CAT 2009 Toppers on MBAUniverse.com: Patience is the key for GD-PI, says 98.72 percentiler Anshul Kishore

Goes a famous saying that success does not stay away for long if the path of hard work is chosen. The successful CAT 2009 candidates are true examples of this. There are many who have come out with flying colours and have shown to the world that success comes in the bag of only those who work hard with patience. The CAT 2009 toppers achieved success by ignoring the hurdles provided by Prometric, the test executing agency.

We at MBAUniverse.com are providing you the opportunity to meet the CAT 2009 toppers. Today we present to exclusive interview with Anshul Khurana, who has scored 98.72 percentile in CAT 2009.

Anshul is a student of B.E (IT) at Punjab Engineering College. Owing to his father’s transferable job he has travelled and studied in various schools all over India. He cleared his board exams from City Montessori School, Lucknow.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Q: What is your percentile in CAT 2009?

A: I have obtained 98.72 percentile in CAT 2009.

Q: Which are the institutes you have received GD & PI calls from?

A: Till now I have received GD & PI calls from IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta. I am hopeful about getting calls from the other top MBA institutes as well.

Q: In which MBA test prep institute did you go? How did that help you?

A: I went to Bulls Eye, Chandigarh. The package and study material provided by them was of great help. I also owe due credit to the faculty members of Bulls Eye who have guided me through the path where success was awaiting.

Q: How did you prepare for the CAT exam?

A: Apart from referring to the study materials given to me by my MBA test prep institute Bulls Eye, I had also referred to Arun Sharma’s guide for CAT. I took a lot of mock tests as well.

Q: What is your strategy for cracking the GD & PI rounds?

A: For cracking the GD & PI rounds, the best strategy is to be aware of the current affairs that are taking place around the world. Being calm, patient and confident are my keys. I would also like to say this to my fellow GD & PI candidates that there is no need to panic and just relax. If we can work so hard to reach here, rest is just a trifle thing.

Q: What would you like to suggest the candidates who are going to take CAT 2010?

A: All I want to say to the CAT 2010 takers is that they should practice hard and take as much mock tests as they can.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more interviews of CAT 2009 toppers!

CAT 2009 Toppers on MBAUniverse.com: No shortcut for success, says Karanvir Singh, 99.97 percentiler

The CAT 2009 results have brought joys as well as sorrows. Joys for all who have been shortlisted by the IIMs and sorrow for the MBA aspirants who have not been able to make the grades. The successful candidates have beaten all the obstacles that came into their way and are now ready to put one step forward to their dream MBA course in a top MBA school. Obviously they did not care about the pot holes that Prometric provided them on their path. They just stayed focused on their goal and finally achieved success.

One such success story is of Karanvir Singh of Chandigarh who has scored 99.97 percentile in the CAT 2009 entrance exam and has already got GD & PI calls from IIM Ahmedabad, FMS Delhi.

Karanvir is a final year student of B.Tech at IIT Roorkee. MBAUniverse.com presents to you this exclusive interview with Karanvir. He shares his success mantras and his strategy for cracking the GD and PI round.

Q: What is your CAT 2009 percentile?

A: My CAT 2009 percentile is 99.97.

Q: Which are the institutes that you have got GD & PI calls from?

A: I have got interview calls from IIM Ahmedabad and FMS Delhi. I am still waiting for the calls from other IIMs.

Q: Which is your test prep institute and how did it help you?

A: I went to Bulls Eye, Chandigarh for my MBA coaching. Taking up classes there was quite helpful. Being an engineering student, I had studied most of the things but I was out of touch, so they helped me with the concepts. And also since I was attending regular classes, that also ensured that I studied regularly, which in the end proved quite beneficial.

Q: How did you prepare for CAT exam?

A: In order to prepare for CAT, I studied regularly for about six to seven months. The time dedicated to it was not much but just about an hour everyday, on an average. Since CAT requires overall balanced sectional scores, the main thing was identifying the weak areas and working on them. Towards the end, I took a lot of mock tests and worked on areas that I had studied earlier.

Q: What will be your strategy to crack GD & PI?

