It’s again that time of the year when the ‘serious’  CAT aspirants would now be fully fuelled only to await the death of the feline on their D Day. Well, having introduced the 4-slot system, IIM Indore and TCS hopes to make test taking experience and the aftermath hassle / controversy free. It’s the first year for TCS to have taken up CAT when students are actually not satisfied when it came to form filling and allotment of the slots / centres, although TCS holds a good name in having conducted exams like TISS, Bank related exams [if only my data is correct :P] earlier. Well, fingers crossed !

Coming the theme for today, I wanted to jot down some pitfalls / mistakes that I feel a serious capable aspirant commits unknowingly – that only grows to form his/her frustration on a bad mock score.

When by now, most of us would have been sailing high on the scores, there are potential candidates struggling to rise. An observation on the test taking approaches would reveal that they are no less than those 200+ Scorers. And, they are;

1. Having to attempt 100 questions in 170 minutes has left little lesser time per question than before [based on last year’s pattern]. As such, a candidate will often be in a haste to attempt in order to maximize his / her score. And, a liable pitfall here is mis-reading the question..

The question might have asked just the opposite to what a candidate tends to compute. A sure trap by the IIMites. For example, you must have found yourself marking the ‘incorrect’ sentences when the question actually asked you to mark the ‘correct’ ones. Many times ? Huh !!

So, I would rather suggest stay calm first of all. Ensure you read each question properly to correctly interpret what actually has been asked for before you take the plunge.

2. A variation of the above can be mis-interpreting what the question asks for. Happens generally in Geometry questions where a candidate may fail to visualize the actual case. And, hence you either end up marking a wrong option or you are stuck. Don’t freak at this. Just keep calm, cross check the question once, try and then attempt.

3. A calculation intensive paper often falls under the category of a lengthy paper. And, each one of us is liable to commit a very silly calculation error in haste or what so ever. A byte of word here – Just be perfect in calculations. Don’t let it deter your scope. Be vigilant. Read the numbers, especially in Dis very carefully and answer.

4. Often, we tend to a good amount of useful time on calculations/uninvited thoughts etc. While dealing with the latter is very much individualistic, the former can be handled with little shrewdness. Be aware of Vedic Mathematics techniques of faster calculations. You should have practised them at the onset to be able to apply when needed. To add to this, you might not need to completely solve a question. A partial answer might serve your purpose. Just look through the options. They will guide you.

5. At times, one might not even calculate an answer as per tradition. Few tricks like observing the question and the likely options, one may have to chance to rule out certain options and mark the possible one.

6. How often has it been that you zeroed in on 2 very close options and ended up choosing the wrong one ? Lot many ? Well, this requires a little bit more of caution when you actually are so close to the answer.

7. Play on your strengths rather struggling with your weak areas.

8. Don’t let a question decide your fate if you are stuck. Just move on to others and give your best.

9. Decide for yourself a working strategy and work on what works the best for  you.

To end in a positive way.. Would like to wish every one.. All the best .. Just go for the kill !