What to Expect during your CAT Examination

This video has a brief presentation about CAT test day. The title "That to expect on IIM CAT test day" is presented to you by Prometric

CAT 2009 | Preparation Tips for Last 7 Days

The countdown has begun. You are now only a few days away from CAT 2009. The countless hours spent poring over notes and taking tests to prepare for this test are finally about to fructify. There are bound to be butterflies in your stomach as exam day approaches. However, you should not let your anxiety get in the way of your final preparation phase. It is important to not lose focus and stay motivated so that you can deliver on the final day.

The week before CAT, you are advised to make optimum use of your time to rest and revise. Channel your energies into some extracurricular activities so that you are not bogged down with CAT apprehensions. This article will guide you through the preparation process in the week before CAT.

~ Firstly, you need to accept that it isn't possible to redo whatever studying has been done in the earlier months. Don't try to make up for lost time by trying to learn new concepts.

CAT 2009 | Test Day Tips and Strategies

This article discusses tips and strategies for testing day for this year's computer-based CAT.

Firstly, it is important to have a plan in place to attempt the computer-based CAT. Your plan of action should be decided based on all the practice and mock exams you might have taken and a careful analysis of your performance.

You should be clear on:

--In which section you normally score well -- your areas of comfort.
--What kinds of questions you are normally able to solve.
--Your weaknesses -- questions that you cannot solve or where you take too much time.

From this, you should have an idea of aspects such as:

CAT 2009 | Tips to remove stress

The CAT is just about a week away and it is to be expected that your tension levels are shooting through the roof. To help you keep your focus and stress levels under control, try these stress-buster tips.

Positive visualisation
Take a moment to sit with your eyes closed and visualise yourself achieving the ideal outcome. You have to convince yourself that your hard work will pay off, and this includes convincing your subconscious. Repeated negative thoughts seep into your subconscious and eat away at your energy and confidence. This is not the time to do a postmortem of what you have studied so far. Rather, tell yourself that whatever you have studied will help you in the test.

Re-strategise
You are your best study coach. You know your weaknesses and strengths, and, if you feel the need, this is the best time to use that knowledge to rehash your strategies. Take a few mock tests, applying various strategies, so that each paper enables you to achieve better results. This might not be the best time to start with new topics. Instead, collate your thoughts and organise your approach patterns. Gravitating towards such "can do" possibilities will also generate genuine confidence.

12 percent dip in registered students this year due to online CAT

This year, 2.42 lakh students registered for CAT, which registered a dip in applications of over 12% since last year’s 2.76 lakh applications.

The fall in numbers could be attributed to the test becoming computer-based starting this year. Not everyone is sure of the outcome and many have decided to watch from the sidelines.

Expert Views:

• The online test is also a first for the CAT management. Much is at stake and the situation may be tricky at first, but later on, probably everybody will get used to it.
• The test will be conducted in 32 cities through 105 secure computer-based testing centres, specially prepared for the CAT.
• Just like in the earlier format of CAT, students should keep in mind to attempt questions that they know first and as well as they can.
• Experts also advised students to get used to reading comprehension online – one of the biggest changes that will be felt in the new format.

A Practical Guide to the CAT

You should arrive at your allocated test centre at least 2 hours before your scheduled appointment. This will allow time for security checks, identity verification and checking in. If you have registered for Session 1 (morning session), you should be at the test centre by 8am. You must not arrive later than 8:30am.

Testing will begin at

CAT | Free download of Sample Papers

CAT Sample Paper 1

CAT Sample Paper 2

CAT Sample Paper 3

Vinod Gupta School of Management Kharagpur | Admission 2009 for MBA

MBA Admission 2009 – Kharagpur – Vinod Gupta School of Management

Introduction: The main programme currently offered by the School leads to the degree of Master of Business Administration from IIT Kharagpur. This is a full-time four-semester (2 year) residential programme for graduate engineers and Masters’ degree holders in science, economics and commerce, intending to pursue management careers in India or abroad. In a relatively short period, VGSOM has been recognised as one of the top business schools in India .The MBA curriculum has evolved to be among the best in the country combining the traditional strengths of IIT in technical education with modern management philosophy.

