How can I prepare for the CAT? From where should I start the preparation? What should be the approach? And what would be the strategy for different sections? These are the most common questions a candidate usually encounters while preparing for the CAT exam. But apart from these basic questions, one more question they experience when they start preparing is how to prepare for quantitative aptitude for CAT.
Candidates ask this question because of the technicality of this section. CAT quant preparation involves calculations and formulas to solve the different questions in this section. Generally, QA is considered the most challenging section to tackle, and even the toppers find it challenging to maintain accuracy. The negative marking for the examination makes it even more rigorous.
You can see the results of CAT-qualified candidates and see that the highest-scoring section is VARC, but the lowest-scoring is the QA. If you are not from a technical or, in simple words, from a mathematical background, then you might find this particular section a bit time and energy-draining. But is it valid or worth the misconception about the QA section that you cannot score well in this section because there are toppers and masters of this section that you can find in every year’s result?
If your approach and strategy are correct, you can also perform well in the examination and get the desired percentile to get your dream college. Today with this article, we will discuss some essential points to consider to achieve high accuracy in Quantitative Aptitude for CAT.
Topics covered in Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
| Topics | Chapters | Number of Expected Questions in CAT |
| Arithmetic | Numbers, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership | 13 to 15 |
| Algebra | Number System, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Mixtures, Averages, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Partnership. | 6 to 8 |
| Advance Mathematics | Permutations and Combination, Set Theory, Probability, Progression and Series | 4 to 6 |
| Geometry | Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Basic Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry | 6 to 9 |
Top tips to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
Work on Basics You cannot neglect the importance of a strong base. You have to make a strong base if you want to make a rigid building on it. Similarly, if you are looking to master the QA sections for the CAT exam, you have to spend adequate time on the basics to ensure the smooth formation of solid knowledge. It becomes necessary for you to make a base first then devote your energy to solving the questions.
Math is one of those subjects that cannot be mastered overnight due to various theorems and formulas. If you have a problem solving the math questions, you should start learning from the first sequence because math is systematic and logical. Mastery over maths can be gained quickly if the base is solid and all the concepts are cleared, and if you have the patience, you can achieve the same in the CAT exam as well.
The one-step formula
Our parents taught us to climb one step at a time from our childhood days, but because of our human nature, we always want to achieve the maximum heights without starting from the base. The exact process can be applied to your CAT QA preparation because if you work step-by-step on solving the concepts of QA, you build familiarity with the section and achieve good marks.
Make use of your strengths
Being weak in mathematics or any other conceptual subject doesn’t mean that you don’t know the subject at all. You probably are not good at calculations, but you may be great at conceptualizing things which is a superior strength in its way. If you also have a similar strength of any type in reading, writing, or solving anything, then make use of it. This will eventually help you to overcome your weaknesses. There are indeed some topics or specific sections where you can excel and balance the lost marks.
The S&F techniques
The S&F is the most valuable and authentic technique to attempt any logical and time-consuming questions for any competitive exams. If you are preparing for exams like CAT, XAT, MAT, or GMAT, then there are chances that you find logical or arithmetics questions. These questions are designed to test your problem-solving ability because after completing your master’s degree, you will work on a senior managerial rank, and it’ll become necessary to have a correct calculation-friendly mindset.
The S&F technique stands for Shortcut and Formula technique. Yes, it is that simple. Every calculative question has a shortcut or defined formula to solve the problems. Similarly, if you apply the same strategy for the CAT Quant preparation, you will save your time and marks in the examination. These shortcuts are designed to increase your problem-solving speed and accuracy multiple times. Focus and learn them to reap benefits from it.
Focus on accuracy and avoid guessing
Students and aspirants of competitive exams have a terrible habit of guessing all the time. Whenever they are stuck in a situation where they cannot choose a correct answer or are not confident about the accuracy, they start guessing the solution, which harms them with a -1 mark. Instead of guessing, you should rather focus on eliminating the options. This not only improves your accuracy but also rewards you with a +1 mark.
How can you do this? Simple, read and understand the question patiently and spend adequate time analyzing the useful shortcuts and formulas for it. While doing this, always remember that time management is vital in these types of questions. If you waste too much time calculating and solving uncertain questions, you will run out of time and lose precious marks.
Mandatory Mocks
After completing the syllabus and topics, now it’s time to analyze what you have learned. To do this, mocks come into action. If you are disciplined and honest while performing the mocks, you will see a significant change in your performance. Mocks are designed keeping the latest syllabus and education trends in mind. The difficulty level also changes with every new mock so that you won’t build resistance or familiarity with the questions and pattern. With immense benefits and matchless efficiency, the mocks are the perfect choice during your preparation journey.
Practise is the king
Practice, Revise, and Repeat will be your key to success. You must re-read what you have learned and gained. If you devote 20% of your time to revision and practising, you will also increase your selection rate to more than 50%. Make a daily habit of revision and practising. Revision and practice polish your skills and increase your effectiveness over time.
Remember these points and follow them to master the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. Use mnemonics, don’t stick to a single question for more than 1 or max 2 minutes, memorize the formula, keep a short notebook handy while preparing and make use of tables and charts to remember things and make them flow smoothly.
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