There has been a slight change with regards to the marking scheme of the CAT 2015. As was communicated earlier, there will be a few questions (the number and type has not been specified yet) that will not be carrying any options. Instead, a candidate is expected to type the answer in a designated area. The new bit of information on the CAT website states that these questions would not carry any negative marking. This would require a slight change in strategy from the point of view of the candidate. As there is no risk of losing any marks, it is advisable to key in answers for these questions irrespective of whether or not you are confident of having  solved it correctly. The rest of the questions will have negative marking though and so, it is better to avoid any guesswork in the questions having accompanying options.

The entire list of FAQs on the CAT website is published here for the benefit of the candidates:

Q1. I hear that CAT will be held online. Is that correct?

No, that is not correct. CAT is not an online exam. It is a digital or Computer Based Test (CBT); not an Internet-Based Test (IBT); i.e. a candidate will not take the exam on an internet site. Instead of reading the questions in 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.

Q2. How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?

The format of the exam is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using 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 exam.

Q3. Can I take the exam from any computer?

No. A candidate will have to take the exam on a workstation assigned at the pre assigned venue in the preferred city that was chosen by the student, at the time of the registration. These details will be given on the Admit Card.

Q4. What does a CBT exam look like?

A CAT practice exam will be available on the website www.iimcat.ac.in for candidates to get familiarized with the functionality and navigation of the actual exam. This link will be made available in mid-October 2015.

Q5. Where can I select my preference of shift and test date?

Exam shift (forenoon or afternoon) will be allocated for each registered candidate based on the city preference made at the time of application. Candidate cannot select shift.

Q6. How many sections are there in CAT 2015?

CAT 2015 will have three sections:

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

Q7. Can I bring a calculator to the testing centre?

Candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators to the testing centre. You may use the onscreen calculator that will be available throughout the exam.

Q8. Are there negative marks for questions other than MCQs?

No, there are no negative marks for non-MCQ type questions.

Q9. Do the non-MCQ type questions carry equal marks as MCQs?

Yes, all questions carry equal marks. However, for non-MCQ type questions, you must type the answer.

 

Q10. How many non-MCQs are there in each section?

The number of questions varies and cannot be disclosed.

Q11. 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 same for all the candidates.

Q12. Does CAT 2015 have a syllabus for exam preparation?

No, the CAT exam does not have a defined syllabus for CAT preparation. However, you can take our mock test to understand the pattern of exam and types of questions. Check the CAT website regularly for the announcement of mock test.

Q13. 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 ‘wrong or no attempt’.

The scoring scheme for multiple-choice questions is as follows:

• Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks.
• An incorrect answer fetches -1.
• No marks are given or deducted for un-attempted questions.

The same can be viewed on the official CAT 2015 website here.