Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the premier national level entrance exam for admission into the top business management programs in India [1]. Conducted annually by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), CAT is a prerequisite for admission into the postgraduate and fellow management programs of the twenty IIMs across India [2].
The CAT exam is a computer-based standardized test divided into three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions to be answered in 180 minutes [3]. The exam tests the verbal, quantitative, analytical and reasoning skills of the candidates.
The CAT score is used by IIMs and over 1000 other business schools across India as the primary shortlisting criteria for their management programs. Each IIM shortlists candidates for the next round based on their own cutoff criteria.
Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude tests the mathematical ability and accuracy of the candidates. It constitutes around 27-30 questions in CAT exam consisting of topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration and more. Some examples of Quantitative Aptitude questions asked in CAT exam are:
Arithmetic:
Q1. The HCF and LCM of two numbers are 9 and 360 respectively. If one number is 45, what is the other number?
A) 60 B) 75 C) 90 D) 15
Answer: C
Explanation: Let the two numbers be 45 and x. According to the question,
HCF (45, x) = 9
LCM (45, x) = 360
We know, HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers
So, 9 × 360 = 45x
x = 90
Algebra:
Q2. If x2 – 4x + k = 0 and x2 -7x + k = 0 have a common root, then k equals:
A) 3 B) 4 C) 6 D) 2
Answer: B
Explanation: Let the common root be ‘a’. Then, substituting this in both the equations,
a2 – 4a + k = 0
a2 – 7a + k = 0
⇒ a(a – 4) + k = 0
and a(a – 7) + k = 0
⇒ k = 4
Geometry & Mensuration:
Q3. The diagonals of a quadrilateral ABCD intersect each other at the point O such that AO = 4 cm, BO = 3 cm and OD = 5 cm. If the area of quadrilateral ABCD is 36 sq cm, then what is the length of OB?
A) 12 cm B) 6 cm C) 5 cm D) 4 cm
Answer: A
Explanation:
Let us draw the given figure.
In quadrilateral ABCD,
Diagonals AC and BD intersect at O.
We know that the area of quadrilateral = (AC x BD)/2
Here, AC = BO + OD = 3 + 5 = 8 cm
Area of quadrilateral (ABCD) = 36 cm2
∴(AC x BD)/2 = 36
(8 x BD)/2 = 36
BD = 12 cm
And OB = BO = 3 cm
So, length of OB = 12 cm
Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation (DI) is one of the most crucial sections of CAT exam. This section tests the ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various forms like charts, graphs, tables etc. Candidates need to read and comprehend the data accurately and solve questions based on their understanding.
Some key things to remember about DI in CAT:
- Charts/graphs can be based on various topics like business, economics, social issues etc.
- Tables can contain data related to finance, sports, demographics etc.
- Questions will test analysis, inference and critical thinking abilities.
- Accuracy and speed are critical as there is negative marking.
Many experts advise attempting at least 15-20 DI sets from different topics before the exam. Solving previous years’ CAT papers is very useful for practice. One can also find section-wise DI questions with solutions online for free practice.CAT Data Interpretation Questions with Solutions for Practice
Some of the common types of charts/graphs that may appear in CAT DI are line graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, caselets, combination charts etc. Practice interpreting data presented in different formats. Don’t get stuck on complex charts, move to other sets and come back if time permits.
Analyzing data trends, ratios, percentages and making quick calculations are crucial skills. Work on your accuracy. Learn useful tips and shortcuts. With regular practice, you can master Data Interpretation for CAT exam.
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning forms an important component of the CAT exam and tests the analytical thinking skills of the test takers. This section usually consists of around 22-24 questions carrying a weightage of 16-20 marks. The major logical reasoning topics covered in CAT include syllogisms, logical deductions, assumptions, sequential output analysis, course of action, cause and effect, statements and conclusions, etc.
Syllogisms form an integral part of the logical reasoning section. Syllogisms provide statements/premises that lead to a definite conclusion. The candidates need to identify whether the conclusion logically follows from the given statements or not. For example,
All professors are intelligent.
Some intelligent people are creative.
Conclusion: Some creative people are professors.
In this syllogism, the conclusion does not logically follow from the given statements. Candidates need to analyze such syllogisms and identify the logically consistent conclusions.
Questions based on logical deductions evaluate the analytical skills of the test takers. Logical deductions involve deriving conclusions from the facts, rules, trends or conditions provided in the question stem. The candidates are required to carefully understand the given information and deduce the most appropriate outcome. For example,
If A > B; B > C; C > D; then which of the following must be true?
A) A > C
B) A > D
C) B > D
The correct deduction here is A > D.
Identifying assumptions is another important logical reasoning skill tested in CAT. These questions describe a situation and provide a statement/conclusion based on that situation. The candidates need to identify the assumption implicit in the statement which makes it logically consistent. Any unstated premise necessary to validate the conclusion is the assumption. For example,
Raju is carrying an umbrella. Conclusion: It is raining.
The assumption here is that people carry umbrellas only when it rains.
Verbal Ability
Verbal Ability is an important section in CAT that tests a candidate’s comprehension skills, vocabulary and ability to sequence information logically. It comprises three major components – Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles and Verbal Reasoning.
Reading Comprehension passages in CAT usually range from 200 to 450 words and can be from a variety of topics. Candidates need to read the passage carefully and answer questions that test their understanding of the central theme and flow of ideas. Some common RC question types include inference based questions, vocabulary based questions, main idea/tonality questions etc. Practice reading from diverse topics like arts, science, humanities etc. to build reading stamina (Source: CAT Verbal Ability Questions and Answers for Practice).
