We invited readers to share their CAT experiences. Here, author Rav Gandhi from
Mumbai shares his experience of writing the CAT on the first day and tells us why
he found the paper to be relatively easier than last year. Read on.
As usual, I was late for my CAT exam on October 22. Although
I was pretty chilled out initially, when I reached the centre, I found that most
of the students looked tensed and flushed out. So naturally, even I felt
the tension building up inside me. I noted that the waiting period before the exam
was taking its toll on most of the people. So my first advice to test takers will
be that you must chill and relax before the exam. You can have a coffee, tea or
a fruit juice before getting into the room. Personally, I don't think that reading
books or last minute study will help reduce your anxiety. So, ideally, avoid the
last minute cramming.
Section 1: QA-DI
I wanted to start with Quantitative Analysis/Data Interpretation section and fortunately
got just that. The Quant section had no surprises per se. If you have revised your
study material well, you should face no trouble here. Besides, I would say, brush
up the formulae for Equations and topics like Geometry - solving problems in areas
and volumes will definitely help. The questions were largely logic based and did
not demand not a direct application of formula. If your concepts are clear, you
will sail through this section easily. Of the 30 problems, approximately 9 were
based on calculations but they were Data Interpretation questions. Also, DI was
easier than last year but some of the calculation-related problems were intensive
with an equal mix of Bar, Table and statement-based questions. My attempts in Quant/DI
section were 25/30.
What you should aim for in Section 1
Ideal attempt: 18 to 20 questions with good accuracy.
For leading IIMs: 15+ questions with correct responses.
Few IIMs and Top 10 b-schools: 12 plus questions right.
Top 25 colleges: 10 plus questions right.
Verdict for Section I:
Quantitative Analysis: Moderate, but tricky! Data Interpretation: Easy but required
intensive calculations.
The author is an alumnus of Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management. He is a serial
topper in CAT and claims to have scored a consistent 99.7 percentile plus in CAT.
Currently Rav conducts
CAT,
SNAP,
NMAT and
MBA CET workshops in Mumbai and Pune.
Courtesy: rediff.com
