CAT 2020 Pattern Changed Deadline Extended

With the change in CAT 2020 pattern, there are many questions which are prevailing now.

What is the change in the pattern of CAT 2020?

Why changes have been done?

What will be the change in the skillset which is needed?

This blog will answer all the questions.

With just 2 months remaining in CAT 2020 to happen, IIM Indore has announced major changes to take place in CAT exam. In a press release issued on Tuesday, institute quoted that the exam will be conducted in 3 slots rather than 2 and the duration of the exam has also been reduced to 2 hours from 3 hours. Other than this, the deadline for filling the CAT 2020 registration date has also been increased upto 23^rd September 2020 till 5PM.

An extra slot in CAT 2020 exam, duration reduced to 2 hours

This change has been announced keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic so that all the social distancing norms can be followed. 3 slots instead of 2 will allow the proper distribution of children. Now, students will be given only 40 minutes per section instead of 60 minutes and also students will not be allowed to switch between the sections while attempting a particular section. So, a student has to complete a particular section before moving to another.

Deadline for filling CAT 2020 form extended

New deadline for filling the CAT forms has also been extended. Now, students can fill their forms till 23^rd September 2020 5PM. Students will be able to edit the form after that also. They can change their test city preference, signature and photograph in the form. Last date for that is yet to be announced. It was done to facilitate students so that they could get more time to fill in the forms. This move is likely to help many.

What will be the change in the skillset which is needed?

Now, Many students are predicting that CAT 2020 will be easier as compared to previous ones because of time reduction and everything. But it will not be the case. As the time is reduced, it is expected to see a reduction in number of questions also which will basically make the CAT exam same as before but with a shorter time period. Students should expect the same difficulty level of CAT exam. We could see a significant change in the pattern also which will be released soon by IIM Indore. All these factors are taken in order to comply with the social distancing norms and keeping in mind the safety of the students. Its impact on difficulty level is not something which one should really expect.

As the time is reduced, so it is equally important to be familiar with the time frame. Mostly students have habit of taking 1-2 breaks in 3 hour exam. Now, as the time is less, breaks will also reduce and that could impact efficiency. The main difference will be to see how the students approach the paper.

Basically, the race has changed from marathon to a sprint. But the one thing that remains constant is that it is the last lap or the last meters of race which decides who the winner is. So, that is what every student has to keep in mind.  It will be great to see after the mock is released that whether it is going to benefit students or not. More changes, if any, will be announced after 20^th September by IIM Indore.

Now the revised dates for CAT 2020 are:-

Mocks for new pattern of CAT 2020

The new pattern mocks will be available on CAT website by October 16th. IIM Indore has urged students to take a mock before going for the actual one so that the students could become familiar with the pattern. All the other changes which will be there in the pattern will be announced by September 20^th. Students are hoping a cut in the number of questions also. CAT has increased the number of centers also in every state so that students have to travel less and thus abiding by the precautions which are necessary to be taken. For the exam, it will be interesting to see what are the health and safety norms which will be released for the students who will be coming for examinations.