Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an extremely formal test that tests various competencies that would be essential in management education. The CAT is a computer-based test and divided into three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section deals with language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. Questions under this section are usually distributed between reading comprehension passages and questions on grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. Reading comprehension passages make up a considerable part of this section where the candidate has to read fast as well as be able to analyze the information accurately. Tested skills are the comprehension of the major ideas, the identification of an argument, and making an inference.
Good command of the English language, coupled with regular reading and practice, should enable the candidate to succeed in VARC .
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR tests a candidate's aptitude to grasp complex data and apply logical reasoning skills in solving problems. The contestants need to read data faster while spotting the answer in time.
DILR requires both numerical power and logical thinking; therefore, practice with different types of data sets is necessary to pass through the section.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA deals with mathematical ability- arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Tests the candidate's problem-solving ability and understanding of elementary quantitative concepts. Questions are designed to check the speed and accuracy of the candidates; therefore, mastering mathematical shortcuts and formulas is helpful.
QA needs good practice of previous years' questions and emphasis on weaker maths areas.
Pattern and Scheme of Marking
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a 120 minute test with 40 minutes to each section. The test is format bound and does not allow the candidates to shift from one section to another.
Each section consists of multiple choice as well as non multiple choice type questions.
In the former, negative marking is not there for the former type but for the multiple choice type every right answer carries three marks while every wrong answer carries a minus one mark.
Conclusion
It calls for the overall structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) as well as sectional decomposition of the test, which really requires a candidate to be equipped with language, logical reasoning capabilities, and quantitative ability. Hence, focused preparation for both the sections would be needed to succeed in the test.

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