A Non-Engineer's Guide to the Quantitative Ability Section of the CAT Exam
Are you a
non-engineer who is looking to take the CAT Exam? If so, you may be feeling a
little intimidated by the quantitative ability section. Don't worry – you're
not alone! This section of the exam can be challenging for anyone, regardless
of their educational background. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips
that can help you prepare for and ace the quantitative ability section of the
CAT Exam.2.
The Stereotype: -
There is a
common misconception in the aspirants that CAT exam is cake walk for engineers
because of the presence of the Quantitative Ability (QA) section in the CAT
exam syllabus. The high weightage of Logical Reasoning & Data
Interpretation (LRDI) and QA in the test further solidifies this myth. But with
proper practice and diversified academic background even non-engineers can
score a rocketing percentile and realise their dream of studying in a top
b-school. Below are few ways through which non-engineers can compete with their
engineer counterparts: -
1. Equal
Attention to Each Section: -
There
are three sections in CAT namely, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
(VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative
Ability (QA). Engineers may have an edge over other aspirants in the QA and LRDI
section but that doesn’t mean that non-Engineers are at a disadvantage in these
sections. With an extra dedicated efforts towards these sections non- Engineers
can be at par with engineers. Because the syllabus of the sections pertains to
the 10th class level which everyone has studied. Engineers are at
advantage because they have studied advanced mathematical concepts and
therefore this syllabus is a child’s play for them. Moreover, aspirants need
not to forget that all the sections are important thus they should divide their
time judiciously to each & every section. Also, there is a sectional
cut-off which needs to be cleared in order to get a call from an IIM.
2. Practice,
Practice & Practice: -
For
Quants it is important that we are well versed with the syllabus and have a
good hold over the same with ample amount of practice. One can give sectional
test, topic test and full-length mock tests on a regular basis along with practicing
the textbook questions. The two main pillars to sail through this section are
speed and accuracy and these will come only after a good amount of practice.
The
major issue that we all face, even if we memorize all the shortcuts is that in
the exam pressure, we end up using the traditional (and lengthier) way. Try to
follow a routine, every time you pick a new chapter also pick an old one to
revise. Give sectional tests that have a good mix of questions from different
chapters, which will help you evaluate the part where you mostly get stuck. Many
aspirants tend to run after study material from multiple coaching institutes.
They need to realize that CAT is not a syllabus specific exam, covering
multiple materials will not guarantee that you will be able to solve a question
in the exam that you may have done before. It is rather suggested to repeat the
same material and focus on core concepts. However, mocks tests from different
institutes are recommended.
3. Extra
Attention to Important Chapters: -
There
are some topics which appear more frequently than others in the CAT Exam. For
Example, Arithmetic has more weightage than Logarithm since 2015 and hence an
aspirant should dedicate more time to that chapter. The chapters in the QA
section of CAT can be grouped into - Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System and
Geometry. Arithmetic has the highest weight and demands a good amount of time. Algebra
demands the least amount of time and is very scoring. The majority of questions
from Algebra can be attempted using the hit and trial method.
Number System and Geometry are very lengthy topics and need very detailed
study. You may consider skipping one of these chapters (this is just my
personal opinion). One tip for the QA section is a proper analysis of mock
tests. You must try to note down the tricky questions you come across during
the mocks. By the end, you will have a set of the best questions from all your
mock tests.
4. Strategize
for the ‘D-Day’: -
You
should come up with your own strategy to attempt the paper. Each individual has
different method of approaching the paper and sometimes that approach creates
the difference between success and failure. There are basically two strategies,
one is to catch hold of the low hanging fruits and first solve the questions
which are easy or you are comfortable solving and then in the second round go
for challenging questions. Another strategy is to solve each and every question
of the exam, of course keeping in mind the time limit. So, your personal
strategy will develop only if you give more and more full-length mocks, sectional
mocks and topic tests. You should also make use of
features such as "Mark for Review" and "Question Paper
View" during your mocks as well as in the final CAT attempt.
So, these
are the few tips through which non-Engineers can boost up their CAT Prep and
perform at par with engineers even in the sections which is their forte. Keep
preparing with a positive mindset.
All the
Best!