There is no clarity from CAT Centre 2015 about the exact type and expected number of Non-MCQ type questions in each of the 3 sections in CAT 2015. In reply to the query in regard to the anticipated number of non-MCQs in each section, CAT Centre 2015 has responded ‘The number of questions varies and cannot be disclosed’.
Candidates perplexed: Unable to take right path
So when the CAT Centre 2015 is going to share the type and expected number of non-MCQ type of questions is another query, response to which shared by CAT Centre 2015 is ‘Tutorial to understand the format of the examination will be available on the CAT website from 15th October 2015. Candidates are advised to work on the tutorials, available on the website, well in advance’.
While October 15 is 2 month away and from the date of making available the format of exam by CAT Centre 2015, the D-day for CAT 2015 will be only one and a half month away, it will be a difficult task for the candidates to understand, prepare and practice well on the Non-MCQ type of questions as neither the type nor the space limit proposed to be provided by CAT 2015 in the exam to write the answer is shared.
NON MCQs; presence in every section
Non-MCQ questions will be present in every section of CAT 2015. As has already been shared CAT 2015 exam will be divided in 3 sections instead of 2 sections, all the sections will have Non-MCQs in varying number.
Prof S K Agarwal, Verbal Ability Expert and mentor on CAT 2015 preparation shares that there are expected 4 to 5 Non-MCQ type questions in each section of CAT 2015.
The first section on Quant will have a total of 34 questions. The section may contain 4 or 5 Non-MCQ questions in the section. Similarly the second section on DILR will have total 32 questions. It may have not more than 4 Non-MCQ type questions. The last section is VRC with 34 questions. This section may also have 5 non-MCQ questions.
Type of NON MCQs
According to Verbal Ability expert Prof S K Agarwal the major change in the pattern of questions comprising non-MCQs is that you will not have the opportunity to pick out the right answer option from among the 4 given options following the question. On the contrary the CAT 2015 test taker will have to solve and then will need to type the answer in the given space for writing the answer on computer screen.
Sharing with MBAUniverse.com about the shape and nature of Non-MCQ type of questions, Prof Tathagata Bandyopadhyay Convener CAT 2015 and faculty at IIM Ahmedabad has said “Instead they need to type in the answer to some questions where options will not be given”.
Limited answer space
You may not be asked to write a long descriptive answer to the question nor will there be unlimited space to type the answer to the question asked without any answer option. In case the answer space is limited to 40-50 words, your answer will have to be confined within the limit. If the limit is even less your answer should be of lesser length.
No Syllabus
There is no syllabus in CAT 2015 for Non-MCQs. The questions can be formed on any topic in any section. CAT Centre 2015 has still not revealed whether the Non-MCQs could be formed on Arithmatic, Geometry, Algebra, Vocabulary, Error corrections, Jumbled paragraphs, Reading Comprehension, Bar diagrams, graphs, Seating arrangement, family tree among others.
The format of such questions, as proposed by CAT Centre 2015 will come to be known only after the mock test for CAT 2015 is made available on October 15, 2015.
The experts are of the view that early publication of the format of Non-MCQs will help the CAT 2015 aspirants to prepare in right direction and understand the exact format of Non-MCQs in CAT 2015.
Expert tips
CAT 2015 aspirants need not to worry at all as the Non-MCQs pose no threat. These questions will have only one difference that they will not have answer option. Non-MCQs could be proved a good sign as you will not get confused due to 4 close and confusing answer options.
If you have studied well, you will not need to do any guess work and thereby stand zero risk of losing your marks due to wrong choice of answer option. On the other hand you have the opportunity to show your skill by solving and answering the question correctly.
Please however remember, Common Admission Test (CAT) 2015 is not going to be a cake-walk for the aspirants as it will not be on the pattern of earlier CAT exams. With no answer options available after the questions, the Non-MCQ type of questions will test your answering approach while arriving at the final answer of the question.
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