The CAT 2016 Registration has started from August 08, 2016 and the last date to apply is September 22, 2016. The entrance test is scheduled to be held on December 04, 2016 in a computer-based format. Most aspirants have already started their preparation for CAT 2016. Keeping in view the need for aspirants to be better prepared with expert advice, Entrance Corner presents an interview with Mr. Gautam Puri, Vice Chairman & MD at Career Launcher Educate. Fondly called as GP, Mr Gautam Puri is an IIM Bangalore Alumnus and one of the core founders of Career Launcher.
Here he talks about CAT 2016, the exam pattern, myths surrounding it as well as preparation strategies. Read on to know more.
Entrance Corner - What is your take on CAT 2016 notification?
Mr. Gautam Puri - The overall pattern is no surprise and hasn’t changed at all from the last year. However, it is yet to be seen whether the number of questions per section or the break-up of the types of questions in a section change or not.
Entrance Corner - Any particulars on why the CAT is being held in the month of December.
Mr. Gautam Puri - IBPS PO is to be held on 20th November 2016 and IIFT on 27th November. This left CAT authorities with only two options, 13th November or 4th December out of which the former would have probably been a little too early.
Entrance Corner - Are there any surprises in the notification from your point of view?
Mr. Gautam Puri - No surprises as of now. IIM Bangalore has stuck to the last year’s pattern completely. Any change in the composition of the section, in terms of the number of questions, can now only be observed in the official sample paper which is usually released in October. However, students need not be worried about the changes because while the structure can change, the question types do not change in CAT.
Entrance Corner - Was the CAT notification up to the expectations of the aspirants (your student’s view)?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Students, particularly CAT repeaters, are fairly happy with the fact that nothing has changed. All the mocks they’ve taken so far will still remain relevant.
Entrance Corner - Since there is no change in the pattern, so will this affect the difficulty level of the paper?
Mr. Gautam Puri - With absolutely no changes in the CAT 2016 pattern, one could expect a slightly more challenging and intuitive paper.
Entrance Corner - The online calculator was introduced last year. What feedbacks did you get from your students? Any tips for using the online calculator (especially for the first timers)?
Mr. Gautam Puri - The online calculator was welcomed by the students. Ideally, students must use the calculator only when required or when the options are extremely close. Students should practice Vedic math techniques in order to get through with the questions faster. Saving time in calculations will help the students in maintaining speed and scoring more.
Entrance Corner - Is work experience a boon for the CAT applicants for admission into the IIMs and other top-rated B-School. What are your views?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Work experience is not necessary for the two year programs at the IIMs. Yes, having work experience is beneficial as it gives a few extra marks into your final score thereby improving your chances at the B-school. Having said that, many first time CAT takers and freshers do make it to the IIMs every year.
Entrance Corner - There is a myth that a large number of engineering students appear for CAT. They also seem to be successful. What according to you is the true picture?
Mr. Gautam Puri - This is definitely true that a large number of engineers do make it to the interviews each year. However, with CAT becoming less difficult over the last few years, it is now a level playing field and students from all the backgrounds have been doing exceedingly well in CAT.
Entrance Corner - How important is it to get a balanced score in all the sections?
Mr. Gautam Puri - While it is important to clear the sectional cut-off for each section, getting a balanced score will push your percentile a little higher.
Entrance Corner - In the exam, the candidates cannot switch between the sections and there is a time limit for every section. Does this affect the performance in the test?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Students haven’t really had any issues with this kind of a pattern last year. Sectional time limit, in fact, helps candidates in managing the time across the section.
Entrance Corner - Since the number of questions in each section has not been revealed. What according to you will be the exam pattern?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Since IIM-B has stuck to last year’s pattern, it is most likely that the number of questions will also remain the same. The break-up of the number of questions between MCQs and non-MCQs may change. We need to wait for the official sample paper to know that.
Entrance Corner - Last year, the non-MCQs were introduced for the first time. What was the experience of the candidates who appeared last year regarding the Non-MCQs? Were the questions difficult?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Students shouldn’t be bothered about the Non-MCQ questions that much. In VRC, in questions like para jumbles, non-MCQ questions might get difficult and it is the same for all. However, there are questions in which options are given and only the option number has to be typed as the input. This effectively makes it an MCQ question.
Entrance Corner - How should the students prepare for CAT 2016? Should they adopt any special preparation strategy?
Mr. Gautam Puri - Students should initially focus on revising the fundamentals and doing a good number of basic level questions in each of the topics. Mock test taking should be a regular exercise and each mock test should be followed by its in-depth analysis.
Entrance Corner - Any tips for the working professionals who are preparing for CAT 2016.
Mr. Gautam Puri - For the working professionals, regular mock taking followed by mock analysis becomes extremely important. A good amount of learning can happen while analysing the mocks. This way maximum learning can happen in the minimum time.
We thank Mr. Gautam Puri for his valuable inputs and wish all the CAT aspirants success!