CAT '06 - Expect the unexpected

And so.. as the nation works itself into another CAT frenzy, speculations are rife.. particularly among freshers on the pattern of this years exam. Last time around, apart from a more logic-based DI section, there were only 90 questions as opposed to 123 questions in CAT 04. Also it was explicitly mentioned that wrong answers will carry a negative marking of one-third of the marks allotted to the question. The only thing constant about every CAT paper is change. So what can one expect from this year's paper?

DO NOT expect any set pattern of the paper. Be prepared for anything and everything. Do not lose your composure during the exam and start panicking. Some of the changes which might figure in this year's paper, according to me, are:

1. Since its a 2.5 hour paper, there might be an increase in the number of questions. However over the past few years, the number of questions has gradually decreased. Hence be prepared for even a 75-question paper. However I find it unlikely.
2. If they do decide to give a 75 question paper, then there's a mighty chance of 1-mark, 2-mark and 3-mark questions figuring in the paper as well. If that is the case, choose your questions carefully. Do not go into aggressive mode and start attempting 3 mark questions like crazy. At the same time, do not play it safe by sticking only to 1 mark questions. CAT is all about making choices. Good ones.
3. They might give 5 options for every question. However there is very little chance for a question having multiple correct answers. STILL one cannot eliminate any possibility.
4. There is a very good chance of progressive negative marking figuring in the scheme of things. Hence it might be necessary, in such cases, to keep the number of attempts lesser instead try increasing his/her accuracy percentage.
5. More importantly, do not waste time in questioning whether the paper was the right type or not. This is very, very important!
6. There is a chance that we might have sections of 1-mark,2-mark and maybe 3-mark questions instead of the customary sections on Quant, DI and Verbal.
7. More number of RCs might figure in the verbal section. For those who are not very good at RCs, try maximising your score by attempting other questions. And for those who are not good at either RC or Vocab (like me) attempt as many as you can and keep your fingers crossed.
8. DI might be more logic-oriented compared to last time. If you dont know what I am talking about, check out TIME's mock tests. Horrifying!
9. Can't think of anything else.

So once again do not waste time in questioning whether the changes in the paper are justified or not. Be flexible. Do not enter the exam hall with a fixed mindset. Do not panic on seeing the changes. If it is difficult for you, it will be difficult for the majority of CAT aspirants. Believe in yourself. Nothing is better than a good dose of self-belief! And do not get stuck on any question. And most importantly.. do not forget your admit card.

All the best for CAT 06. This is the optimist signing off.. adios.

Quote of the day:

One who said winning does not matter, must have lost.

PS1: Rocking in CS now a days. I cant seem to understand how?
PS2: Got 99.87 percentile in the last mock. Pretty cool :D Hope I dint peak too early :P Got lotsa flukes right in verbal :D
PS3: All ye blog readers, wish me luck! :D