Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a very formal exam and assesses many competencies essential for management education. Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer based test, and the examination is divided into three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests one's language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning abilities. Questions under the section are dispersed between reading comprehension passages and questions related to grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. Reading comprehension passages account for a major chunk of this section where the candidate is expected to read fast and analyze information correctly.
The skills tested are understanding of main ideas, identifying arguments, and making inferences.
A sound command over English with frequent reading and practice will make a candidate perfect in VARC .
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR evaluates the candidate's ability to understand complicated data and work out logical inferences to solve problems. The contestants have to read data quickly while spotting the answer in time.
DILR has required a base combination of numerical power and logical thinking; therefore, practice with various types of data sets is the only way to crack this section.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests for mathematical ability, starting from arithmetic to algebra and geometry and number systems. Tests the candidate's problem-solving ability and understanding of basic quantitative concepts. Questions are designed to test the speed and accuracy of candidates; therefore, practicing mathematical shortcuts and formulas helps.
To do well in QA one needs good practice of questions from previous years, along with focus on weaker maths areas.
Pattern and Scheme of Marking
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a 120 minute test, 40 minutes for each section. It is format bound and does not let candidates switch over from one section to another.
In each section, there are multiple choice as well as non multiple choice type questions.
In the former, no negative marking is given to the former type, while for multiple choice type, every right answer gets three marks but with a minus one mark for every wrong answer.
Conclusion
Moreover, overall structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) combined with sectional decomposition of the test would demand language, logical reasoning skills, and quantitative ability from a candidate. Thus, focused preparation on both the sections would be in need to crack the test.

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