To crack CAT is supposed to be the toughest of all but the objective of the test is not to find a genius but the approach with which the exam is taken. However, it takes a rigorous preparation to face the test. The reason behind why CAT paper is comparatively considered to be tougher is because it covers a wide range of institutes and most of the MBA aspirants appear for the same. Last year nearly 1.95 lakhs aspirants took CAT.
On the other hand MAT and XAT is accepted only in limited number of institutes and numbers of takers are fewer compared to that of CAT. Though MAT is supposed to be the easiest of CAT and XAT, the paper is mostly oriented around quant; so if one feels that one’s mathematics is strong, MAT is the easiest exam to crack.
The following will give you a brief idea about various sections these papers are set on.
XAT
XAT is a two-hour paper and usually has 200 questions. The paper is divided into three or four sections and sectional timings are enforced. In the last 20 minutes, you are expected to write a 250-300 word essay with topics ranging from those of social relevance to propositions to abstract. Each correct answer will earn you 1 mark and for any incorrect answer you will be penalised with -1/3.
• Quantitative Ability
• English Language & Logical Reasoning
• Decision Making
• GK & Essay
CAT
CAT is also framed keeping my mind to test a candidate’s approach in solving sections alike but most often it surprises test takers. Like in 2013 CAT, there were only two sections. The first section is Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; the second section is Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning. Sometimes it will have four or three sections including the same pattern. This is what makes CAT tougher than its peers. Moreover, there are certain changes CAT has introduced in 2014.
• Exam duration has been increased to 170 minutes from the existing limit of 140 minutes.
• Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation will consist of 50 questions and Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability will have 50 questions each.
• The tutorial which was made available before start of examination will not be available this time
• Candidates have the flexibility to devote more or less time to each section according to their ability
• One can switch over from one section to another section at any point during the examination timing
MAT
MAT is conducted by All India Management Association (AIMA), is scheduled to be held on in two segments viz. paper pencil and computer based. The test is conducted four times in a year in the months of February, May, September and December. The paper consists of 200 multiple choice questions. There is no system of negative marking. The candidates are awarded one mark for each correct answer. But the marks obtained by a student in the test area of ‘Indian and Global Environment’ are given separately in the score card and is not counted in the composite score. For evaluating the composite score, the total marks taken into consideration are 160 and not 200. The test focuses on
• Language Comprehension
• Mathematical skills
• Data Analysis
• Intelligence and Critical Reasoning section
Each test has its own objective and selection process. One must be aware of these details well ahead of the test day and prepare accordingly. A disciplined approach to take the tests will make the challenge easier.
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