Are you prepared for CAT? Here's a checklist
By Soumitra Roy
With less than a week left before the start of this year’s testing window (starts Oct 16), it would be reasonable to assume that most candidates are sufficiently well prepared for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2013. While a firm grip on the test content is definitely the most important cornerstone of preparation for an exam; familiarity with the testing environment always gives an edge.
Pre – CAT preparation
IIMs are equipped with preparatory tools in the form of information, videos and a practice test, for their CAT website. Candidates can take the practice test and familiarise themselves with the exam screen layout, navigation tools like “Next”, “Previous”, “Mark” etc., review screen and on-screen timer. This would also enable them to understand the concept of the timed sections and alleviate any apprehensions regarding the test format.
It is also advisable for candidates to check their test centre location, travel time and traffic conditions in advance, and plan their travel accordingly. A map with travel directions is available for all test centres on the CAT website. Candidates should also get all their documents in place a day or two before the test day to avoid any last minute stress. These would be the Admit Card for CAT 2013, as well as a valid and original photo identification. SC/ST and DA candidates should also bring along supporting documents with them.
What to expect at the test centre
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Candidates are expected to arrive at their scheduled test centre at least an hour and a half before their scheduled test time. Only registered CAT 2013 candidates will be allowed inside the test centre. Candidates must present their Admit Card and photo identification and carry those with them at all times. Candidates will not be allowed to take the test if either of these is not presented. Apart from Admit Cards, photo identification, SC/ST and DA documents, nothing will be allowed inside the actual testing room. Candidates will be required to store small personal belongings in a plastic bag provided, away from the testing area. They should not bring bags, valuables and large items to the test centre.
As part of the biometric check-in process, a candidate’s digital image as well as fingerprint will be captured. This will allow the IIMs to verify a candidate’s identity during any follow-up interviews. Once the check-in process is completed, candidates will be escorted to their assigned seats. There could be some waiting time before the test starts, to allow for all candidates to be checked in. For the full test day procedure, a video is available from the CAT website.
Taking the CAT 2013
Prior to the commencement of the actual test, there will be a 15-minute tutorial that candidates are advised to go through. All candidates will be provided with scratch paper, pencils and an eraser for use during the test. After reading and accepting the non-disclosure agreement, the test will begin. All candidates will first be presented with the section on Quantitative Ability (QA) & Data Interpretation (DI). A countdown timer set at 1 hour 10 minutes (i.e. 70 minutes) will appear on the top-right corner of every screen. Candidates can navigate within this section using the “Next”, ‘Previous” and “Review” buttons. Since the two sections are separately timed, test takers can focus all their energies on one section at a time. Once the time ends for the first section, candidates will no longer be able to go back to it. The second section on Verbal Ability (VA) and Logical Reasoning (LR), will then begin, with a fresh timer counting down once again from 1 hour 10 minutes. The security measures in place for CAT not only protect IIMs’ intellectual property, but also the test experience of genuine, legitimate candidates. All testing areas will be audio and video recorded and any suspicious or disruptive behaviour could lead to a candidate’s test being invalidated by the IIMs. For any issues during the test, candidates may raise their hand to notify a test centre administrator. A technician will also be on stand-by at every location.
All registered candidates will get to test
All test centres have been quarantined prior to the start of the testing window to allow for preparation and testing of all the equipment that is being used for CAT.
In the unlikely event of a technical issue, candidates are requested to remain calm and immediately alert a test centre administrator. In case a new terminal is assigned to a candidate, the test will resume from the point it was last left so the candidate will not lose any testing time. All registered candidates will get to test within this year’s testing window.
Candidates should not forget to check their emails and the CAT website www.catiim.in regularly for all important updates. We wish all candidates the very best for CAT 2013.
About the author:
Soumitra Roy is managing director, Prometric India.
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