The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2023, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, is set for November 26, 2023. With just one month to go, candidates are intensively preparing for this notoriously challenging exam. To crack CAT, you must first become well-acquainted with its sections. To assist you in your CAT 2023 journey, CollegeDekho offers valuable tips for each of the three sections.
**Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):**
In the VARC section, manage your time carefully. Try to stay within the 30-minute mark, allowing you to optimize your question-solving efforts. Reserve the remaining 10 minutes for reviewing answers and addressing unanswered questions. This section evaluates two core skills: reading comprehension and linguistic proficiency. Strengthen your grammar skills as a strong foundation is vital for success.
To enhance comprehension, read texts designed for a younger audience. Focus on particular subsections like Fact Inference Judgment, Para Completion, Verbal Reasoning, Analogies, and Para Jumble, as they require special attention. Some areas, like synonyms and idiomatic expressions, may require memorization.
Review past CAT papers to understand question patterns and the section’s framework. Expand your vocabulary by learning about 10 new words every week, including synonyms and contextual usage.
**Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DI & LR):**
In the DI & LR section, you have 40 minutes to answer 32 questions. Aim for around 35 minutes, leaving 5 minutes for review and unanswered questions. This section evaluates logical thinking and strategic skills. Prioritize topics like caselets, Bar Graphs, Data Sufficiency, Clocks and Calendars, Data Arrangement, Binary Logic, Constraint-based puzzles, and Venn Diagrams.
Carefully analyze questions before solving them, ensuring you understand the requirements. Deliberate on response choices and their nuances. Pay attention to words like “some,” “all,” and “none,” as they can introduce complexity.
Use scratch paper for diagrams to clarify complex concepts. Seek guidance from educators and peers to learn effective strategies. Tackle sub-sections one by one, distribute your time wisely, and address straightforward questions before complex ones.
**Quantitative Ability (QA):**
In the QA section, you have 40 minutes for 34 questions. Allocate 34 to 35 minutes for optimal performance and the rest for revision and unanswered questions. This section evaluates your arithmetic reasoning and numerical calculation abilities.
Mastery of topics like Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Trigonometry, and Calculus is essential. Utilize CAT-oriented resources for a comprehensive understanding. If textual explanations are challenging, consider coaching centers.
Engage with examples in study materials to understand problem-solving approaches and make complex questions easier. Plan your approach strategically, starting with easier questions to build momentum.