A: This time around some of the IIMs are having essay writing instead of GD’s. So I'm trying to brush up my writing skills, reading about the current events in order to keep up. For PI's also the kind of questions they ask are more or less known, so I am just reading up on a few things and attending mock interviews.

Q: What is your advice to the MBA aspirants who will be taking CAT 2010?

A: For 2010 aspirants, the only thing that I can tell them is that there's no fixed method to be successful. What works for others may not work for you. In the seven to eight months that they have, they should work regularly and try and find out what works best for them.

Moreover, CAT is not a difficult exam, but it’s just that the pressure of the exam gets to the students and prevents them from doing their best. So work hard and I'm sure success will be yours.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more CAT 2009 topper interviews!

“I prefer the CAT old school, any day” – Alay Mehta, 99.99 percentile scorer

It's the all-India mock tests that actually help

After completing his Civil Engineering from IIT Bombay, Alay Mehta appeared for CAT in 2008 where he scored a brilliant 197 which gave him the percentile of 99.99. Shortlisted by all the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), Alay chose to join IIM A.

MBAUniverse.com spoke to Alay on his success in CAT 2008

Q: What was your CAT 2008 percentile?
A: My percentile was 99.99

Q: Which are the institutes that shortlisted you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, Kanpur and Shillong (IIM A, B, C, L, I, K, S) shortlisted me. I sat only for the interviews of Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta and Kozhikode. Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Calcutta gave me final offers in their first list itself. However, Kozhikode waitlisted me and only yesterday confirmed my admittance.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission and why?
A: I chose Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM A), for all the usual reasons.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection?
A: IMS at Powai. A brilliant friend of mine was teaching there, so I joined up.

Q: How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: They're all more or less the same. It's the all-India mock tests that actually help.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: Write the standardised mock tests. Skive off classes if you wish, but not the mocks.

Q: How should they plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: I studied math because that was my weaker section. Students should tackle what they're poor in. Cramming wordlists get you nowhere.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: The computer test will change things a lot. We're looking at a more GRE/GMAT type exam which is a pity. The old paper-based system allows one to skip questions and return to them later.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: I prefer the CAT old school, any day.

I was lucky enough to have received final admission offers by all of them

Sayali Kale was shortlisted by all Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) schools, which are considered to be the best B Schools in India, for Group Discussion and Personal Interview. But that was not all, as she cracked all the GDPIs successfully and got admission offers from all the six institutes. Sayali Kale did B.Tech from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai.

Belonging to a family of doctors, Sayali brilliantly scored 171 leading to a percentile of 99.91.

MBAUniverse.com spoke to Sayali Kale about her CAT 2008 success mantras

Q: What was your percentile in CAT 2008?
A: My percentile was 99.91.

Q: Which are the institutes that shortlisted you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore and Kozhikode (IIM A, B, C, L, I and K) shortlisted me for GD PI. I was lucky enough to have received final admission offers by all of them.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission, and why?
A: I have decided to take admission at Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM A). I have chosen this institute because of the talent it attracts, its faculty and its case study method of teaching.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: I joined IMS test series. Previously, I had attended IMS's complete CAT preparation module. I chose IMS on the recommendation of my seniors and batch mates. I think CAT aspirants should form a group and within that group join competing classes so that they can solve test papers from a variety of coaching institutes.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: My advice to them would be to solve as many papers as they can. Solve different type of questions. And each time they get a question wrong, they should carefully note down the correct solution.

Q: How should they plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: My advice would be to time yourself with each question. I would always solve the section I found the hardest first and within that I used to solve the easier ones before attempting the tough ones. Have certain areas of strength like circles, AP/GP etc so that you know which questions to tackle first.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: I think the disadvantages will be faced by all students equally. I think they should practice solving online as much as possible. Visit sites like testfunda.com as they have online tests.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: As a student I prefer the old format.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: As I said, I am happy I did not have to face the new format. I found solving DI caselets online extremely annoying. You waste a lot of time copying data off the screen and onto your sheet.

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: Practice with online tests. Particularly solve DI caselets online as this is going to be the most inconvenient part of the exam where you can no longer write directly on the printed tables and graphs.

