Tips for CAT 2011

The IIMs have announced that CAT 2011 will have two sections. The first section will focus on Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, while the second will cover Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning. There will be a total of 60 questions in the paper, with 30 in each section.

Students will have 70 minutes in each section; and will not be allowed to shift between them. It is quite likely that the nature of questions will remain the same. Accordingly, I suggest the following to candidates vis-à-vis their preparation:

• The stress will remain on the application of fundamentals. Thus, a very good knowledge of basics will remain extremely crucial. If you are having problems with these, I advise you to seek help from friends or Faculty of various coaching institutes
• With the stress being on Logical/ Analytical Reasoning, before attempting a question, first conceptualize how you wish to go about solving it and work it out in your mind. Relating to this, you can try to eliminate some options and narrow down your answer choice. If you conceptualize the problem correctly, then very often, after a step or two towards the solution, you will realize that some of the answer options are clearly wrong.
• Choose the questions to attempt: Even in the new format, it will be important for you to choose which questions to attempt carefully. Do not spend too much time on a particular question, thus decreasing the time you have for the others. Injudicious choices with respect to the questions attempted could also decrease your accuracy levels.
  

This point is particularly important for the questions pertaining to Data Interpretation/ Analytical Reasoning. I suggest that candidates choose the sets to attempt based on factors such as their familiarity with the data format, number of variables etc

Reasoning-based caselets, may be avoided if there are too many variables, because there is always the possibility that the candidate may miss out on some aspect of the logic and get the entire set wrong. Given a choice, it is preferable to attempt graphs or tables, even if you need to perform some lengthy calculations, as you will be more certain about the final answers.

Perform Mental Calculations: In a Computer-based Test, the ability to do Mental calculations successfully will be important, especially for Data Interpretation. Try to make sure you improve on this by practicing regularly-for example, while watching cricket matches, you can try and calculate the run-rate, strike rate of a batsman etc on your own.

• Use the answer choices for solving some questions. Some questions in the Quantitative Ability section can be solved by using the various answer options. This is particularly useful for algebra based questions.
• Regular practice is vital: Scoring well in this section does require regular practice for a certain minimum length of time. Practice 25-30 questions on a daily basis for Quant, read 4-5 passages daily, learn 8-10 new words and practice a few Caselets.
• Locate the sitters: Relating to the point above, remember that both sections are expected to have a few fairly easy, straightforward questions that are termed as ‘sitters'. If you have practiced regularly, you will find these easy to solve. Look out for these while attempting the paper.
• Avoid the ‘speed breakers': On the other hand, watch out very carefully for the ‘speed breaker' questions in the CAT exam. Such questions can end wasting your time as they may take too long to solve.
• My book ‘An Introduction to the CAT: Tips From An IIM Alumnus, 3/e' provides several tips and strategies to crack the CAT and subsequent GDs, Interviews, Case Studies, Essays etc besides several practice tests on the attached CD . Do have a look!

About the Author

Sidharth Balakrishna is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and has been employed with the world's top Marketing, Management Consultancy and energy firms. Besides his regular Corporate job, he has written a number of books and articles for various reputed publications and has taken several guest lectures and seminars across the country.

His books include the following, all published by Pearson, the world's largest Education company:

•  ‘An Introduction to CAT-Tips from an IIM Alumnus'; available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/an-introduction-cat-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131763599
•  ‘Reading Comprehension for the CAT- A Winning Approach by an IIM Alumnus'; available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/reading-comprehension-cat-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131760598
•  ‘Case Studies in Marketing' available from http://pearson.vrvbookshop.com/book/case-studies-marketing-sidharth-balakrishna/9788131757970

Sidharth is a Career Counselling Expert with the Hindustan Times and Rediff.com and a member of the Interview Panel to select MBA students at various MBA institutes; and is an Adjunct Faculty in B-schools such as Great Lakes.

He can be contacted at bsiddharth_2001@yahoo.co.in