Understanding the Changes in CAT-15 for 2015

Showcasing the upcoming changes in the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2015, Prof. Tathagata Bandyopadhyay, the CAT 2015 Convener, announced several modifications. This article dives into the key changes that prospective test-takers need to be aware of.

CAT 2015 New Pattern: An Overview

For CAT 2015, the test will be conducted over one day with two slots, spread across the morning and afternoon. This shift is aimed at boosting operational efficiency and maintaining the quality of the exam content. The change in the examination schedule highlights IIMs' commitment to streamlining the process for both test-takers and administrators.

Quantitative Aptitude: A Shift Towards Simplicity

Quantitative Aptitude is set to see a change in its approach. While the new pattern in operation is designed to enhance efficiency, the test content will also become more streamlined. Prof. Bandyopadhyay suggests that simplifying quantitative focus will help identify potential managers from diverse backgrounds, not just engineers. This means a reduction in the difficulty and skewness towards quantitative sections, focusing instead on providing a level playing field for non-engineers. As a result, the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in the examination will be reduced.

A Move Towards Critical Reasoning

Another major change is the emphasis on Critical Reasoning. With the aim to ensure the quality of students, the test is moving away from solely dependence on quantitative ability to incorporate critical reasoning. This move is expected to reduce the complexity of problem-solving, focusing more on logical and analytical skills. Students are advised to focus more on developing their reasoning abilities to excel in both sections.

Expansion of Test Cities

The number of test cities will be increased to 115 for CAT 2015, compared to 99 for CAT 2014. This expansion provides students with more opportunities to choose from nearby test centers, thereby reducing travel time and ensuring the safety and comfort of all test-takers, especially female candidates. The CAT 2015 Convener also mentioned that girls will be allocated test centers closer to their home towns to ensure their safety and convenience.

Implications for Aspiring Students

Prospective CAT 2015 candidates should note the following:

Do not solely practice extremely difficult questions in quantitative aptitude. Focus on critical reasoning as it holds significant importance in both sections. Expect less calculation-intensive questions and more reasoning to arrive at the correct answers. Do not rely solely on quantitative aptitude; it might not be the main determinant of success.

For more updates and detailed information, stay tuned to official IIM Ahmedabad and CAT official websites.