So, you want to make it to the mecca of management studies ? the IIMs. But for that you need to clear the Common Admission Test (CAT) first. And it does require a great deal of careful planning and preparation.

Here?s a website that can help you draw up some strategies for the battle ahead. Log on to http://iim_cat2006.rediffblogs.com and you can find some valuable tips. Besides, it boasts of a cool design and has the right feel to it. The home page tells the visitor that it?s ?for (those) who will write CAT 2006?. The best thing about this web site is that the tips are in an essay format. Hence, you are not lost in a maze of nonsensical links. The language is lucid and the information provided on the website covers all conceivable topic related to the CAT.

The hosts have also given the question paper patterns for the last three years. For instance, it tells you that while the paper in 2003 had 150 questions, the one in 2004 had 123 and in 2005, there were just 90 questions. It also tries to answer your queries regarding the marking system. According to the site, till 2003, all questions carried equal marks. But in the next two years, there was differential marking.

Some of your questions may remain unanswered for the time being because the site?s hosts say, ?Watch this space. We will deal with each of the areas in much more detail in the coming weeks and months.? I feel that the site should be updated more frequently.

So it?s time to bell the CAT by logging on to http://iim_cat2006.rediffblogs.com.

Monojit Dasgupta

monojit@abpmail.com