Run-Up to CAT-2010!

Dear Folks!
CAT reveals its intriguing character consistently. What may you expect from this year's CAT!
In online versions, the tests are less likely to be as difficult as CAT-2004 to CAT-2007 or say, XAT-2005 to XAT-2009 or say IIFT-2006. But at the same time, it would be presumptious to believe that it would be easy - like say CAT-2009 or other online exams. In all likelyhood, IIMs would like to maintain their USP for CAT - surprise!
If we ponder on the surprise elements -

1. It would surely be better managed than in its previous 'Avatar' last year!
2. There shall be fewer questions repeated across test slots - also repeated questions (as they say!) will only be there to equate difficulty level of various tests!
3. Normalization of scores would not be resorted to, in order to ensure fair weight to CAT scores vis-a-vis other selection parameters.
4. 'End Test' button on screen would be conveniently distanced from other buttons to prevent accidental end of the test.

There may be other surprises to -

• In DI-Reasoning section, more analytical reasoning and data interpretation based questions should come instead of Data Construction type of questions. This, since in paper based tests, it is easier for students to, say, fill an incomplete table than to reproduce entire table and then try filling it.
• IIMs may finally decide either to stick to contemporary English Usage, or the text book grammar to be checked and structure questions accordingly. (I believe, contemporary English Usage is more likely, if at all!)
• In quants section, stress may shift from algebraic math to reasoning; in other words, more stress to, say, number system and questions based analysis than on knowing specific concepts, formulae or derivation methods.

For a student, key to performance would remain on - how well one is able to comprehend a question and respond accordingly. Judging a question on its merit and devoting time that respective question deserves is what students should focus on. Taking more mocks, and thoroughly analysing each one of them is parhaps the best strategy for this year. Also, since there are only 20 questions in each section, do not risk avoiding any chapter or or particular type of questions completely. What if you may find a question or two from the same?