How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability?

How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability?- Before you get into how to prepare for CAT, it is best to know what CAT is all about. For CAT candidates one of the most challenging/ difficult tasks is to prepare for the quantitative ability section. Most of the CAT toppers consider the QA section as one of the most unpredictable and time-consuming as well. Ones from a non-engineering educational background face a tough time practicing and solving the quantitative ability section questions. However it is necessary to know the tips that can flip the page and bring new differences to the overall preparation. With effective CAT quantitative aptitude tips, preparing for CAT can be a lot more effective. Careers360 brings to you what QA is all about? Major topics covered in the QA section of CAT 2021, preparation tips on how to prepare for CAT quantitative ability, and much more.
Quick Link -
How to Prepare for CAT 2021 in 6 months
CAT Sample Paper 2021

Share

What is Quantitative Ability?

CAT 2021 will be conducted in the last week of November in an online mode. The quantitative ability section of CAT 2021 aims to test three things namely- numerical ability, mathematical skills and problem-solving skills. The quantitative ability or aptitude section is a part of almost all MBA entrance exams. In general, the questions in the quantitative ability section of the CAT are related to elementary mathematics. In order to score good marks and clear the CAT cutoff, one needs to be completely acquainted with the fundamental concepts of solving questions. As per the exam pattern of CAT 2021, the quantitative ability is a separate section and will have 40 minutes of sectional timing to solve the related questions.

Major Topics Covered Under CAT Quantitative Ability

How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA)

CAT 2020 Topper Abhilasha, on how to prepare for CAT quantitative aptitude says that her approach was to practice a lot of basic arithmetic questions like percentage, profit and loss. Along with that geometry and number system have been the key areas of focus for the CAT exam for her. Given below are the major tips from experts and toppers which can be checked by candidates who are preparing for CAT 2021. Given below are the major strategies which, if followed will give fruitful results in CAT 2021:

• Plan Preparation Schedule

• Start With The Basics

• Work on Shortcut Techniques

• Focus on Weak Areas

• Practice with sectional time

• Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

Let us look at each point one by one -

Plan Preparation Schedule

To start any preparation, it is vital that candidates must make a clear cut time table. Try to devote three hours to the QA section. Start with the basics, follow the time strictly, and then practice what you prepare. Check out the previous year question papers of CAT to know which topics are covered under the quantitative ability section. Do not make a monthly planner as it may be difficult to follow initially. Start with a weekly planner on how to prepare for quantitative ability and break it into a daily strategy.

Start With The Basics

Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”. Candidates who are preparing for CAT 2021 need to first focus on the basic level questions instead of wasting time on complex topics. Once the conceptual clarity of each topic is there, candidates must start practicing and solving more and more questions. Solving simple examples at first and then gradually moving towards the difficult questions would be helpful.

The key to success in the QA section is getting your concepts right. Candidates who are preparing for CAT without coaching can make online study groups with like-minded people and put up their queries to find basic concepts clearly. The Quantitative ability section is about how much time and practice candidates can put in. The more they practice the better the chances of success.

Work on Shortcut Techniques

On how to prepare for the CAT quantitative ability, the very first thing that comes to mind is - How to solve the questions accurately in such a limited time. Hence, in order to focus on time management for CAT, candidates must try to find ways of solving questions in a simplified yet rapid manner. Learn simple methods using real friends or reel environments, or take help from google. It is important to understand and know which formula to apply in which question to solve it accurately and without letting go of time. While preparing and solving questions of the QA section, it is not advisable to attempt too many questions on guesswork due to negative marking.

Focus on Weak Areas

The thumb rule for CAT 2021 in the initial months of practice is to focus on the areas of improvement and overcome the mistakes by more practicing. At the time of preparing the QA section, weaker sections must be given due weightage. However, if candidates start their preparation of CAT 2021 in 3 months it is better to focus on main areas rather than spending time on weaknesses. As per the toppers of CAT 2020, a fairly good score can be obtained by solving even half a number of questions (correctly) in QA.

Practice with Sectional Time

As mentioned above, CAT 2021 will have sectional timing of 40 minutes to answer one section. As a solution to "How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA)," candidates should try to solve the entire section keeping an eye on the time. Better to move ahead of time as having a buffer time of a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes will leave room for revision on the exam day. CAT toppers suggest that candidates should mark important questions and concepts in order to have a quick revision during the final leg.

Note - For questions in the QA section, candidates should follow and stick to the two-minute rule i.e. If a question cannot be solved within two minutes of time duration, it is better to move on to the next one. Solving and practicing a good amount of questions will give results in the quantitative ability section.

Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

One of the strategies on how to prepare for CAT quantitative ability is to solve more and more CAT mock tests. To test where they stand initially candidates can go for pre-mocks and get a sight of what to study. While once they are done with the practice and revision, they can go to post-mocks of CAT. To get a command over the QA section, it is better to practice it on a regular basis. Take at least one mock a day as CAT 2021 gets near. Through CAT mock tests, candidates will encounter variations in questions and this will help them improve themselves. Solving CAT Mock Tests will also acquaint candidates with the simulated exam day ambiance. IIMs also provide the facility of official mock tests The previous year papers are very useful to analyze the paper pattern and difficulty level of questions.
Quick Links -
Why Take Mock Tests Before CAT
Why, When and How to take CAT Mock Test

Best Books on How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability Section: