Common Questions CAT
Source : catiim.in
Queries related with FORMAT OF CAT
Q.1) I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?
Ans. CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) and not an Internet-based test
(IBT) i.e. a candidate does not take the test on an Internet site. Instead of
reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the
answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and
choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
Q.2) How is the computer-based format different from the
paper-based format?
Ans. The format of the test is more or less the same except that a
candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct
answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil to darken the
ovals on an answer sheet.
Q.3) Can I take the test from any computer?
Ans. No. A candidate will have to test on a pre-assigned workstation
and will not have a choice to choose his or her workstation, in the testing
venue chosen by him/her during the time of registration.
Q.4) What does a CBT test looks like?
Ans. A CAT practice test is available on the website www.catiim.in for
candidates to get familiarised with the functionality and navigation of the
actual test.
Queries related with TEST DURATION & PATTERN
Q.1) How many sections are there in the test?
Ans. There will be two separately timed sections in the test. The
sections are (a) Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (b) Verbal
Ability & Logical Reasoning.
Q.2) How many questions are there in each of these sections?
Ans. There will be 30 questions in each section.
Q.3) Can I move back and forth between the two sections?
Ans. No, each section will be timed separately. Once a section ends,
candidates can no longer go back to it.
Q.4) Can I choose which section to attempt first?
Ans. No, candidates will be presented with the section on Quantitative
Ability & Data Interpretation first, followed by Verbal Ability &
Logical Reasoning.
Q.5) How will the separately timed sections work?
Ans. There will be an on-screen timer counting down from 1 hour 10 mins
(i.e. 70 minutes) once a section begins. When the time is up, that section will
end and you will not be able to go back to it. The second section will then
begin and the on-screen timer will start counting down from 1 hour 10 minutes
again. Once the second section ends, the test will end.
Q.6) Can I start on the second section if I finish the first
section before the 70 minutes are up?
Ans. No, you will not have the ability to end the first section before
the first 70 minutes are up. However, you will be given an option to end the
second section, and therefore your test, before the second 70 minutes are up.
If you choose to end your test before the full duration is up, you will be required
to wait at your testing station until everyone is dismissed by the test
administrator.
Q.7) What is the duration of the test?
Ans. Each of the sections will be 1 hour and 10 minutes (i.e. 70
minutes). Including a 15-minute tutorial before the start of the test which
candidates are advised to go through, the total duration of the test will be 2
hours and 35 minutes.
Q.8) What is the tutorial?
Ans. The tutorial provides
a series of screens that will orient you to the computer-based CAT. This will
give you an opportunity to try the various features, including how to navigate
between questions in a section, review questions, etc. The tutorial has a total
duration of 15 minutes and candidates are advised to go through it entirely
before starting the actual exam sections. For a similar preview, candidates can
take a tour of the CAT 2011 Practice Test.
Queries related with ELIGIBILITY, SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION for CAT
Q.1) Who is eligible to take the test?
Ans. The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste
(SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Differently Abled (DA) categories], awarded by any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate in the bachelor’s degree would be calculated based on the practice followed by the university/ institution from where the candidate has obtained the degree. In case the candidates are awarded grades/CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of grades/CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the university/ institution from where they have obtained the bachelor’s degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any
scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have
completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of
which are provided at the website http://www.catiim.in/selection_process.html.
Prospective candidates must have the following throughout the selection process.
1. CAT 2011 Voucher
2. Pay-in Slip
3. Valid and unique Email ID
Q.2) Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
Ans. No.
Q.3) Is there any age restriction for appearing in CAT?
Ans. No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CAT.
Q.4) What is the fee for the test?
Ans. The fee is Rs.1600. If you belong to the SC/ST category then you can pay a discounted fee of Rs.800.
Q.5) Where do I pay my fees?
Ans. Candidates are required to purchase a CAT voucher at selected Axis Bank branches
Q.7) How can I purchase a voucher?
Ans. You are required to fill a pay-in-slip at the selected Axis Bank branches to obtain the voucher. There will be two copies of the pay-in-slip. The bank will retain one copy of the filled pay-in-slip and the other will be stamped and given back to you. Please retain your copy of the pay-in-slip with you during the entire selection process.
Note: The name on the pay-in-slip must match the name appearing on the school-leaving certificate.
Q.8) When and how do I register for CAT 2011 after buying the voucher?
Ans. Online registration for CAT Additional instructions for the online application and registration process are also available on the website www.catiim.in.
Q.9) Where can I find the voucher number required for registration?
Ans. You can find the voucher number under the scratch-off area of the voucher you purchase at an Axis Bank branch. Please use a coin to scratch off gently so the voucher number does not become illegible. Vouchers will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Q.10) Can I use my coaching institute’s or a friend’s email address when registering for CAT?
Ans. No, you need to have a valid and unique email address.
Q.11) can I choose a test date?
Ans. Yes, you can choose a test date, test time, and venue across 36 cities all overIndia
Q.12) From where can I get the list of test centres?
Ans. A list of test centres will be available at below link:
Q.13) When will I get my Admit Card?
Ans. a.) Soon after you fill-in, review, and submit your personal information during the online application, an automated confirmation email, which will contain your Application Summary, will be sent to the email address provided by you.
b.) After submitting your personal information, you are expected to continue registration by scheduling your test date, test time, and venue. Once you have submitted this scheduling information, a 2nd automated confirmation email, which will contain your CAT Admit Card, will be sent to the email address provided by you. Only at this stage is your CAT registration complete.
Q.14) What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?
Ans. The admit card will contain the name of the candidate, test date, time, venue, confirmation number, CAT Registration Number / Testing ID and instructions for the candidate.
Q.15) Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?
Ans. No. The admit card will be sent to the email address provided by you, only after you have filled in your online application and scheduled your test. It
is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process.
Note: Admit Card is a mandatory requirement in order to test. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the test centre.
Q.16) Are there any special provisions for Differently Abled candidates?
Ans. Yes. Please refer to the FAQs for DA Candidates for more details.
Q.17) What are the different time slots for scheduling the test for a typical testing day?
Ans. A typical testing day for CAT will have 2 exam sessions. Candidates are allowed to schedule for any one of the sessions, subject to availability.
Session timings are as follows:
a. Session 1: Testing will begin at10 AM . Candidates are required to arrive at the
test center no later than 8:30 AM for security checks,
identity verification, and checking in.
b. Session 2: Testing will begin at 3:15 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 1:45 PM for security checks, identity verification, and checking in.
Q.18) Can I appear for CAT 2011 more than once during the 20-day testing window?
Ans. No. You can appear for CAT only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CAT more than once. Admit Cards and picture IDs of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test centre.
Q.19) If I have made any mistake(s) while registering for CAT , can I make changes later to rectify?
Ans. If you make mistakes while entering the application data, you may login to https://iim.prometric.com and select “Edit Profile” to make
changes to your personal details such as address or “Edit Application” to make changes to your application data such as educational information or interview
location. For security reasons, editing of candidate’s full name and username will not be allowed. To reschedule your appointment, select “Reschedule an
Appointment” to choose a different test centre, date and time of your test, of course, subject to availability. The ability to edit application profile and
registration details will be available until the registration window is closed, IST.
Note: If you make changes to your profile or reschedule, you must carry the most recent admit card and attend the most recent test session.
Q.20) What are the timings to contact the Candidate Care helpline?
Ans. The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email.
Phone: 1-800-103-7383
Webmail:Contact Us
Queries related with ELIGIBILITY, SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION for CAT
Q.1) Who is eligible to take the test?
Ans. The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste
(SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Differently Abled (DA) categories], awarded by any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate in the bachelor’s degree would be calculated based on the practice followed by the university/ institution from where the candidate has obtained the degree. In case the candidates are awarded grades/CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of grades/CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the university/ institution from where they have obtained the bachelor’s degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any
scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have
completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of
which are provided at the website http://www.catiim.in/selection_process.html.
Prospective candidates must have the following throughout the selection process.
1. CAT 2011 Voucher
2. Pay-in Slip
3. Valid and unique Email ID
Q.2) Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
Ans. No.
Q.3) Is there any age restriction for appearing in CAT?
Ans. No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CAT.
Q.4) What is the fee for the test?
Ans. The fee is Rs.1600. If you belong to the SC/ST category then you can pay a discounted fee of Rs.800.
Q.5) Where do I pay my fees?
Ans. Candidates are required to purchase a CAT voucher at selected Axis Bank branches
Q.7) How can I purchase a voucher?
Ans. You are required to fill a pay-in-slip at the selected Axis Bank branches to obtain the voucher. There will be two copies of the pay-in-slip. The bank will retain one copy of the filled pay-in-slip and the other will be stamped and given back to you. Please retain your copy of the pay-in-slip with you during the entire selection process.
Note: The name on the pay-in-slip must match the name appearing on the school-leaving certificate.
Q.8) When and how do I register for CAT 2011 after buying the voucher?
Ans. Online registration for CAT Additional instructions for the online application and registration process are also available on the website www.catiim.in.
Q.9) Where can I find the voucher number required for registration?
Ans. You can find the voucher number under the scratch-off area of the voucher you purchase at an Axis Bank branch. Please use a coin to scratch off gently so the voucher number does not become illegible. Vouchers will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Q.10) Can I use my coaching institute’s or a friend’s email address when registering for CAT?
Ans. No, you need to have a valid and unique email address.
Q.11) can I choose a test date?
Ans. Yes, you can choose a test date, test time, and venue across 36 cities all over
Q.12) From where can I get the list of test centres?
Ans. A list of test centres will be available at below link:
Q.13) When will I get my Admit Card?
Ans. a.) Soon after you fill-in, review, and submit your personal information during the online application, an automated confirmation email, which will contain your Application Summary, will be sent to the email address provided by you.
b.) After submitting your personal information, you are expected to continue registration by scheduling your test date, test time, and venue. Once you have submitted this scheduling information, a 2nd automated confirmation email, which will contain your CAT Admit Card, will be sent to the email address provided by you. Only at this stage is your CAT registration complete.
Q.14) What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?
Ans. The admit card will contain the name of the candidate, test date, time, venue, confirmation number, CAT Registration Number / Testing ID and instructions for the candidate.
Q.15) Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?
Ans. No. The admit card will be sent to the email address provided by you, only after you have filled in your online application and scheduled your test. It
is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process.
Note: Admit Card is a mandatory requirement in order to test. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the test centre.
Q.16) Are there any special provisions for Differently Abled candidates?
Ans. Yes. Please refer to the FAQs for DA Candidates for more details.
Q.17) What are the different time slots for scheduling the test for a typical testing day?
Ans. A typical testing day for CAT will have 2 exam sessions. Candidates are allowed to schedule for any one of the sessions, subject to availability.
Session timings are as follows:
a. Session 1: Testing will begin at
b. Session 2: Testing will begin at 3:15 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 1:45 PM for security checks, identity verification, and checking in.
Q.18) Can I appear for CAT 2011 more than once during the 20-day testing window?
Ans. No. You can appear for CAT only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CAT more than once. Admit Cards and picture IDs of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test centre.
Q.19) If I have made any mistake(s) while registering for CAT , can I make changes later to rectify?
Ans. If you make mistakes while entering the application data, you may login to https://iim.prometric.com and select “Edit Profile” to make
changes to your personal details such as address or “Edit Application” to make changes to your application data such as educational information or interview
location. For security reasons, editing of candidate’s full name and username will not be allowed. To reschedule your appointment, select “Reschedule an
Appointment” to choose a different test centre, date and time of your test, of course, subject to availability. The ability to edit application profile and
registration details will be available until the registration window is closed, IST.
Note: If you make changes to your profile or reschedule, you must carry the most recent admit card and attend the most recent test session.
Q.20) What are the timings to contact the Candidate Care helpline?
Ans. The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email.
Phone: 1-800-103-7383
Webmail:Contact Us
Queries related with RESCHEDULING & CANCELLATION of CAT
Q.1) What is the deadline to reschedule the test?
Ans. You can reschedule the location, date and time of your test within the registration window No reschedules are permitted once the registration window has closed.
Q.2) Is there any rescheduling fee?
Ans. No.
Q.3) Can I cancel the test?
Ans. No. Under no circumstances will a cancellation/refund be allowed.
Q.4) If I do not take my test, will I be eligible for a refund?
Ans. No. Your fees will not be refunded in case you do not appear for your test as per your scheduled location, date and time.
Queries related with CAT Exam day
Q.1)What is the reporting time for the test?
Ans. One and a half (1.5) hours prior to the test time. If the test begins at
at
Q.2) What are the identification documents required to be carried to the test centre?
Ans. Candidates will need to bring the following identification documents on the test day:
a. CAT Admit Card
b. At least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. The name on your photo identification must match your name as entered in the CAT application. Acceptable forms of photo identification are limited to Driver's license, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, College ID (supported with a valid ATM/Credit/Debit Card with your name), Employee ID, or a notarized Affidavit with Photo, Signature, Date of Birth and Residential Address. Photocopies of the original are not acceptable. Candidates will not be permitted to take the test if photo identification is not presented.
c. A valid document as proof of SC/ST eligibility (if applicable).
If you are a Differently Abled candidate and have requested for support during the test, please carry the copy of the authorisation of the support mailed to you by Prometric
Important: Admit Card and one photo identification, mentioned above, are mandatory in order to test. Note: You will have to store all other personal items at the test centre at your own risk. Please do not bring any other items to the test centre, as they are not permitted into the testing centre.
Q.3) Does the name need to match with the names appearing on the identification documents?
Ans. Your name needs to be exactly identical to the name on your school-leaving certificate.
Note: - If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, you must show the relevant document mentioned below and submit a photocopy at the time of the test, interview and at the time of joining a programme. Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Legal Name Change Document
Q.4) What are the permitted materials I can bring with me to the test centre?
Ans. None. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items to the test centre, including but not limited to wrist-watch, pen, cellphones, calculators,etc.
Q.5) What is the duration and pattern of the test?
Ans. The total duration is 2 hours 35 minutes including a 15-minute tutorial. CAT is a multiple choice test, delivered in 2 sections, 70 minutes per section. The actual test will contain 60 questions, 30 questions per section. For further details, refer to Test Duration & Pattern.
Q.6) Do I have any breaks during the test?
Ans. No, you will not be given any breaks during the test.
Q.7) Will I be provided with any scratch paper for rough work and calculations during the test?
Ans. At the test centre, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a pencil, eraser and scratch paper for calculations. Rough work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet, as nothing will be allowed inside the testing room. On completion of the test,
candidates will have to hand back all the scratch paper and stationery to the Administrator.
Queries related with CAT Scoring & Results
Q.1) How will my initial raw scores be calculated?
Ans. Your raw scores will be calculated for each section based on the number of questions you answered correctly, incorrectly, or omitted. You will be given
+3 points for each correct answer and -1 point for each incorrect answer. There will be no points for questions that are not answered. This scoring methodology ensures that candidates are only awarded points for what they know.
Q.2) What happens after my initial raw scores are calculated?
Ans. The CAT, like virtually all large-scale exams, will utilize multiple forms, or versions, of the test. While all forms are carefully assembled to ensure
that the content is comparable, the difficulty of each form may vary slightly. Such minor differences in the overall difficulty level cannot be accurately
measured until after all of the forms have been administered and the results analysed. To facilitate this comparison, each form will contain equating blocks
comprising a pre-defined number of statistically profiled questions selected from a large item bank. By comparing candidate responses to these equating
blocks across multiple forms, the ability level of the individuals can be evaluated and the precise difficulty of the forms calculated. The raw scores are
then adjusted, as necessary, through a process called equating. Equating assures fairness for all candidates by allowing accurate comparisons to be made of performance across all of the test forms. Equated raw scores are then placed on a common scale or metric to ensure appropriate interpretation of the scores. This process is called scaling.
Q.3) What scores will be presented to me on results day?
Ans. Three scaled scores will be presented for each candidate: an overall scaled score and two separate scaled scores for each section. As the two sections evaluate distinct sets of knowledge and skills, scores do not correlate across sections. A high score in one section does not guarantee a high score in
another section. Percentile rankings are provided for each individual section as well as for the overall exam score.
Q.4) Will I get to see my scores on the test day?
Ans. No.
Q.5) Within how many days can I expect the results?
Ans. CAT results are expected to be declared on
Q.6) How does one know if he/she has been shortlisted by IIMs for interviews?
Ans. More information will be shared by the IIMs after the CAT results are declared on
Queries related with CAT Voucher
Q.1) In case I purchased a voucher and missed registering in the registration window, can I still register myself?
Ans. No. You can only schedule the appointment within the registration window: No exceptions will be permitted.
Q.2) In case I purchased a voucher and have not registered myself, will I be refunded?
Ans. No. Vouchers once sold cannot be refunded.
Q.3) If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?
Ans. You need to login on the website https://iim.prometric.com using your username & password and select “Resend Admit Card”. The Admit Card will be emailed on the email address provided during registration. There is also an option for you to print you Admit Card directly from the website.
Q.4) In case the website does not work and I am unable to schedule myself, how should I register?
Ans. If the registration website is not accessible for any reason, please close your Internet browser and try again. You can register for and schedule your test
Q.5) If the voucher does not work, who is the contact person?
Ans. Please contact the CAT Candidate Care on 1-800-103-7383.
Q.6) Can the voucher be refunded?
Ans. Voucher once sold cannot be refunded under any circumstances including but not limited to loss of voucher, inability to read voucher number due to
mishandling of the voucher by candidate, candidate being ineligible for taking CAT, CAT not being a prerequisite for a programme, and rejection of candidate
registration due to incomplete and/or incorrect information.
Q.7) Can I make any changes to my postal address after I have submitted my application form?
Ans. Yes, you may login to https://iim.prometric.com and select “Edit Profile” to make changes to your personal details such as address.
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