AMCAT – The employability test for job seekers in India

Finding a job befitting your education, ability and skills was never easy. Over the years the situation has gotten worse with the number of candidates seeking suitable employment increasing. Fortunately for job aspirants Aspiring Minds' Computer Adaptive Test - AMCAT has created an excellent platform through which job seekers can find the right openings.

What is AMCAT

AMCAT as the name suggests, is a test that analyzes the aptitude, skill and personality of candidates through a format similar to that of GMAT. The exclusive online test grades each candidate according to the performance. These grades or scores are considered by companies when they view a candidate's profile. Needless to say a good score improves the chances of landing a job.

Pattern of AMCAT

AMCAT tests candidates on three basic levels which are –

Aptitude

Skill

Personality

The test comprises of 4 modules which are compulsory for every candidate. Apart from this there are a number of elective modules which anyone can attempt.

Compulsory Modules

The 4 compulsory modules are -

English Comprehension – This assesses your basic grasp and understanding of the English language and intellectual capacity via written text.

Quantitative Ability and Reasoning – This segment has two sub-divisions –

Basic Numerical Skills and Advanced Aspects that include logarithm and probability. This is designed for assessing engineering graduates and those looking to work as analytics.

Non-Technical Assessment – This tests candidates in fundamental numerical skills and the ability to apply the same in the real world.

Logical Ability – The test is designed to test the candidate's capacity of objectively interpreting things and logical reasoning of statements.

Personality Test – AMPI (Aspiring Minds' Personality Inventory Test) is developed to give an analysis on five crucial traits in candidates that have an influence on performance at work –

1.Extraversion
2.Emotional Stability
3.Openness to Experience
4.Conscientiousness
5.Agreeableness

Elective Modules

These are optional assessment sections and include the following –

Computer Programming Principles and Application – Assesses basic and advanced computer concepts and knowledge of software programming

Electronics and Semiconductors – Test designed for candidates looking for an opening in the field of electronics. Knowledge of electronics and digital designing is assessed

Computer Fundamentals – This is a basic test that gauges the very basic computer knowledge of candidates such as; working on excel spread sheets and creating presentations

IT Infrastructure (BETA) – Another basic test designed for candidates wanting to work the IT industry. The test is kept simple and includes questions on basics of Linux, basics of UNIX, hardware installation and other such key topics.

Finance – The test may be taken by candidates who want to join a finance company or the banking sector. Questions are related to basic economics and everything to do with finance such as credit cards, mutual funds and loans.

For detailed information the prospectus can be viewed on the AMCAT official site. It carries the syllabus, test pattern and sample test papers.

Mode of Payment for AMCAT

There is no fee levied for registering at AMCAT.

However, a nominal fee of Rs.425 needs to be paid for test enrollment.

The fee can be paid online through a debit or credit card, via Net Banking.

Fee can also be paid by Demand Draft. Follow the instructions on the website for the procedure

Scheduling Test Date and Center

Anyone who has registered and paid the test fee can self schedule the AMCAT keeping in mind their own preferences and convenience. A list of centers where the test is conducted is available on the website. A candidate can select a city and test center and lock the choice online. If a test center of choice is unavailable, candidates can send an email to AMCAT administrators with complete details of self which should include qualified degree, stream and other relevant details. AMCAT informs such candidates whenever a test is being scheduled in an area close to their choice.

AMCAT Identification Number

Every candidate is given a unique AMCAT identification number (ID) which has 16 digits. This ID number is important and must be carefully stored. The ID number is the candidate's reference code which would be required for checking the test score and subsequent job offers. The ID number would also be required at the time of every job interview.

Understanding the "Adaptive" feature in AMCAT

The "adaptive" feature included in AMCAT for testing candidates is practiced in other tests popular tests as well. One such test is the GMAT. This feature adapts to the candidate's intelligence and potential and questions are not just randomly picked rather they are based on the candidate's competence.
How this works is simple. Every candidate has to answer a series of questions in each subject. The questions follow one after another. If the candidate answers a particular question correctly the subsequent question would be of a higher level. If the answer to that question is also correct the following question would pose a more difficult problem. If on the other hand a candidate picks the wrong answers anywhere down the line then the next question would automatically be easier than the previous one. This pattern of questions would continue until the candidate answers a question correctly from when the questions would start getting difficult.
In this system of testing the computer automatically generates question from its question bank depending on the candidate's performance. Correct answers get difficult questions and incorrect answers get easier questions. The advantage of the adaptive feature is that the candidate's aptitude is correctly judged in each individual subject. The scores are based on the level of questions attempted and answered correctly.

Eligibility Criterion for AMCAT

The following can appear for AMCAT –

MBA students, Engineering students and graduates in the field of science and arts.

Student's pursuing any of the afore mentioned degree programs in the pre-final or final year are eligible for appearing for the test.

The test can be taken a maximum of 4 times every year with an interval of three months between each attempt.

Evaluating AMCAT Scores

Each company looking to recruit a new work force views the AMCAT scores differently. AMCAT scores are a means of selecting the right candidates however companies look for other specifics as well while selecting the appropriate candidate. The AMCAT score serves as an indicator for picking the best candidates for further scrutiny through interviews and evaluations.

Validity of AMCAT Score

Each AMCAT score for employability is valid for three years. In case a candidate appears for the AMCAT more than once recruiting companies use their discretion to decide which score of the scores need to be considered. The companies may select any of the scores or the collective average of a candidate's score.

Job Prospects Through AMCAT

AMCAT is managed by Aspiring Minds which has a foolproof method of short listing candidates suitable for specific vacancies. The corporate team of Aspiring Minds together with its clients picks out candidates fitting the required profile.
Candidate's whose scores and qualifications match the requirements of a company are selected for an interview as and when the company conducts the interview. AMCAT keeps such candidates informed about such interviews through email and SMS. Candidates are required to check their mail boxes daily for updates from AMCAT.

Revising AMCAT Profile

Candidates must update their AMCAT profiles as and when they enhance their qualifications or undergo additional training; which could include internships, in-plant training, research projects, mini projects and traineeship and other such.

Registration Procedure for AMCAT

Registration is free and can be done online at http://www.aspiringminds.in/faq.php

For scheduling a test log onto the website using Username and Password and select 'schedule a test'.

You will be prompted to select city of preference along with test center.

Select the date convenient for the test.

Select the mode of payment and pay for the test accordingly.

Fill personal details in the forms that follow.

Fill in the form completely and press submit.

Once the form is submitted you need to wait for the scheduled date to appear for the test which would perhaps be a stepping stone towards your bright future. Aspiring Minds takes it upon itself to help every candidate find suitable job prospects within 18 months of appearing for the test.

Find more information about the employability test
AMCAT – The employability test

Further information on AMCAT can be got at the Addresses' given below

Corporate Head Quarters
323 Udyog Vihar, Phase II
Gurgaon - 122016
Haryana
Ph: Voice (Board): 0124 – 414 8777
Fax: 0124 – 414 8027
Email: amcat@aspiringminds.in
Mobile: 9990777690
Website: AMCAT

Bangalore Office Address
Aspiring Minds Assessment Pvt Ltd
No: 84 Koramangala Industrial Layout
Vth Block, III Cross, Koramangala
(near Jyoti College)
Bangalore – 560095
Karnataka