CAT throws up tough questions

TNN / Nov 19, 2007, 03:26 IST

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Though the pattern of the paper was similar to last year's, there were complaints of an error in the data interpretation section.

NEW DELHI: Hiccups for the 40,000 IIM aspirants from Delhi who appeared for the CAT on Sunday came in the form of some tough questions in the quantitative analysis (QA) and English language sections of the country’s toughest MBA entrance test.
Though the pattern of the paper was similar to last year’s, there were complaints of an error in the data interpretation section.
Students said the correct answer for question number 33 of the data interpretation (DI) section in set number 222 was missing in all five options given in the multiple choice answer format.
IIM officials, however, said they were yet to identify the error. “As of now, we stand by the paper and no error has been reported. However, if there is such an error, we will take care of it and students will not have any problems,” said Satish Deodhar, chairman (admissions), IIM-Ahmedabad.

Students said the quantum or maths section was also tougher than last year and featured a surprise element. “The four data sufficiency based questions stumped us as they are usually asked in the DI section,” said Gini Aulakh, an aspirant. It was last in 2003 that data sufficiency based questions were asked in both DI and QA sections.
Said IIM-Calcutta chairman (admissions) Asish Bhattacharya: “Usually, we don’t repeat questions but this was not done intentionally.” Another CAT aspirant, Punit Paruthi, said: “This year, there were no questions on geometry, and the overall difficulty level was more compared to last year.”

Bhattacharya had an explanation. “Aspirants who blindly follow coaching institutes may find it a bit difficult,” he said.
In a change from the usual, this year the passages in the English section had three questions. “Even though reading the passages consume the same amount of time, we expected to solve the usual five questions by utilising the 50 minutes dedicated for the section,” said Tushar Rhode, an engineer who appeared for the test.
Another aspirant, Rohit Katyal, complained that “the verbal ability section was tougher”.
Management gurus, however, maintained that the English section was comparatively easier than last year but the aim was to target those who can absorb and analyse quickly.
“The idea is to target those students who have good communication and analytical skills coupled with the quality to absorb and interpret data quickly,” said Deodhar. Overall, there were 75 questions with 25 in each of the three sections.
Meanwhile, IIM-Lucknow chairman (admissions) Saji K B Nair said the test was conducted peacefully in the city. All seven IIMs will declare their cut-offs in January.

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