Worried about selecting the right CAT test date?
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Now that CAT registration is open, how to select the best date for the exam is foremost on every aspirant’s mind. This year’s CAT test window is from October 16 to November 11. Speaking to shiksha.com, 2013 CAT convenor Dr Rohit Kapoor from IIM Indore helps to clear the doubts.
Dr Kapoor says, “Online CAT exam has equalisation (or normalisation). So a specific date or time, doesn’t change much. We have created a pattern suited for all. However, over the past few years, we noticed that working professionals prefer taking the exam on weekends and holidays. We advise aspirants to schedule the test in a stress free situation (date)”
Therefore, it would be a good idea for a non-working individual to try to schedule the test on a weekday, considering that working professionals mostly attempt the test on Saturdays and Sundays.
However, the most important thing while choosing a date is your preparation for the test. Where are you in your CAT preparation stage? Those who have been studying for the exam need not bother much about selection of date. It’s just about suitability. But, if you still have some topics to cover or want to revise more (let’s face it... no matter how much you revise, it’s not enough), it advised to select a later date in the test window.
Reiterating similar views, experts from CAT coaching centre IMS (Delhi-NCR region) says, “Selection of the test date should depend on the level of preparation. If the student has commenced with preparation a month or two ago, it is better to appear on a later date during the test window. In case, the candidate has been preparing for some time, it is best to give the exam in the first week. However, avoid taking the exam on the first and second days. If there are any glitches, it will become evident during these days. Also, it helps the aspirants’ psyche to avoid the dread of going first. In other words, while selecting a date, there should be no fear in mind.”
IIM-Calcutta alumnus Surya Prakash Singh, however has a different take on the issue. “For me – it was neither the first nor the last slot. I opted the middle of the test window. This is the best time since you already have an idea about how things are moving from the experience of other candidates while avoiding any technical glitches that are likely during the initial slot. I also felt that the difficulty level may rise towards the later half.”
Remember, each section (QA & DI, VA & LR) is timed. Once a section ends, you cannot go back to attempt or improvise your answers. So analyse your preparation level before selecting the date.
Best of luck!
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