On September 24, 2011, HT Education and MBAUniverse.com hosted Mission MBA CAT 2011 Workshop in New Delhi. One of the key speakers was Arun Sharma, the renowned author of CAT preparation books and an alumnus of IIM Bangalore.
Arun Sharma addressed an audience of over 200 serious CAT aspirants who are presently studying at colleges in Delhi NCR, as well as aspirants who are working in leading firms. The topic of his address was ‘How to prepare for CAT 2011 in these remaining 30 days’. He also talked about the new pattern of CAT exam.
Keep reading to know the top 10 tips offered by Arun Sharma.
1. Difference between a 70 percentile and a 99 percentile is the matter of six to eight questions: The first point which Arun Sharma made in his address is the difference between a 70 percentiler and a 99 percentiler. “It is nothing but a matter of six to eight questions. If you don’t attempt the right questions, then you will lose your marks due to negative marking system,” he said. “Remember, CAT is more of an accuracy test rather than speed test,” he added.
2. Quantitative Ability: Arun Sharma mentioned that QA can be divided into six blocks, according to different topics and their difficulty levels. “In every block, you must be able to solve some questions. These blocks are -- BLOCK 1: (a) Number Systems, (b) Progressions; BLOCK 2: (a) Averages (b) Alligations; BLOCK 3: (a) Percentages (b) Profit & Loss (c) Ratio & Proportion (d) Time & Work (e) Interest (f) Time, Speed & Distance; BLOCK 4: (a) Geometry (b) Mensuration (c) Coordinate Geometry; BLOCK 5: (a) Functions (b) Inequalities (c) Quadratic Equations (d) Logarithms; BLOCK 6: (a) Permutations & Combinations (b) Probability.”
3. Verbal Ability: VA is a very important area in the CAT exam. RC comprises an important area. You can expect two to three Reading Comprehension passages and the other questions will be on English Usage. “If you solve around 200 well framed passages in these remaining days for CAT 2011, you will not only be adept in solving RC passages, but also your grammar and vocabulary will be on your finger tips.”
4. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning: The DI and LR area is quite time consuming as the questions are quite lengthy and consists of lengthy caselets. The more you practice, better versed you will be. “Solve at least 200 DI questions and 200 to 700 Reasoning caselets before your CAT 2011 D-day,” advised the CAT guru.
5. 30 days is good enough to complete few lessons: Arun Sharma did not agree to the point that you should not start anything new in this one month time. “It’s not too late. You can still complete lessons in some topics now,” he said. “Take for instance, the topic of Permutation and Combination. The question type is static and you can learn it in a week’s time. Then with more and more practice, you can excel in the area,” he suggested.
6. Audit your preparation: You have to judge your own preparation level and here you have to be your own judge.
7. Don’t stick to a question: If your reaction time to a question is more than five minutes, leave that question and move forward. That’s what Arun Sharma meant while suggesting not to stick to a question.
8. Mock test and analysis: Emphasize more on analyzing your mock tests rather than the number of tests you are taking. “Revisit all the questions. See where you have gone wrong and correct them. For the questions you got right, try to find a way to solve it which will be less time consuming and yet accurate,” stated Arun Sharma.
9. Plan for the next few days: Divide the next few days into two halves. In the first half study all the areas. In the second half, go back to all the questions and check the methods you have utilized for solving them. “Do not study one day before the test. Soothe your nerves and stay calm,” Arun Sharma advised.
10. Have faith in yourself but keep a backup plan ready: As Arun Sharma says, you must not lose faith in yourself. “Don’t think anything negative while entering the exam hall. If you concentrate on the results, rather than the exam, it will be a perfect recipe for disaster,” he said. “Keep a backup plan ready for yourself. In case you cannot crack CAT, you should have a clear vision on the alternate options.”
