CAT 2019 results are out! Common Admission Test, well-known as CAT is the most prominent entrance examination for getting into management studies. This examination is organized by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMS). CAT entrance test is carried out in order to offer admission in different colleges and institutions of management located in India. In today’s article, you will get detail info about CAT 2020.
The examination for IIMCAT is carried out on a rotational basis by one of the IIMs. CAT 2019 was conducted by IIM Kozhikode on 24th November 2019 and the result was announced on 4th Jan 2020. The CAT Center for Assessment 2020 will be announced in May. CAT 2020 will span six months from the August 2020 registration to the January 2021 announcement of the result. Today we will be knowing more about CAT 2020.
- CAT 2020 Eligibility criteria:
The fundamental eligibility criteria for the CAT exam are graduation with an aggregate mark of at least 50 %. This aggregate is reduced to 45% for the reserved category. Candidates in their final year of degree are also eligible to apply.
- Important dates to remember for CAT 2020:
It is proposed that the CAT 2020 Exam will take place in the last week of November 2020. We bring you important CAT start dates, so you have a fair idea of CAT and schedule your planning accordingly.
| Events | Dates |
| Release of CAT 2020 Notification | Last week of July 2020 |
| CAT Online Registration | First week of August 2020 |
| Last date to fill the application form | Last week of September 2020 |
| Release of Admit card | Last week of October 2020 |
| CAT 2020 Exam (Tentative) | Last week of November 2020 |
| Release of Answer Key | 1st week of December 2020 |
| Announcement of Results | Second week of January 2021 |
- CAT 2020 Exam Pattern:
The most important thing to know about CAT is its pattern. Let’s try and understand it in detail.
- CAT is a computer based test – Candidates are assigned computers at their respective test centers. When the test begins candidates must mark answers on the screen or type answers whatever is required.
- There are 3 sections –
| Sections | No. of Qs |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 34 qs |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 32 qs |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 34 qs |
- Each section has MCQs and non-MCQs –
| Sections | MCQs | Non-MCQs |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24-27 | 7-10 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 24 | 8 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 23-27 | 7-11 |
- Ranking system – You get 3 marks on every correct answer. There is a negative marking of 1 for every incorrect answer in MCQs. Also, there are no negative markings in non-MCQs. In total there are 100 questions.
- CAT 2020 Preparations: For proper CAT planning, there are four main phases
- Keen Reading – Reading books is the best way to improve your verbal ability. For those who read regularly, CAT verbal is no less than a cakewalk. ¼ of the paper is based on verbal comprehension.
- Clarity about the Concept – The most diverse field in the paper is quantitative aptitude and many fundamental concepts are involved in it. One should make all the base concepts clear and thorough almost all of them. If the candidate is well prepared with the basic concepts, then getting the desired results is easy.
- LRDI (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation) – LRDI, the most relevant section over the past few years. For this section, a proper study plan is needed, the aspirant must correct the basics and then solve as many different problems as possible. There is no fixed syllabus for this section. However, one can rely on last year’s papers and spot the pattern. Concept building, practicing and testing are the three keywords to crack this section.
- Mock test – One of the most important areas of CAT exam preparations. Such assessments were constructed based on the actual paper of the examination. A minimum of 30 Mock tests should be taken while preparing for the exam and analyzing their result will help you to ace the exam.
Never over clutter your plate. Get some good books, set up a strategy, stick to it and tailor it according to your needs. Some students try to put their hands on everything they prepare charts, notes and many more. They definitely help but only if you know what you are doing. Hence, keep it simple to prepare one strategy and stay focused.
The most important thing to remember is the exam pattern keeps on changing but that should not bother you. As you are well prepared, and preparations remain the same.
Keep practicing that’s the only keyword!
