If CAT is an objective type exam, then why is it difficult?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

Difficulty is a subjective term. It is dependent on: 1. No. of test takers 2. Pedigree of test takers 3. Student to intake ratio of the top 20 b-schools 4. Level of difficulty of an exam CAT is objective in nature and therefore there is randomness or an entropic feel to it. You cannot predict the number of answers/score in order to get a call from your dream b-school. It is taken by roughly 2L candidates every year and the seats at top IIMs is are 5000. So, the odds are stacked against you because to get that elusive 99.XX, you need to do better than 99% takers which make it difficult. Also, this is just the first part of the story. The next part is the GDPI. Once you get the b-school call you were hoping for, to make the final cut, you need to fare better than roughly 50% people who are called. For e.g., IIM-A calls 800 candidates to select its class of 400. All of those 800 have stellar %iles and academics and you need to beat higher pedigree candidates who are as good as you.

manpreet 2 years ago

CAT is national-level MBA entrance examination conducted by one of the IIM on rotational basis. Admission to IIMs is two stage process. First stage is based on CAT score. Candidates who clear CAT are called for GDPI. Selection is based on CAT score, GDPI performance and academic records. CAT test does not have predefined syllabus. CAT tests candidates in general aptitude including Verbal Ability (English), Quantitative Ability (Mathematics), Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) skills. CAT is multiple-choice based test with penalties for wrong answers. Pattern of examination is changed regularly. Candidates are tested under time and it leads to pressure and students commit error. Negative marking brings down score. Above it GDPI call and percentile is based on sectional and overall cutoff. Therefore, in order to crack CAT and get a GDPI call candidate has to score well in all sections. IIMs are footsteps for an excellent corporate career. CAT toughness increases multi-fold because prospective candidates’ feels stakes are very high and under family and friends pressure to excel leading to getting under undue pressure. IIM is not only way to success in life, therefore, if you take CAT examination with preparation and confidence you will definitely taste success.

manpreet 2 years ago

It is difficult because to solve objective type questions, you also need to find out what the correct answer is and a lot of mathematical and reasoning ability is required for that. Also, because the competition is tough, you really need to be sure of what you are selecting as it may also lead to a negative marking affecting your overall percentile.