5 days to CAT 2014: How to manage time?
Countdown to CAT 2014 has begun. The exam will be held on two dates in a total of four slots. The first two slots will be held on November 16, 2014 while the next two slots will take place on November 22, 2014.
This year, candidates have to attempt 100 questions in 170 minutes. CAT 2014 is all about time management and answering correctly.
You can crack the exam only when you know how to tackle time during the test. Obviously, you have to concentrate on answering questions as quickly as possible. While answering questions, keep an eye on the timer.
Last minute tips to Verbal Ability, Quant and DI.
Here are 5 tips to manage time in CAT 2014:
1. Selection
It is important to go through your question paper first and then attempt it. Reading the question paper thoroughly will help in proper selection of questions. Then you can accordingly dedicate time to each question. You have to be sure with which section to start your exam. Follow your exam strategy.
2. Difficulty level
According to various experts, questions in CAT 2014 exam can be divided into three parts on accounts of difficulty.
| Difficulty level |
Easy questions |
Moderate questions |
Difficult questions |
| Expert Speak |
Start your exam with easy questions. |
Once you are done with all the easy questions, move on to the moderate questions. |
Attempt all difficult questions or time consuming questions at the end. |
You may also have your own different strategy. However, it is recommended to first secure marks in questions which consume less time. It has been observed in previous years’ CAT exams that 20 percent of questions in the exam are easy. Identify those questions and make sure you attempt them correctly.
3. Move on
There might be a few set of questions in the exam, which you may not be able to attempt. If you do not know the solution of a problem, then just leave that question. Save your time and move on to the next question. Remember, CAT 2014 is a test of speed and time management.
4. Learn to say no
It happens often that you start a question because you think it can be solved. But you may get stuck while solving it (for whatever reason). The solution to this is to just skip the question. You may know the answers, but it doesn’t mean you have to solve it at any cost. Time is crucial in CAT exam. Better utilise this time on other questions which can help you gain marks.
5. Negative Marking
Moving on to the next question not only saves your time, but also saves your marks. You cannot forget about negative marking in CAT exam. Each right answer is awarded with three marks whereas one mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
