Day one goes smooth, Students hunt for CAT 2010 Questions

Unlike the previous year, common admission test had a smooth ride yesterday as it commenced yesterday at all the five centres without any technical glitches, however very few students opted for the examination who took their first step for the admission into prestigious B-schools of the country.

According to Prometric, an American based testing firm, 4,548 candidates were due to appear for the test today, a far cry from the 12,000 odd candidates that appeared on the first day of CAT 2010. After the sweet success of first day, the real challenge for Prometric will be to ensure a similar experience during the weekend slots in November, when between 10,000 to 13,000 candidates are due to appear for the CAT on a single day.

Students who had not appeared for the exam on the first day are eager to know the kind of Questions asked and the search has already begin. Few institutes are expected to publish these answer keys for the same. Naresh Reddy, director of Abhyaas coaching centre, said that the examination had not thrown up any surprise. No questions were repeated from previous CATs in this examination. The test, however, had some questions which could be considered familiar; they required using using basic principles, making it an easy test for the average test-taker, he said.

Shyam Murali, city head, Career Launcher, said that if a candidate attempted 45 out of a total of 60 questions with an accuracy of 70-80 per cent, then there would be a chance to get an IIM call. "It might be difficult for candidates to clear 14 to 16 questions in quant section as it is slightly tough this year," he said. The verbal ability section was at a much lower difficulty level, experts said.

As per sources, 204267 candidates have registered themselves for the test this year. As many as 19931 candidates are expected to take the test from Delhi alone, sources added.

The online CAT 2010 is conducted in two sessions each day. The morning session begins at 10.00 am where as second session starts from 3.30 pm. For morning session, candidates are required to report by 8.30 am. However, for the second session, candidates are supposed to report by 2.00 pm. The duration of the test is 2 hours and 30 minutes and this process will continue till November 24, 2010.