CAT 2018 FAQs for Registration and IIM admission 2018 – answered by experts
Q.1 Who will convene CAT 2017?
A. CAT 2017 will be conducted by IIMs in partnership with testing agency TCS Tata Consultancy Services) on November 26, 2017 on a single day.
Q.2 How CAT is different from other entrance exams?
A. Despite being a Computer based test, CAT is not an online exam. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT). A candidate will not take the exam 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.
Q.3 What does a CBT exam look like?
A CAT 2017 practice test is available on the MBAUniverse.com. You can familiarize yourself with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam.
Q.4 How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?
A. In the computer-based format, the candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen tells you the remaining time to complete the current section.
In the paper-based format, the candidate reads a question on a paper booklet and uses a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer-sheet. Additionally, a timer will be displayed on the screen that tells you how many more minutes to complete the current section.
Q.5 How many sections are there in CAT 2017?
A. CAT 2017 will have three sections:
- Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Section III: Quantitative Ability
Q.6 Are there negative marks for questions in CAT 2017?
A. There are two types of questions in CAT 2017:
MCQs: Expected number is 72
These questions will have 1/3 negative marking.
Non-MCQs: Expected number is 28
These questions have no negative marks for wrong answers.
Q.7 Do the non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?
A. Yes, all questions carry equal marks. However, for non-MCQ type questions, you must type the answer on the computer screen in the given space.
Q.8 How many non-MCQs are there in each section?
A. The number of questions varies in each section. In CAT 2016 there were 10 Non-MCQs in VARC section, 8 in DILR section and 7 in Quant section.
In CAT 2017, as per the official CAT Mock test released by IIMs, there are 28 Non-MCQs. The number of Non-MCQs has been increased to 10 in Quant section.
Q.9 Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
A. You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order beginning from VARC section and this order will remain same for all the candidates.
Q.10 What is the duration of CAT 2017 exam? Is there sectional time restriction to attempt the exam?
A. CAT 2017 will have a time duration of 3 hours. There will be individual sectional time limit of 1 hour to attempt each section. You will be allowed to move to next section when 60 minutes are over for the section, you are attempting presently.
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Q.11 Does CAT 2017 have a syllabus for exam preparation?
A. IIMs have not prescribed specified syllabus for CAT 2017 exam. You can check the major topics in CAT in CAT 2017 syllabus and CAT 2017 exam pattern. You can also attempt the CAT mock test to understand the pattern of exam and types of questions.
Q.12 What is the marking/grading scheme for CAT? Is there negative marking for a wrong answer?
A. For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt'.
For Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) the scoring scheme is as follows:
- Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks.
- An incorrect answer fetches -1.
- No marks are given or deducted for unattempted questions.
Q. 13 How do IIMs calculate percentile from raw scores in CAT 2017?
A. CAT 2017 exam has two sessions and two different Test Forms shall be administered in two Test Sessions. In order to ensure fairness and equity in comparison of performances of the candidates across different test sessions, the scores of the candidates shall be subjected to a process of Normalization.
The Normalization process shall adjust for location and scale differences of score distributions across different forms. After normalization across different forms, the scores shall be further normalized across different sections. The scaled scores obtained by this process shall be converted into percentiles for purposes of shortlisting by IIMs and other CAT 2017 participating B-schools.
The process of Normalization is similar to those being adopted in other large educational selection tests conducted in India, such as Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). For normalization across sections, IIMs will use the percentile equivalence.
Q.14 When will CAT 2017 result be declared?
A. CAT 2017 exam result will be declared in the 2nd week of January 2018 preferably between January 8 to 10.
Q. 15 Can I check how much CAT percentile I will score before CAT 2017 result declaration?
A. Yes, nearly accurate CAT percentile can be predicted before declaration of CAT 2017 result. To help the MBA aspirants, MBAUniverse.com has launched CAT percentile predictor to calculate nearly accurate CAT percentile.
Q.16 Will there be common shortlist by all 20 IIMs for next level of admission round?
A. No, the list of candidates shortlisted for the next level of selection will be made available on the website of the respective IIMs. Each IIM will send interview letters to the shortlisted candidates directly. The criteria for shortlisting will vary from IIM to IIM.
Q.17 How can I check my chances of getting shortlisted for PI/WAT round by IIMs?
A. IIMs have announced their admission policy for 2018-20 batch. Based on the admission criteria of IIMs, MBAUniverse.com has launched the IIM Call predictor which includes all the broad shortlisting components of IIMs. You can check your shortlisting chances after inserting required inputs at IIM Call predictor.
Q.18 Who is eligible to take the CAT 2017 exam?
A. A candidate holding Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA and 45% in case of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste(SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Person With Disability (PWD) categories is eligible to register and apply for CAT 2017. The degree must have been awarded by any University or educational institution as incorporated by an Act of the Parliament or State legislature in India 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.
Q.19 When and how do I register & apply for CAT 2017?
A. After release of CAT 2017 notification on July 30, 2017, online registration for CAT 2017 remained open with effect from August 8, 2017 to September 25, 2017 after allowing for an extension of 5 days. The registration was closed on September 25, 2017 at 5PM
Q.20 Is there any equivalent qualification to bachelor’s degree?
A. Candidates may possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India (including the Associate Membership Examination (AMICE) of the Institution of Civil Engineers (India) as an equivalent qualification).
