Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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Structure of the Common Admission Test (CAT) Exam and Breakdown Section-wise

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a very formal exam that measures various competencies that are of paramount importance to management learning. CAT is a computer-based test, and the test consists of three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section encompasses language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. Generally, questions in this section are spread over reading comprehension passages and questions on grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. Reading comprehension passages form a significant area of this section where the candidate needs to read fast and make accurate information analysis.
The skills tested here include understanding the main ideas, arguments, and inferences.
Good command over the English language, accompanied by regular reading and practice, will enable a candidate to perform well in VARC .
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests the ability of the candidate to understand the complex data and apply logical reasoning for solving problems. The contenders have to read data quickly while spotting the answer in time.
DILR requires a mix of numerical prowess and logical thinking, thus practice with different kinds of data sets is a must to crack this section.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests mathematical ability, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Checks the candidate's problem-solving capacity and knowledge about basic quantitative concepts. Questions are framed so as to check candidates' speed and accuracy. So, quick mastering and recalling of mathematical shortcuts and formulas are beneficial.
A good practice of previous years' questions and emphasis on weaker math areas will be crucial to excel in QA.
Pattern and Answering Scheme
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a 120 minute test, with 40 minutes allotted per section. It is format bound and does not allow the candidates to switch from one section to another.
Each section contains multiple choice as well as non-multiple choice type questions.
In the former, there is no negative marking for the former type but for the multiple choice type every right answer carries three marks while each wrong answer carries a minus one mark.
Conclusion
Overall structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) as well as sectional decomposition of the test requires a candidate to have language, logical reasoning capabilities, and quantitative ability. Thus, focused preparation for both the sections would be needed to succeed in the test.

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