'CAT 2011 was easier than expected'

Nervy Start

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 CET workshops in Mumbai and Pune.

The difficulty level of the Verbal section hasn't increased this year.

The questions were a perfect mix of all topics, so if you have solved the last five year's papers, it will definitely help you understand the type of questions that will appear in this section. There are no surprises again.

Unlike what most of us had expected, there were very few questions that had multiple or near-accurate options.

Reading Comprehension saw a typical mix of science, philosophy, politics and culture. It had four sets with a total of 12 questions. Those who attempted CAT 2010 will find this year's paper to be comparatively easier.

I expected a lot more challenging questions in the Logical reasoning section but was surprised to see easy sets most of which were direct questions, which made things easier for test takers.

My advice to solve this section would be that aspirants must practice the easy puzzles given in your study material and avoid the difficult problems in your mock papers.

My attempt in verbal section were 27/30.

My verdict

Verbal Ability: Easy, towards moderate!

Logical Reasoning: Easy. Very easy

What you should attempt in Section 2

Ideal attempt: 20 to 22 with good accuracy

For IIMs: 16 plus questions with right responses

Few IIMs and Top 10 colleges: 13+ questions right

Top 25 colleges: 10+ questions right

Last minute advice

Collect all the difficult mock papers and throw them out of the window. This year's CAT is much easier than that.

You must revise all basic concepts. There will be 10 plus questions directly or indirectly based on formulae.

Solve actual CAT papers from 2001 to 2008.

Reader invite:

So, how was your first day of CAT? Were you nervous? Did you reach on time? Did you face any problems at the test centre? Did you manage to crack all the questions? Share your CAT experience with us. Write in to getahead@rediff.co.in with the subject line 'My CAT Experience' along with your picture. We will publish the best entries in rediff.com. Keep watching this space for updates.