CAT (Common Entrance Test)

CAT (Common Entrance Test)

Blog Article

How COVID-19 Changed the CAT Exam & MBA Admissions

The CAT (Common Entrance Test) has undergone significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting both the exam pattern & the MBA admission process. With lockdowns & restrictions in place, authorities had to rethink the way the exam was conducted, while business schools adapted their selection criteria. These modifications have had long-term impacts on aspirants, influencing the way they prepare for & tackle management education.

Changes in CAT Exam Pattern & Conduct

COVID-19 brought about major shifts in how the CAT (Common Entrance Test) was conducted. To ensure safety, the duration of the exam was reduced from 180 minutes to 120 minutes, with each section receiving a shorter time limit. The capacity of slots was enhanced to ensure social distancing at test centers, reducing health risks for candidates.

Additionally, aspirants had to adapt to new testing environments with stricter safety protocols, including mask mandates & limited seating arrangements. The uncertainty & last-minute changes forced students to revise their preparation strategies, focusing more on time management & online learning resources to stay ahead.

Impact on MBA Admissions & Selection Process

The pandemic also changed the way business schools evaluated candidates. With academic disruptions & limited access to physical coaching centers, many institutes modified their admission criteria. Some IIMs & top B-schools placed greater emphasis on academic consistency, work experience, & diversity factors rather than just CAT scores.

Group discussions & personal interviews, which were traditionally conducted in person, moved to virtual platforms. This transformation necessitated that aspirants create effective communication skills for interactions on the web, altering how they represented themselves in the process of selection. Higher reliance on online interviews also made the admissions process more accessible to candidates that had traveled from distant locations.

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 on the CAT (Common Entrance Test) & MBA admissions has reshaped the way aspirants prepare for management education. The shift towards online learning, digital interviews, & revised exam structures has made the process more flexible yet challenging. As business schools continue to evolve, these modifications are bound to have a permanent impact on how subsequent MBA aspirants maneuver in the competitive terrain.

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