CAT Toppers on MBAUniverse.com: Interview with Glen D'Silva, CAT 99.83 percentiler; admitted to IIM A (2009-11)

Glen D’Silva has maintained the track record of his high scoring from Board exams to CAT with a score and percentile of 161 and 99.83 respectively. Glen also has a 15 months work experience in Lehman Brothers and 8 months work experience in Nomura India. Out of all the institutes from which he got the admission offers, he joined IIM A as he feels it’s the dream institute for all the CAT aspirants.

MBAUniverse.com spoke to Glen D’Silva regarding his preparation for CAT and suggestions for the aspirants.

Excerpts from the chat:

Q: Congrats for making it to IIM-A! What was your CAT percentile.
A: Thanks. I scored 99.83 percent.

Q: Which are the institutes that shortlisted you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I was called for GD-PI by IIM A, B, C, L, I, K, NITIE, MDI, IMT Ghaziabad, SP Jain and SIBM Pune. Out of these I attended all except SIBM. I got final offer for admissions from IIM A, C, L, I, K, NITIE, MDI, IMT Ghaziabad and SP Jain.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission and why?
A: I have decided to take admission for the PGP of IIM Ahmedabad. IIM A is the dream institute of any person appearing for CAT. The faculty that IIM A possesses is unparalleled in the country. Apart from that, IIM A has one of the oldest and best Alumni networks in the country, noted alumni including KV Kamath, VS Banga, Kiran Karnik, Harsha Bhogle, etc who have left their mark in different fields. I had no difficulty in choosing IIM A over any other institute.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: I had joined IMS Thane for coaching for CAT. I think IMS has played a huge part in my final selection for IIM A. The faculty was always ready to help out with any doubts we had and were always there for extra sessions. Also their Achievers Workshop helped me a lot in GD PI preparations. I am thankful to all the teachers over there. Apart from this I had also joined TIME for the test series. I think CAT aspirants should take feedback from past students before joining a coaching institute. The main criteria could be faculty, location, test series, additional workshops and if the faculty is always there to solve your doubts.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: I think aspirants should stop panicking about the ONLINE CAT immediately. I always had the feeling that cracking CAT is more of a mental game. A person who manages to remain cool in those 2.5 hours is the one who will come out triumphant. The CAT has gone online for all the aspirants and everyone is in the same boat. Rather than worrying, be the first mover and try to get accustomed to the format immediately. Rather than speculating whether it would be an adaptive test, wait for the IIMs to come out with the official notification and bulletin in August.

Q: How should they plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: Time management is critical in an exam like CAT. First of all, you need to be aware which section you are good at and which section you are not. It is a well known fact that IIMs select people with balanced sectionals, so scoring really high in two sections while faltering in the third will not work. Hence time has to be apportioned to the different sections accordingly. Maximize your scores in your strongest sections, but definitely do not neglect your weaker sections. Often we have a mental block that we are weak in a particular section and this lowers our morale. Do not let that happen. Try and analyze in the mock tests the reason you are unable to score in your weaker section and improve on that.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based-test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: The main change I see is that all the aspirants will not be taking the test on a single day. This means that people taking the test in the first one or two days might be slightly at a disadvantage over others. If the scores are out immediately as is the case in other online exams, then aspirants taking the test in the later days might get an idea about the expected scores. Also having questions of the same difficulty level on all the days would be a challenge. Having said that, the paper setters are the professors in IIMs and I am sure they will do justice to all.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: The new format eases the pressure on the IIMs in conducting the test for over 3 lakh students on the same day. It was indeed proving to be an administrative challenge. From the student’s point of view, the need to get accustomed to solving mock tests online. For example, in Geometry, in the earlier CAT, there used to be diagrams in the question paper. Now the candidates will have to draw it out themselves on a rough paper. Also they will have to maintain concentration staring at the PC screen for 150 minutes!

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: I am glad that I appeared for the paper based CAT format. When a new format is tried out for the first time, there would always be challenges. But in the end, what matters is percentile. i.e. how good are you as compared to other aspirants. That hasn’t changed. But yes, it feels good to be a part of the last batch to be selected at IIM A through the traditional pencil- paper format.

