Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), it is taken by over 2 lakh candidates each year. The exam aims to test a candidate’s quantitative ability, data interpretation skills, verbal ability and reading comprehension skills.
The CAT exam format consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). As per the CAT exam pattern 2023, the total duration of the exam is 120 minutes. Candidates get 40 minutes for each section with sectional timing. The total number of questions is 76, with 24-26 questions in VARC, 24 questions in DILR and 22-24 questions in QA. Each correct answer is awarded 3 marks while 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. The score range is between 200 to 800 marks.
Morning Slot
The morning slot for CAT typically starts at 8:30 AM and goes on till 10:30 AM. This is considered by many to be the best slot to take the exam in (Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-first-day-first-slot-CAT-based-on-past-experiences).
Test takers are likely to be more fresh and alert in the morning, leading to better performance. The morning slot has less anxiety as well since it’s the first slot of the day. However, for late risers and night owls, the early morning timing may be challenging (Source: https://thecatwriter.com/2023/11/17/cat-2020-miscellany-early-morning-slot-insomnia-and-other-blues-2/).
Afternoon Slot
The afternoon slot for CAT typically starts at 12:30 PM and ends at 2:30 PM, lasting for 2 hours. This slot presents some unique challenges compared to the other slots.
Many test takers find the afternoon slot more tiring due to mental fatigue setting in after being awake for several hours. Staying focused and alert during the long exam may require extra effort (CAT 2023 Afternoon Slot Analysis). The afternoon slot also conflicts with lunch time, so eating a healthy meal beforehand and staying hydrated during is important.
However, some students prefer the afternoon slot since they can get sufficient rest and prepare calmly in the morning. The key is to adjust your routine so you peak mentally and physically in the afternoon. Take mock tests at this time to condition yourself.
Evening Slot
The evening slot for CAT typically takes place from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Many test takers find the evening slot to be easier compared to the morning and afternoon slots.
One key advantage of the evening slot is that test takers have had the entire day to rest and prepare mentally. The morning slot requires waking up early and having peak focus right away, while the afternoon slot can be tiring after lunch. The evening slot allows test takers to relax and focus on strategy throughout the day before taking the exam.
Additionally, research shows that concentration levels tend to improve in the early evening for most people. The body has had time to fully wake up and metabolize food. Taking the exam at this time of day can help students maximize their focus and endurance.
However, the evening slot presents some challenges as well. Students may face fatigue after a long day of preparation. Hunger and low blood sugar from not eating for many hours can also impair performance. Additionally, the exam finishes quite late in the evening, which can be draining.
Overall, many students find the evening slot to be optimal in terms of energy levels, alertness and preparation time leading up to the exam. However, managing nutrition and fatigue levels remains important for peak performance (CAT 2023 Evening Slot Discussion). With proper planning, the evening slot can be leveraged effectively by many test takers.
Difficulty Analysis
The difficulty level of the CAT exam can vary across the three slots. Based on past years’ CAT analysis, the morning slot is usually considered the easiest, while the afternoon slot tends to be moderately difficult. The evening slot often has the highest difficulty level as students are more fatigued by the end of the day.
In the 2022 CAT exam, quantitative ability was most difficult in the evening slot compared to the morning and afternoon slots, with a higher number of calculation-intensive questions. Logical reasoning was consistently moderate across all three slots. Verbal ability was easiest in the morning slot, with some mixed feedback on whether the afternoon or evening slot was more difficult for this section.
Overall, the CAT analysis suggests that taking the exam in an earlier slot may be advantageous for most students. However, performance also depends on individual factors like stamina, preparation level, and personal peak productivity times. Some experts advise maximizing your score by taking the exam when you are most alert and focused.
Fatigue Factor
Fatigue can have a significant impact on performance, especially for a mentally demanding exam like CAT. The different exam slots each present unique fatigue challenges.
The morning slot starts early, often requiring test takers to wake up before sunrise. This early start can lead to grogginess and sluggish thinking during the exam. According to research, cognitive performance tends to be lowest in the morning right after waking up [1].
The afternoon slot occurs after lunch. Eating a heavy meal can cause tiredness, known as the “post-lunch dip” in energy levels. This can impair focus and concentration during the exam. Afternoon slots also fall during the natural circadian dip in alertness that most people experience [1].
The evening slot starts after a full day of normal activities. Mental fatigue accumulates through the day, so test takers may feel drained by evening exam time. However, the evening hours tend to align with peak cognitive performance for many people [1].
Overall, fatigue can negatively impact exam performance in any slot. Proper rest, nutrition, and preparation can help minimize fatigue. The evening slot tends to align best with natural cycles of mental acuity for most people.
Timing Conflicts
One of the key factors in determining which CAT slot may be easiest is considering potential timing conflicts with other exams. The CAT exam is held over multiple days, with slots in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This scheduling can pose challenges for test takers who may have other important exams scheduled for the same day.
For example, many other competitive exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT have test dates and times that conflict with the CAT exam, especially for the morning and afternoon slots. Test takers taking CAT in the morning or afternoon may have to rush between exam centers to sit for multiple tests in one day, causing significant fatigue. This can negatively impact performance on the CAT exam.
Therefore, for students also registered for exams like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, or CMAT, taking the CAT in the evening slot allows sufficient time to complete the other exams earlier in the day. The evening slot has the least potential for timing conflicts with other critical exams.
As per an expert, “The CAT evening slot is best for anyone who has an exam clash. You can attempt the other exams comfortably and reach the CAT center in the evening fresh and ready to take on the test without any timing pressures.” (Source)
Preparation Tips
To prepare for the morning slot, wake up early and take the mock tests in the morning to get your body used to peak performance at that time. Have a healthy breakfast and limit caffeine intake so you don’t crash later in the test. Do maths practice in the morning as you’re likely to be more fresh (1).
For the afternoon slot, take mock tests at that time of day consistently. Have a filling lunch that won’t make you drowsy. Practice verbal sections in the afternoon when you may be more fatigued. Take short breaks during your preparation to mimic the real test conditions (2).
To prepare for the evening slot, take mocks in evening and work on staying focused as you may be more tired then. Have an early dinner and light snacks during the test. Practice verbal reasoning in the evenings as maths may be more challenging when you’re drained (1).
Expert Opinions
Many test prep experts have weighed in on which CAT slot they believe is the easiest based on analysis of past exams. According to an article on Times Now News, Rahul Singh, CEO and Co-founder of CATKing said, “Based on an initial review, the CAT Slot 1 paper was easy to moderate” (Times Now News). He found the Slot 1 quant section to be easy with direct formula application questions. The verbal section had easy to moderate RC passages and para jumbles. Overall, he concluded Slot 1 was a balanced paper.
On Quora, Ananta Aspandiar, an IIM Indore alum, wrote “I’d pick the first slot to write CAT” (Quora). He explained that test takers are fresher in the morning slot and there is less probability of silly errors due to fatigue or loss of concentration in the later slots. The general consensus among experts seems to be that Slot 1 may provide some advantages due to timing and energy levels.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the morning slot appears to be the easiest for most CAT test takers. Here are the key reasons:
- Test takers are freshest and most alert in the morning, allowing them to focus better.
- There is less likelihood of timing conflicts with other entrance exams scheduled the same day.
- The morning slot has slightly less competition from other top scorers.
- Fatigue and burnout are not as much of a factor compared to later slots.
Therefore, the morning slot is recommended for CAT test takers looking to maximize their scores. With proper preparation, timing strategy, and rest, students can take full advantage of the morning slot to achieve their target percentiles.