Keep it simple. Don’t complicate your strategy. Basic ground rules are as follows: 85 minutes and 0 seconds for each section. Not a second here or there. You should read all 50 questions in 85 min.
There are 4 types of questions:
Those which you can read and solve verbally within 30 seconds
Those which you are sure that you can solve, but would need time to do
Those which you know how to start, but not sure if you would get the answer
Those which you are uncomfortable in approaching
Make sure maximum time is spent in doing questions of Type 1 and Type 2. In order to do this, you need to work on your selection skills, i.e., by reading a question, you are able to categorise it, before attempting it. Even if there is an iota of doubt in the question, it belongs to Type 3 and not Type 2. Only when all the questions of Type 1 and Type 2 are over, you would attempt a Type 3 question.
Please understand that majority of your time is wasted on Type 3 questions, and Type 1 and Type 2 questions are missed due to this. Time taken in attempting a Type 3 question can effectively solve at least 3 Type 1 or 2 Type 2 questions. This is extremely critical in getting a good CAT score.
Make sure you read all 50 questions in 85 min. This would need some skill building. Refer: “How to improve selection skills” below.
Don’t obsess over a type of question, whether it is LR or RC or VA.
You need to attempt sets you feel comfortable with.
In case of RC, read the first few lines and see if you feel comfortable with it. If yes, attempt it sincerely. Focus on getting it right, rather than doing it quickly. If your focus is only on understanding the RC, you will automatically do it fast also.
In case of LR, see if you can visualise a structure to solve the questions. If you can’t, then put it for later. Again, once you select a set, make sure you do it correctly. Don’t cut corners.
For grammar and vocabulary based questions, don’t take guesses. Either you know, or you don’t.
Make sure you are 100% confident about your answer before marking it. A lot of times, we just want to move ahead and take a risk in marking one out of the two options. Take an additional 30 seconds, but make sure you attempt only those you are sure of.
Self confidence is the key in CAT. Don’t second guess yourself. Just focus on the questions. Any drop in confidence during the exam can be detrimental. This is extremely important.
No matter how many questions go into Type 4 or Type 3 category, you should calmly keep on proceeding. 50 questions is a lot of questions and you would get questions worth solving.
You have to solve the maximum number of questions out of 50, not in the first 10.
You put maximum effort on the first 8-10 questions and your confidence and effort goes downhill there onwards. Fix this. Look at a question, think how you can solve it. If you see an answer mark it, or move ahead. Don’t fuss over it. If it has to come, it will come. If you attempt half the questions (correctly), you would get an invite from Ahmedabad. Take my word for it.