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: As I said earlier, try getting used to solving papers online. Try concentrating on the screen for longer hours (although this might result in strain on the eyes, so be careful). Other than that, for now, aspirants should prepare for the 3 sections like they would have done in the absence of Online CAT. And wait until IIMs come out with the CAT bulletin in August to prepare further strategies.

I would like to wish all the aspirants best of luck for CAT 09 and hoping to see many of you at IIMA next year.

CAT being a computer-based test might create hiccups in the first 2 years,” feels 99.53 percentiler Sitaram Agarwal

Sitaram Agarwal is a Commerce graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Sitaram is also pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst program offered by the CFA institute. He is currently a level 2 student of the same. Having appeared for CAT for the second time in 2008, he scored 146 out of 256 which gave him the percentile of 99.53. Sitaram was offered the final admission by IIM A.

MBAUniverse.com talks to Sitaram Agarwal:

Q: Which are the institutes that shortlisted you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I got calls from IIM A, IIM C and IIM K (I didn’t apply anywhere except the IIMs). I was offered final admission by IIM A.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission, and why?
A: I am joining IIM A, and my decision would have been the same even if I had other options. I believe IIM A will nurture me best – especially their case based pedagogy.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: I was based in Kolkata and went to TCC Management Systems. I found this to be the most effective part of the entire preparation – the guidance I got there was the fulcrum of my preparations. I selected TCC because when I was on a hunt for the best prep courses, I got to see a positive approach there, which was incomparable with any other place that I went to. For CAT 2009 aspirants, the decision of prep institute should be based on their own judgement – the psychological comfort is really important. The kind of enthusiasm and individual attention that a prep centre can provide is also important. A lot depends on the amount of effort the candidate is willing to put in. Just the prep course won’t be of help without personal effort and hard work.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: Given that it is mid May, it’s time now to focus on the basic concepts. CAT tests us on the very basic concepts, and all that is important is how well we can apply those concepts. Also, the practice tests are a crucial part of the overall learning. I would advice at least one test per week, with an in-depth analysis of answers that went wrong, the ones that were right, as well as those skipped. Careful attention must be paid to selection, as that is the key for success, and effective time management. These tests are to give you a feel of the CAT exam, and one can effectively learn from mistakes made in these tests, and make sure they are not repeated on the final day.

Q: How should they plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: Personally, I had to devote a lot of time on the quantitative part, because that was a bottleneck for me, while verbal was a strong point. One should devote maximum time to the weaker sections to bring them up to an optimal level. Also devote time to develop one extremely strong section. It’s important to develop one strong point – the section which will be the score maximising section for the candidate. A strong study plan is very effective in keeping track of preparations and performance across sections. Aspirants should also devote time and improving reading habits – as they are crucial for success in the verbal section.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: CAT being a computer based test might create hiccups in the first 2 years, given that students will have to adapt to the new format. The essence of the test will still evaluate your verbal power, conceptual clarity and thinking prowess. So it will be like old wine in a new bottle.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: The new format was a natural step in view of the increasing the number of applicants to the IIMs and the logistical problems it was creating. The IIMs are not yet clear on whether they will be adaptive or non adaptive. We should wait for the official notification to be released before making any comment on it.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: Given the fact that I appeared for CAT the second time; I would have been a little sceptical if I would have had to go for the CBT.

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: Candidates should practice more with the CAT-like weekly tests to familiarise themselves with the new environment. Special care must be taken by those who are not appearing for the first time. Since such candidates were used to the old format, the online test might prove to be an uncomfortable battlefield. Also, candidates who are not comfortable with using computers need to develop that ability now, in addition to all other preparations needed for cracking the CAT.

CAT Toppers on MBAUniverse.com: Interview with Amit Tandon, CAT 99.49 percentiler; admitted to IIM A (2009-11)

Amit Tandon is an Electronics and Communication Engineer from NSIT (2002 -2006). He is currently working in ST Microelectronics Pvt. Ltd, Greater Noida as Design Engineer. In CAT 2008, Amit scored 145 out of 360 with the percentile of 99.49. He was shortlisted for GD PI by IIM A, B, L, I and K. He was also called for GD/ PI by FMS Delhi & MDI. He got final admission in IIM A, I, K, FMS and MDI. And , not surprisingly, he has chosen to study at IIM A.

