CAT topper Oindrila Chatterjee pursuing PGP 2015-17 at IIM Rohtak shares with MBAUniverse.com the preparation tips and testing hall strategy for CAT 2015 aspirants how to ace the Non-MCQs in the changed exam pattern. Oindrila an Electronics & Telecommunication engineer, has a short work experience with TCS and enthusiastically shares insight on various aspects of CAT 2015 while sharing the success mantra and guidance to crack the test with high scores in a live chat session, the excerpts of which are summarised below+
Non-MCQs: Conceptual clarity must
CAT 2015 has introduced non-MCQs in each of the 3 sections. These questions will not be followed by any answer options and the candidates will have to solve and type their answers in the given space on computer screen.
Although everyone is apprehensive about the structure and difficulty level of Non-MCQs, Oindrila suggests following tips to manage these questions in CAT 2015
1. Believe in yourself and don't get intimidated by non-MCQ
2. In order to score well in non-MCQs, pay more attention to understanding the concept as many a time, to speed up the process we go by option elimination. But this time, while preparing, focus on understanding the concepts.
3. Solve a good number of questions and rest assured you will be fine.
Be open to all the questions
Candidates have been raising queries like how many questions would be sufficient to attempt in each of the 3 sections to which the CAT topper shares that she had attempted 38 in quant and 45 in VA-LR as there were 2 sections in CAT 2014. In her view, there is no fixed number of questions that one should attempt. All depends on the difficulty level of the CAT 2015 exam paper. The best way is to use your judgement and make the choice.
Speed & Accuracy: Both important
CAT 2015 aspirants are confused between Speed or accuracy and which matters more during the exam and how to manage both of them. IIM Rohtak student Oindrila emphasizes that both are equally important.
The plus point for CAT 2015 aspirants is that there will be on-screen calculator which will make it relatively easier as there will be less chances of calculation mistakes. The focus will be more on logic and understanding. The suggestion is to first ensure the accuracy then go for speed as speed without accuracy won't be of much help.
Success without coaching possible
The CAT topper shares that good scores in CAT 2015 can be obtained even without going for coaching if the candidate adheres to the study schedule meticulously. However she suggests that joining a class gives you a better shot at getting a clear picture about your competition. It also ensures daily dedicated efforts. It has also been recommended by her not to get emotionally attached to any question. If you are not getting it in 2-3minutes, ditch it and move on.
Avoid negative marking in CAT 2015
Another important tip which the CAT topper shares is to avoid negative marking. This can be achieved by being absolutely sure about the answer. Another tip while solving RC or LR questions is to note that it will not make adverse impact if you don't attempt all the questions of the set. According to her it is not absolutely needed to attempt everything in the set when you are uncertain. Mark the ones you are sure about and proceed.
Aim for 99+ in CAT 2015
The CAT topper advises the candidates to aim for 99+ and equally high sectional percentile in CAT 2015 to get into IIM A,B,C,L. Since shortlisting depends on various pameters, in case your 10th, 12th and graduation grades are extremely good you stand a chance even if you get 97.6/98.
Have faith in yourself: Avoid pressure
Oindrila also advises the CAT 2015 aspirants to avoid extreme pressure as this is the biggest obstacle prior to CAT exam. Aspirants should not get demotivated if they perform badly in a mock right before the D-day. Just have faith in yourself and work hard. The need is to pay a lot of attention in analyzing your tests and find out your mistakes and the reasons behind it. It will help you a lot in the final CAT 2015 exam.
Role of Work ex in converting the IIM call
Whether you have worked for 6 months or more, it is the duration of work experience that matters and you get extra marks for it. Apart from this the key benefit of working in any company is that it helps you build an outlook of the corporate world that might come in handy during the interviews.
Related Article
CAT 2015: DILR section to be the game changer; 32 questions in 60 minutes to have Non MCQs also
Puzzled! How to synchronise CAT 2015 & IIFT 2015 preparation; expert advice
CAT 2015: Girls get priority in test centre allocation; female candidate number may shoot up in IIMs
CAT 2015: No need to rush for registration but avoid last few days - CAT Convener
CAT 2015: 'Starting early is the key' success mantra by Karan Shah, CAT topper
CAT 2015: Section Comparison between two and three; know why need to put-in extra effort
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more updates on CAT 2015 preparation tips
