth between questions during the test?
   Ans: You can move back and forth within a section. However, once you are in the second section, you cannot return to the first section.
   
   


9. What can be the probable reason for the change in CAT 2011 pattern?
   Ans: One of the reasons cited by the CAT Convener 2011, Mr. Janakiraman Moorthy is, “the reason we have made two sections is because students spend a lot of time on one section and thereby lose out on other sections. By making it two sections, candidates will concentrate more or less on one section for a longer time”.
   
   One other probable reason for the change can be to make CAT on the same lines as other internationally accepted standardized tests like the GRE® test and the GMAT® test. In fact, the CAT Convener said that he would also like to add a ‘writing’ component in the CAT exam, which will help identify the writing skills of the candidates. If introduced, this might be similar to the Analytical Writing (essay writing) section in both the GRE® test and the GMAT® test.
   
   


10. What type of questions is expected in the Logical Reasoning part of the 'Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning’s section?
    Ans: There are three possibilities:
    a) Critical Reasoning questions (similar to the kind that appear in GMAT® test).
    b) Puzzles, deductions, and connectives, which came in the 'Data and Logical Reasoning' section in previous year's CAT.
    c) A mix of both (a) and (b) mentioned above.
    
    


11. How many questions will be from Quant in 'QA and DI' section? How many questions will be from DI in 'QA and DI' section? How many questions will be from VA in 'VA and LR' section? How many questions will be from LR in 'VA and LR' section? How many RC passages will be there in 'VA and LR' section?
    Ans: There is no information on the weightage or the number of questions from individual test areas (like QA, DI, DS, VA, LR, RC, etc) inside the section. Any composition can be expected as of now.
    
    


12. Is the difficulty level and content of the test changing? Is CAT becoming more difficult?
    Ans: The information disclosed by IIMs so far refers only to a change in the format of the paper. No mention has been made regarding the difficulty level and contents of the CAT paper. It is very important for you to adapt and excel in the new format at the earliest. Your test taking strategies have to change as per the new format. This is only possible by taking Mock tests in the new CAT pattern.
    
    The exam is not becoming more difficult as these changes would only mean that the “timimg concerns” would come down. Hence, these changes are to the advantage of the students in many ways.
    
    Candidates with a specific weak area are at a definite advantage due to the combination of areas in a section. As there are only 2 sections for 4 areas, those having a handicap in a specific test area, say Quant, may now look at compensating for it with the other area from the section, DI in this case. This is in contrast to the case earlier when competence was to be shown in all the three areas. This will come as a relief to a large number of CAT aspirants.
    
    


13. Will the difficulty level vary across slots?
    Ans: No, similar level of difficulty will be maintained across the slots as asserted by the CAT Convener 2011. You can book your slot on any day and time, with it having no bearing on the difficulty level.
    
    


14. Will there be Reading Comprehension (RC) in the paper?
    Ans: Many students have questions about the VA area in particular and whether there will be Reading Comprehension questions included under VA. Students should note that RC has traditionally been tested under 'Verbal Ability' section and we continue to have 'Verbal Ability' this year too. We believe that there is no reason to assume/conclude that there will be no RC questions this year. You should certainly prepare for RC with all the usual seriousness.
    
    


15. Will there be sub-sections inside the section and will there be a sub-sectional cut-off?
    Ans: With two sections now, we expect that only two sectional cutoffs would be considered. It is unlikely that the questions from each section would further be split into individual areas to look at the performance in them. The cut offs are likely to be determined based on the entire section.
    
    


16. Should Mock CATs be taken now with the pattern change?
    Ans: Yes. Getting familiar with the new pattern is of utmost importance and MOCKs from now on should be taken in the new format. 

Posted in: Common Admission Test (CAT)