CAT 2017 approaching fast and this is the time when most of the CAT aspirants start analysing their preparation to combat the challenge. To prepare well for the exam one needs to focus on important topics.
Although there is no specific CAT syllabus to prepare for, aspirants must know the important topics to prepare for. This article will guide students to know about CAT Important topics for preparations, under each of the sections.
As per the CAT exam pattern, there are three sections-
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA),
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and
- Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC).
Each section of the test has a few important topics which a student must cover.
Let us have a look at section wise topics of CAT.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Quant is the key area and having a good hold over this section will help the aspirants crack CAT. Mathematics is full of logical ideas; syncing perfectly with the QA section of CAT, mathematical questions are based on logics and theories. Solving QA section can be quite challenging for test takers as the difficulty level of this section, based on past years trend, has been of difficult to moderate level.
Students, especially from non-engineering backgrounds, who are not too comfortable in QA, must focus in this section to improve their sectional scores, which will impact their overall CAT percentile.
Some of the topics that the aspirants must focus under this section, and which are expected in the test, are:
- Algebra and Number theory
- Arithmetic
- Geometry and coordinate geometry
- Permutation & Combination/Probability
- Set Theory
- Mensuration and Trigonometry
- Logarithms
Preparation Tips:
There is absolutely no need to pick up textbooks to crack Quant in the computer-based CAT. Because Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in the CAT draws upon theory learnt in school up to Class XII, so it is theory that every one of us has learnt at some point of time or the other.
The most important part of preparation for QA CAT is practice tests. I would recommend taking every mock test as seriously as the real CAT. Time yourself for every test that you take and have a target time in which you have to finish the test.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
CAT assesses the aptitude of logical thinking aptitude of the candidates, and the Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) section of the test are closest in resemblance to the kind of problems one might face as a manager. This section tests your decision-making ability and speed using limited input. DI & LR, all types of questions should be bread and butter for you before the exam. This is the section which makes the difference between a mediocre and a good percentile. As there is a sectional limit to attempt one section, not focusing on time will only hamper your preparation.
DI has generally 4 different types of graphs that can be asked in the paper :
- Pie Charts
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Tables
Although topics on Logical Reasoning cannot be restricted nor there is any limitation to what should and what shouldn’t appear in LR section of CAT, following topics, if prepared well, will lead an aspirant to a well-placed position. You need to develop your skills in Logical Reasoning section to get a good percentile.
You may face questions based on other topics which have never been asked so far. But following are the favourite topics in CAT, prepare them well:
- Seating Arrangements
- Matching puzzles
- Investment based puzzles
- Constraint based arrangements
- Blood Relations – family tree
- Syllogism
- Statements and Assumptions
- Sets
- Venn Diagrams
- Clocks and calendars
Preparation Tips:
The more you practice the questions from DI & LR, better will you perform. The DI questions for CAT are known for being calculation intensive. After you are done with your daily preparation, take out time for some brainstorming sessions, like solving crossword puzzles, Sudoku, riddles on blood relations, family tree etc.
- Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC)
This section is divided into two parts, Reading Comprehension and English Usage. The Reading Comprehension area carries around five passages followed by three to five questions from each passage. The English Usage area includes questions on grammar, vocabulary etc.
Following are the topics of English Usage to prepare for CAT.
- Fact Inference Judgment
- Fill in the blanks
- Vocab based questions
- Grammar
- Para Completion
- Para Jumble
- Sentence Correction
- Verbal Reasoning
Preparation Tips:
The CAT Verbal Section is all about testing Reading Ability. Fully one third of the Section is Reading Comprehension, with a total of 16 questions on this pattern alone.
Reading is the only way to improve verbal ability area. Make it a habit of reading and make a note of all the new words you have read every day.
All The Best!!!
