Countdown to CAT 2008: Experts answers from IMS Learning, T.I.M.E, Career Launcher and PT Education on MBAUniverse.com

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MBAUniverse.com News Desk |
July 24, 2016
Its now down to the final over of this T20 match called CAT! November 16 is just a few days away. To help lakhs of CAT takers across the country, MBAUniverse.com has initiated yet another tool for MBA Aspirants – Ask the Experts.

We presents the answers from experts from IMS Learning, T.I.M.E., Career Launcher and PT Education. The experts on 'Ask the Experts' include Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Learning, Mr Dhruba Jyoti and Mr Ajay Nayar, T.I.M.E., Mr R Shiva Kumar, Director, R&D, Career Launcher and Mr Subhashish Mitra, VP (Academics), PT Education.

While responding to a student's query, Mr Mitra shared the '4 S Strategy' and said, "Surely, you must have identified your strong points (areas) within each section. Even in your weakest area - there would be some "Areas of Comfort" as we call it. Try and score from these areas. Remember to follow the 4 S strategy - Scan / Search / Select and the Solve - in each section."

Here are the Expert Answers: 

Q: Respected sir, I m an MBA aspirant preparing for CAT and IIFT exam. Please tell me how to solve fact, inference & judgment +paragraph jumble questions. Out of 5 questions, I correctly solve 3 most of the time. For IIFT exam, how many questions should be solved from each section to get a call? I'm a history graduate but I had math at intermediate. Can I pursue MBA in Finance/IB. Thanking you. Yours sincerely, Vidya Bhushan

A: Dear Vidya, It would be not be possible for me to explain how to solve fact, inference & judgment online. I would suggest you get hold of our verbal basic material which explains this at length. However let me assure you that majority students find these set of questions difficult. Usually students do not score 5/5 in this area. Hence if you are scoring 3/5 in CAT standard questions you are doing a fair job!

With respect to the IIFT paper I am providing you a link which contains the analysis of last years IIFT paper http://www.time4education.com/iift2007/Analysis_iift2007asdnbgh.ASP  

But please do not go for an exam with a preconceived notion! You can definitely pursue an MBA stream of your choice. Your previous backgrounds will mot matter unless you have worked in a particular area for a significant amount of time.

All the best!!!

Answered by Mr Ajay Nayar, T.I.M.E.

Q: Hello sir, I am preparing for CAT '08 from last 8 months. After given so many Mock tests and scoring 92 - 95 percentile in most of them. I am thinking of maximizing my score in DI and Quant as I am good in both of them. But my English section is average so I am trying to get 100+ score with the help of DI and Quant and getting around 15 in English. What is your advice on my strategy ?

Does the good B schools like the 4 star ones after IIMs emphasize much on sectional cut offs? Rishabh Kalsi
A: Firstly, let me congratulate you on the percentile you have consistently been achieving! Secondly, the overall cut off mark for the CAT and for that of different sections is not fixed. We can neither predetermine the pattern nor the sectional cut offs in CAT. Also since CAT is a relative test the cut-offs vary each year. The cut-offs at the IIMs depends on various factors, which are varying for each IIM. The thumb rule is 75% attempts with 85% accuracy for sectional cut offs.The IIMs expect a 98+ percentile with 95+ percentile in each of the sections.

Different things work with different people. Some may attempt their strong areas first and then move on to the weaker areas. For some, it’s the other way round. Since you have taken so many Mocks, you must know what works best for you! Your strategy should only be attaining 95+ percentile in each of the sections. Please do not take many tests during the next couple of days. Analyse your performance in each of the tests that you have taken so far.

Further some institutes look at overall scores whereas some look at sectional scores as well. However, this is very objective and varies from school to school. Hence it would be incorrect to comment on it. However, if one has scored well overall with a consistent performance across all the sections, one can expect a call from some of the reputed B Schools.  

Answered by Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Test prep  

Q: Dear Sir, I have a problem that I have been an arts student and its been 5 years since I left maths. Now, since the CAT is round the corner I am really worried as I am not very good with maths. I want to take admission in a good and reputed college but my fear for maths is killing me. Please help me. Thank You. Sara Jabeen.
 A: The best way to deal with the dreaded word "Math" is to remove any apprehensions that you have about the subject. Firstly, you need to remember that the CAT is only based on 10th and 12th level mathematics. It is what you have studied in school. The tricky part is the application of concepts you already know. At this stage, please do not fret about what you dont know, rather focus on your strengths. As you may be knowing, competent performance is required throughout in all the sections. For this, you first have to drop the fear of Math and believe in yourself. Secondly, if you have taken mock tests, you should be knowing where you are faltering. Make a note of it and work on it. At this stage, it wouldn't be advisable to take many tests and fret about things you are not so confident about.

It is a very common misconception that one should be an expert in Math to perform well in the CAT. If we go by this, the IIM's should only have graduates and post graduates who have specialised in Maths. However, this is simply not true. The concepts required to tackle the Math questions in CAT are mostly school level thus ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.

In short, drop the apprehension and go for it. All the best!

Answered by Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Test prep

Q: Hello sir, I am giving CAT second time. I didn't score well last due to lack of preparation in Quant. I am also not so confident this time too. Please give your tips on Quant for remaining days. Thanks. Shipra, Mumbai 

Q: Dear Sir, What would your last minute advice for the CAT Day? Thanks! Saurabh, Delhi.
A: Since only 5 days are left for CAT and if you have been scoring well in your SIMCAT's then you need not worry. Even if you haven't, there is no need to panic. Please do not fret over concepts that you are not aware of or are new to you. You can quickly brush & browse through your concepts. You can also go through the test papers that you have given which will help you get a better idea of where you went wrong in the past and see if there are any mistakes that you keep repeating over the time. However, I don’t think it would be wise to take more than 2 practice CAT-like tests this week. The main reason behind this being the fact is that you need to analyses your performance and work on your weak areas. However, I don't think it would be wise to only sit with concepts at the end moment. So concentrate more on speed. Learn your tables well specifically for MATHS. CAT is all about accuracy and speed, you need to have attempt 75% of the paper with 80% accuracy.

Think positive and speed will follow automatically. It would be advisable to have a fair idea of questions that you are efficient at and those which require more effort.  

Answered by Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Test prep

Q: 2 Dear Sir, I am 80% confident with my preparation. I want to know what one should expect from this year CAT. Please comment sir..Kaushal, Patna 
A: The areas tested in the CAT are clearly demarcated into sections, with the number of sections and their composition varying from year to year. Hence the structure of the CAT is not certain. Students are required to possess greater patience, endurance and vigilance to answer the questions.

There will be one thing that would always remain constant: CAT is testing your managerial aptitude. Besides being good in the 3-core areas - verbal, quant, and reasoning, you should be nimble and be able to think on your feet. You should keep all your worries aside and continue with your preparation. There is no point in speculating about the changes that may / may not happen. Further, any change is common for all candidates and therefore you alone do not stand disadvantaged. Do not worry and stop speculating. Whether CAT is difficult or easy, all students will face the same rigour. CAT is a percentile game. This means that for you to qualify, your relative performance has to be better than other contenders. Last, but not the least, nothing is difficult, if you are prepared. So yes, you should be in the race.

Answered by Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Test prep

Q: Respected Sir, I am appearing for CAT 2008. With just 9 days more to go, I would like to know how I should prepare for Quant. I am not confident about Functions, Geometry, Numbers and Probability amongst the most important chapters of Quant. Which chapters should I concentrate more on? Also please let me know which chapters should I be very thorough with? Thanking You. Bhumika Mehrotri 
A: Dear Bhumika, Numbers, Algebra & Geometry are the three strong pillars of CAT quant preparation. With 9 days to go, you should focus on functions(to complete Algebra) and chose one out of Numbers and Geometry which you think would require less effort & time considering your level of preparation.

All the Best!

Answered by Mr R Shiva Kumar, Director, R&D, Career Launcher

Q: Hello sir, I have been preparing for cat for the last one year and now since the final day is approaching.  I'm really nervous. I have not scored more then 65%ile in any of the mocks. I have practiced Math’s the most and its the subject I scored the least. I do fairly well in language section.

My question to you is what should be my last minute strategy in Quant and DI. What all should I revise at this time. How should I take the question paper? I attempt language section first since I want to put my best foot forward and I attempt any section in one go. I don't usually come back to a section after completing it. Is this strategy right? I'll be really thankful to you if could answer my questions, Yashi Sharma
A: Dear Yashi, First of all, you need to put the 65%ile figure behind you. There are a lot of institutes which are worthy of doing an MBA from other than IIMs also.  You should focus on attempting the easy questions from Quant & DI as there are always enough easy questions to help you clear the cut-off. And these are hardly 1/3rd of the total questions. Secondly, I think you should continue with attempting the VA (language) section first as it would give you a confidence boost to attempt the other sections.

All the Best!

Answered by Mr R Shiva Kumar, Director, R&D, Career Launcher

Q: Hello Sir, I am feeling very unconfident in English section. I scored 70-75% in Mocks. Please advice what best I should do in remaining days. Thanks. Priyanka 
A: Hello Priyanka, I think you should now focus on giving 1-2 mocks and analyzing where exactly you commit mistakes & what are the questions which you knew and could've solved but did not attempt. I think this can lead to a significant improvement in your scores.

All the Best!

Answered by Mr R Shiva Kumar, Director, R&D, Career Launcher

Q: Hello sir, please tell me how to go thru all sections for CAT? It's just 9 days left. Thanks and regards. Vivek, Mumbai
A: Dear Vivek, I guess you are asking about preparation in the last 9 days. In this my only suggestion is now whatever preparation you have already taken should be freezed. This means you concentrate on revising the concepts rather than learning new concepts. Try to give equal time to all the sections in the last 9 days. The last 1- 2 days you should reduce stress a little bit and relax so that you can save your best for the day of CAT.