Excerpts from interview with Amit Tandon by Sreetama Dutta of MBAUniverse.com:

Q: What was your CAT 2008 percentile?
A: I scored 99.4% in CAT 2008.

Q: Which are the institutes that shortlisted you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I was shortlisted for GD PI by IIM A, B, L, I and K. Also on the basis of my CAT score, I got a call from MDI. I was also shortlisted by FMS for GD/PI. I got final admission in IIM A, I, K, FMS and MDI.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission and why?
A: I have decided to join IIM A as I feel it’s the best in the business.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: I joined TIME for GD PI preparation. Along with that, I also took classes from Mr. Malay Ray, an IIM A alumni for enhancing my general and business awareness. I joined TIME because I was a test series student with TIME.

Regarding Malay Ray's classes, it was recommended to me by my friends and seniors.

I feel all the coaching institutes are good in their own rights so CAT aspirants can join any of these. I believe coaching institutes can only provide you the direction, rest is up to the student to capitalize on it.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: I believe 6 months are sufficient to prepare for CAT exam. Students should make a proper study plan and stick to it. If I had to prepare a plan for myself, it would be something like this May - Basics of all the sections namely Quant, DI and English (Grammar rules, Diverse RC etc)

June - Higher level Problems of all the sections

July, Aug and Sep - take 2 mock CATs per week and analyze them thoroughly. If need arises go back to the basics of the topics.

Oct - take 3 mock CAT per week and revise the previous mock papers.

Nov - Just relax and take one mock CAT per week so as to maintain the momentum till the D-day!

Q: How should they plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: Well first of all, one needs to asses one's strong and weak section and thereafter to divide time accordingly for preparation. First focus on the weak areas and once you attain reasonable confidence in those, you can divide your time equally for different section from the point of view of preparation.

However, I feel 3-4 hours per day is sufficient for preparation. However a caveat here is that one should not go overboard with the CAT studies. It may result in saturation and instance of peaking at the wrong time. We should remember that at the end of day CAT is not about mugging things but rather understanding and applying the concepts in the exam.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based-test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: I feel the basic outlook of the exam will remain the same with exam checking proficiency of students in Quant, DI and English. As of now there is no communication from IIMs regarding the format, but in my opinion it will be a scroll based exam (unlike adaptive in GMAT) with a little bit reduction in the difficulty level of questions asked.

However with CAT going online, now the checking process will be faster and student will be able to know their score on the spot and issues like mistakes on marking on OMR sheet etc will be eliminated. Well the first and the foremost change will be that exam will be conducted over a ten day window, so I am still wondering how will the authorities maintain the surprise element which has been the USP of CAT exam till date. I feel it could benefit those taking exams on later date as they will be aware of the format and mentally prepared for the same.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: I feel the new format is good in a way that it will expedite the checking process and students will be able to know their score on the spot and issues like mistakes on marking on OMR sheet etc will be eliminated.

However with the exam being conducted over a ten day window, I am still wondering how the authorities will maintain the surprise element which has been the USP of CAT exam till date. I feel it could benefit those taking exams on later date as they will be aware of the format and mentally prepared for the same. But I am sure IIMs must have thought about the same and will be working to put things in place. So let’s wait for the CAT bulletin which will unlock all the mysteries regarding the novel pattern.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: Well I feel all of us are resistant to change so in a way I feel happy about the fact that I could take CAT in the older format. Having said that, I believe it’s a change in a positive direction and all of us will benefit from the same. More importantly, CAT is known for its surprises year after year so let’s take it as one such surprise and get going.

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: As I already mentioned that the basic of the exams will remain the same so one need not to spend sleepless nights over the new format. However CAT aspirants should develop the habit of taking an exam online, reading articles on computer so as to prepare them for the new format. In my opinion, the difficulty level of the exam should come down with CAT going online, so we should consider this as a positive change and start preparing accordingly.

