Tips to prepare computer based CAT Exam

Updated on: Monday, October 19, 2009

Guidance to prepare CAT 2009, the most competitive exam for MBA Admissions in Indian Institutes of Management will be held on November-December 2009

The new computer-based test (CBT) conducted by IIMs across Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Shillong, and will allow students to select a date convenient to them from a specified period of 10 days.

Stage 1 - Concept learning

Firstly, one needs to understand that the basic skills and areas assessed in the CAT will remain the same even if the CAT authorities have changed the test-taking mode of CAT to a computer based format. It is, therefore, critical that the test-takers first focus on building a strong conceptual foundation before moving on to fine-tune their test-taking skills.

Let me reinforce this with an example: To answer a typical CAT question 'What is the ten's place digit of 12345678?', it really does not matter if the test is computer based or not, what matters is if you know the relevant concepts that are required to answer this question. So, we can safely conclude that there need not be any change in one's preparation strategy for the concept learning phase. The action points for this phase can therefore be enumerated as follows:
Make a list of all concepts that have been assessed in the previous CATs.
Make a preliminary analysis of your strengths and weaknesses with regards to these concepts.
Build on your strengths through sufficient practice (by solving exercises/ taking tests' based on your strong areas).

Work on your weakness by learning the concepts, going through solved examples, solving practice questions and assessing your knowledge in the area by taking tests' on a regular basis.
'During the concept learning phase, try to take some of the tests in a computer based format with a view to getting comfortable using the computer for taking a test.

Do not mistake online testing with online learning!! Learning of concepts need not be online, if the test is online. Across the globe, the concept learning phase in training programs for international tests like GMAT and GRE continues to be in an offline mode.

Stage 2 â€“ Test taking practice

The major implication of the CAT going online is that you would now need to get acclimatised to a computer-based testing environment. This would mean that you should now be comfortable using the keyboard/ mouse while taking a test on the computer. To achieve this, you would need to include sufficient computer based test-taking practice in your preparation plans and ensure that your computer skills do not act as a hindrance to your scoring potential. The computer skills that would be needed to take any computer based test are very minimal and would include not more than:

Using the keyboard to complete the test registration process
Using a mouse to navigate between questions/sections
Using the various buttons/tabs that form a part of the test format (like Help, Save, Tag question, etc.)
1Selecting/entering responses to questions
Using the keyboard for word processing (in case the test includes essays and other forms of writing assessment)

You do not need to be tech geek to crack the online CAT!! The IIMs have computerised the CAT in order to ease their logistics and definitely not to check the computer wizardry of the test-taker. A computer based test would only need very basic computer skills involving the use of the keyboard/mouse to navigate through the test.

The action points for this phase are given below

Take sufficient number of comprehensive tests (paper based or computer based) with a view to enhance your test-taking skills and benchmark your performance against fellow competitors. IMS believes that 8 to 10 comprehensive tests would be enough to achieve this objective.

For each test, analyse your performance to find how you could improve your score in the test. Ensure that you have solved every question in the test before moving on to take the next test.

In conclusion

'If you know how to drive a car, it does not matter whether you finally have to drive a Hatchback or a Sedan, an Ambassador or a Ferrari.' CAT aspirants are, therefore, advised not to worry too much at this stage about the format of the CAT. Instead you should focus on the first stage of test preparation which is, building a strong conceptual base and wait for the IIM authorities to reveal the finer modalities of the test (which is expected to be announced by end August). Until then, stay calm and focussed on the job at hand, and get going to reach your dream destination - the IIMs.

Tips to prepare computer based CAT Exam

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