Total credits required to earn degree of Master of Business Administration : 89 to 93 credits

4 New IIMs offer 560 more seats for CAT 2009 Applicants

Students appearing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2009 have a reason to cheer as their probability of getting a seat in the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) now stands a brighter chance. With new four new IIMs coming up across the nation, CAT this year will offer 560 extra IIM seats to the aspiring management candidates.

According to the sources from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), the CAT committee was asked to include these additional seats from this year. Currently there are seven IIMs across the nation and the cabinet now has cleared to set four more in the country in August. Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Raipur (Chhattisgarh) and Rohtak (Haryana) are the proposed additions to the family of IIMs.

The admission limit of all the new IIMs is set to be 140 seats, which is objected by the directors of some of the existing IIMs, claiming it to be on a higher side for a new institute to manage. According to a government official, “As soon as the new institutes get their directors appointed, the old IIMs will step in to help the new to decide upon the content of the academic courses.”

Faculty of Management Studies BHU | Admission 2009 for MBA

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY
(Established by Parliament by Notification No. 225 to 1916)
VARANASI-221005, INDIA
Faculty of Management Studies
Varanasi – 221005, UP (India) Telefax.: (91 542) 2307430/31/ 2369332
Email: admissions[at]fmsbhu.ac.in ; Website: www.bhu.ac.in ; www.fmsbhu.ac.in

Admission Notification for 2010-2011

Applications are invited for admission to
TWO YEAR POST GRADUATE PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
(with specialization in Marketing / HRD / Finance - MBA Seats 46)
(with specialization in International Business – MIBA Seats 46)
Advertisement [DOC] [PDF]
Information Bulletin [DOC] [PDF]

RESERVATION : SC: 15%; ST: 7.5%; PD: 3% and OBC : 27%
PAID SEATS : 10 (MBA 05 & MIBA 05)

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT CAT

1. I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?
   CAT is going to be a computer-based test (CBT). and not Internet based test (IBT). i.e. Candidate does not take the test on an Internet site. Instead of reading the questions in a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.
   

2. Will the format of the test change?
   The format of the test will remain more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer.
   

3. Can I take the test from any computer?
   No. A candidate will take the test only at designated test venues in 30 cities across India.
   

4. Can I appear for CAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
   No.
   

5. What does a CBT test looks like?
   A CAT sample test is available atCAT Demo for candidates to get a feel of CBT.

SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION

1. Who is eligible to take the test.
   The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Differently Abled (DA) categories], awarded by any of the Universities incorporated by an act of the central or state legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate in the bachelor’s degree would be calculated based on the practice followed by the university/ institution from where the candidate has obtained the degree. In case the candidates are awarded grades/CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of grades/CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the university/ institution from where they have obtained the bachelor’s degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100. Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification examination and those who have completed degree requirements and are awaiting results can also apply. IIMs may verify eligibility at various stages of the selection process, the details of which are provided atSelection Process of IIMs.
   Prospective candidates must maintain a valid email account throughout the selection process.
   

2. Is there any age restriction for appearing in CAT?
   No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CAT.
   

3. What is the fee for the test?
   The fee is Rs.1400. If you belong to the SC/ST category then you can pay a discounted fee of Rs.700
   

4. Where do I pay my fees?
   For 2009, candidates are required to make the fee payment at selectedAxis Bank Outlets once the registration for CAT 2009 begins.
   

5. When will the CAT 2009 advertisement appear in newspapers?
   Advertisement for CAT 2009 will appear on Sunday, August 30, 2009 in leading national newspapers.
   

6. Once the advertisement appears, is one expected to buy CAT bulletin from designated banks?
   No. One does not have to buy a bulky CAT bulletin. We want to go paperless. A prospective candidate buys a voucher from the designated bank branches, and later registers online for CAT 2009.
   

7. When does the sale of voucher start and end?
   Sale of vouchers starts on 9 September 2009 at selected Axis Bank branches and associated outlets. The sale ends on 8 October 2009.
   

8. How can I purchase a voucher?
   You are required to fill a pay-in-slip at the selected Axis Bank Outlets to obtain the voucher. There will be two copies of the pay-in-slip. The bank will retain one copy of the filled pay-in-slip and the other will be stamped and given back to you. Please retain your copy of the pay-in-slip with you during the entire selection process.
   Note: The name on the pay-in-slip should match with the name appearing on the school-leaving certificate.
   

