Key points to know while attempting cat exam
Candidates can finish up ruining their whole CAT preparation in the midst of chaos and disturbance. Just hours before the exam, anxiety sets in, and this is why many candidates score poorly on the CAT exam. Therefore, it is crucial for students who plan to take the CAT exam to be aware of several critical elements before sitting for the CAT exam.
The applicants will be able to keep their heads clear and focused by keeping in mind these important elements while they try the CAT test. Test pressure usually builds for applicants as soon as they go into the exam room. Overcoming any such anxiety would be made easier by paying attention to these CAT exam essential topics.
Below, we’ve covered several crucial CAT exam day guidelines in more detail:
Observe the Invigilator’s Directions
The invigilator will assist you in finding your desk after you have entered the examination room. Candidates are urged to arrive at the CAT exam site well in advance of reporting time. Candidates should obediently comply with the invigilator’s directions. It is advised that you carefully obey the invigilator’s instructions rather than defying them.
After the reporting time, no candidate will be permitted to access the CAT test center.
Buzzing is strictly forbidden in exam rooms, and care must be made to avoid it.
If you carry the electronic devices by accident, give them back right away.
Start with well-known inquiries.
Candidates ought to begin with the well-known inquiries. In the CAT, there will be an opportunity to switch between the questions in the same section, so don’t bother about figuring out the first question. A 40-minute time restriction will be placed on each portion (53 minutes and 20 seconds for PwD candidates), after which the next section will automatically start to show on the screen. Candidates who have done their homework will be aware of which questions are straightforward and which do not require more than a cursory glance.
Keep The Sectional Time Management In Mind
One of the ten essential knowledge areas for the CAT exam is this. According to the CAT test format, applicants will only have 40 minutes for each part to complete the MCQs and TITA questions before the next section is displayed. Candidates should arrange their overall test duration accordingly and keep this in mind. In the unlikely event that you believe a certain question will take you longer than normal to complete and find a solution, simply go on to the next one and try the simple, quick-to-solve questions.
If it seems like there is a new question, don’t put extra effort into finding an answer.
Do not rush at the last minute.
You might need to reappear for the CAT; keep in mind that “Lost time is never recovered again.”
PwD applicants will have an additional hour, or a total of three hours, to complete the CAT exam.
Pick TITA Questions Carefully
Every year, there are more than 5 TITA questions in each area based on CAT exam papers from prior years. The same is probably still true in CAT 2023. There is no negative grading for TITA questions, which is their main benefit; thus, responding to them is not harmful. However, candidates typically consider how important their time is. Candidates eventually waste a lot of time on TITA questions, which lowers their final score.
Utilize the calculator on-screen.
The CAT is the only management entrance test that permits students to use calculators, as far as the B-School admission exams are concerned. IIMs will continue to offer the CAT capability of online screen calculators. Candidates will benefit from the time savings and resulting uptick in morale. In particular, the DI section and problems requiring extensive computations necessitate the use of a calculator. Calculators should only be used, though, when necessary. Uselessness for trivial computations is a fool’s errand.
Focus on Work
Candidates are given a variety of workstations because of the strong security precautions. Candidates are required to behave in a disciplined way. As a result, one of the primary recommendations in the CAT exam’s list of 10 things to keep in mind when taking the test is that applicants shouldn’t try to observe or assess others while taking the test. Keep your eyes glued to the computer screen. Stay focused on what you are doing and avoid getting sidetracked.
Avoid wasting time on difficult questions.
You must keep in mind these recommendations for important guidelines to observe when taking the test as part of your CAT plan. A couple of the questions are more difficult to answer, so instead of wasting time trying to figure them out, go on to the next one that appears simple and will require less time to answer. In the CAT, time will be of the essence, and any mistakes will undoubtedly lead you astray from your objective.
Recall that quality matters more than quantity.
This last-minute advice from the CAT’s former winners, “CAT is never about attempting all questions but obtaining one more right than your opponents,” is something that no sensible applicant can afford to overlook. Make careful to complete any preliminary calculations on the accompanying papers so the examiner can understand your technique of computation. Although not required, it is nevertheless recommended. Never rely on guesses at random while answering questions on the CAT exam now that there is negative grading. Move on to the next question if you are unsure about the right response. If there is still time after resolving the well-known questions, go over the question and the possible answers again before deciding on a response.
Check your answers twice
It’s important to keep moving and revise your responses within the remaining period. Verify the answers to the questions a second time to make sure they are genuine and accurate. Mark the questions on the screen and go back to them to double-check the answers during the last leg. Correctly revise. Do not attempt the question if you still appear uncertain since any incorrect response will result in a point deduction.
Avoid Panic Moments
Above all, take your time answering the questions without panicking or rushing. Simply believe in yourself and your gut. According to past top performer Vishesh Garg, who achieved a 99.99 percentile on the CAT 2020, “Consistency will give you an edge over others.” In order to adequately cover the CAT syllabus and have enough time for revision, you must take your CAT study seriously and start early. This is the foundation of a successful CAT preparation approach. Recognize your errors right away, and often take the CAT mock exams.