Written Ability Test was introduced to replace Group Discussion (GD) from the selection process, in 2016. In a WAT, candidates have to write an essay on a current social issue or a generic thought-provoking issue. The test will hold more than 10% weightage in the selection process of CAT 2020. 

CAT 2020: Key Features of Written Ability Test for IIM

  • Test duration: 15-45 minutes (depending on the IIM)
  • Word Limit: 200-400 words (depending on the IIM)
  • Weightage: More than 10% (depending on the IIM)
  • Start Date: Last week of January or first week of February (Tentative)
  • Last Date: End of April (Tentative)

CAT 2020: Tips for Written Ability Test

Preparation Tips  Writing Tips 
  • Keep the reader in mind while preparing your written task 
  • Make sure that you are not nervous during the writing assignment since it will affect your handwriting
  • Your handwriting should be legible and coherent
  • Keep your ideas and pointers structured and consistent 
  • Make a mental structure of your entire essay so that you have a semi-structured outline to reduce ambiguity
  • It is better to have a simple structure that can be elaborated well rather than a complicated topic that has very little substance 

  • Maintain a knowledge of quotes / pieces of information that can be utilized for various topics
  • Backing up your arguements/ pointers with data will increase the strength of your statements 
  • Follow through on your perspective, do not provide contradictory statements
  • Try to avoid generalized or ambiguous statements
  • Make sure that the piece is gramatically correct and proofread it atleast once before submission
  • If you decide to use complicated jargon, make sure it is placed correctly and in the right sense 
  • Instead of using connecters such as ‘and, but’ etc, try using better transition words such as “Nevertheless/ Hence/ Therefore/ However”