9. When and how do I register for CAT 2009 after buying the voucher?
   Online registration for CAT 2009 will also begin on 9 September 2009 and end on 11 October 2009. Instructions for the online registration process will be available atCAT Registration Instructions.
   

10. Where can I find the voucher number required for registration?
    You can find the voucher number under the scratch-off area of the voucher you purchased at an Axis Bank outlet. Please ensure that you scratch off gently so the voucher number does not become illegible.
    

11. When will CAT be held and can I choose a test date?
    CAT will be held during the period Saturday, 28 November 2009 – Monday, 7 December 2009. Yes, you can choose a test date, test time, and venue across thirty cities all over India, subject to availability.
    

12. From where can I get the list of test centres?
    A list of test centres will be available on the website from 9th September 2009.
    

13. When will I get my Admit Card?
    Soon after you fill-in, review, and submit your personal information during online registration, an automated confirmation email, which will contain your Candidate Profile, will be sent to you at the email address provided.
    After submitting your personal information, you are expected to continue registration by scheduling your test date, test time, and venue. Once you have submitted this scheduling information, a 2nd automated confirmation email, which will contain your CAT 2009 Admit Card, will be sent to you at the email address provided. Only at this stage your CAT 2009 registration is complete
    

14. What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?
    The admit card will contain the name of the candidate, test date, time, venue, confirmation no, CAT registration number and instructions for the candidate.
    

15. Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?
    No. The admit card will be sent to you as an email on your email address, provided by you, only when you filled in your online application and scheduled a test. It is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process.
    Note: You are required to take a print out of the Admit Card to bring with you to the test centre.
    

16. Are there any special provisions for Differently Abled candidates?
    Yes. Please refer to information provided forDA Candidates on the CAT website.
    

17. What are the different time slots for scheduling the test for a typical testing day?
    A typical testing day for CAT will have 2 exam sessions. Candidates are allowed to schedule for any one of the sessions, subject to availability. Session timings are as follows:
    Session 1: Testing will begin at 10 AM and end at 12:30 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 8 AM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test center no later than 8:30 AM.
    Session 2: Testing will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 6 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 1:30 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test center no later than 2:00 PM.
    

18. Can I appear for CAT 2009 more than once during the 10 day testing window.
    No. You can appear for CAT 2009 only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CAT 2009 more than once. Admit cards and picture ids of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test venue.
    

19. If I have made any mistakes while registering for CAT 2009, can I make changes later to rectify?
    Changes to your Personal Data and Application Data shall be allowed beginning evening of September 18 2009. Please read the announcement on the registration page.
    

20. What are the timings to contact the Candidate Care helpline.
    The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email.
    Phone: 1-800-103-9293
    
    

CAT online registration process deadline extended to October 11

The Common Admission Test (CAT) for entry into the IIMs and 150 other BSchools has witnessed 27% drop in applicants this
year. As per IIMs, the number of candidates registered for CAT has been around 2 lakh mark, even as online registration process that was earlier scheduled to close on October 1 has been extended to October 11.

Last year the number of CAT applicants was 2.76 lakh. While the number of CAT applicants has been rising 10% every year, the last three years saw a 20-25 % increase in number of candidates appearing for the exam.

Online registration process for CAT admission began on September 9 and was scheduled to end on October 1. However, the CAT committee has now extended the date to compensate for bank holidays that halted the process, which it feels may have resulted in lesser number of candidates registering for the test.

Experts feel bleak placements scenario across tier 2 and 3 B-schools may have dissuaded a large chunk of candidates with work experience from pursuing MBA. Apprehensions about computer-based test among candidates coming from smaller towns may also be a reason, they said.

CAT's online registration faced teething troubles , which were later taken care of by IIMs and Prometric, the testing and assessment services provider for computer-based CAT this year.

The first couple of days created panic among students who were unable to edit any wrong information put by them in the online form. For instance, the 'edit' feature itself was introduced only on September 18.

“As of now, the number of candidates registered for CAT has crossed 2 lakh. To provide exact figure at this point is difficult but this may be due to bank holidays because of which candidates could not purchase vouchers required for registration. Also, it is hard to guess if the number of candidates appearing for CAT this year will be above last year,” said CAT convener and IIM-A faculty, Satish Deodhar.