Changes in the CAT: What Does it Mean for You?
CAT 2011 will be different as there will be remarkable changes in CAT 2011. 
There will no longer only be three sections; but only two now. These will be the following:
- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
- Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning
However, the number of questions will remain the same as the last couple of years, at a total of 60. These will be equally divided between the two sections.
The other major changes in CAT 2011 is the introduction of sectional time limits-70 minutes will be given for the 30 questions in each section. Once you are done with Section 1, you can no longer revert back to it; nor can you go to Section 2 without completing Section 1.
Now let us look at what these changes mean:
Analysis of changes in CAT 2011:
The major change is the reduction in number of sections i.e. two instead of three and the fact that each section has a defined time i.e. 70 minutes and that the student cannot revert to the previous section after the time elapses.
This does indeed mean a change in strategy is necessary. Candidates who used to allocate extra time to the sections where they felt they could score well, can no longer do so. As the IIMs have indicated, the change means that you will need to be strong in both the sections.
The change also takes away the decision making aspect with respect to time allocation; since candidates now know they have exactly 70 minutes for each section. You cannot leave certain questions for ‘later'-to come back to once you finish the entire test; though you can do this within the sectional time limit.
One positive aspect of the change in pattern is that it could possibly benefit those who were struggling to clear a particular sectional cut-offs even though they did well on an overall basis. For example, some students fail to clear the sectional cut-off in Data Interpretation (or in Quant), although they score well in the paper as a whole. Hypothetically, there could be a situation where you score 99.5 percentile overall, but fail to clear the sectional cut-off of 93 percentile (as an example).
Now, since the number of sections has been reduced, life may be easier. You have to clear only two sectional cut-offs instead of the three earlier. Even if you are weak in say, Quant, you can make up by doing well in DI and thus clearing the sectional cut-off for the combined Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section.
Another point in your favour with respect to the sectional cut-offs is that the candidate shall have more choice-he can now choose his questions among the given 30 per section (not 20).
It is also likely that the changes are accompanied by better standardization across papers and an effort to ensure the similar difficulty level across different time slots. Since lack of this was a common complaint over the past two years, the changes may be for the better.
So while some of the changes are positive, remember that you need to adapt to them. In some ways, those relying too heavily on coaching institute material and tests could find that they struggle, for a new pattern means that coaching institutes also need to adapt and make the necessary changes, which will take time!
However, there is nothing to worry too much over. The nature of questions is unlikely to change substantially.
More information about the nature of questions and your preparation strategy can be found in my book, ‘An Introduction to the CAT: Tips From An IIM Alumnus' which can be purchased from: http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/an-introduction-cat-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131763599
About the Author
Sidharth Balakrishna is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and has been employed with the world's top Marketing, Management Consultancy and energy firms. Besides his regular Corporate job, he has written a number of books and articles for various reputed publications and has taken several guest lectures and seminars across the country.
His books include the following, all published by Pearson Education:
- ‘An Introduction to CAT-Tips from an IIM Alumnus'; available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/an-introduction-cat-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131763599
- ‘Reading Comprehension for the CAT- A Winning Approach by an IIM Alumnus'; available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/reading-comprehension-cat-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131760598
- ‘Marketing Case Studies'-part of the Pearson Case Book series; available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/case-studies-marketing-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131757970
Sidharth is a Career Counselling Expert with the Hindustan Times and a member of the Interview Panel to select MBA students at various MBA institutes. Sidharth has also given lectures as a Visiting Faculty in several MBA institutes.
He can be contacted at bsiddharth_2001@yahoo.co.in
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