CAT 2011 QA & DI: Top experts answer FAQs

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MBAUniverse.com News Desk |
March 22, 2014
This article brings to you answers to the frequently asked questions on the first section of the new pattern of CAT 2011

It is now just 24 days to go for CAT 2011 test phase to begin. MBAUniverse.com has been with you in each stage of your preparation till now. Now that you have almost reached the last leg of your preparation, you should now focus on taking more tests and analyzing them. But as the experts say, when in doubt, go back to your basics. 

This article brings to you answers to the frequently asked questions on the first section of the new pattern of CAT 2011 -- Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation. These have been answered by the top CAT experts.

The experts who have answered your questions on Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation are Arun Sharma, CAT guru, author and IIM Bangalore alumnus; Vinayak Kudva, Product Head, IMS Learning; Abhishek Gupta, Senior Manager, Academics, Career Launcher and Nishit Sinha, CAT expert, author and IIM Lucknow alumnus.

Q: I am taking CAT for the second time and I want to get tips for changing pattern. What should be the strategy, how should I approach this, what would be the meaning of Quant and DI all together? Please help!

Arun Sharma: Quant and DI together means that DI becomes your short cut to cracking the Quant section. Do well in Data Interpretation and you would be halfway through the section. Of course you would need to do well in at least a couple of areas of the Quant section to ensure qualification. 

Q: I am a B.Com Graduate preparing for CAT for last one year. I'm always struggling to clear the CAT Quant section cutoff in Mock Exams. I've completed most of Quant Material but still I'm not able to clear them, please help.

Arun Sharma: Improve your flowcharting skills, improve your belief in your ability to solve questions and try to reach a point in your prep for every chapter where you get a feel that you have seen the length and breadth and depth of questions that can be asked from there. Also focus on DI and allow it to help you to get across the line - the new pattern cat can be a blessing in disguise for someone like you

Q: About the new pattern what should be my approach in Quant and DI Section? And how should I be able to clear the cutoff in short span. Please advice.


Arun Sharma:
 Focus on Number Systems, Functions, Inequalities, Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Permutation & Combination and Probability. Also make Data Interpretation your strong point - for which you would need to do Averages, Alligations, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion too.

Q: My Quant is weak and I've too much to prepare. What should I do?

Arun Sharma: Quant is about knowing 3000 questions and the inside out solutions to those. If you have 30 days before the CAT it works out to 100 questions per day. Develop a good group for problem discussion and go after it.

 Q: I want to practice more questions on DI. As in new pattern DI is combined with Quant, will this help me?

Vinayak Kudva: The change in CAT structure should be good news for you. With the first section now comprising a mix of Quant and DI, you can now neutralize your weakness in DI with your strong Quant areas. With 70 minutes for this section, you will now get more time for solving the Quant questions along with the ‘easier' DI questions.

Q: My problem is that I lack speed and accuracy. In spite of knowing the right method, my answers get wrong in the mock tests, especially in QA & DI. Any practicing tips sir?

Vinayak Kudva: You need to analyze your performance after each test and identify where all you are making mistakes and take corrective actions. Also, ensure that you are conceptually sound and practice as many question you can.

Q: How can I develop confidence in Quant section? How to maintain good speed in the same? What could be the tips for remaining 30 days to be put in quant?

A: Practice is the key. Try to familiarize yourself with as many new questions types as possible. For speed, take Quant tests under strict time limits and see if you have optimally while analyzing your performance. This is the time to plug the holes in your preparation. Try and develop the art of picking the right questions and leaving the tougher ones.