Some FAQs about CAT 2019 Examination and its format



Q. What is the date of CAT 2019?
CAT 2019 will be held on 24th November, 2019. It is a Sunday.

Q. Does CAT 2019 have a syllabus for exam preparation?
No, the CAT examination does not have a defined syllabus for CAT preparation. However, one can attempt the mock test to understand the pattern of examination and types of questions. Check the CAT website regularly for the announcement of the mock test.

Q. Is CAT an online examination?
CAT is not an online examination. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); that is, a candidate will not take the examination on an internet site.

Q. What is a CBT exam?
Instead of reading the questions from a paper booklet and darkening the ovals on the answer-sheet, a candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option.

Q. What is paper based format?
In the paper-based format, the candidate reads a question on a paper booklet and uses a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer-sheet. Additionally, a timer will be displayed on the screen that tells you how many more minutes to complete the current section.

Q. How is the computer-based Test (CBT) different from the paper-based format?
In the computer-based format, the candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer from among the options given or types the answer in case of a question where no options are given. Additionally, the timer on the computer screen tells you the remaining time to complete the current section.

Q. Can the examination be taken from any from any computer?
A candidate will have to go to her allocated centre; in the centre a workstation is assigned to take the test. The test centre is based on the test cities selected while registering for CAT. The test centre details are printed on the Admit Card.

Q. Can I have a look as to how a CBT examination look like?
A practice test will be available on the CAT website: www.iimcat.ac.in One can familiarize with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam. The CAT 2019 Mock Test link will be available by the end of October 2019.

Q. Where can I select my preference of shift and test date?
A candidate cannot select the shift. The shift is (forenoon or afternoon) allocated for each registered candidate based on the city preference made at the time of application.

Q. Can I bring a calculator to the testing centre?
Candidates are not allowed to bring a calculator to the testing centre. However one may use the onscreen calculator that will be available throughout the exam.

Q. How many sections are there in CAT 2019?
CAT 2019 will have three sections:

    Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
    Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
    Section III: Quantitative Ability

Q. How many non MCQs are there in each section?
The number of questions varies and cannot be disclosed.

Q. What is the marking/grading scheme for CAT? Is there negative marking for a wrong answer?
For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt’. For MCQs, a correct answer is awarded 3 marks. An incorrect answer fetches -1, and no marks are given or deducted for un-attempted questions.

Q. Are there negative marks for questions other than MCQs?
No, there are no negative marks for non-MCQ type questions.

Q. Do the non MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?
Yes, all questions carry equal marks. However, for non-MCQ type questions, one will have to type the answer.

Q. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order and this order will remain the same for all the candidates.