Parul University MBA Admissions 2025
Registrations Deadline- 05th July | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
Mastering escalator problems, Venn diagram puzzles, and participle questions can significantly boost your CAT preparation and overall score. On Day 34 of the Careers360 60-day guide, we focus on important Time, Speed, and Distance questions from the Quantitative Aptitude section, complex logical reasoning through Venn diagrams in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and essential participle questions in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. In this article, we will discuss topics that help sharpen your problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and accuracy, all crucial for cracking the CAT 2025 successfully.
Preparing for CAT 2024 in 60 days requires a focused and strategic approach. With disciplined study, regular practice, and smart revision, you can strengthen key concepts, improve speed, and boost accuracy.
Part-1: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam
Important Concept/Formula Used in Time, Speed and Distance escalator problems
Time speed distance escalator problems:
Moving ‘with’ the escalator means one has to climb fewer steps on one’s own. (Similar to downstream)
Moving ‘against’ the escalator means one has to climb more steps on one’s own. (Similar to upstream)
Types of Escalator based problems:
Length-related questions
Time-related questions
Steps-related questions
Speed-related questions
Registrations Deadline- 05th July | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
Highest CTC: Rs 18.33 LPA | Average CTC: Rs 7.39 LPA | Experiential Learning | Classes by Industry Professionals | Alumni Mentorship Program
CAT Exam:
Previous Year CAT Questions On Time, Speed and Distance (Escalator):
Q1. Rakesh takes 45 seconds on an escalator which is moving down when he walks down but takes 35 seconds when he runs down. He takes 25 steps when he walks whereas he takes 35 steps when he is running. What is the total number of steps in the escalator? [TITA, Based on CAT]
Common escalator problems and solutions:
Let the speed of the escalator be ‘x’ steps per second.
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick: The distance covered in going down in both cases should be the same.
Distance covered when he is walking = 25 + 45x (45x is covered by escalator)
Distance covered when he is running = 35 + 35x (35x is covered by escalator)
=> 25 + 45x = 35 + 35x
=> x = 1
Total number of steps = 25 + 45(1) = 70 steps
Time speed distance escalator problems
Q2. Amit and Sumit are climbing on a moving escalator that is going up. Amit takes 40 steps to reach the top whereas Sumit takes 45 steps for the same. Sumit takes 5 steps whereas Amit can take only 4 steps in one second. What is the total number of steps in the escalator? [TITA, Based on CAT]
Common escalator problems and solutions:
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick 1: First find the time taken by both to reach the top
For Amit, t = 45/5 = 9 seconds
For Sumit, t = 40/4 = 10 seconds
Let the escalator move with a speed of x steps per second.
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick 2: The distance covered in going down in both cases should be the same.
=> 9(5 + x) = 10(4 + x)
=> x = 5 steps per second
Number of steps in the escalator = 9(5 + 4) = 81 steps
Prerequisite for Escalator Questions For CAT
Relative speed
Upstream and downstream
Basics of Time, speed and distance
CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Escalators (Time, speed and Distance) and Escalator Questions For CAT
Time, Speed and Questions for CAT (Escalator)
The height of each step does not matter.
Distance is measured in terms of steps.
The total steps by a person and the escalator are equal to the number of visible steps.
CAT study material: References to Study (Theory) Escalator Concepts
Escalator Questions For CAT
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition; Pg No 335 to 339)
Rodha (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzLtv86sWgI)
References to Study (Practice)Escalator Questions For CAT
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT – Sarvesh Verma.
Rodha (YouTube, (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHflaojKVlI)
Part-2: CAT 2024 Preparation Tips: CAT DILR tips (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation)
CAT 2024 Syllabus Topic: Strategy to prepare “Venn Diagram” (Part-2) and Venn Diagram Questions
CAT Exam:
CAT Previous Year Questions on Venn Diagram :
Q1. A club has 256 members of whom 144 can play football, 123 can play tennis, and 132 can play cricket. Moreover, 58 members can play both football and tennis, 25 can play both cricket and tennis, and 63 can play both football and cricket. If every member can play at least one game, then the number of members who can play only tennis is?
32
38
43
45
Venn Diagram Questions with Solution: ANS. (3)
According to the information given in the question
Considering that all those who play all their games as X as shown in the above Venn diagram, we will consider Student’s playing football and cricket both as 63-x, Student’s playing football and tennis both will be 58-x and student’s playing cricket and tennis both as 25-x.
Venn Diagram Trick: Firstly, as we know each student is playing at least one game so the addition of all players playing must be equal to the total number of students.
Secondly, as we know student playing game is clearly given in question
So, solution would be like
Only football would be 144-(63-x + x + 58-x) =23+x
Similarly, only tennis would be 123-(58-x+x+25-x) =40+X
Venn Diagram Trick: Students playing all the games must be equal to 256
256= Cricket + only football + only tennis + both football and tennis
256 = 132 + 23+x + 40+x + 58-x
On solving we get
X = 3
So, they have asked for only tennis so we would put x=3 in 40+x
So, answer would be = 40+3=43
Q2. Out Of 60 students in a class, anyone who has chosen to study maths elects to do physics as well. But no one does maths and chemistry, 16 do physics and chemistry. All the students do at least one of the three subjects and the number of people who do exactly one of the three is more than the number who do more than one of the three. What are the maximum and the minimum number of people who could have done Chemistry only?
