The Common Admission Test (CAT), the key to a coveted seat in a top B school in India, has been undergoing changes since its very inception. The number of technical problems that arose, when it metamorphosed from a paper-pencil mode to an online test in 2009, caused much anguish among even the most well prepared MBA aspirants at that time. Yet it continues to be the top favourite among all the MBA entrance tests conducted in India. Talent, passion and purpose combine together to form the core of leadership qualities that the best B Schools are looking out for these days, so staying cool and determined to accept the changes in Cat 2014 in the right spirit and design a preparation strategy to adapt is the mantra for success- advices Prof Savitha G R, Asst Professor- HR, Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management development & Research (WeSchool) Bangalore.
There is no Secret code to crack the CAT 2014, CAT 2014 has the same two sections as 2013 : - Quantitative Ability and Verbal ability. Quant section also comprises of Data Interpretation skills while Verbal section is paired with Logical Reasoning.
According to the revised pattern, the number of the questions in each section has increased from 30 to 50 and the duration of the exam increased from 140 to 170 minutes which in reality means attempting 100 questions in 170 minutes. With the time per question getting reduced, it will be prudent to begin with the easier section. Answering lengthy question in the beginning may result in wastage of time and questions that one knows well may get left out. Don't be scared of the increased number of questions as the duration of examination has also increased and with regular practice of solving mock test papers, the rhythm will set in and you will know the time needed to attempt each section.
When the test appears on the monitor, take a few minutes to study the same in totality, decide on the best manner in which to tackle it and do not shift from one section to another unnecessarily.
Syllabus remains same but the nature of questions may change : - As there is no change in syllabus, you need to know the topic and understand that for more questions, more topics from within the syllabus will be included in the test. So studying the past CAT papers becomes important. And noting the topics on which questions have not appeared in the past few exams and working on them will be an additional asset. Some hitherto forgotten topic or a twisted pattern may create an element of surprise. With understanding of the key concepts, if you can solve one type of question then the other can be solved too. Making more attempts and solving maximum questions during practice sessions is the way forward here.
Accuracy and Speed is the key : - Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, allocating time for the weak areas and working on them for all round preparation is the best way to a strong foundation. And since there is still enough time on hand, you can work slowly and steadily in this direction.
Comprehension, Verbal Logic, Critical Reasoning can be developed with reading, application and practice. While studying more topics on business, economy, philosophy and analysis of the daily national and international news will help in building strong foundation, solving questions on quant, data interpretation and logical reasoning will help in all-round preparation. Accuracy and speed in attempting right question in less time becomes a critical skill in improving sectional and overall scores.
Analysis is as important as solving mock tests : - Taking the mock tests will increase the understanding of the CAT, help in saving time and prepare you to take the exam on the big day. You must solve CAT papers of previous years to get its actual feel. The review or analysis of mock test is as important as the attempt as gives clarity on one's strengths and weaknesses. Analysis of the number of questions left out and the reasons behind it will open new vistas to an improved performance.
Learn time management, it's a tool to effective decision making : - Many students are found complaining about not having enough time to solve the test. This is due to lack of strategy. Make a plan that allocates time across the two sections, and leave a buffer to play safe in case one is worried about sectional cut-off. Always remember that solving a question is not an end-all, if you have spent enough time on a problem and can't get the solution, leave it quickly to move to easier questions and with time permitting come back to the earlier question later.
Make judicious use of the opportunity to move between two sections : - As one is allowed to switch between sections at any point of time during the examination, one can devote less or more time to a particular section.Freedom of moving from one section to another sounds great but it could be a challenge as well.
When you start attempting a mock test for 170 minutes with 50 questions in each section, have a timer in place and note the total time spent on each section meticulously. Slowly increase accuracy and speed to attempt the right question in less time to improve upon sectional and overall scores. Negative marking is a part of CAT and a low sectional percentile may mean not getting shortlisted by your dream B school. So learn and practice to manage between both the sections.
170 minutes means sitting for nearly 3hrs : - As the aspirants may be studying continuously for long hours; you need to keep yourself physically and mentally fit. A simple diet plan, regular sleep and morning or evening exercise. Brisk morning walks/jogs, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and some light recreation will contribute to your well being. Studying hard is important but remember that beyond a point, boredom, pessimism and fatigue are bound to set in. One doesn't need any negativity at this point of time that will stop one from being enthusiastic, energetic and mentally alert; all essential factors for the success in CAT.
A Final word of advice to working professionals : - Leaving a job for preparing for the CAT is not a good idea, as it cuts into your work experience and flow of income; necessities for someone who is about to get admission to the dream MBA and pay fees for it. There are several weekend classes and online sites that specialize in preparing a MBA aspirant for the CAT. Also remember one important thing, a manager is expected to be a multi-tasker by any industry so leaving a job for preparation is certainly not a good idea as you may be questioned about it in the personal interview during the selection process . It's best to take leave if one has to but retain the job.
