The 16th of November 2008 is the date for the Common Admission Test, a very challenging entrance examination for any graduate institute. All the prestigious IIM's along with other leading institutes like Kirloskar Institute of Management, Mudra Institute of Communication (MICA) Ahmedabad, Nirma Institute of Management, S.P. Jain Institute, TAPAI and several others, select candidates on the basis of CAT scores. 

It is commonly believed that CAT rejects those, who can't make their minds work at break-neck speed for two and a half hours non-stop; therefore it is more of a rejection rather than a selection process.

This time however a positive advisory has been issued to help candidates perform better. IIM Bangalore, which is conducting the CAT this year, has stated that candidates must reach the venue before time and refrain from carrying cell phones and calculators, “During the test candidates will be allowed to keep with them the Admit Card, HB pencils, eraser, sharpener and a standard (no calculator facility) wrist watch. No other items (especially cell phones) will be allowed. Candidates are advised not to carry cell phones to the venue as these have to be deposited before the candidate is allowed to take the test and might get misplaced. Candidates will be allowed to take their seats at 10 a.m. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall after 10:30 a.m." said the spokesperson.

This year, the test has seen an increase of 23 percent in the total number of applications and 40 colleges have added their names to the list of colleges that decide admissions on basis of CAT scores. Out of of the 2.76 lakh candidates taking the exam this year, nearly 54,000 are women.

MBAUniverse.com is the site for any additional information on CAT 08.