Para Jumbles test the ability to logically sequence sentences of a paragraph. Candidates must comprehend the overall theme and flow of ideas to arrange the sentences coherently. It evaluates how well a person can construct linkages between disparate ideas and pieces of information. Mind mapping techniques can be helpful in sequencing paragraphs correctly.
Verbal Reasoning questions evaluate one’s verbal logic and critical thinking abilities. Question types include – assumptions, conclusions, courses of action, strengthening/weakening arguments etc. Regular practice of verbal reasoning questions builds one’s logical thinking and helps avoid errors due to cognitive gaps.
Aspirants can build their vocabulary, reading skills and logical reasoning abilities through sustained practice. Solving previous year CAT papers, mock tests and question banks will help identify weak areas for improvement (Source: CAT Verbal Ability | Syllabus | Questions | Preparation tips). Performing well in Verbal Ability requires regular reading and avoiding guesswork for vocabulary based questions.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests your verbal ability and reading comprehension skills. It consists of passages followed by questions based on those passages. The passages can be from a variety of topics and range from factual to abstract. You need to read and comprehend these passages thoroughly to answer the questions correctly.
The main focus of this section is on your ability to infer information from the passages and apply logic to arrive at the right answer. The questions test your skills in:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Analytical reasoning
- Logical connections
- Conclusions based on context
Some strategies to prepare for this section are:
- Read editorials, news articles, scientific journals etc. regularly to improve reading speed and comprehension
- Strengthen your vocabulary by learning new words everyday
- Practice reading short and long passages followed by questions in mock tests
- Learn to quickly identify important information in passages
- Improve analytical thinking and logic through puzzles and brain teasers
With regular practice, you can master the intricacies of this section and tackle inference based questions confidently.
Decision Making
The Decision Making section in CAT exam tests a candidate’s ability to make rational decisions and judgments based on given facts, inferences, assumptions, and interpretations. Usually 5-6 questions are asked from this topic. The questions are based on real-life scenarios and situations that evaluate how logically and rationally a candidate approaches decision making.
Some key facts to remember about Decision Making in CAT exam:
- Focus is on how rationally you interpret a situation and make decisions based on available information
- Questions do not have definitive right or wrong answers. They test your logical reasoning skills.
- You need to analyze the facts, constraints, assumptions and implications to decide best course of action.
- Decision making questions have no direct formula or theory. Logical interpretation and critical thinking are required.
- Some common question types are – which is the most logical inference, which option addresses the main issue, which is the best course of action etc.
To answer Decision Making questions correctly, adopt the following approach:
- Read the situation described thoroughly and make relevant notes
- Identify the main issue or decision to be made based on the facts
- Note down all the constraints and assumptions inherent in the situation
- Analyze the implications of each option logically
- Choose the most optimal decision backed by sound logic and reasoning
Practicing a variety of decision making questions and mock tests is the best way to prepare for this section. Stay calm, use common sense and avoid emotions or biases when attempting these real-life based questions.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning questions test a candidate’s ability to think logically about abstract shapes and patterns. These questions assess skills such as:
- Pattern recognition
- Image analysis
- Ability to interpret and extract meaning from visual information
Some examples of non-verbal reasoning question types include:
- Finding the missing piece of a pattern
- Identifying relationships between shapes based on their positions
- Determining which 3D shape would result from folding a 2D net
- Choosing which shape completes a sequence or series
Non-verbal reasoning requires strong analytical and logical thinking abilities. Candidates have to decipher visual clues and recognize patterns quickly to solve these questions within the allotted time. This section tests both innate spatial abilities as well as how well a candidate has prepared through practice with sample questions. Performance on non-verbal reasoning questions is a strong indicator of general intelligence.
Sources:
THE BEST CAT4 Non-Verbal Reasoning test practice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mosaic.fit/cat4-non-verbal-reasoning-test-practice/
Previous Year Trends
The CAT exam pattern and structure has undergone some key changes over the past 5 years. Some of the major trends observed are:
In 2018, CAT exam duration was increased from 170 minutes to 180 minutes. There were 3 sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
In 2019, the number of questions was reduced from 100 to 76. VARC section had 24 questions, DILR had 32 questions and QA had 20 questions. The exam duration remained 180 minutes.
In 2020, there were 3 sessions of CAT exam conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The pattern was same as 2019 – 76 total questions divided into 3 sections.
In 2021, CAT followed the same structure as 2020 with 76 total questions and 180 minutes duration. However, the difficulty level was higher compared to previous years.
Last year in 2022, the CAT exam pattern was unchanged from 2021. But the paper was slightly easier than 2021 across all sections.
Over the years, the weightage for VARC has reduced while weightage for QA and DILR has increased in CAT exam. VARC contributed nearly 50% questions in CAT 2018 but was reduced to around 30% in 2022.
Sources:
https://byjus.com/free-cat-prep/cat-exam-analysis/
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-past-5-years-analysis-and-trends
Preparation Tips
Preparing for the CAT exam requires dedication and strategic planning. Here are some key tips for effective CAT preparation:
Focus on Important Topics: Not all topics carry equal weightage in CAT. Concentrate more on the high-scoring areas like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. Have clarity on the CAT exam syllabus and pattern.
Take Regular Mock Tests: Taking mock tests will help you get familiar with the actual exam format and difficulty level. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas. With regular practice, you can improve speed and accuracy.
Manage Time Efficiently: CAT exam has sectional time limits, so time management is crucial. While practicing, try to finish sections within the stipulated time. This will help you avoid negative marking by attempting only those questions you are confident about.
A few other tips include studying from quality books and online material, taking breaks to avoid burnout, staying motivated through the preparation journey, and not neglecting your health and fitness.