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Online CAT

CAT 2009 was an Online Exam

The CAT authorities had already stated beforehand, on their website www.catiim.in, what the test was going to be like in terms of number of questions, areas tested etc. The time allotted to everyone was 135 minutes (2hours 15 min).The test navigation, along with the look and feel, was as they had already given in the CAT demo. The test had questions from three sections just like the previous year's CAT and covered questions from Quantitative (Mathematics), Logical & Data Interpretive and Verbal abilities. As was earlier stated by the CAT authorities, the test was consistent across slots in terms of structure and level of difficulty. The Authorities had stated that the CAT will consist of questions between 60-70 questions. And as per the reports and students, the number of questions was 60. Overall, the level of difficulty was moderate. Session timings for CAT 2009 were 10:00 am to 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

Why CAT went online?

Before2009, IIMs had been conducting CAT in paper-&-pencil format for the last 33 years. This test is reputed to be the toughest entrance test for management and business schools worldwide. With growing student aspirations to undertake management education, the number of candidates appearing for CAT has been increasing manifold. While about 95,000 candidates took CAT in 2003, the number rose to about 250,000 in 2008 indicating a rise of a whopping 163 percent. This had resulted in a severe strain on the administrative system of IIMs to conduct CAT in its previous format.

Hence, IIMs decided to adapt CBT format to conduct CAT. This improved communication between candidates and IIMs in terms of program information, receipt of admit cards, test delivery, and receipt of score reports.

As online CAT was conducted in a window period of about 10 days, it was candidate-friendly in terms of flexibility in the selection of test date, ease of registration, better physical environment and test experience, and enhanced security in terms of biometric identification of candidates and video monitoring.

CAT 2010 scheduled for 20 days; begins Oct 27

CAT 2010 will be held over a longer duration to offer glitch-free tests. The information on the extended test window and an early start for CAT 2010 has been confirmed to MBAUniverse.com by the CAT 2010 Convener, Prof. Himanshu Rai of IIM Lucknow. Speaking exclusively to MBAUniverse.com, Prof Rai said, ‘CAT will be held from Wednesday, October 27 to Tuesday, November 23, 2010. The window for CAT 2010 will be 20 days and the test will be held in two slots in each day.’

Talking about the number of test sites, Prof. Rai mentioned that though the number of test sites has not been finalized yet, but the number of test cities for conducting CAT 2010 will remain the same, i.e. 32. ‘The number of test sites may vary from last year, but the number of test cities will be the same as last year,’ he informed.

The application fee for taking CAT 2010 will remain the same as last year. ‘There is no change in the fee; it will be Rs. 1400 for the General candidates and Rs. 700 for the SC/ST/OBC candidates,’ confirmed Prof. Rai. The official announcement of CAT 2010 will be made on the last Sunday of August 2010, i.e. August 29, 2010.

 

History of changes in CAT format

2009 was not the first time that CAT went a complete modification to keep abreast with the times and the challenges posed by it. In the late 1960s, objective testing through multiple choice questions (MCQ), an educational testing innovation, was introduced for the first time in the entrance examinations of IIMs. Later, in the late 1970s, entrance tests of different IIMs were merged to form CAT. In the late 1980s, another technology feature was introduced in the form of optical machine reading (OMR) of the answer-sheets. CBT is thus a natural culmination of the modernization of CAT. Today, CAT is poised to take a CBT format comparable to the existing tests conducted world-wide such as GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL to be able to cater to the fast-growing student base aspiring to acquire management education from top B-Schools in India.

 

What was the CAT Score Computation Methodology in 2009?

The three-step process is outlined here:

Step 1: Raw Score is Calculated
The raw scores are calculated for each section based on the number of questions that are answered correctly, incorrectly, or that are omitted.

Correct

X Incorrect Answer

0 Omitted

+ 3 points for questions you answered correctly

-1 point for questions answered incorrectly

0 points subtracted for questions you did not answer

This scoring methodology ensures that candidates are only awarded points for what they know. Candidates are not awarded inappropriate points for random guessing.

Step 2: Raw Score is "Equated" 

Equating is a statistical process used to adjust scores on two or more alternate forms of an assessment so that the scores may be used interchangeably. Industry standard processes were used for equating, such as those outlined within the ETS Standards for Quality and Fairness.

Step3: Equated Raw Score is "Scaled" 

The IIM scaling model is as follows:
Section Scores = 0 to 150                          Total Exam Score = 0 to 450
Four scaled scores are presented for each candidate: an overall scaled score and three separate scaled scores for each section. As the three sections evaluate three distinct sets of knowledge and skills, scores do not correlate across sections. A high score in one section does not guarantee a high score in another section. Percentile rankings are provided for each individual section as well as for the overall exam score.

What is Computer-based testing?

Online testing or computer based testing is generally done through one of two patterns of tests:

Computerized Non-Adaptive Tests: These are similar to paper-pencil tests. You are tested on a "typical" test paper with questions covering full range of difficulty. You may or may not be allowed to see all the questions at the same time. Answers have to be marked on a computer instead of an OMR sheet. The examinees are allowed to skip items or go back to previous questions. The answers are evaluated only at the end of the exam.

In non-adaptive tests, the candidates are scored on the basis of number of questions answered correctly within the stipulated time penalizing the candidate for every wrong answer through negative marking.

Computer-Adaptive Tests: These tests are tailored to the examinee's level of ability. There is no set question paper. The questions are decided while the examinee is attempting the test.

CAT 2009 was a Computerized Non-Adaptive Test and is unlikely to be computer adaptive in CAT 2010. Actual format is expected to be communicated in the CAT Notification, which is typically released in August.

The tests start with questions of moderate difficulty. As the examinees answer each question, the computer scores the question and uses that information, as well as the responses to previous questions, to determine the next question. As long as candidates respond correctly, the computer typically selects a next question of greater or equal difficulty. In contrast, if they answer a question incorrectly, the computer typically selects a question of lesser or equal difficulty. The computer is programmed to choose questions that meet the test design as it continuously adjusts to find questions of appropriate difficulty for test takers of all performance levels.

As the test is based on cumulative performance, the candidate can see only one question at a time. He can neither skip a question nor can he return to previous questions to change his responses.

It is important to keep in mind that computer-adaptive tests are scored differently than most paper-based tests, which is more than just correct answers. The scoring in computer-adaptive tests is based on cumulative performance also factoring in the number of questions answered within the allotted time, and the level of difficulty of attempted questions. If you are not performing well, you are given easier questions, which are worth fewer marks; if you are doing well, you are given more and more difficult questions, which are worth more marks.

Preparation for Online tests at MBAGuru

Led by a team of IIT and IIM alumni, MBAGuru remains the leader (by some distance) in developing and operationalizing user-friendly technology-based initiatives to help MBA aspirants achieve unparalleled success at CAT and other B-School entrance exams.

 

 

 

MBAGuru Online will bring to you a spectrum of benefits including:

 

Strategies for taking Online tests

Before the day of the test, examinees should become accustomed to scrolling techniques and reading on screen by reading electronic documents on the Internet and using computer-assisted learning software.

On the day of the test, examinees should:

  1. Use the computer tutorials to their advantage. They can spend as much time as they need to make themselves familiar and comfortable with the computer before they start the timed sections of the test. They should start the test only when they feel that they are ready. Examinees can always click on the Help icon to review the directions or a summary of the tutorials, but they should be aware that the test clock will NOT stop when the “Help” function is being used. Therefore, examinees should use it only when absolutely necessary.

  2. Follow the directions carefully before beginning each section. Throughout the test examinees should follow the directions for each question type to avoid wasting time “fixing” errors.

  3. Pace themselves so that they have enough time to answer every question. Directions at the beginning of the test indicate the number of questions and the time allowed. Examinees should try to budget enough time for each question so that they are able to complete the section without having to rush in the end. They should keep in mind the average amount of time they may want to spend per question. Once examinees start the test, an onscreen clock will continuously count down the remaining time. Candidates can hide this display if they want, but it is a good idea to check the clock periodically to monitor progress. The clock will automatically alert them when five minutes remain in the allotted time for a section.

  4. Avoid spending too much time on any one question. They should eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select the best choice. They should keep going and aim to complete the each section rather than getting stuck on a tough question and losing time.

  5. Avoid guessing the answers. In the non-adaptive tests, skipping questions and returning to previous question is allowed. If the candidate is not able to zero-in on any one answer even after eliminating a few options, he should just leave the question unanswered.

Data indicate that most candidates get higher scores even if they attempt only those questions where they are absolutely sure.

In the computer-adaptive tests, skipping questions is not allowed. Examinees are required to answer every question in the order it is presented. They cannot skip a question and go back. The computer selects the next question from a large pool of available questions based upon the examinee’s previous answers. Hence, accuracy is very important while attempting an adaptive test because as you start getting questions incorrect, you are given easier questions, which are worth fewer marks.

However, the candidates should not panic if they do not know an answer. They should just concentrate on the current question and avoid trying to identify which questions are “easy” or “difficult” They should concentrate on doing the best they can on the current question and try not to worry about incorrect answers.

If examinees are running out of time, they should still make every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that most candidates get higher scores if they finish the test. In fact, an analysis of test takers show that a majority of them scored higher if they finished the test than if they didn’t attempt to answer all the questions.

Examinees should remember they can respond incorrectly to several questions and still receive a high score.

Random guessing at the end of a section, in both type of exams, can seriously lower scores. The best strategy is to pace oneself so there is enough time to consider each test question so guessing is not necessary.

FAQs on the Online CAT format

The announcement of CAT being online from 2009 onwards had created much turbulence in the minds of MBA aspirants. Mentioned below are the most common apprehensions that MBA aspirants of 2009 had and the answers based on the information available from various sources.

  1. How will the online or computer-based CAT be?

    Online testing or computer based testing is generally done through one of two patterns of tests:

    Computerized Non-Adaptive Tests: These are similar to paper-pencil tests. You are tested on a "typical" test paper with questions covering full range of difficulty.

    The candidates are scored on the basis of number of questions answered correctly within the stipulated time penalizing the candidate for every wrong answer through negative marking.


    Computer-Adaptive Tests: These tests are tailored to the examinee’s level of ability. There is no set question paper. The questions are decided while the examinee is attempting the test. If he is doing well, he is given more and more difficult questions, which are worth more marks; if he is not performing well, he is given easier questions, which are worth fewer marks.

    CAT 2009 was a Computerized Non-Adaptive Test and is unlikely to be computer adaptive in CAT 2010. Actual format is expected to be communicated in the CAT Notification, which is typically released in August.

     

  2. What computer skills do I need to take a computerized test?

    Very basic computer skills are required to take an online test. But you need to be comfortable with reading and concentrating on the computer screen for 2-3 hours as well as comfortable with answering in an online format. You also need to practice scrolling up and down in a controlled manner. However, to do so well will require lot of practice and familiarity with a computer based test. To reduce stress during the actual exam, and to improve your efficiency, you need to regularly practice taking tests online.

  3. What if I need help during the test?

    You can click on the Help icon at any time during the test to review test directions or information from the tutorials, although the test clock will NOT stop if you do so. If there is a problem with the computer equipment during the test, you should raise your hand, and a test center administrator will assist you.

  4. Where will I do my rough work in an Online CAT?

    Generally GMAT test-takers are given an electronic scribble pad for rough work. As far as CAT is concerned, each candidate is provided with a scratch paper for calculations. You are required to leave this paper at your desks before leaving the examination hall.

  5. If different aspirants will get different set of questions, will it be a level playing-field for everyone?

    If the test is a non-adaptive one, each aspirant will get the same number of questions from easy, moderate and difficult difficulty level. Hence, the overall difficulty level of the test is likely to remain similar for all test takers.
    If it is a computer-adaptive test each test-taker gets different questions from a large question bank based on how he has attempted the current question.
    CAT has enjoyed the reputation of being a fair exam since its inception and hence we can expect the examination as well as scoring to be quite fair to all candidates.

  6. How are the IIMs going to compare the scores across various tests?

    If the IIMs continue with the Non-Adaptive Testing, they would be expected to normalize the scores across different papers using statistical distribution of scores for each test just as they did last year. The performance of students would be measured by how they have performed compared to the average performance.
    If the IIMs decide on computer adaptive testing, then each question will have a difficulty rating and students will be scored on their cumulative performance based on an algorithm.

  7. Will there be any change in the types of questions or the test-pattern?

    CAT is known to throw surprises. But for the exam to be more doable online, we can again expect questions solvable through mental calculations rather than extensive calculations on paper. We can also expect the reading comprehension passages to be shorter (around 600 words as was the case in the last year passages), and charts and tables to be simpler.
    As you are not allowed to skip the questions in a computer adaptive test, you are unlikely to get "unsolvable" questions. Taking clues from GMAT pattern, very ambiguous/subjective verbal questions are likely to be replaced by more logical/critical reasoning based questions. Adaptive test may not have negative marking (but as you get questions wrong, the system will give you lower-level questions with lower marks).

  8. What should be my test preparation and test taking strategy since CAT has gone online?

    The basic content for CAT will still remain the same, and you still need to focus on fundamentals while preparing. However, the way in which you are going to attempt the test will change. Please refer to the section “ Strategies for taking Online tests” for test preparation and test taking strategies.

  9. Who is conducting the test?

    The IIMs had chosen Prometric ETS to conduct the CAT online in 2009 and they will continue with the same. Prometric ETS has also developed and conducts the GMAT and GRE computerized tests.

  10. When will more details about CAT 2010 be available?

    More details are expected to be communicated in the CAT Notification which will be released on the last Sunday of August 2010, i.e. August 29, 2010.

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