Venn Diagram Questions with Solution:
Trick for Venn Diagram: According to given information, draw Venn diagram as shown below:
All students studying at-least one subject so
P + M+ C +(P&C) = 60
P+M+C+14 = 60
P+M+C = 44
Trick for Venn Diagram: Apply the given condition in equations formed
The number of people who do exactly one of the three is more than the number who do more than one of the three => Only P + only C must be greater than P&M + 16
So,
Only P + Only C > P&M + 16
The Question needs the answer for maximum and minimum for only C
Since they are asking for maximum and minimum of Only C
The trick is for minimum Put only C as 0 and if this equation holds then minimum would be zero
For maximum put only C as 44 and then check for equation hold or not
So, by putting only C as zero we get
Only P+0 > P&M + 16
Now we can easily see that equation will hold, we can find many values for only P and P&M
Similarly, if we put only C as 44 which is maximum value still the equation will hold so the answer would be
Max = 44 and Min = 0
CAT entrance exam: Prerequisite to Venn Diagram Questions
Set Theory
Venn Diagram Basics
CAT syllabus 2024: References to Study (Theory) Venn Diagram Concepts
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition: Page No 744- 748)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXQiDwicRon0tRuWj6r9HA (Rodha Youtube Channel)
CAT Exam:
References to Study (Practice) Venn Diagram Questions
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition: Page No 749- 764)
CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
Part-3: CAT Exam Preparation 2024: CAT exam tips for VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Participles” for CAT-2024
CAT Important Basic Concept
Participles are forms of verbs that can be used as nouns, modifiers, and compound verbs.
CAT Previous Years' Questions on Participles
Find the error in the underlined part:
Question: Due to the slow-moving nature of tectonic plate movement, the oldest ocean crust is thought to date from the Jurassic period, formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years. [CAT PYQ]
formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years.
forming from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasting 200 million years.
forming from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years.
formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasting 200 million years.
Solution: [D]
The “oldest ocean crust” was “formed” in the past during the Jurassic period and is currently still around (since the word ‘oldest’ directed towards its presence, otherwise the word ‘oldest’ would not have been used). We need the past tense/participle verbs to be used correctly.
Option (A): The ocean crust was “formed” in the past” but if “lasted” is past tense then the oldest ocean crust is no longer around.
If you chose (B) or (C), “forming” implies the ‘oldest ocean crust is still being formed. and that part is no longer continuing to form but was formed at some point during the Jurassic period.
Option D is correct.
CAT 2024:
Prerequisite
Verb
Tenses and Sentence Verb agreement
Tips and Tricks for CAT Exam
To figure out which role a participle is playing, find the core of the sentence.
Try to spot the participle in this sentence.
Present participles always end in “-ing”
Past participles are generally identical to the past tense form of the verb.
CAT exam: References to Study (Theory)
Wren and Martin
Bodhee Prep CAT Preparation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diPZrBHQ7rM)
CAT exam: References to Study (Practice)
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT by Ajay
CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql5ipQILsKM
Venn Diagram questions in the CAT exam appear frequently in the DILR section, testing your ability to understand and organise data involving overlapping sets. With the right techniques and regular practice, you can solve these questions accurately and within time limits.
1. Understand Set Terminology
Tip: Know what union (A ∪ B), intersection (A ∩ B), complement (A′), and subsets mean.
Example: If 40 students like Math (M) and 30 like English (E), A ∪ B = those who like at least one = M + E – M∩E.
2. Start with the Innermost Set
Tip: Begin solving from the part common to all sets (triple intersection in 3-set problems), then move outward.
Example: If 10 students like all three sports—Cricket, Football, and Hockey—place 10 in the intersection of all three circles first before filling other sections.
3. Use Variables for Unknowns
Tip: Assign variables to unknown segments and use given totals to form equations.
Example: If 100 people were surveyed, x like only A, y like A and B, z like all three, create equations:
Total = x + y + z + other regions = 100.
4. Draw Neat, Labelled Diagrams
Tip: Keep the diagram clean with labels for each region (Only A, A∩B, A∩B∩C, etc.).
Example: For a 3-set Venn diagram, label 7 distinct regions. It avoids confusion when plugging in values or solving equations.
5. Practice Common Set Patterns
Tip: Know standard expressions like “Only A” = A – (A∩B + A∩C – A∩B∩C).
Example: If 50 like A, 30 like both A and B, and 10 like all three, then "only A" = 50 – (30 – 10) (A∩C – A∩B∩C).
6. Use Total = A + B + C – (Pairwise Intersections) + (All Three)
Tip: Apply the inclusion-exclusion principle.
