How to enhance your CAT scores?

By: Kunwar Bhanu Prakash Verma

Identifying and working towards the key topics of various sections ensures an increase in the percentile.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) involves Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section includes a vast spectrum of topics, which makes the overall nuances of CAT exam a hard nut to crack. Before diving deep into the examination and preparation procedure, let us understand the common conundrum that surrounds CAT with other prestigious exams. Most people consider exams like Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) & Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) with the same difficulty level as The Common Admission Test (CAT). However, individual sections demand a different level of rudimentary knowledge with a knack of problem-solving ability.

VARC

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) for GRE & GMAT are one of the most challenging sections. Therefore, the VARC brings absolute relaxation for CAT. Aspirants, whereas the overall dynamics changes in aptitude, which is the toughest in contrast with GRE & GMAT. The best way to optimize and score high percentile in VARC is to read books, articles & blogs daily. Managing a different portfolio in terms of various subjects helps in understanding the nuances of reading bolstered by vocabulary. The more you read about the different genre, the better you get in understanding the overall passage. For Example- If someone reads an article about specific lingo of corporate sectors that will overall enhance the percentile and understanding level of the whole comprehension.

QA

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) consist of several topics like Arithmetic Progression, Weighted Average, Applications Of Averages, Laws In Set Theory, Properties Of Ratio, to name a few. Books by Arun Sharma & R.S Aggarwal proves to the backbone in this genre among many top percentile holders. Most essential topics include Number System, Basic Arithmetic, followed by Geometry, Mensuration & Algebra.

DILR

The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) involves an overall balanced portfolio of questions from Blood Relations& Puzzles, with a majority from Data Sufficiency & Graph Related problems. The Best way to start is with specific topics followed by a handful of questions solving technique that gives an overall gist of the whole scenario.

Mock Tests

The best strategy for solving mocks are using the topic-to-topic attempt in continuation with a whole section. Therefore, there is not a fix schedule or number of trials on mock tests. It is all about the flexibility of the student.

How to Optimize Your Overall Percentile

On average, the correct attempts and score required for a 99 percentile is Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - minimum 23 question out of 34. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - a minimum of 22 questions out of 34.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error that aspirant can encounter is an urge to solve more number of questions that gives an illusion of higher percentile. However, the tactics to higher percentile are an optimum number of attempts.

A Quick reminder is not to get bog down in analysis by paralysis, so it is better to start with some prominent resources instead of relying on multiple sources to satiate your needs. The multi-source method reduces overall productivity and hampers preparation strategies.

About the Author:

Kunwar Bhanu Prakash Verma is an alumnus of National Institute of Technology, Agartala (NITA). He recently completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering.