What's the CAT surprise? Keep guessing

WHAT'S IN STORE: The differential marking system is likely to make a comeback in CAT this year.

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Mumbai: Every year the CAT question paper comes out in a new format. In 2004, the number of questions fell from 150 to 123. The marking scheme also got changed.

While previously each question carried a mark each, in 2004 a differential marking method was introduced. That means some questions carried higher marks than the others.

In 2005, the paper had just 90 questions.

But in 2006, the paper underwent maximum change. While the differential marking method was replaced with equal marking for every question, the duration of the paper was increased to two-and-a- half hours.

The number of answers to choose from for each question was also increased. While earlier there were four choices, last year students were given 5 choices.

Given this track record of the CAT, speculation is high about what changes this year's paper will have. A change in pattern is inevitable.

The IIMs will ensure the 1,500 students that they admit do not get ruffled with a little twist in the tale. So when you see the surprise in the paper, don't panic. Remember that it's as much of a surprise to everyone else.

"There won't be any drastic change, because IIMs have almost gone on record saying there will be three sections — verbal, quant and DI. But please expect a change, a new element within these sections, like last year facts, inference and judgement came as a new element in verbal ability. This year maybe this will be replaced by something else," Director of TIME, Mumbai, Arks Srinivas, says.

This year the number of questions and the two-and-a-half hour duration might remain the same like last year. But the differential marking system might return. And leaving out a question might earn a negative mark.