How to attack CAT 2011(CBT)

CAT is a test that not only checks your basic quantitative and verbal skills, but also your ability to select easier questions, plan and manage your time.

As the Indian Institutes of Management have adopted the CBT (computer-based test) mode for the Common Admission Test, the aspirants must get used to the format. The aspirants have to read and solve questions on the computer screen instead of paper and have to practice a large number of computer-based mock CATs. One need not get tensed about CBT as it will be similar to the paper-based one, where you can scan through questions and sections, review questions already seen and can come back to a difficult question. The CAT 2011 will have only two sections instead of three. The first section will focus on Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation; the second on Verbal Ability & Logical Reasoning. These two sections will be implemented sequentially with separate time limits. The examination will be 140 minutes. Candidates will have 70 minutes to answer 30 questions within each section which will have an on-screen countdown timer. Once the time ends for the first section, they will move to the second and will no longer be able to go back. The success of a candidate in CAT mainly depends on the following criteria Self assessment of strong and weak sections in quantitative, verbal ability and logical & data interpretation Focused Preparation Taking a large number of computer-based mock CATs The number of questions attempted Accuracy Attempting well prepared questions first Concentrating on basics and concepts Preparation Strategy Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability You should focus on strengthening your skills by reading a wide range of non-fiction topics like rural development, space research etc in the e-book, e-paper or internet blog forms to help you do well in the online format. Quantitative Ability: Focusing on basic principles can fetch you good marks from this section. Strategic preparation by dividing the topics will be more useful. Don’t try for instant answers; instead practice questions using basic formulae to get answers. Logical Reasoning: This section requires no basic formulae. You should focus on understanding and analyzing the given statements carefully. One has to analyze the given statements in all the possible ways. Concentration plays a vital role in this section. Do not set any minimum number of questions to be attempted as your target. Going by the past few years’ CAT papers, ambiguity and close options are likely, so proceed with caution while attempting the verbal section. Reference Books: Grammar - Wren and Martin Quantitative Ability - Trishna Publications Vocabulary - Norman Exam Dates: October 22 to November 18, 2011 Last date for Registration: September 28, 2011 Website: http://www.catiim.in/