Ever since CAT exam became computer based, the aspirants and the test takers are facing lot of questions on various fronts, such as: Format of CAT 2010, Scheduling and Registration, Rescheduling and Cancellation, Testing Day. Ever since CAT exam became computer based, the aspirants and the test takers are facing lot of questions on various fronts, such as: Format of CAT 2010, Scheduling and Registration, Rescheduling and Cancellation, Testing Day. To answer these questions, CAT IIM website has presented certain Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the test takers. MBAUniverse.com went through the entire list of Q&As to bring to you the answers to some of the most important questions which are striking your mind during this CAT season.

FORMAT OF CAT 2010

Q: How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?

A: The format of the test is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer sheet.

Q: What does a CBT test looks like?

A: A CAT practice test will be available shortly on www.catiim.in

SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION

Q: What are the different time slots for scheduling the test for a typical testing day?

A: A typical testing day for CAT 2010 will have two exam sessions. You are allowed to schedule for any one of the sessions, subject to availability. Session timings are as follows:

Session 1: Testing will begin at 10 AM and end at 12:30 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 8 AM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 8:30 AM.

Session 2: Testing will begin at 3:30 PM and end at 6 PM. Candidate check-in will commence from 1:30 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 2:00 PM.

Q: Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?

A: No, the hard copy of the Admit Card will not be sent. The Admit Card will be sent to the email address provided by you, only after you have filled in your online application and scheduled your test. It is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process.

Q: Can I appear for CAT 2010 more than once during the 20-day testing window?

A: No. You can appear for CAT 2010 only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CAT 2010 more than once. Admit Cards and picture IDs of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test centre.

Q: If I have made any mistake(s) while registering for CAT 2010, can I make changes later to rectify?

A: If you make mistakes while entering the application data, you may login to www.catiim.in or www.iim.prometric.com and select “Edit Profile” to make changes to your personal details such as address or “Edit Application” to make changes to your application data such as educational information or interview location.

For security reasons, editing of candidate’s full name and user ID will not be allowed. To reschedule your appointment for CAT 2010, select ‘Reschedule an Appointment’ and choose a different test centre, date and time of your test, which is subject to availability. The ability to edit application profile and registration details will be available until the registration window is closed i.e. till Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Note: If you make changes to your profile or reschedule, you must carry the most recent admit card and attend the most recent test session.

Q: What are the timings to contact the Candidate Care helpline?

A: The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email.

Phone: 1-800-103-9293

Webmail: http://www.prometric.com/IIM-CAT/contactus

Phone support availability:

Registration Phase: 30 August – 30 September 2010, 9:00AM to 6:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.

Pre-testing window: 1 – 26 October 2010, 9:00AM to 6:00 PM from Mondays to Saturdays.

Testing window: 27 October – 24 November 2010, 8:00AM to 7:00PM daily

Post-testing window: 25 November – 7 February 2011, 9:00AM to 6:00pm Mondays to Fridays

CAT Candidate Care will be closed on the following days:

* Saturday, 2 October 2010 – Gandhi Jayanti

* Monday, 18 October 2010 – Dussehra

* Friday, 5 November 2010 – Diwali

Webmail support availability:

Webmail support will be available from the beginning of registration till candidates receive their score reports. Queries, received by webmail, will be responded to within 48 business hours. Do not send the same email multiple times, as it will delay the response process.

RESCHEDULING & CANCELLATION

Q: What is the deadline to reschedule the test?

A: You can reschedule the location, date and time of your test during/within the registration window from Monday, August 30 to Thursday, September 30, 2010. No reschedules are permitted once the registration window has closed.

Q: Is there any rescheduling fee?

A: No. There is no fee for rescheduling your CAT 2010 appointment. 

Q: Can I cancel the test?

A: No. Under no circumstances will a cancelation or refund be allowed.

TESTING DAY

Q: What is the duration and pattern of the test?

A: The duration of the test is two hours 30 minutes including a 15-minute tutorial. CAT is a multiple choice test, delivered in three sections, Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning ability. The actual test will contain 60 questions.

Q: What are the identification documents required to be carried to the test centre?

A: You will need to bring the following identification documents on the test day:

1. CAT 2010 Admit Card

2. CAT 2010 voucher

3. A valid document as proof of SC/ST eligibility (if applicable)

4. At least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. The name on your photo identification must match your name as entered in the CAT application. Acceptable forms of photo identification are limited to Driver's license, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, College ID, Employee identification card, or a notarized Affidavit with Photo, Signature, Date of Birth and Residential Address. Photocopies of the original are not acceptable. Candidates will not be permitted to take the test if photo identification is not presented.

Admit Card and one photo identification are mandatory in order to test. In case you are a Differently Abled candidate and have requested for support during the test, you have to carry the copy of the authorization of the support mailed to you by Prometric.

You will have to store all other personal items at the test centre at your own risk. Please do not bring any other items to the test centre, as they are not permitted into the testing centre.

Q: What are the permitted materials I can bring with me to the test centre?

A: None. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items to the test centre, including but not limited to wrist-watch, pen, cell phones, calculators, etc.

OTHER INFORMATION

Q: In case I purchased a voucher and missed registering in the registration window, can I still register myself?

A: No. You can only schedule the appointment within the registration window: 30 August – 30 September 2010. No exceptions will be permitted.

Q: If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?

A: You need to login on the website www.catiim.in or www.iim.prometric.com using your user name and password and select ‘Resend Admit Card’. The Admit Card will be emailed on the email address provided during registration. There is also an option for you to print your Admit Card directly from the website.

Q: In case the website does not work and I am unable to schedule myself, how should I register?

A: The application and registration process for CAT 2010 is an Internet based online process. You can submit your application and registration form at an Internet Café or a similar Internet service provider. Please keep your personal information confidential. During the application and registration process, do remember to provide a valid email ID so you receive a copy of the Admit Card.