Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT)

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Common Admission Test (CAT)

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly formal test that tests different competencies critical for management education. It is a computer-based test split into three sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC falls under language skills, reading comprehension, and verbal reasoning. Usually, questions under this section are divided between reading comprehension passages and questions on grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. Reading comprehension passages make up a large portion of this section, wherein the candidate is supposed to read fast and get the information just right.
The skills tested are understanding the main ideas, identifying arguments, and making inferences.
A good knowledge of the English language along with regular reading and practice will prepare a candidate to gain success in VARC .
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests the capabilities of a candidate to understand the complex data in use and employ reasoning logic to solve problems. Contestants have to read data promptly while spotting the answer within the time clock.
DILR requires a combination of numerical power and logical thinking; therefore, practice with all kinds of data sets is very much required to excel in this section.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests mathematical ability, which includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. It tests the candidate's problem-solving ability and basic quantitative concepts understanding. Questions are designed to test the candidates' speed and accuracy; hence practice of mathematical shortcuts and formulas helps.
Practice of previous years' questions and focus on weaker math areas are required to score well in QA.
Pattern and Paper Style
Common Admission Test (CAT) is a 120 minute test, with 40 minutes given for each section. It is format bound and does not permit the candidates to switch from one section to another.
Each section has both multiple choice as well as non-multiple choice type questions.
In the former, there is no negative marking for the former type but for the multiple choice type, every right answer carries three marks while each wrong answer carries a minus one mark.
Conclusion
The overall structure of Common Admission Test (CAT) , with sectional decomposition of the test requires a candidate to have language, logical reasoning capabilities and quantitative ability. Thus, focused preparation for both the sections would be necessary to become successful in the test.

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