CAT 2012 Quant@ 'Accuracy, flexibility key to solve QA&DI section in CAT'

(prHWY.com) September 26, 2012 - Noida, India -- As you reach the last lap of preparation for CAT 2012, it is precisely the time when you should be ready with the test-taking strategy. The more mock tests you take, the more aware you will be about the strategy that suits you the best. This article shares with you the strategies that will help you score better in the quantitative ability & data interpretation section.

The new pattern of CAT offers time-bound sections of 70 minutes each. The quantitative ability area will have 20 questions and 10 questions will be asked from the data interpretation area. So, you need to plan accordingly.

Be flexible in approach: Don't set a prior target of attempting a particular number of questions or not answering questions from a certain topic. Such mental blocks may prove fatal. Be open in your strategy and do not hesitate to change your plan if necessary. Ravi Handa, QA&DI expert and an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, says: "You should not enter the test center with a set target. You never know what is in store for you until you go through the questions. Don't attempt questions which you are not sure of. If you are confident about, say, six questions, that's good enough. You may take calculated risks but don't force yourself."

Don't compromise on accuracy: Accuracy is the most important aspect of cracking CAT. If you miss out on the accuracy quotient, almost the entire battle will be lost. You must be aware of the fact that there is negative marking involved. While each correct answer gives you three marks, each wrong answer will deduct one mark as well. So answer questions only when you are sure about the correctness. As Handa puts it, "It is excellent to have 100 per cent accuracy. It is okay to take calculated risks, but shun guessing blindly."

Skim through questions first: It is not advisable to start answering the questions from top. Glance through the questions first and mark the ones you are confident of solving. Maintain a balance between the QA and DI areas. "My strategy was to go through all the questions first and then select the ones I will be comfortable with. This makes you mentally prepared before starting the process," says Mohith S, a first year student of IIM Rohtak.

Time management: CAT tests more of time management skills than the depth of knowledge. You should not take more than three minutes for a question. "It is very easy to lose track of time while writing the exam. Do not spend more than two-three minutes for a single question. Spending more time in answering a tough question may prove costly in the end as you could have answered a number of comparatively easier questions in that given period," mentions Anusha Subramanian, 99.80 percentiler in CAT 2011 and an IIM Bangalore student.

Attempt application-based questions first: Identify the questions that will take more time to solve as you go through the paper. Experts suggest that you attempt and answer the questions which are based more on formula and application, such as DI questions, as they need less brainstorming. After gaining the momentum, you can attempt the other set of questions. Make sure that you finish the section at least 10 minutes prior to the total duration so that you can revise the section and make necessary corrections

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