CAT exam: Myths vs Facts

CAT exam: Myths vs Facts

CAT is one of the most important exams that any MBA aspirant aims to crack. When there is very little time left for the exam, many aspirants start getting certain doubts or get confused about the exam questions or exam pattern. 

There are many such statements about CAT exam that have been heard too often, and this is one reason why some aspirants have a preconceived notion about the exam. However, out of the many statements that you might have heard of, or which you already believe in might just be a myth. If you too have some doubts regarding CAT, read on to see whether it really is a fact or just a myth.

Statement: CAT is designed only for engineers

Fact or Myth: Myth

Many people believe that engineers are preferred in CAT and the exam is designed in such a manner that non-engineers get eliminated. This, however is not at all true. The fact is that any aspirant can crack CAT irrespective of his/her educational background. Talking about the Quant section, most of the question in the exam paper are based on mathematics of class 6 to class 10. This is basic mathematics that every students studies in school. 

Statement: Even though CAT is not designed specifically for engineers, still a large number of engineers get through the exam

Fact or Myth: Fact

As mentioned previously, CAT is not specifically designed for engineers. However, year after year a large number of engineers qualify the exam. This statement is true, and the reason for the same is very interesting. The fact is that in India most of the bright students choose science course in class 11th and 12^th. Further, these students traditionally opt for either engineering courses or medicine courses, and later on when they appear for CAT exam, collectively a large chunk of applicants happen to be engineers. So now you know why being an engineer is not the main reason for cracking CAT.

Statement: Aspirants who could not clear CAT in one go will never be able to qualify in the exam

Fact or Myth: Myth

CAT is not an exam of knowledge, but of skills and aptitude. Aspirants must remember that practice can lead to perfection. There are numerous candidates who fail in their first CAT attempt, but that does not mean that they will never be able to crack the exam. Hard work and dedication can help improve aptitude and skills. 

Statement: Aspirants who have been preparing from a long time have more chances to crack the exam

Fact or Myth: Myth

There is no specific time that one can say is ideal to start CAT preparations. Some candidates might choose to start preparing early for CAT while some may start just few months before the exam. The time at which you start cannot determine whether you will be able to qualify in the exam or not. CAT is not about preparing for a long time, it is about improving your skills and being efficient in whatever time you prepare for the exam.

Statement: Candidates who are unable to answer all the questions in CAT will not qualify the exam

Fact or Myth: Myth

CAT is not about solving all the questions, instead the candidate must aim at solving more number of questions in minimum time. Time management is extremely important in CAT exam. This means that you could leave out the questions that are time consuming and focus on questions that can be solved easily. Also, another important factor that needs attention here is that candidate should not only aim at completing maximum questions in minimum time, but also focus on accuracy because this is where a candidate can gain or lose marks. 

Statement: Only scoring a good percentile in CAT is enough

Fact or Myth: Myth

Many aspirants think that obtaining a good score in CAT exam is enough to get into a top management college. This, however is not true. Scoring a good percentile in CAT exam is only the first step to secure admission in a top management school – there’s much more left for you to do. The candidate needs to clear the Written Ability Test, and should be smart enough to participate in Group Discussion. The next step is to impress the panel at the Personal Interview. The final selection of candidate is done on the basis of all the above parameters, each having different weightage.

 Statement: If your spoken English is not strong, you will not be able to crack CAT

Fact or Myth: Myth

There are many CAT aspirants who do not have strong spoken English, and they feel that cracking CAT will impossible for them as they will not be able to score well in the verbal ability section. Candidates must understand that most of the questions in the verbal ability section are based on logic and context understanding. Proper practice can certainly help you excel in the section. However, it is always recommended to work on your spoken English, as it has a major role to play in the subsequent stages that includes Group Discussions and Personal Interviews.

CAT scores are used for admission to 19 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and various other top B-Schools. Are you eligible for the IIMs? To know more, click on the image beside.