CAT 2008: Test Highlights; Expert-analysis by IMS, TIME, CL, PT; Answer Keys

MBAUniverse.com presents a comparative analysis of what IMS Learning, TIME, Career Launcher and PT Education have to say on cut-offs.

Here are the highlights from CAT 2008:

CAT 08 was more reasoning and analysis oriented: Even in the quantitative or verbal ability questions, students had to think and use their reasoning ability rather than just applying mathematical formula or grammar
The test was marginally tougher than the last CAT: While there were no big surprises, the 35-page paper was lengthy and the questions were trickier. The reading comprehension passages were lengthier than last years CAT.
More emphasis on language skills: Clearly CAT 2008 will be remembered for its added emphasis on testing language skills of future managers. There were 40 questions on language skills, that included 20 questions on grammar and English usage and 20 questions on reading comprehension.

Students reported that quantitative section was tough to which CAT experts responded that for CAT preparation is key.

MBAUniverse.com also analysed the various cut-offs marks released by Indias leading test prep brands. Here is a summary:

IMS Learning
TIME
Career Launcher

PT Education

Quant
32-35
15-21
30-32
30+

DI/Reasoning
32-35
26-30
28-30
29+

Verbal
46-49
39-45
46-48
47-49

Overall Cut-offs
120 of 1-2 IIMs
118-124
124-128
115-120+

Here are the MBAUniverse.com exlusive stories on CAT 2008. You may click on links to read the full stories:
CAT 08: IMS Learning Analysis & expert chat on MBAUniverse.com
http://www.mbauniverse.com/admission_2009_coverage.php?id=1587

CAT 08: Career Launcher Analysis & expert chat on MBAUniverse.com
http://www.mbauniverse.com/admission_2009_coverage.php?id=1584

CAT 08: PT Educations Analysis & expert chat on MBAUniverse.com
http://www.mbauniverse.com/admission_2009_coverage.php?id=1585

How to face CAT successfully: Column by Dr. A.M.Sherry
http://www.mbauniverse.com/admission_2009_coverage.php?id=1578

MBA is a journey, not a destination: Column by IIT B, IIM B alumnus & Director, SDM IMD Prof Ramesh
http://www.mbauniverse.com/admission_2009_coverage.php?id=1574