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Cat 2011: The Best Thing About The Cat 2011 Is That You Dont Have To Worry About Time Management

27 18:16:45
The new pattern of CAT 2011 has really put the CAT 2011 aspirants under a lot of confusion. After the basic preparation, when the time came for taking mock tests, there is the announcement of the new pattern which has kept the CAT takers baffled. To rescue the aspirants from this state, MBAUniverse.com is hosting the series of Live Expert Chats on �How to prepare for the new pattern of CAT 2011’.

The chat which was held on Friday, July 29, 2011, saw Abhishek Gupta, Senior Manager of Career Launcher Academics Team answer the questions of the CAT takers on how to prepare for the new pattern of CAT 2011.

Read on to know what the expert suggested to prepare for the new pattern of CAT 2011.

Q: Palak: As the CAT pattern has changed this year, please put some focus on it.

A: CAT 2011 will have only two sections instead of three. The first section will focus on Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation; the second on Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning.

Q: Palak: What will happen if I attempt 25 questions in QA+DI section in less than 70 minutes? What can I do in that time?

A: Correction: there would be 30 not 25 questions in a section. And if you answer all of them in less than 70 minutes, you can probably revise, and I think you won't need to do anything much after that. Relax and give yourself a pat on your back!

Q: Mahvish: Is reviewing questions per section within 70 minutes time allowed? What about cutoffs?

A: Cut-offs will take care of themselves. Look, you have exactly 70 minutes to answer 30 questions in a section. You obviously will give your best, whatever be the cut-off. So why worry about it. Just go out there and give it your best shot. You wouldn't want to stop after achieving a particular score. Isn't it?

Q: Nikhil: Now that the CAT pattern has changed, will the new pattern affect us in a positive way or negative?

A: The biggest positive for candidates is that they don't have to worry about the sectional time management anymore. Just focus on 30 questions in 70 minutes, in any order, any question type, absolutely anything they like doing. There will practically be no chance of missing out on an IIM Call just because you devoted too little time to a particular section.

Q: Shobhit: I have heard that CAT is now similar to GMAT. Is it true? Should we take GMAT mocks for practicing CAT 2011 pattern?

A: Yes it has become similar to the GMAT in many ways. I would still not recommend taking the GMAT practice tests as the test content is still very different. There would no dearth of practice material based on CAT's new format.

Q: Vinita: I am a working professional. I am preparing by my self. Now the CAT pattern is changed what should be my next step? please guide me.

A: The new pattern should not make any major changes to the way you were preparing QA, DILR and Verbal Ability. Just ensure that you practice enough Mock Tests based on the new format.

Q: Nathan: Is it mentioned anywhere that test takers can choose which section they want to begin with? I mean is there freedom choose section for attempting?

A: NO. From what CAT Convener has said in the interviews, it will be QA&DI first and VA&LR afterwards.

Q: Dipiti: What will be the difficulty level?

A: There is no reason to believe that the difficulty level will change drastically from the last two years' papers.

Q: Upasana Vaidya: Why is there going to be a change suddenly? Wasn't there any prior notice about it? It's really disturbing to see such changes before the exam.

A: Yeah it is. But then it's the same for everybody. Isn't it? Adapt to the change rather than whine about it. Think of it as an opportunity to capitalize while others are busy whining.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more on CAT 2011.