Every year, IIMs conducting the Common Admission Test introduces new changes in the exam. This year, IIM Calcutta will be conducting CAT 2018 on 25 November 2018. CAT exam will be a computer based test held for admission to over 4000 seats of the 20 IIMs. Also, over 150 institutes will be accepting CAT score 2018 for admission to their various management programmes. Mota Chashma did an exclusive interview with CAT 2018 Convener, Prof. Sumanta Basu, regarding the conduct of the exam. On 29 July 2018, IIM Calcutta will be releasing the CAT 2018 notification online as well in various regional and national newspapers across the country. Here, Prof. Sumanta Basu speaks about the endeavor of the CAT 2018 conducting team to attract more aspirants. Also, he speaks about the various improvements and changes that can be introduced in CAT 2018. Read the exclusive interview of Prof. Sumanta Basu with Mota Chashma on this page.
Mota Chashma: This year, the CAT 2018 exam date was announced much earlier. What is the thought process behind this?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: Our intent is to give ample time to the potential candidates who are planning to appear for CAT 2018.
Mota Chashma: As the Convener of CAT 2018, what all improvements and changes will you introduce for the exam takers?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: We are working on the elementary issues related to question that test analytical skill and managerial aptitude of the candidates.
Mota Chashma: Will the number of Questions in CAT 2018 remain same as that in the previous year exam? What will be the ratio of MCQs and non-MCQs?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: Number of sections will remain same. Test formation process is on and we are not in a position to answer these as of now.
Mota Chashma: Is the marking pattern of CAT 2018 going to be similar to that of the previous year?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: There will not be a major change in marking style.
Mota Chashma: In the last ten years, the year 2008 saw the highest number of CAT registrations. Any plans to attract more CAT aspirants this year? If yes, please share.
Prof. Sumanta Basu: We wish to disseminate CAT related information through the online portals that CAT aspirants follow. Also, we hope that our sincere effort to increase the quality of the test will attract more number of candidates.
Mota Chashma: Any plans to increase the number of test cities to reach more number of management aspirants? If yes, please share.
Prof. Sumanta Basu: Yes. It is our continuous endeavor to reach out to more number of candidates and to reduce inconvenience of the candidates to travel to other cities. We attempt to expand geographically subject to resource constraint ensuring proper infrastructure of the test center to the candidates.
Mota Chashma: Will CAT 2018 exam be held in more than two slots?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: It will be held in two slots.
Mota Chashma: Any suggestions to CAT 2018 aspirants regarding the registration process?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: FAQs and registration guides will be available on CAT website once it is live on July 29, 2018. Candidates should go through those before doing the registration. There should not be any problem. In case of any issue, CAT helpdesk number is provided.
Mota Chashma: Will there be an application correction window this year? If yes, how many options can be corrected?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: Candidate may complete the application form in multiple logins before the due date.
Mota Chashma: What is your strategy to execute CAT 2018 smoothly?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: A central team is working along with our service partner following strict deadlines for different activities.
Mota Chashma: Any message for the CAT 2018 aspirants?
Prof. Sumanta Basu: Best wishes and focus on concepts and their applications instead of just searching for a pattern
Keep visiting Mota Chashma for more updates on CAT 2018, dates, registration process, etc.
Related Links
- CAT notification 2018
- CAT Dates 2018
- CAT 2018 Notification: Expected Changes by IIM Calcutta
- CAT 2018 Registration Starts Soon; Keep your Documents Ready
- How to prepare for CAT 2018 without Coaching
- CAT 2018 Notification to be released tomorrow
