Cracking CAT: How to avoid unforced errors

CAT is different from most conventional examinations that students have written in schools/colleges. Approaching CAT in a similar manner may result in making ‘unforced’ errors.

Here’s a ready reckoner of what NOT to do:

PRE-DECIDED TARGET
Unlike most other exams, most institutes under CAT are not looking for you to score a certain pre-determined score. They look for percentile rank — students who can score more than most others. If you set a target for yourself, you can be under pressure if you fail to reach the same in case of a tougher paper, and become complacent in case of an easier paper. Hence, set no target in terms of attempts or score.

 

BLIND GUESSING
Since CAT has negative marks for wrong answers, the belief that more attempts will get more marks is a dangerous one. Attempting more questions using elimination techniques is OK, but blind and wild guessing is a clear ‘No’.

ACCURACY MAXIMISATION
While you will and should aim for cent per cent accuracy, unnecessary re-checking of answers to improve accuracy is not recommended. This will reduce your attempts and result in an overall lower score. If your accuracy is 70-85 per cent, you are OK.

EXCESSIVE FOCUS
Each of the two sections in CAT 2011 will include two areas: Section-I will include Quant and Data Interpretation, while Section-II will include Verbal and Logical Reasoning. Focusing too much on your favourite area in any of the sections may mean less time for the other area.

GETTING STUCK
Most students lose the battle when they spend too much time on one or more questions. This typically happens when you are strong in some subjects/chapters and you believe you should be able to solve almost every question from the same. It’s a good idea to have an exit time of 2.5-3 minutes for every question attempted.

NOT SCANNING THE PAPER
Scanning the paper will help you to know the paper structure and identify the easier questions.

NOT KEEPING BUFFER TIME
Keeping some buffer time towards the end can help you avoid problems related to time management. It can help you attempt some questions that you had left earlier and a few of them may turn out to be not difficult.

Keep your curiosity under control and do not discuss specific questions if you have taken CAT. It could put you behind bars.

The writer is Director, Triumphant Institute of Management Education, New Delhi. He is an alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad)