CAT tougher this time, say students in Indore

One of the toughest examinations for management studies — Common Entrance Test (CAT) — was conducted countrywide on Sunday.

One of the toughest examinations for management studies — Common Entrance Test (CAT) — was conducted countrywide on Sunday.

Students after the three-hour-long exam. (Shankar Mourya/HT photo)

Most of the students found this year’s paper tougher than that of the previous year. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section was tougher than the last year whereas Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) was easier. Students are hoping to score high on the language section.

The three-hour long examination was conducted in morning and afternoon slots at the pre-decided centers, one of them being ION Digital Zone Plexus at Dewas Naka. In Madhya Pradesh, Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Sagar were chosen to conduct the examination.

To keep a check on cheating during the examination, several steps were taken by the conducting body – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru. While girls were asked not to apply hena (mehendi) at least a week before the examination for fingerprint scan purposes, boys were also asked not to wear shoes or socks to the centers.

Accessories such as rings were also not allowed in the centre, for which, a special room was provided for the students to keep their belongings.

Students speak

Anmol Gambhir, Medi-Caps Institute of Technology and Management: “The VARC section was moderate as compared to DILR which turned out to be tougher than expected. I have given my best shot at it and am hoping for a good score.”

Alankrit Sharma, Shri Vaishnav Institute of Management: “Questions in the DILR section were unexpected and tough. I found the QA section easiest among the three. Overall, the test was neither very tough nor easy.”

Ashish Singhi, Shri Vaishnav Institute of Management: “Although I was not well-prepared for the examination, but the test turned out to be decent.”