MAH CET 2016: First day exam Analysis; mouthful reasoning & twisted Verbal called for more time

Out of 75000 registered candidates for MAH CET 2016, fewer candidates took the test on March 12, 2016 across 40 test cities in India. The first day of computer based on line MAH CET 2016 in revamped mode of sections with highest number of questions in reasoning test called for more time to solve the questions. On the top of it, more questions on RC passages also needed more time to attempt the exam.

MAH CET 2016 began almost on time on March 12, 2016. The test is proposed to be held in multiple sessions in 2 days test window on March 12 & 13, 2016 across the country. At some centres the test had interruptions due to technical glitches and computer systems were getting disrupted during the test duration. However, all the answers marked by the candidates were automatically saved which gave a sign of relief to the test takers.

There were certain questions in Verbal Ability which were not mentioned in the sample paper shared by State CET Cell in its notification, although most of the questions were on the similar pattern and topics.

MBAUniverse.com had already advised the aspirants to prepare for such surprise elements. Test takers found the test moderate although it had some difficult questions also. Most of the candidates were fresh after taking CAT/XAT/CMAT and had good preparation level, this helped them a lot in cracking the right answers.

Many students were found doing more guess work as there is no negative marking in MAH CET 2016.

Test of Logical and Abstract Reasoning This section included Analytical Reasoning, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning. The first part was on Logical reasoning followed by second part on Abstract Reasoning. There were 75 questions of varying type in the first part while the second part on Abstract Reasoning contained 25 questions.

The first part had questions set following the given data; questions on series, statements, true false among others. Second part had questions like formation of words in a coded language and the candidates were required to find out the correct code for the given word. Questions on series, arrangements, puzzles were although not very difficult but consumed a lot of time. A good number of questions on Visual reasoning also appeared in the exam. Both types of reasoning taken together, constituted 100 questions out of total 200 questions.

Test of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension In the changed pattern number of questions in this section have been reduced to 50. Questions on error corrections in sentences were similar to the ones as appear in various recruitment examinations of Banks, Insurance companies, Central and state Governments. Sentences were divided in four sections and the error from one of the sections had to be spotted. If there was no error option 5 had to be marked as answer.

Another type was that of re-writing the parts of sentences containing errors. The question sentence had one part marked in bold and the test taker had to figure out whether there is any error in that part of the sentence. 5 answer options followed the question. In case there was an error, candidate had to choose the right answer option and if it had no error, option 5 had to be marked.

The questions were formed on core grammar like Active passive; reported speech; conditionals; modifiers and picking out correct synonyms and antonyms. Apart from this, moderate questions on analogy also made their presence in Verbal Ability section.

There were questions to fill in the blanks with appropriate words in a short paragraph. With simple and correct understanding of grammar and vocabulary usage, candidates could answer the same well.

The RC passages were short but were followed by number of questions including questions like synonyms, antonyms as used in the passage, the tone and purpose of the passage, although in a different form. The level of difficulty was moderate but the options were close and time was short.

Candidates who could get around 32-35 questions correct in this section, would improve their overall percentile to a good extent to get admission in one of the top rated B school.

Test of Quantitative Aptitude Questions in this section were doable but time consuming. Though many questions involved some tricks but aspirants with basic conceptual clarity were able to solve these questions. There were more questions on Arithmetic. A few questions from Algebra also made their appearance in the test. The DI questions in this test were more calculation based and time consuming.

Tips for March 13


-- Begin from easy to difficult question right from the first test section
-- Dont scan entire test paper and avoid wastage of time
-- Maximise attempts
-- Focus on strong areas first and only after that go for guess work
-- Balance your attempts in all the sections
-- Reasoning has maximum questions and if you have good command on it finish it in first 60 minutes
-- RC passages are short and easy. They are followed by more questions. Better to get maximum out of them
-- Quant is good scoring test. Make sure to hit the maximum in it.
-- Time is short; manage it and dont stick to one question. If found difficult, move on to next question


Expected cut off for JBIMS Outside Maharashtra candidates can expect admission to JBIMS with a score of 160 while the cut off is expected to go down to 155. Those who score 145 may get SIMSREE while at a score of 135 candidates could get KJ Somaiya followed by PUMBA with 125. The required score for Maharashtra state candidates could be less than what is predicted above.