Data Interpretation in CAT 2014

For the last 5 years or so, CAT papers are analyzed with a clear trend that DI section of CAT has been devised into different eight sub-groups viz. Average and Percentage, Calculation, Counting, Creating multiple scenarios, Plugging missing data, Diagram, Networks / Paths and Reasoning.

You need to understand each sub-group in different way so that you can answer properly and these groups will be spread from easy to difficult sets but you need to attempt all in DI. It would be better and it is very important to prioritize each group while not spending much time on each set.

DI questions are typically in a data driven format of Tables, Pie-charts, Line-graphs and non-conventional data representation format.

It is important to prove the calculation skills and speed because Data interpretation (DI) is very calculation intensive. Experts suggest to learn short cuts for fast calculation.

Get on to preparation for DI with mock tests of previous CAT and be successful in CAT 2014 !

CAT is not that tough!

MBA aspirants who have planned to crack   forthcoming CAT 2013 which is being conducted from 16^th October to 11^th November perceive that exam is the toughest.

Indeed it is tough but this can be negotiated with meticulous execution of preparation plan.  

CAT will be testing your analytical skills with sections of DI/QA and VA/LR. Clearing fundamentals of these sections will lead you to success. Previous year aspirants are of the view that NCERT books will suffice for having conceptual clarity on sections.

CAT exam trends do have some value but with limitations as with CAT, IIMs are supposedly looking forward to bright candidates who may fit in with corporate in future.

CAT is not tough if regular analysis of weaknesses is being done with the help of Mock tests. 

 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

Execution is more important than planning

Planning is okay but it is execution of planning that is really vital because while executing, you might notice flaws of planning which remains theory till executed. 

MBA aspirants who plan for taking multiple entrance exams need more of execution in form of practicing with mock tests. 

Further, it is analysis of exam preparation that forces you to change strategy to succeed. If coming CAT 2013 is likely to test you more analytically then you need to prepare more on QA and DI.

Experts say that it is execution mode that strategizes planning also many a times and not vice versa hence, whatever plan is on table, it is execution only, that will get you success! 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT Background and Sections

The difference between the paper and pencil test and the online test is that now the tests are conducted online otherwise, almost everything remains the same. Candidates are provided with sheets for rough calculations. 

The right answer is clicked using the mouse. Candidates can also scroll the entire paper and start from wherever they want.

Likewise they can also change their answers. But all these has to be completed within stipulated time as there will be an on-screen countdown timer for each section. Once the time ends for the first section, candidates will move on to the second without having the option of being able to come back.
Thus, time management will have an inevitable part to play in CAT 2013.

There will be only 2 Sections in CAT 2013

• Quantitative ability and Data interpretation (QA & DI)
• Verbal ability and Logical reasoning (VA & LR) 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

Why LR section in CAT 2013 ?

Logical thinking is the process in which one uses reasoning consistently to come to a conclusion. Problems or situations that involve logical thinking call for structure, for relationships between facts, and for chains of reasoning.

Logical reasoning is very important in practical life for a making a conclusion or even a decision and hence it is a very important part for any MBA aspirant to prove his mettle at.

In CAT Logical Reasoning Questions appear in the form of a paragraph given followed up with some specific questions that can be derived from that paragraph by logically thinking. Recently CAT  papers had no separate section on LR and it is combined with the Verbal Ability section.

Most of the students think they are good at Vocabulary and RCs but when it comes to LR they seem to get low on confidence. But it should not be the case.

Try making yourself good at LRs as they along with DIs help in making easy scoring. Out of the regular 3 LRs that come in any CAT paper (it depends), one should try doing 2 of the easy ones as that will help in making up the sectional cut-off.

A variety of questions come on if-then approach. So you need to get yourself clear with the given paragraph first before moving on to the questions. When practicing logic with reasoning making a chart or drawing a picture are good strategies.

 

Author:  MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

Serious CAT aspirants are focused

Let’s assume that all CAT aspirants are aspiring to crack CAT 2013 but hard reality is that small to medium percentage is focused on exam. Others either follow peer pressure or herd mentality to take exam. 

Preparation for CAT is an annual process which must be supplemented with clear understanding of fundamentals. Speed & time are also crucial factors which will have to be practiced. 

The more basics are clear on concept of DI & QA it will not be that difficult to grasp the section. Likewise vocabulary and grammar has to be at best to clear VA & LR section.  These efforts must be backed up with practice of Mock Tests.

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM