MICAT 2020-21: Last Minute Sectional Preparation Tips

MICAT II exam is scheduled on January 30. This article of Shiksha brings the section-wise preparation tips to be followed in the last week prior to the test.

MICAT Preparation Tips

MICAT II 2020-21 is scheduled to be conducted on January 30. With less than a day left for the exam, we may consider that the MICA aspirants have done the preparation to the best of their capabilities. The last week is the most crucial as it is the final chance for candidates to revise and decide the test-taking strategy to leverage the maximum scoring opportunity.

MICAT takers must have realised by now that the exam pattern of MICAT is much different from the other regular MBA entrance exams. It not only consists of the objective type questions from Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sections but also carries descriptive type questions to test candidates’ creative quotient. Before we move towards the section-wise preparation tips, let us take a look at the MICAT exam pattern.

MICAT Exam Pattern

The duration of the test is 2 hours and 15 minutes. One marks is allotted for each objective type question. The total marks for the Descriptive section is 80. Now let us take a look at section-wise preparation tips and exam-taking strategy for MICAT.

MICAT Section-wise Preparation Tips

Psychometric Test

Psychometric Test is a compulsory section, wherein it is mandatory to answer each question in order to qualify for the test. Each question carries eight answer options and test-takers will have to choose the most suitable for them. Each question has to be answered carefully and spontaneously. Candidates must note that through this section, MICA gauges the psychological capacity of the candidates, hence, they should not try to give an ideal or a politically correct answer. The answer options are as follows:

• Totally Disagree

• Strongly Disagree

• Disagree

• Somewhat Disagree

• Somewhat Agree

• Agree

• Strongly Agree

• Totally Agree

The ideal way to tackle this section is to answer immediately with the first thought that comes to their mind. Spending time thinking about each question would not only result in wastage of time but misleading answers as well.

Descriptive Test

The Descriptive test carries four questions. While the first three questions are connected to each other, the fourth question asks the candidates to write a story by drawing a connection between some pictures. For the first three questions, a topic would be given and candidates have to write three points in favour and against the topic in the first two questions and the third question is about writing an overview on the given topic. The total marks of this section is 70, with 10 marks each for the first two questions, twenty marks for the third question and 30 marks for the last question.

In order to tackle this section, test takers must have built a reading and writing habit. They should read a number of newspapers and magazines on current affairs and build an opinion. However, they should not only build an opinion but be aware of the other aspects of the issue as well to build a holistic view.

While it is not possible to bring out the creative quotient within a few days, but it is indeed possible to hone the creativity with regular practice. The ideal way to practice for this section is to let one’s imagination flow wildly and connect the dots while framing the storyline write a story within the timeline. This section mainly tests candidates’ analytical and critical skills and test takers have to prepare accordingly.

Verbal Ability

The Verbal Ability section consists of questions on Reading Comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. The major topics are:

• Grammatically correct sentences

• Parajumbles

• Synonyms-Antonyms

• Error in sentences

• Preposition based Fill in the Blanks (FIB)

• Phrase-based FIB

• Idioms

The ideal number of attempts in this section is 20 to 22. The best way of preparation is to read and practice as many mock tests or sectional practise papers as possible. In the last week, there is not much time left to build a conceptual base in case it is one of the weak areas. Hence, this can be compensated with practice and selection of the right questions. Since vocabulary and idioms carry a high weightage, aspirants should keep a notebook handy wherein vocabulary and idioms along with their meanings are written. This would act as quick revision material.

Quantitative Ability

The Quantitative Ability section carries questions from Mathematics as well as Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The main topics are listed below:

• Arithmetic

• Number System

• Modern Maths

• Geometry

• Algebra

• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

According to experts, an attempt of 15 to 16 questions with 80 to 85 per cent accuracy is considered to be a good performance. To ace this section, there is no alternative to practice. Those who have already appeared for CAT or are preparing for other MBA entrance exams like XAT, SNAP, etc. will be adept with the areas.

In this last week, candidates should take a couple of full-length mock tests and brush up the areas they still have doubts in. Candidates should maintain a notebook with important formulae, tables, square roots and shortcut techniques written on it and revise it at least once or twice daily.

General Awareness

The General Awareness questions are based on both current affairs and static GK. The topics range from national and international politics and business, logos and taglines of products, to name a few. Regular reading of newspapers and taking a close look at the print and electronic media advertisements would help them gain confidence in this section. Moreover, since MICAT is a specialised MBA entrance exam, raising awareness on the Marketing and Advertising industry is a must. For this, aspirants must refer to specific magazines and websites catering to news and updates of this domain. For the Static GK, referring to Year Books and GK websites would be sufficient.

Divergent Convergent Reasoning

The board topics asked in this section are as follows:

• Word Association

• Statement Assumption

• Visual Reasoning

• Odd Man Out

• Analogy

• Series Completion

• Data Sufficiency

• Logical Reasoning

An attempt of 15-16 questions will be considered good. As far as the preparation is concerned, preparation for other MBA entrance exams will suffice. In the last few days before the exam, candidates can refer to the study materials provided by their coaching institutes or mentors and sectional mock tests would give an all-around preparation and revision for this section.

Read More:

MICAT Preparation

MICAT Admit Card

MICAT Question Papers