CAT 2024 pattern changes: How should we interpret them?

Which is easier MAT or CMAT?

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CAT Exam pattern over the past 8 years since it was computerised in 2009 has gone for perceptible changes. CAT paper pattern prior to 2009 was paper-pen based. CAT exam format was changed from paper based exam to CAT online computer based test in 2009. Even after that CAT paper pattern continued changing from 3 sections to 2 and then CAT pattern was changed to 3 sections in 2015. Since then CAT is following similar pattern. CAT 2018 pattern also remains the same as that of CAT exam 2017 pattern with 3 sections and 3 hours time although the number of MCQs and Non-MCQs may change.

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Pattern of exam does't matters because in CAT exam you have to apply your mind to solve the questions.

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CAT exam is an ability based exam. It's not what you learn. It's what and how you analyse.

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The QA and data interpretation includes basic mathematics like algebra, data representation, etc.

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Actually, according to me, in the present CAT pattern, we have to concentrate on all the sections equally unlike the earlier times where concentrating properly on one section would help you crack CAT.

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Although, no official notification has been made about the same, the pattern for CAT-2017 is expected to be on the same lines as the CAT-2016.

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It means that it doesn't make sense to take the test of an institution which has been unable to conduct its entrance examination 'properly' since the last 10 years. It doesn't have a robust system of selecting candidates and that there is a high element of chance and subjectivity which is more likely to 'kill' merit rather than promote it. At IIMs they dont want able managers, they do not want good talent, they want diversity and other things. They fail to provide quality management education (else they would have done well in International rankings), they want to do business by charging exorbitant fee which would require students to definitely take education loan, with no subsequent guarantee of a good placement in the end (as it has happened with the batches which have graduated in 2017). That you are likely to lead the next two-three years of your life in a career that you do not like, just because it is more likely to be paying well rather than satisfy your true potential and ability It means that you can rather gain some work experience after your graduation, save some money, prepare well for a good standardized test like GMAT and respect your own talent by migrating out of the country by studying in an institution abroad which gives quality Management education, at nearly similar ROI and plentiful of opportunities that respect your talent rather than killing it.

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There is nothing called good and bad pattern. There are pros and cons of every pattern. It depends on what your position is, according to which you can judge whether pattern change is positive or negative for you. For e.g., the fixed timing for each section is helpful if you are bad with time distribution. It can be bad for if one solves the VA questions very quickly and needed time on LR, so now one needs to be equally focused on both sections. Plus there is a calculator with which the calculation can be accurate but in that case, chances are that level of difficulty would increase.

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But I think if one as a cat aspirant want to do well in the exam he should change his/her preparation strategy and should adapt themselves according to the changes because not doing this will create problems at the last moment

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My experience, clear ur basics and try to more focus on LR DI.

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Our practice plays an important role in clearing the CAT. You should just go through the pattern.

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Just give MCQ test on all sections everyday. Follow mistakes and avoid them by writing down the errors. Free test papers are available on Facebook page of CetKing and CatKing. Focus more on data interpretation.

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The changes mean that CAT, as an MBA entrance test, is evolving. It means that IIMs still haven't reached an ideal test pattern and may keep experimenting with strategy. As for preparation strategy, aspirants shouldn't change anything. Focus on on your strengths and weakness like you planned to. However, exam taking strategy will change. Candidates have to attempt each section for 60 minutes. There's no option of attempting your strongest section first or last - it's all decided by CAT authorities. Non-MCQ questions are making an entrance this year. IIMs haven't revealed any information about it. Irrespective of the difficulty level of non-MCQ questions, definitely attempt it, 'cause there's no negative marking here.

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