Time management strategy for CAT 2015
CAT 2015 examination
format is a mixed bag of expectations for most of the candidates. On one hand
the exam-takers are free from the headache of time management between the sections
while on the other hand, the flexibility of hiding behind DI in Quant and LR in
Verbal is lost. Hence, the verdict is that one needs to do well in all areas to
get a good CAT score.
In the season
of Mock CATs, multiple aspirants struggle with the problem of low attempts in
QA as well as VA in spite of their good knowledge backup. The problem lies in
the selection criteria of questions by most of the students. Many students do
not choose the right questions and remain stuck up attempting difficult ones
that not only consumes a lot of time but also ends up with negative marks.
However, during mock analysis or going through the solutions they discover that
they haven’t attempted many sitters and easy questions.
The
total duration of the exam is 180 minutes with exact 60 minutes to answer each
section. The total number of questions is 100, divided into three sections. The
three sections are Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation &
Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC), in that
order. Candidates will not be allowed to switch from one section to another
while answering questions in a section.
The
key is in not spending time, but in investing it. A quote which aptly expresses
importance of time management for CAT 2015. CAT notifications were out with
major changes in format of exam, one of them being re-introduction of sectional
limit of 60 minutes. With this change, aspirants now have to focus on
developing a strong sectional time management strategy.
So, here we
bring to you some simple rules and strategies one can follow and take care of
to increase his/her chances in securing high percentile in CAT 2015:
·
Start with areas of your
comfort
The thumb rule of attempting any exam is to start with the
comfortable questions as it is expected to be less time consuming. This is the
best time management strategy to follow as it lets you not to get stuck with
one question and waste time answering that.
·
Don’t get stuck at one
point
It is advisable not to get stuck at one point in the
examination. Do not stay on one question for more than 4-5 minutes. If you
think that you are stuck at one question, leave it, mark it for review and move
on to attempt another question in the exam.
·
Keep buffer time to revisit
the marked questions
Revision as always is very important for ensuring good
percentile. Revise the test after completion of the exam to ensure that you are
not leaving any simple questions. For the revision of each section, allot sufficient
time at the end. Many CAT takers who have excelled the exam in past mention
this strategy as very much profitable in terms of fetching marks.
·
Usage of calculator
Coaching institutes teach multiple short-cuts and students
invest most of the time learning the same. Online Calculator will give you the
advantage of saving substantial amount of time in Quant and DI questions; so
refrain from using shortcuts. This will also help you to refocus on the
questions and apply the correct concepts without worrying about calculations.
·
Monitor Time
It is likely that sectional percentiles will be the game
changer this year. So try and ensure
that you do not ignore one section completely. Take a 2-3 minutes break every
hour - close your eyes, breathe deeply and try not to think much. Restart with
a refreshed mind. Look at the CAT as a series of three 1-hour tests, one after
the other, wherein you need to maximize scores in each of the section.
