CAT 2021 Slot Timings: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India for admission to MBA programs. The slot booking process for CAT 2021 commenced on October 15, 2021, and candidates had the opportunity to select their preferred exam slots until October 24, 2021. Slot booking was done on a first-come, first-served basis, and the availability of slots was subject to the capacity of each test center.

Exam Dates and Time Slots

CAT 2021 will be held on November 28, 2021, in three sessions:

1. Morning Session: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
2. Afternoon Session: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
3. Evening Session: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Slot Booking Process

To book a slot for CAT 2021, candidates had to follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official CAT website.
2. Click on the "Slot Booking" link.
3. Enter your login credentials.
4. Select your preferred exam city and test center.
5. Choose your preferred exam slot.
6. Click on the "Book Slot" button.

Tips for Slot Booking

1. Be prepared: Gather all the necessary information, such as your CAT registration number and password, before starting the slot booking process.
2. Act quickly: Slot booking is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to be quick when selecting your preferred slot.
3. Consider your preferences: Choose a slot that suits your schedule and fits your study plan.
4. Be flexible: If your preferred slot is not available, be prepared to choose an alternative slot.
5. Confirm your booking: Once you have booked your slot, confirm your booking details and save them for future reference.

Slot Booking Statistics

According to the IIMs, over 2.3 lakh candidates registered for CAT 2021. The most popular exam slots were the morning and evening slots, with the afternoon slot receiving fewer bookings. The most popular test cities were Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.

Table 1: Slot Booking Statistics

Exam Day Instructions

On the day of the exam, candidates must report to the test center at the time specified in their admit card. They must bring the following items:

1. CAT Admit Card
2. Valid Photo ID
3. Ballpoint Pen

Candidates are not allowed to bring electronic devices, such as calculators or cell phones, into the exam hall.

Effective Strategies

1. Start your preparation early: Begin your CAT preparation as soon as possible to cover the syllabus thoroughly and build a strong foundation.
2. Focus on your strengths: Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving your strengths while addressing your weaknesses.
3. Take practice tests: Regularly take practice tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
4. Manage your time effectively: Time management is crucial in CAT, so practice answering questions quickly and accurately.
5. Stay motivated: Preparing for CAT can be challenging, but it is important to stay motivated and believe in your abilities.

Tips and Tricks

1. Prioritize questions: Focus on answering questions that you can solve easily first, and leave the more difficult questions for later.
2. Use elimination strategies: If you are unsure about the answer to a question, try to eliminate the incorrect options to increase your chances of choosing the correct answer.
3. Don't guess: If you are unsure about the answer to a question, it is better to leave it blank rather than guessing.
4. Manage your stress: Stay calm and focused during the exam by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
5. Read the instructions carefully: Before starting the exam, carefully read the instructions on the question paper to avoid any confusion.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Register for CAT: Visit the official CAT website and create an account to register for the exam.
2. Prepare for the exam: Begin your preparation early and follow an effective study plan.
3. Book your slot: Once the slot booking process opens, select your preferred exam slot and confirm your booking.
4. Attend the exam: On the day of the exam, report to the test center at the time specified in your admit card and follow the exam day instructions.
5. Check your results: CAT results are typically released within a few weeks of the exam. Check your results by logging into your CAT account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is CAT 2021 being held?
   CAT 2021 will be held on November 28, 2021, in three sessions: Morning (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM), Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM), and Evening (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM).
2. How do I book a slot for CAT 2021?
   Slot booking for CAT 2021 commenced on October 15, 2021, and closed on October 24, 2021. Candidates could book their slots by visiting the official CAT website and selecting their preferred exam city, test center, and exam slot.
3. What if my preferred slot is not available?
   Slot booking is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to be quick when selecting your preferred slot. If your preferred slot is not available, you may have to choose an alternative slot.
4. What documents do I need to bring on the day of the exam?
   On the day of the exam, candidates must bring their CAT Admit Card, a valid Photo ID, and a Ballpoint Pen.
5. Can I bring electronic devices into the exam hall?
   Electronic devices, such as calculators or cell phones, are not allowed in the exam hall.
6. How can I prepare for CAT 2021 effectively?
   To prepare effectively for CAT 2021, start your preparation early, focus on your strengths, take practice tests, manage your time effectively, and stay motivated.
7. What are some tips and tricks for the CAT exam?
   Some tips and tricks for the CAT exam include prioritizing questions, using elimination strategies, not guessing, managing your stress, and reading the instructions carefully.
8. When will CAT 2021 results be released?
   CAT 2021 results are typically released within a few weeks of the exam. Candidates can check their results by logging into their CAT account.

Table 2: Exam Day Instructions

Table 3: Effective Strategies for CAT Preparation