Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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Common Admission Test (CAT) Exam Pattern and Section-wise Analysis

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a very formal examination testing differential competencies relevant for management learning. Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test, which is further bifurcated into three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section tests for language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. Questions under this head are often divided into reading comprehension passages and questions on grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. Reading comprehension passages are the major part of this section, wherein the student needs to be able to read fast and interpret correctly the information that they have gathered.
The skills ascertained in this section include: grasping the main ideas, identifying arguments, and inferring.
A clear understanding of the English language, combined with frequent reading and practice, will equip a candidate to succeed at VARC .
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests a candidate's ability to make sense of complex data and do simple problems by logical reasoning. Contestants must read data swiftly while catching the answer in time.
DILR combines numeric power with logical thinking hence practice to be done with a variety of data set types to master this section.
3. QA
QA tests mathematical abilities including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Tests problem-solving abilities and basic grasp of quantitative concepts by the candidate. Questions are designed to test the speed and accuracy of candidates; hence, most important, mathematical shortcuts and formulas need to be mastered.
Questions from previous year and focus on weaker math areas to do well in QA.
Pattern and Layout
Common Admission Test (CAT)  is a 120 minute exam, with 40 minutes for each section. It is format bound and does not allow the candidates to move between one section to another section.
There are multiple choice as well as non-multiple choice type questions in each section.
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
In general, the overall structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) and sectional decomposition of the test requires that a candidate have language, logical reasoning capabilities, and also quantitative ability. Thus, specific preparation for both sections would be required to succeed in the test.

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