Cat 2011: Reach Center 1.5 Hr Before Test, Dont Forget Id Documents: Prometric Md

With just three days to go for the launch of CAT 2011 test phase, it is time to pay attention to the nittie gritties of test taking and prepare yourself for having a smooth test taking experience on your D-Day.

Mr. Soumitra Roy, MD, Prometric India has shared with MBAUniverse some very important practical tips that will ensure for you a smooth test taking experience. These tips are a must read for you if you wish to prepare yourself well for your big day.

So what are those areas on which you need to develop a familiarity? Read on to know what Mr. Roy has to offer to all CAT 2011 test takers.

Before the D Day

Take the Practice Test at CAT website
Check your test center
Arrange your documents: You should get all your documents in place a day or two before the test day to avoid any last minute stress. These would be the following:

� Admit Card for CAT 2011
� A valid and original photo identification.
� SC/ST and DA candidates should also bring along supporting documents with them. For a list of acceptable forms of photo identification, visit the CAT website. If in doubt, you may bring a notarized Affidavit in English.

Things to expect at the test center

Reach your test center 1.5 hours before test: As stated in all previous communication, You are expected to arrive at your scheduled test centre at least an hour and a half before your scheduled test time.

The checking procedure: Only registered CAT 2011 candidates will be allowed inside the test centre. You must present your Admit Card and photo identification. You will not be allowed to take the test if either of these is not presented. Apart from Admit Cards, photo identification, SC/ST and DA documents, nothing will be allowed inside the actual testing room. You will be required to store small personal belongings in a bag away from the testing area.

You should not bring bags, valuables and large items to the test centre as Prometric will not be able to store these.

As part of the biometric check-in process, your digital image as well as fingerprint will be captured. This will allow the IIMs to verify your identity during any follow-up interviews. Once the check-in process is completed, you will be escorted to your assigned seats. There could be some waiting time before the test starts, to allow you to be checked in. For the full test day procedure, a video is available from the CAT website.

Taking the CAT 2011

Starting the test: Prior to the commencement of the actual test, there will be a 15-minute tutorial that you should go through. You will be provided with scratch paper, pencils and an eraser for use during the test. After reading and accepting the non-disclosure agreement, the test will begin.

The sections: You will first be presented with the section on QA & DI. A countdown timer set at 1 hour 10 minutes (i.e. 70 minutes) will appear on the top-right corner of every screen. You can navigate within this section using the �Next�, �Previous� and �Review� buttons. Since the two sections are separately timed, you can focus all your energy on one section at a time. Once the time ends for the first section, you will no longer be able to go back to it.

The second section on VA and LR will then begin, with a fresh timer counting down once again from 1 hour 10 minutes.

Security Plan: All testing areas will be audio and video recorded and any suspicious or disruptive behavior could lead to your test being invalidated by the IIMs. For any issues during the test, you may raise your hand to notify a test centre administrator. A technician will also be on stand-by at every location. Prometric has taken all the necessary precautions to ensure candidates have a smooth testing experience.

Issues of technical glitch: In the unlikely event of a technical issue, you are requested to remain calm and immediately alert a test centre administrator. All our test centre staff have been fully trained and certified, and are well equipped to assist you during the test.

Also Read

Get ready for D Day: Tips from CAT 2011 Convener Prof J Moorthy