Be Strategic and Don't lose objective, don't go in a shell, be open to Interact with other Aspirants and remain Confident...All the best wishes! -Contributed by Prof Savitha G R, Asst Professor- HR, WeSchool, Bangalore
There is no Secret code to crack the CAT 2014, CAT 2014 has the same two sections as 2013 : - Quantitative Ability and Verbal ability. Quant section also comprises of Data Interpretation skills while Verbal section is paired with Logical Reasoning.
According to the revised pattern, the number of the questions in each section has increased from 30 to 50 and the duration of the exam increased from 140 to 170 minutes which in reality means attempting 100 questions in 170 minutes. With the time per question getting reduced, it will be prudent to begin with the easier section. Answering lengthy question in the beginning may result in wastage of time and questions that one knows well may get left out. Don't be scared of the increased number of questions as the duration of examination has also increased and with regular practice of solving mock test papers, the rhythm will set in and you will know the time needed to attempt each section.
When the test appears on the monitor, take a few minutes to study the same in totality, decide on the best manner in which to tackle it and do not shift from one section to another unnecessarily.
Syllabus remains same but the nature of questions may change : - As there is no change in syllabus, you need to know the topic and understand that for more questions, more topics from within the syllabus will be included in the test. So studying the past CAT papers becomes important. And noting the topics on which questions have not appeared in the past few exams and working on them will be an additional asset. Some hitherto forgotten topic or a twisted pattern may create an element of surprise. With understanding of the key concepts, if you can solve one type of question then the other can be solved too. Making more attempts and solving maximum questions during practice sessions is the way forward here.
Accuracy and Speed is the key : - Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, allocating time for the weak areas and working on them for all round preparation is the best way to a strong foundation. And since there is still enough time on hand, you can work slowly and steadily in this direction.
Comprehension, Verbal Logic, Critical Reasoning can be developed with reading, application and practice. While studying more topics on business, economy, philosophy and analysis of the daily national and international news will help in building strong foundation, solving questions on quant, data interpretation and logical reasoning will help in all-round preparation. Accuracy and speed in attempting right question in less time becomes a critical skill in improving sectional and overall scores.
Analysis is as important as solving mock tests : - Taking the mock tests will increase the understanding of the CAT, help in saving time and prepare you to take the exam on the big day. You must solve CAT papers of previous years to get its actual feel. The review or analysis of mock test is as important as the attempt as gives clarity on one's strengths and weaknesses. Analysis of the number of questions left out and the reasons behind it will open new vistas to an improved performance.
Learn time management, it's a tool to effective decision making : - Many students are found complaining about not having enough time to solve the test. This is due to lack of strategy. Make a plan that allocates time across the two sections, and leave a buffer to play safe in case one is worried about sectional cut-off. Always remember that solving a question is not an end-all, if you have spent enough time on a problem and can't get the solution, leave it quickly to move to easier questions and with time permitting come back to the earlier question later.
Make judicious use of the opportunity to move between two sections : - As one is allowed to switch between sections at any point of time during the examination, one can devote less or more time to a particular section.Freedom of moving from one section to another sounds great but it could be a challenge as well.
When you start attempting a mock test for 170 minutes with 50 questions in each section, have a timer in place and note the total time spent on each section meticulously. Slowly increase accuracy and speed to attempt the right question in less time to improve upon sectional and overall scores. Negative marking is a part of CAT and a low sectional percentile may mean not getting shortlisted by your dream B school. So learn and practice to manage between both the sections.
170 minutes means sitting for nearly 3hrs : - As the aspirants may be studying continuously for long hours; you need to keep yourself physically and mentally fit. A simple diet plan, regular sleep and morning or evening exercise. Brisk morning walks/jogs, yoga, breathing exercises, meditation and some light recreation will contribute to your well being. Studying hard is important but remember that beyond a point, boredom, pessimism and fatigue are bound to set in. One doesn't need any negativity at this point of time that will stop one from being enthusiastic, energetic and mentally alert; all essential factors for the success in CAT.
A Final word of advice to working professionals : - Leaving a job for preparing for the CAT is not a good idea, as it cuts into your work experience and flow of income; necessities for someone who is about to get admission to the dream MBA and pay fees for it. There are several weekend classes and online sites that specialize in preparing a MBA aspirant for the CAT. Also remember one important thing, a manager is expected to be a multi-tasker by any industry so leaving a job for preparation is certainly not a good idea as you may be questioned about it in the personal interview during the selection process . It's best to take leave if one has to but retain the job.
Be Strategic and Don't lose objective, don't go in a shell, be open to Interact with other Aspirants and remain Confident...All the best wishes! -Contributed by Prof Savitha G R, Asst Professor- HR, WeSchool, Bangalore