They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of worry. This holds especially true for CAT exam 2019 (Common Admission Test) test-takers. By now you are already well-versed with the CAT format and pattern. It is a computer-based aptitude test that is an entry gate to some of the top B-schools of the country. As candidates, it is expected that you get thoroughly acquainted with the exam rules and regulations before applying for it. CAT exam is a few weeks away and you are probably going crazy with preparations. You are also probably keeping all the worries related to D-Day for the last minute. To minimize your search work and make your life a little bit easier, we compiled this article, answering some of your common CAT related FAQs. It holds some crucial info that as CAT aspirants you must know before entering the exam hall. Make sure to brush up on these a couple of days before D-Day! Lots of luck!
About Admit Card
1. Where can I download the CAT admit card/hall ticket?
CAT 2019 admit card has been released on October 23, 2019, at iimcat.ac.in in online mode at 5:00 pm.
2. How to download a CAT admit card/hall ticket?
- Click on the link to download CAT admit card 2019
- Enter the User ID and password
- Admit card of CAT 2019 will appear
- Check all the details mentioned in the admit card and hit download
3. If I do not get my admit card, whom should I contact?
IIMs have listed helpline numbers in case you need any help with downloading admit cards for CAT 2019. They are -
4. What details will be mentioned in the CAT admit card 2019?
- Photo
- Date
- Registration Number
- Date of Birth
- Category
- Date and Day of Test
- Test time / Session
- Test City
- Test Centre & Address
- Reference Number
- Emergency Contact
- Google Map Link
5. Can I have a hard copy of my CAT admit card mailed to my address?
No, you can download CAT 2019 admit card online by entering the login details. The admit card of CAT 2019 will not be sent by post or any other means.
6. What happens if I forget to carry my admit card?
Admit card is a must. You cannot enter the exam hall without an admit card. However, you don't need to have an admit card in an interview. Just keep the hard copy of your application form, scorecard and other relevant documents.
About The Test Centre
1. Where does the CAT exam take place?
This year, CAT 2019 exam will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode (IIM K) in 2 sessions on Sunday, Nov 24, 2019, in more than 400 testing venues in 156 test cities across the country.
2. Are calculators allowed in the exam hall?
Candidates are prohibited from bringing calculators to the testing centre. You may use the on-screen calculator that will be available throughout the exam.
3. What are the few things that I can carry to the exam hall?
Candidates will have to carry any one of the following valid photo identity proofs with the admit card of CAT 2019.
- Voter ID Card
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Photo ID that has been issued by the current employer of the educational institute where the candidate is either working or studying
- Driving License
4. Is it compulsory to have the original photo identity proof with CAT admit cards?
You need to carry a valid photo identity proof along with the CAT admit card 2019 while appearing for the exam. Photocopied cards or a scanned copy is not accepted.
5. What are the things that are not allowed in the exam hall?
- Stationery Items
- Calculator
- Watch or Timer
- Documents or Certificates
- Mobile Phones
6. Can I take the exam from any computer?
A candidate must take the exam on a workstation assigned at the exam venue. The venue details are printed on the Admit Card.
7. What should I wear to a CAT Exam?
There is no dress code. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Just avoid wearing jewellery, Shoes (wear chappals) and jackets.
About the CAT exam
1. What is the marking/grading scheme for CAT? Is there negative marking for a wrong answer?
For questions other than MCQs, 3 marks are assigned for ‘correct answer’ and no marks for ‘incorrect answer or no attempt'.
The scoring scheme for Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) is as follows:
- Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks.
- An incorrect answer fetches -1.
- No marks are given or deducted for unattempted questions
2. How many non-MCQs are there in each section?
The number of questions varies and cannot be disclosed.
3. Are there negative marks for questions other than MCQs?
No, there are no negative marks for non-MCQ type questions.
4. Is there a specific order for answering sections? Can I attempt sections the way I want?
You must answer the sections in a pre-specified order and this order will remain the same for all test takers.
Final Words
- Visit the test centre before cat exam day: Candidates must visit the test centre at least a day before the exam, so it is easier to locate the test centre and reach the test centre on time. The objective behind this is to avoid any kind of delay on the exam day. Candidates who reach the test centre late, will not be allowed to appear in the exam.
- Don’t try to learn anything new at the last moment: Avoid studying new concepts days before the test. You might get more anxious and nervous, in case you don’t get a grasp of the new concepts.
- Keep Calm: Everyone has those exam jitters. But that shouldn’t overpower and sabotage your CAT exams, for which you studied very hard. So try to be confident about your preparation and have some faith in yourself.