The CAT exam is as much a test of one's strategy, focus, and time management skills as it is a test of knowledge. Given the stakes involved, one needs not only to prepare well but also perform effectively on the exam day itself. Here we will explore all the tips and tricks to help you maximize your score and stay calm under pressure.
To ace your exam, first, you need to thoroughly understand the question paper scheme so that you can focus on what’s important. CAT is not about solving a lot of questions. It is about question selection.
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Knowing the question paper pattern
CAT exam question paper consists of 3 sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) containing both multiple choice questions as well as non-multiple choice questions.
Here is the distribution of questions with marks according to different sections based on past exam patterns:
Section | Total | Marks awarded(Correct) | Marks deducted (Wrong only for MCQs) | Marks awarded(Not answered) |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 3 | -1 | 0 |
What to do during the exam?
Before starting the exam, remaining calm is the best thing you can do. Revise all the formulas and topics in your head.
The paper duration is 120 minutes which gives 40 minutes for each section. But as soon as the exam starts the most important asset is efficient time management. If question selection and time management is done together, you are above half of the people. Solving mock papers will give a rough idea of how to skim through all the questions and find the ones on which you have the most grasp and you can solve in less time and with accuracy.
Also Review: Important factors to consider before the CAT 2024 exam
Section-Wise Tricks
Read below to know the section-wise tricks for the CAT 2024 exam.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Skim through the passages to get a gist before diving into the questions.
- Focus on vocabulary-based or grammar questions first.
- Don’t overthink interpretations in reading comprehension.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Choose sets wisely, identify ones that look straightforward.
- Avoid getting stuck on a single set. If it feels time-consuming, move on.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Memorize key formulas and shortcuts to save time.
- Solve questions in rounds: answer easy ones first, followed by medium and difficult ones.
Other than all this, practice deep breathing to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to also regain focus. Have a positive mindset and do not set any target to avoid being scared or disappointed. Remain calm and solve as many as you can. Do not attempt any question that you are not sure about as it can deduct your marks because of negative marking.
