Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a very formal test that tests many competencies critical for management education. Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test and the test is divided into three parts:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests the candidate's language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. The questions that are distributed under this section are usually divided between reading comprehension passages and grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning questions. Reading comprehension passages form the most significant part of this section, where the candidate is expected to read fast and analyze the information correctly. The skills tested are understanding the main ideas, identifying arguments, and making inferences.
Other than usual reading and practice, a good command of the English language would help a candidate do well in VARC.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests the candidate's ability to understand complex data and apply logical reasoning to solve problems. The contestants have to read data quickly while spotting the answer in time.
DILR requires a combination of numerical power and logical thinking; therefore, practice with various types of data sets is a must to score well in this section.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests mathematical aptitude. It includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Tests a candidate's problem-solving ability as well as basic quantitative concepts. Questions are designed to test the speed and accuracy of candidates; therefore, mastering mathematical shortcuts and formulas is helpful.
QA preparation requires a good practice of questions of the previous years and focus to weaker math areas.
Pattern and Marking Scheme
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a 120 minute test. For each section, 40 minutes are allotted. It is format bound and does not permit the candidates to switch from one section to another.
Each section contains both multiple-choice as well as non-multiple choice type questions.
In the former, no negative marking is done 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
Thus, the general structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) and sectional decomposition of the test require a candidate to have language, logical reasoning capabilities, and quantitative ability. So, focused preparation for both the sections would be required to do well in the test.

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