Find out more on where to do the MBA

I do not plan to take the CAT or any other Aptitude Test this year, should I take the Preliminary Test?
Even if you intend taking CAT or any other aptitude test in subsequent years, apart from the reasons listed above you can use the Test to develop a strategy to utilize the extra time on hand to building fundamental strengths in the test areas, so that you are much better prepared to tackle the CAT subsequently.

When to take the Preliminary Test?
It is advisable that you take the preliminary test before enrolling into an IMS course. You may also enroll in an IMS course before taking this test; however, you should take the test before you begin formal preparations. In case the oral course has started, you may enroll and take the test in the coming week. The test is given as take-home only to students who intend to enroll in a correspondence program. However even correspondence students have a choice of taking the test at the IMS Learning Centre. In case you select an IMS Correspondence program and cannot take the Preliminary Test at an IMS Learning Centre, do not worry, as the test will be sent to you after enrollment. However, ensure that you take the preliminary test before commencing any formal preparations for the CAT.
At IMS, the Preliminary test is a year round process. Every IMS Learning Centre has a fixed time and venue on specific days of every week when it conducts the test.

How long does Preliminary Test take?
On the day of the Preliminary Test it is important that you Report at the IMS Learning Centre where you have registered a little earlier (atleast 15 minutes) than the time of the test. The extra time is useful to read the test instructions and acclimatize yourself to the test environment. As the Preliminary Test is based on the previous year's CAT, the duration of this test is the same as CAT, viz. 2 hours. After the test there will be a short seminar on ways to improve your performance in the CAT. Following this seminar, you can also meet the Centre Manager for a personal counseling session to develop your individual preparation strategy. Taking all of this into consideration, you will have to invest 3 to 3 ½ hours in the Preliminary Test.

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