The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) set the CAT amongst the pigeons by announcing that the CAT will be a Computer Based Test (CBT) from 2009 onwards. Let us try to understand how the proposed computer-based test will be different from to the paper-based format.  This is the question that is topmost on the minds of all CAT aspirants. Will there be sectional time-limits? Will we be allowed to skip questions? Will we be able to view multiple questions at a time (as selection of questions has always been important in the CAT)? Will there be an essay? Will the test be easier or will it be tougher?  First and foremost, one needs to understand that irrespective of the format of the test the CAT will continue to be a test that tries to identify potential managers. The basic skills and areas assessed would therefore not change irrespective of whether the test is paper or computer-based. However, a computer-based CAT would now possibly enable the IIMs to test additional skills required in a manager: like analytical writing, which had been logistically difficult to conduct and assess in a paper-based test.

Preparation strategy
In general, the preparation for CAT or any other aptitude test involves two important stages: concept learning and test-taking practice. The first stage requires anywhere between 3-6 months of preparation depending on one's initial level of preparedness whereas the second stage requires not more than 2-3 months of preparation just before the actual test.

Concept learning
One needs to understand that only the test-taking mode has been changed by the CAT authorities. The basic skills and areas assessed in the CAT remain the same. Therefore test-takers must first focus on building a strong conceptual foundation before thinking of or moving on to fine-tune their test-taking skills. For example: To answer a typical CAT question "What is the ten's place digit of 12345678?" it really does not matter if the test is computer-based or not, what matters is whether you know the relevant concepts that are required to answer this question. So, there need not be any change in one's preparation strategy for the concept-learning phase.

Preparation action points
Make a list of all concepts that have been assessed in the previous CATs. Make a preliminary analysis of your strengths and weaknesses with regards to these concepts. Build on your strengths through sufficient practice (solve exercises/take tests based on your strong areas). Work on your weakness. Learn the concepts, go through solved examples, solve practice questions and assess your knowledge in the area by taking tests on a regular basis. During the concept learning phase, try to take some of the tests in a computer-based format to get comfortable using the computer for taking a test.Do not confuse online testing with online learning!! Learning of concepts need not be online, if the test is online. Concept learning phase in training programmes for international tests like GMAT and GRE has always been offline the  world over.

Test-taking practice
The major implication of the CAT going online is that you now need to get acclimatized to a computer-based testing environment. This means that you should now be comfortable using the keyboard/mouse while taking a test on the computer. To achieve this, you need to include sufficient computer-based test-taking practice in your preparation plans and ensure that your computer skills do not hinder your scoring potential. The computer skills needed to take any computer-based test are minimal and would not include more than:Using the keyboard to complete the test registration process Using a mouse to navigate between questions/sections Using the various buttons/tabs that form a part of the test format (like Help, Save, Tag question, etc.) Selecting/entering responses to questions Using the keyboard for word processing (in case the test includes essays and other forms of writing assessment) You do not need to be a tech geek to crack the online CAT!! The IIMs have computerized the CAT in order to ease their logistics and definitely not to check the computer wizardry of the test-taker.

Practice action points
Take sufficient number of comprehensive tests (paper-based or computer-based) to enhance your test-taking skills. Benchmark your performance against fellow competitors. Analyse your performance to find how you could improve your score. Ensure you solve every question before moving on to the next test. All said and done, CAT aspirants need not worry at this stage about the CAT format. Instead, focus on test preparation. Build a strong conceptual base. Wait for the IIM authorities to reveal the finer modalities of the test (which is expected to be announced latest by the first week of July). Until then, stay calm and focus on the job at hand, and get going to reach your dream IIM. 

Illustrations : Gouri Nanda Paper-based CAT versus Computer based CAT