Answered by Mr Dhruba Jyoti, T.I.M.E. 

Q: Dear sir, please share your last minute advice on CAT 2008. I am good in Quant, DI&LR but average in Verbal. I will appreciate your advice. Thanks..Prerna
A: Dear Prerna, at this moment do not stress yourself much. Concentrate on revising what you already know. Also stick to your basic plan for approaching the paper which you must have practiced while taking mock cat papers. While writing the test please keep in mind that you have to show competence in all the 3 sections. So, judiciously spend your time on all the three sections. Also keep a tab on accuracy. Please remember its not attempts but net score which ultimately matters.

Answered by Mr Dhruba Jyoti, T.I.M.E.

Q: Hello Sir, my question to you is to you that how should I go thru about the CAT paper on Nov 16. Which section must be taken first etc….Regards., Chaitanya, Hyderabad
A: Dear Chaitanya, There is no generic approach as to which section should be attempted first. There are lots of people who attempt their weakest section first as they believe it should be done in the "freshest" brain. And may be an equal number are there who believe the complete opposite. And fair number of both the strategy had been successful. However generally if you do the strongest section first that gives you a boost in confidence which comes very handy when you approach the not so strong section. However keep in mind that sectional cut offs are necessary so divide your time judiciously per section to ensure the minimum cut offs.

Answered by Mr Dhruba Jyoti, T.I.M.E.

Q: Hello sir, I am preparing for CAT '08 from last one year. After given so many Mock tests and scoring 80-90% percentile in most of them, what should I expect from my performance in the Exam? What is your advice to me? Regards, Ally Bangalore
A: Mr Subhashish Mitra, VP (Academics), PT Education: The Mock tests are a very good indicator of how you will perform on the actual day - although last day goof-ups are known to happen! What we have seen, our past experiences tell us, that you should be able to score in the same range as you have been scoring in your Mock Tests. Here I am assuming that the "number of students" used for the calculation of your percentile position was significant. (Too small a number and the correlation between your Mock Tests performance and actual performance would be weak.)

In the last few days, RELAX as much as possible. Build up mental toughness. Avoid last minute cramming. Keep in touch with the basics like formulae, grammar rules, and mathematical concepts. Take full length tests / sectional tests to refine your strategy.....

Answered by Mr Subhashish Mitra, VP (Academics), PT Education

Q: Respected sir, what do you suggest that how should I plan for each section in CAT '08 in the remaining days till Nov 16. Regards, Souvik Mukherjee, Kolkata
A: You must have identified your strongest section / sections till now (and also weakest!) The best strategy is always to maximize returns from the strongest areas and minimize losses in the weak areas - (but first securing the cut-off marks). For the IIMs - 33% of the sectional weightage should be a safe cut-off score. For other institutes, a downward revision will happen in the cut-offs.

Surely, you must have identified your strong points (areas) within each section. Even in your weakest area - there would be some "Areas of Comfort" as we call it. Try and score from these areas. Remember to follow the 4 S strategy - Scan / Search / Select and the Solve - in each section.

Answered by Mr Subhashish Mitra, VP (Academics), PT Education

Q: Dear Sir, I am good in English, DI&LR but average in Quant. What should be my plan for all key sections? What time I should a lot for each section. Your advice will really help me sir. Thanks, Jyothi, Hyderabad
A: Ideally, you should look to allot equal time to all sections. This you can do either in blocks of 50 minutes or a first round of 30 minutes to each section and then 20 minutes again... you get the idea.

If you are weak in Quants - the first advice is don't be scared. Almost everybody is scared of Quants. And when you are scared, it is then that the performance starts to dip. You would not be expected to attempt or solve all questions. Getting 8-10 questions correct (net score 38+) would have ensured IIM Quants cut-off in CAT 2007. Identify topics from Quants that you are relatively comfortable in. Try and practise as many questions from those areas. Revise all formulae and concepts. Do not stop with your practise now. If possible, go through your performance in your Mock tests and check for areas / topics that you have normally scored in. Take sectional tests to build up your concepts...

Answered by Mr Subhashish Mitra, VP (Academics), PT Education

So Aspirants, you would have found these Q&As useful for CAT preparations. You too can ask your questions directly to our experts including Mr Gejo Srinivasan, General Manager, IMS Test prep; Mr Shiva Kumar, Director, R&D, Career Launcher; Mr.Subhasish Mitra, Vice President (Academics), PT Education; and Ms Dhruba Jyoti Banik, Mr Ankur Jain from T.I.M.E.

As an MBA Aspirant, all you have to do is to send your questions to us at MBAUniverse.com. Your questions can be on test taking strategies, preparation for Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections and any other CAT related query. So email your questions to [email protected] now, and stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for Q&As.

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