What will be the pattern of the CAT 2013 exam?

One of the reasons why CAT is considered tough is that the pattern changes from year to year. In the 1990s, it was a four-section test with English making up the major chunk. However, from 1999, CAT has become a three-section exam with English taking up just one third of the total paper.

The pattern form the last three years is of a computer – based test. A candidate has to register and then he/she is allotted a centre, a specific date and time as well and when the candidate arrives at the centre, a computer machine is prepared for the candidate. 

Since the inception of this computer – based CAT, there are only two sections in CAT paper now. Quantitative Ability (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI) and Verbal Ability (VA) & Logical Reasoning.(LR)

You must also do practice with CAT Mock Tests

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT Background and Sections

The difference between the paper and pencil test and the online test is that now the tests are conducted online otherwise, almost everything remains the same. Candidates are provided with sheets for rough calculations. 

The right answer is clicked using the mouse. Candidates can also scroll the entire paper and start from wherever they want.

Likewise they can also change their answers. But all these has to be completed within stipulated time as there will be an on-screen countdown timer for each section. Once the time ends for the first section, candidates will move on to the second without having the option of being able to come back.
Thus, time management will have an inevitable part to play in CAT 2013.

There will be only 2 Sections in CAT 2013

• Quantitative ability and Data interpretation (QA & DI)
• Verbal ability and Logical reasoning (VA & LR) 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

Why LR section in CAT 2013 ?

Logical thinking is the process in which one uses reasoning consistently to come to a conclusion. Problems or situations that involve logical thinking call for structure, for relationships between facts, and for chains of reasoning.

Logical reasoning is very important in practical life for a making a conclusion or even a decision and hence it is a very important part for any MBA aspirant to prove his mettle at.

In CAT Logical Reasoning Questions appear in the form of a paragraph given followed up with some specific questions that can be derived from that paragraph by logically thinking. Recently CAT  papers had no separate section on LR and it is combined with the Verbal Ability section.

Most of the students think they are good at Vocabulary and RCs but when it comes to LR they seem to get low on confidence. But it should not be the case.

Try making yourself good at LRs as they along with DIs help in making easy scoring. Out of the regular 3 LRs that come in any CAT paper (it depends), one should try doing 2 of the easy ones as that will help in making up the sectional cut-off.

A variety of questions come on if-then approach. So you need to get yourself clear with the given paragraph first before moving on to the questions. When practicing logic with reasoning making a chart or drawing a picture are good strategies.

 

Author:  MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

Serious CAT aspirants are focused

Let’s assume that all CAT aspirants are aspiring to crack CAT 2013 but hard reality is that small to medium percentage is focused on exam. Others either follow peer pressure or herd mentality to take exam. 

Preparation for CAT is an annual process which must be supplemented with clear understanding of fundamentals. Speed & time are also crucial factors which will have to be practiced. 

The more basics are clear on concept of DI & QA it will not be that difficult to grasp the section. Likewise vocabulary and grammar has to be at best to clear VA & LR section.  These efforts must be backed up with practice of Mock Tests.

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

With CAT you can’t take chance

CAT 2013 is hardly 3 months near and focused aspirants like you are on preparation. Exam will be conducted in coming October.

In absence of any specified syllabus CAT is always a puzzle to crack. Only trends of yesteryears exams can get you some idea but since for the last 3 years CAT has become computer based exam, it is difficult to recall questions. 

Wrong answers also deduct allotted numbers and make CAT much more difficult. 

 

Nature of exam is to test your analytical skills in a stipulated time frame. Guessing answers is suicidal in CAT. 

CAT can’t be taken with chances which might be with those who prepare for exam thoroughly and each section of CAT viz; DI/QA/LR/VA is well understood and practiced with Mock Tests. 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM