CAT 2011 Pattern

Source : catiim.in

CAT 2011 Test Pattern
The CAT 2011 will have only two sections :
1. Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation
2. Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning.


These two sections will be implemented sequentially with separate time limits. The examination will be 140 minutes. Candidates will have 70 minutes to answer 30 questions within each section which will have an on-screen countdown timer. Within the 70 min provided for the section, candidates can review the answers."


This means even if you complete 1st section in lesser time, say in 50 mins, for the remaining 20 minutes you would not be allowed to utilize it for 2nd section. The best way to handle such situation would be revise all the attempted and unattended questions so as to ensure that you have not missed out something.


Scoring
+3 marks would be given for correct answers, -1 for incorrect attempts and 0 marks for unanswered questions.


Few things which could help during preparation & CAT test:
-First of all be calm during the test and don't panic at all.
-Understand the fact that you have to make a decent attempt with all abilties which you have now.
-You must be aware of your areas of strengths for each of the sections.
-Don't try to attempt too many questions, start attempting questions only from the areas you are comfortable with.
-Don't attempt question sequentially. Skim through the question within 10-15 seconds if you are not sure how to approach it or solve it, without second thoughts jump to the next question.
-Example-1 VA: Say you are not good in RC but you are good in sentence correction. Attempt more questions from sentecne correction and don't attempt much more RC. Though I personally feel RC is easiest to master.
-Example-2 QA: Assuming that in Quantitative Ability you are pretty good in artihmatic but not good in Geometry or trignometry or algebra, focus majorly on attempting questions from arithmatic as that is your strong area. Would also suggest you skim through each question from other areas for 10-15 seconds, if something is simple and straight forward attempt it right away.
-Remember CAT is more about Time Management, Smart selection of question rather blindly attempting to whatever comes your way.
-Attempt at least 7-10 mock tests before making an attempt to CAT test.
-Need not to say, make yourself familiar with computer basics, if you are not.
-Improve your reading speed, calculation speed & problem solving speed
-Improve your time management skills.While solving a set of questions at home, make a habiit of setting a time limit. Try to score as much as possible in the stipulated amount of time.Practice alot.
-Verbal section could be tougher as it doesn't requires any calculations. So try to work on it, read a lot.




More about CAT 2011 test process 
A 15-minute tutorial will be provided before the start of the test, and candidates are advised to go through that carefully before starting the main examination. The total duration will be two hours and thirty five minutes including the tutorial. A practice test to provide candidates with a feel of the timed sections, as well as navigation and functionality of the actual test will be made available in the coming weeks. Once again candidates are advised to go though them carefully to familiarize themselves with the screens, layout, and navigation.


At the test venue, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a scratch paper for calculations. After the test, candidate must leave the scratch paper at the desk. Rough work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet, as nothing will be allowed inside the testing room. No breaks will be given during the test.


Also Read:

• Eligibility for CAT 2011-CAT Eligibility Criteria
• Common Questions CAT 2011 - FAQ CAT 2011
• CAT 2011 Practical Test Guide
• CAT 2011 Important Dates
• Common topics in Quantitative Ability for CAT