Example: If:
A = 60
B = 70
C = 50
A∩B = 30
B∩C = 20
A∩C = 25
A∩B∩C = 15
Then Total = 60 + 70 + 50 – (30 + 20 + 25) + 15 = 120
7. Use Complementary Information Wisely
Tip: Subtract people outside the sets from the total to focus only on those involved.
Example: Out of 200 students, 40 like none of the three subjects. So, only 160 belong inside the Venn Diagram.
Practice and remain focused; Day 35 will be posted tomorrow.
Visualise escalator problems as relative speed problems. Use the formula: Relative Speed = Speed of person ± Speed of escalator, depending on direction. Practice varied types to build speed and confidence.
Start from the intersection of all three sets, then fill outward. Use variable substitution for unknowns and apply the inclusion-exclusion principle for accurate calculations and logical deductions.
Participles aren't tested directly, but knowing them improves grammar and sentence structure understanding. Practice identifying participles in RCs and para jumbles to improve comprehension and sentence flow.
Yes, escalator or TSD-based logic may feature in DI sets. Recognise patterns, extract data efficiently, and apply logical formulas to solve them in time-sensitive environments.
Participles help identify verbals, clarify sentence intent, and avoid modifier errors in para jumbles and sentence rearrangement. Mastery ensures you spot structural flaws in options with greater accuracy.
Hey Paridhi ,
I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query , you have to understand the exam pattern first. Its syllabus, the type of questions and so on. Here i am mentioning some tips i hope this will be helpful for you.
To know more you can refer this :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-preparation-strategy
Revert for further query!
Good luck !
Hello Abhishek,
No, you cannot take admission into B. Tech Marine Engineering at CUSAT if you do not take the CAT 2025 exam. CUSAT CAT is a mandatory exam for admission into all undergraduate programs including B Tech Marine Engineering. Admission to the program will only be possible for candidates with valid CAT scores.
Hi aspirant,
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam, and practicing sample questions is essential for efficient preparation.
Kindly refer to the link attached above for the sample papers.
All the best!
Hello,
States you can apply in (B-category/management quota):
Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. All allow non-domicile students for private colleges.
Approx MBBS fees (per year):
Telangana: Rs. 12–15 lakh
Andhra Pradesh: Rs. 12–18 lakh
Karnataka: Rs. 15–20 lakh
Tamil Nadu: Rs. 15–22 lakh
Kerala: Rs. 7–8.5 lakh
Karnataka registration:
Closed in Feb 2025. Likely to reopen for mop-up/stray rounds in June–July 2025.
Kerala registration:
Closed in March 2025. Stray round expected in June–July 2025. Dates not announced yet.
Hope it helps !
Dear Aspirant
Your rank at eleven thousand eight hundred eighty seven under the OBC reservation has a strong chance for admission to the Computer Science Engineering (CSE) program at one of the three CUSAT campuses The exact seat depends on opening and closing ranks for CSE in each campus and the round of counselling
CUSAT campuses offering BTech CSE
• School of Engineering Thrikkakkara – flagship campus in Kochi
• CUCEK Kuttanad – second campus in Alappuzha district
• Lakeside campus does not offer CSE so only two campuses are relevant
Previous closing ranks under OBC quota for CSE
• Thrikkakkara campus closed near rank one thousand
• CUCEK Kuttanad closed around six thousand two hundred in 2024
Your likelihood with rank 11887
• Thrikkakkara campus is unlikely as CSE closes much lower than your rank
• CUCEK has potential since closing ranks in recent years have extended into the high six thousands
• Seats may remain open in later rounds so you may gain admission at CUCEK
Other CSE seat possibilities under OBC
• School of Engineering might open seats in spot or mop up rounds if higher ranked students do not confirm
• CUCEK will likely accept OBC candidates up to rank one two thousand to thirteen thousand
• Keep an eye on real time counselling as closing ranks may shift downward with seat cancellations
Alternative branches and campuses
If CSE is not available at CUCEK you may consider similar branches like Electronics and Communication Engineering Information Technology Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering closing beyond twelve thousand under OBC
You may also add interdisciplinary programs or lateral entry courses available in Lakeside or Thrikkakkara depending on available seats
Counselling strategy recommendations
• Register and fill choices on the CUSAT admissions portal in all counselling rounds
• Place CUCEK CSE as a high preference followed by ECE or IT at Thrikkakkara or CUCEK
• Monitor round wise closing ranks through the portal or official communications
• Participate in mop up and spot rounds where seats are more likely available near your rank
Key considerations
• Cutoffs decrease between rounds allowing more opportunities in later phases
• OBC candidates compete within their category reducing competition compared to open rankings
• CUCEK is your best target campus for CSE at your rank under OBC
• You must have all documents ready like previous marksheet category certificate and CUSAT admit card for verification
Let me know if you would like a suggested list of choices tailored to your academic interest or want help tracking counselling round data
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 23rd June
NAAC A+ Grade | Ranked No.1 Private University in India (QS World University Rankings 2025)
47 years of academic excellence | 40 LPA-Highest Package Offered
International Tie Ups | Project Based Learning | State of the art infrastructure | Applications Closing Soon!