CAT 2015: Sample Test with many changes; know all about the new exam pattern

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Updated on October 30, 2015
CAT 2015 sample test enabled by the CAT centre 2015 is full of surprises reflecting number of changes in the structure and content of CAT 2015
Candidates should now proceed to take the test to understand the changes in the test pattern that they are going to face after 30 days on November 29, 2015

CAT 2015 Exam Centre, keeping up the tradition of commitment has enabled the full length sample test on its site in the afternoon on October 29, 2015 although it was contemplated that the CAT 2015 sample test would be made live after 2 more days. The sample test enabled by the CAT centre 2015 is full of surprises reflecting number of changes in the structure and content of CAT 2015. Candidates should now proceed to take the test to understand the changes in the test pattern that they are going to face after 30 days on November 29, 2015.

Now the Sample test will continue to be available for the CAT 2015 aspirants till the CAT exam 2015 is over. With number of changes in the CAT 2015 exam pattern, the test is supposed to be a good and authenticated guide with sample questions right from the horse’s mouth. CAT 2015 aspirants can now very well familiarize themselves by practicing the sample questions as many times as they like.

CAT 2015 Sample test with 100 questions
The 100 questions in CAT 2015 are expected to be of the type as provided in the sample practice test on CAT 2015 site. The questions will be divided in 3 sections beginning with Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section comprising 34 questions. Second section will have 32 questions on DILR. The last section will be on Quant with 34 questions. Total allotted time to complete the test will be 180 minutes.

No free movement
Candidates can no longer freely switch from one section to other during the overall time limit. Time constraint of 60 minutes will apply to each of the 3 sections to attempt the questions. Besides, candidates can not choose any of the 3 sections to start with. The order of the sections is fixed from 1 to 3 and the test taker will have to move accordingly.

VARC replaces Quant
Unlike earlier CAT exams, when Quant used to be the first section, CAT 2015 has placed the VARC section as the first section in the exam. Earlier the first section used to be on Quant section.  Now Quant will be the last section of CAT 2015 among the 3 sections.

24 Non-MCQs
Each of the 3 sections in CAT 2015 test is expected to have not less than 8 Non-MCQ type questions, going by the pattern in sample test. The answer options are available on the screen, but you will have to type the correct one in space given on the computer screen although there is no need to write the solution process.

No negative marking for Non-MCQs
All the MCQs will carry maximum 3 core marks with a penalty of -1 mark for each wrong answer. However, there is no provision of negative marking for Non-MCQs whether you attempt it wrong or do not attempt it.

So assuring 8 Non-MCQs are there in each section, there would be 24 Non-MCQs in all. If you can crack 8 correct and 16 wrong, you will get rewarded for 8 correct answers but will not be penalized for 16 wrong answers – a win-win situation.

Extra time for PWD/DA candidates
CAT 2015 test duration is for a total time of 3 hours. PWD/ DA candidates with scribe requirements will be allowed 20 minutes extra in every section implying 60 minutes more will be allowed to them to attempt the CAT 2015 test paper. All candidates will start the test at the same time. Candidates are to remain at their seats for the entire duration of the test even if they complete their test early.

CAT 2015 aspirants have anxiously been waiting for the Sample test right from the beginning. Since last year CAT has stopped making the sample test available with the opening of CAT  registration process. Thousands of CAT 2015 aspirants who have been approaching MBAUniverse.com and CAT 2015 helpline regarding the delay in making live the Sample Test have taken a sigh of relief now.

Since the test is published by the CAT Centre 2015, there should not be any doubt about the type of questions proposed to appear in the exam and the proposed CAT 2015 exam pattern. Aspirants should practice the test, understand its key points, and focus on similar type of questions in their CAT 2015 preparation journey for next 30 days.

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Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on CAT 2015