I wish all the best to CAT 2009 aspirants

I am happy to have made it in my first attempt itself: Amey Mashilkar 99.14 percentile holder

Practice and nothing else to get into a top MBA institute

In the last MBAUniverse.com interview of Amey Mashilkar we saw how he grabbed the eye balls of all IIMs and received group discussion and personal interview calls by all the six Indian Institute of Management institutes without taking any help from the CAT test preparation institutes. His score of 99.14 percentile fetched him final admission offers by three of the top MBA institutes in India. Amey has really set an example for the MBA aspirants who will be appearing for CAT 2009.

The following is an interview with Amey Mashilkar on his success in the final stage of belling the CAT exam.

Q: Which are the MBA institutes that short listed you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I was short listed for GD PI by IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Indore, Kozhikode and Lucknow. I was offered final admission by three popular MBA institutes; IIM Bangalore, Calcutta and Kozhikode.

Q: Which is the MBA institute that you have decided to take admission and why?
A: I decided to take admission in IIM Bangalore as it has an excellent curriculum.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 aspirants make this decision?
A: I did not join any coaching for CAT 2008 but went to both T.I.M.E and IMS for GD PI coaching. Both offer coaching for GD PI at reasonable prices and it is good to join both for diverse insights.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: I cleared CAT in my first attempt without coaching. So if I can, even you can! Start with the weakest section first and then move on to the stronger sections for preparation as well as in actual exams.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: Nothing much changes according to me except the need for familiarity of such exams and practice as also the reading comprehension in verbal section.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: I am a bit apprehensive about the percentile system if every group of 10,000 attempts a different paper. Also it fails to solve the purpose since now the faculty members of the IIMs will have to set almost 3,000 questions instead of 100, which would take up as much amount of time as was utilized for supervision at the CAT exams.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: I am happy to have made it to the coveted IIMs in my first attempt itself and got call from one of the top MBA institutes. CBT or no CBT what else could I have asked for?

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: Practice and nothing else to get into a top MBA institute.

Start with the section which is most comfortable for you, suggests Prashant Kumar

With a percentile of 97.67 in CAT 2008, IIT Delhi student Prashant Kumar got Group Discussion and Personal Interview calls from the prestigious IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow. Of the two top institutes, he finally chose IIM Bangalore to make his way smoother towards realizing his dream career in Management Consulting. Prashant, who also took the GMAT test, doesn’t feel much difference in the CBT form of CAT exam.

MBAUniverse.com talks to Prashant Kumar and learns how he went about his preparations.

Q: Which are the MBA institutes that short listed you for GD PI and offered you final admissions?
A: I was short listed by the two top MBA institutes in India – IIM Bangalore and IIM Lucknow.

Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission, and why?
A: I decided to join IIM Bangalore because I want to build up my career in Management Consulting and Bangalore has better suited faculty and location for the same.

Q: Which test prep institute did you go to? How did you make the selection? How should CAT 2009 exam aspirants make this decision?
A: Mostly T.I.M.E because it offered a larger assortment of participants. I also attended workshops by Career Launcher and PT Education. Aspirants should make the decision on the basis of whichever MBA test prep institute provides a better group to interact with.

Q: With just over 6 months to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants?
A: Do general preparation as of now. Take tests once every two weeks. Later start working on your strength areas and increase the number of tests.

Q: How should the aspirants plan their study on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?
A: Depends. Start with the section which is most comfortable to you.

Q: As you are aware, CAT 2009 exam will be a computer-based test. In your view, how does this change the exam?
A: Candidates with prior experience with simulated tests or GMAT will have an advantage.

Q: What is your take on this new format?
A: Few MBA institutes have already switched to this mode. Then we have GMAT. This has already seen a surge in applicants over the last year. So this will be easily accepted.

Q: Are you happy that you did not have to appear for this format or you feel that CBT form would have been better for you?
A: Although it does not make much difference to me. I think candidates like me who have appeared for GMAT will have a better understanding of the change.

Q: What should aspirants do to adjust to this new format?
A: Simulated tests will do wonders. CAT exam authorities will sure provide sample tests downloadable at their official website soon.