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I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?
CAT is going to be a computer based test (CBT) and not internet based test (IBT). I.e. Candidate does not take the test on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
I hear that CAT will be a computer adaptive test. Is that correct?
No, CAT is not going to be a computer adaptive test.
Will the format of the test change?
The format of the test will remain more or less the same except that a candidate reads question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer.
Can I take the test from any computer?
No. A candidate will take the test only at designated test venues in about 25 cities across India. Detailed information will be provided in the CAT 2009 advertisement.
But how do I do rough-work and calculations while arriving at the answers?
At the test venue, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a writing pad with numbered pages for calculations. After the test, candidate must leave the pad including all the pages in it at the desk. Rough-work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet as nothing will be allowed to be taken inside the test hall.
Can you give more details on taking test in a CBT format?
We will be giving more details at a later stage.
But when is the CAT 2009 advertisement going to appear in newspapers?
Advertisement for CAT 2009 will appear during the later part of August 2009.
How much is the test fee for CAT 2009 and how do I pay?
Candidate Testing Fee is Rs. 1400 (Rs. 700 for SC/ST candidates). A prospective candidate buys a CAT 2009 Voucher from designated locations/bank branches after advertisement appears in newspapers. Sufficient time will be given for purchasing the voucher. More details will be available on our websites after the advertisement appears in newspapers.
How do I register for CAT 2009?
The Voucher bought by the candidate gives instructions on how to register for CAT 2009. At this time, it would suffice to say that candidates are expected visit CAT website to register for CAT 2009. Sufficient amount of time will be given to register online. More details will be given in the advertisement and the voucher.
How do I get my admit card for the test?
After you fill-in, review, and submit the registration information during online registration, you will receive an email containing your Admit Card.
Does that mean I need to have an E-mail account?
Yes, you must have a valid E-mail account throughout the selection process.
What do I need to bring at the time of test?
You must bring the printed copy of the admit card, one picture ID, and any other ID not necessarily with a picture. Do not bring any other material and personal belongings with you, for no personal belongings and materials will be allowed in test-hall. More details will be provided later.
Can you please tell me when will the CAT 2009 be conducted?
CAT 2009 will be conducted during a ten-day window starting at the end of November 2009. Exact dates will be mentioned in the advertisement.
Can I take CAT more than once during the testing window?
No, a candidate can register to take test only once during the CAT 2009 testing window. Admit cards and picture ids of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test venue.
When are CAT 2009 result expected to be declared?
CAT 2009 results are expected to be declared by the end of January 2010. Exact date of result declaration will be informed at a later stage.
Abhinav: Respected sir, I would like to know that
since the CAT 2009 is going to be a computer-based test, how different it will
be from the older format of CAT?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
Every year the CAT has changed in some way or the other. This year, the change
is with respect to the mode of taking the test. As far as preparing the concepts
are concerned, there will not be any change. However, you have to go through
sufficient online practice to acclimatize yourself with the online testing
process.
Apurv: Hello sir, when will the IIMs announce the
final pattern and dates of CAT 2009? Sir, when and where will the CAT 09 be
conducted?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
The IIMs will announce the final pattern and dates of CAT 2009 in July in their
CAT bulletin. CAT 09 will be conducted across various centers in India over a
10-day period.
Khushbu: Hello sir, I heard that for
CAT 2009, one should be the computer savvy. My concern is that I am not very
comfortable working on the computer. Will it affect my performance even if I am
a more than average student?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
You do not need to be computer savvy to take an online test. All that is
required is the ability to use the mouse and a few basic keys. Do not worry on
that front.
Vithya: Dear sir, what are the good books to prepare
for Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension etc especially
for a computer-based CAT?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
The nature of study preparation doesn't depend on whether the CAT is a
paper-based or a computer-based test. You need material that will cover basic
concepts explained in a friendly manner, CAT application based questions for
practice with explanatory answers and test papers. Also check out the material
of most of the reputed MBA training institutions.
Ankit: Sir, please tell me how are test prep
institutes, like yours, assuring students for preparing online CAT? Which factor
should I look upon before joining an coaching institute for my CAT prep?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
1) We offer a complete online study plan for our students which compliment their
offline preparation. The online component of our preparation has a comprehensive
mix of full length tests on the line of previous year's CAT as well as concept
tests for practice.
2) The most important factor to look at for joining any institute is the kind of
mentoring and counseling that the institute offers to the student at various
stages of the preparation.
Apurv: Sir, since I am a working executive, I won�t be
able to join any coaching institute. Please tell me from where and what study
material can help me for online CAT preparation?
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
Since you cannot join any institute, please ensure that you maintain self
discipline and study regularly on a daily basis.
Shailendra: Dear Sir, please tell me
do I need experience to get admission in the IIMs? Should I go for a little
work-ex before applying? Kindly reply sir�
Nilesh Sarawate, Director, Test Prep, IMS Learning:
Work experience is given weightage by the IIMs. More than 50% of the students in
IIMs have work-ex and the rest are freshers. It will help to have work
experience, but it is not necessary to have it before applying to the IIMs.
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