Q.21 I am studying in the final year of bachelor’s degree. Can I apply for CAT 2017?
A. Yes, 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. However, it may be noted that such candidates, if selected, will be allowed to join the programme provisionally, only if they submit a certificate from the Principal / Registrar of their University/institution (issued on or before the date as stipulated by the respective IIM) stating that they have completed all the requirements for obtaining the Bachelor’s degree/equivalent qualification on the date of the issue of the certificate. IIMs may verify the eligibility at various stages of the selection process.
Q.22 I have not completed my Bachelor’s Degree/I am in final year of Bachelor’s degree. What marks do I need to enter in the Application form?
A. As per the CAT 2016 eligibility criteria, you must provide the Aggregate Percentage up to the last marks statement received from the University.
Q.23 My University/Institute does not award marks, instead CGPA is mentioned. How do I convert it to percentage of marks?
A. The percentage of marks obtained by the candidate would be calculated based on the practice as followed by the respective University/Institution. In case of grades / CGPA, the conversion to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure as certified by the respective University/ institution. If any University/institution confirms that there is no 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.
Q.24 Which are the other basic requirements to register and apply for CAT 2017?
A. The registration for CAT 2017 has already been closed on September 25. However, following were the requirements to apply for CAT 2017. While applying for CAT exam, you must declare and maintain the following throughout the selection process
- Valid and unique Email ID and a phone number
- CAT User ID (provided to you via email after completion of your online registration)
Q.25 What is the maximum age to apply for CAT 2017 exam?
A. There is no age restriction for taking the CAT 2017 exam.
Q.26 What is the fee for the CAT exam?
A. The fee is Rs.1700 for General and NC-OBC Candidates. However, if you belong to the SC/ST/PWD category, the applicable fee is Rs.850.
Q.27 How can I pay the CAT exam fee?
A. You could pay the CAT exam fee during online registration. Use a valid credit card, debit card, or net banking facility.
Q 28 What is CAT 2017 exam date? Can I choose an exam date as per my preference?
A. The CAT exam will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 in two sessions - morning and afternoon. Based on your selection of preferred test city, IIMs allot the session slot, test city, and test centre, subject to availability but you will not be allowed to choose the preferred session.
Q 29 When do I get my CAT 2017 Admit Card?
A. The Admit card for CAT 2017 was released by IIM Lucknow on October 25, 2017 at 12.30PM. earlier it was supposed to be released on October 18. The Admit Card remains available for view and print till CAT exam day. The Admit card has been issued for those candidates only whose online application form was submitted successfully. Candidates received an automated email confirmation upon successful submission. You can then log into the CAT website using your registered User ID and view/print the Admit card.
Q.30 What details are mentioned in the CAT Admit Card?
A. The admit card will contain the following details:
- Name of the candidate
- Test date
- User ID / Registration Number
- PWD status
Q. 31 Has the CAT Admit Card been sent as a hard copy or by mail?
A. The Admit card is available on the CAT website only. You must log in using your CAT 2017 User ID to view/print the Admit card.
Q. 32 Do I need to carry the Admit card to exam centre?
A. Yes, the Admit Card is a mandatory document required to take the exam. You must print the Admit Card and bring it to the exam centre on the day of the exam after fixing your identical photograph on its hard copy as you uploaded it at the time of filling up your CAT registration form.
Q. 33 In case of mistakes in registration process for CAT 2017, how do I rectify them?
A. You cannot edit certain personal details like Name, Date of Birth, email id, mobile number etc., at any stage in the application process (either before or after submitting the application). If you have made a mistake in these details, you must register again with a new email ID. Your CAT 2017 application is considered for the latest registration and the Admit Card has been issued for the same. Please note that, you will not receive a refund or Admit Card for your earlier registration. Failure to re-register in such circumstances may lead to nullification of your candidature.
You were allowed to edit some personal details, such as Communication Address, gender, category, educational information, work experience, or exam city preferences etc., until you have not submitted the Application Form. To do so, you had to click the Existing User Login option on the CAT website till the registration process was open.
After submission of the application, a limited time window during which you could modify very limited details like Percentage of Marks scored, Work Experience, Programmes Selected etc. was opened from September 27 to 30, 2017. You were not able to modify - any details entered in the Personal Details section, any details entered in the Academics section except the percentage marks scored, Exam Centre City Preferences. You can only view and print after this. Details are available on the application submission page.
Therefore, IIMs had advised to preview your application before submission to ensure that all the details are correct.
Q. 33 If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?
A. The Admit Card needs to be directly printed from the CAT 2017 website using your User ID and Password. The admit card will not be mailed to your postal address. If you are unable to view your Admit Card after logging in, contact the CAT Helpdesk.
Q.34 Which is the correct version of Internet that I should use to apply for CAT 2017
A. Please ensure that you are using the correct version of the Internet browser. The recommended ones are-
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Browser
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Versions Supported
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Internet Explorer
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7 to 11
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Mozilla Firefox
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14 to 47
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Google Chrome
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20 to 51
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The Registration/Application form is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers.
Q.35 I complete my Bachelor’s degree in May-June 2017 but have backlog, am I eligible to apply for CAT 2017?
A. Yes, as per the CAT 2017 eligibility norms, candidates who are completing their degree by May 2018 were eligible to appear for CAT. However, the candidate should select Yes to the question “Are you in the final year of Bachelor Degree”.
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