There will always be a surprise element in the CAT pattern

Probably the only thing predictable about the Common Admission Test (CAT) is that it’s unpredictable. The computer-based CAT, introduced in 2009, is going along the same lines – there will be changes in format again this year. ET spoke with CAT convenor Janakiraman Moorthy to understand the reasons behind the changes. Excerpts:

What are the changes in the computer-based CAT this year?
CAT 2011 will have only two sections. The first section will focus on Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; the second on Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning. These two sections will be implemented sequentially with separate time limits. The examination will be held for 140 minutes.

Candidates will have 70 minutes to answer 30 questions within each section, which will have an on-screen countdown timer. Once the time ends for the first section, they will move to the second and will no longer be able to go back. Although new in the computer-based version of CAT, this format was practised in some of the earlier paper-and-pencil years.

But doesn’t this curtail candidates’ flexibility?
The reason we have reduced the number of sections from three to two is because we want students who are equally competent in quantitative and verbal ability. Till last year, we have seen many students with a skewed efficiency. The reason for the ‘timed’ sections is that CAT-takers spend most of their time on areas they are strong in. This leads to a skewed score. They get high percentage owing to the fact that they have spent much time in their strong section, but on the other hand the sectional scores vary a lot. We have kept this in mind while changing the exam pattern.

Since its introduction, CAT has seen changes in its pattern every year. Will this practice continue?
There will always be a surprise element in CAT. However, for the past few years, we have been announcing the changes well in advance. The structure will be the same but there could be minor improvements.

The idea behind introducing the computer-based test was that CAT would become like GMAT – candidates can take the test anytime during the year. Do you see that happening in the near future?
Such options are open. This year, though, is more of a consolidation year for us. We are evaluating various possibilities of making CAT more convenient for students, especially those who are working.

The number of candidates taking CAT has been decreasing over the past two years. Do you expect the number to rise this year?
The reason for the dip in numbers vary – the economy, placements, technical glitches in the first year of computer-based CAT, to name a few. But things are looking up. Students are much more familiar with the computer-based CAT. This year, three test centres have been added – Bhilai, Dehradun and Jammu. Axis Bank has also increased the number of branches to 201 so that it is easier for candidates to access CAT vouchers.

Source: The Economic Times (Online Edition), September 30, 2011