Summary of CAT vs NMAT | Shashank Prabhu 2024-10-16 08:19

Main Ideas and Concepts

• Nature of the Tests:
  • NMAT: A computer adaptive test where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test taker's performance. It assesses individual performance without direct comparison to peers.
  • CAT: A computer-based test where all candidates receive the same questions in a fixed slot, and scores are determined on a percentile basis relative to other test takers.
• Scoring Systems:
  • NMAT: Scoring is on a scale of 12 to 120 marks for each section, with an overall band score. There is no negative marking, and the focus is on attempting more difficult questions correctly.
  • CAT: Scoring includes positive marking (+3 for correct answers) and negative marking (-1 for incorrect answers). Scores are normalized across different test slots.
• Syllabus and Preparation:
  • NMAT: Has a defined syllabus based on an official guide, covering three sections: Language Skills (LS), Quantitative Skills (QS), and Logical Reasoning (LR).
  • CAT: Lacks a fixed syllabus, generally covering 10th-grade level concepts across similar sections (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability).
• Section Order and Flexibility:
  • NMAT: Candidates can choose the order of sections based on their strengths.
  • CAT: Sections are presented in a fixed order with no option to revisit previous sections.
• Target Audience:
  • NMAT: Recommended for candidates aiming for NMIMS and those with average to below-average academic profiles, as academic background is less critical for shortlisting.
  • CAT: Suitable for candidates targeting top institutes like IIMs, FMS, and others, often requiring a strong academic record.
• Test Strategies:
  • Emphasis on attempting all questions in NMAT to ensure accurate scoring.
  • Importance of avoiding mistakes in initial questions to maintain the difficulty level presented by the test.

Detailed Instructions

• For NMAT Preparation:
  • Register for the NMAT if aiming for a 90+ percentile in CAT or if scoring around 220+ in NMAT.
  • Focus on speed and accuracy, especially in the Language Skills section, which has a time constraint of 28 minutes for 36 questions.
  • Attempt all questions to avoid penalties in scoring.
  • Join workshops or study groups for structured preparation.
• For CAT Preparation:
  • Review the extensive syllabus and practice across various topics.
  • Understand the scoring system and strategize attempts based on strengths.

Featured Speaker

• Dr. Shashank Prabhu: Founder at 99, high scorer in NMAT and CAT, and educator on MBA entrance exams.

Notable Quotes

— 15:38 — « Everyone who is a serious aspirant and who is looking at generating options in addition to the cat should be taking the nmat. »

— 16:44 — « Even those who are not really looking at getting into the top 15 20 colleges in the country but you want to keep your options open can take the nmat. »

— 16:54 — « I would encourage them to take the nmat purely because you are going to get a call on the basis of your clear sectional and overall cut offs. »

— 17:51 — « Nmat will reward those who are really good at making decisions quickly and being able to solve questions at that pace. »

— 18:15 — « The more topics you are good at, even at a superficial level, is good enough. »

Category

Educational

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