CAT DILR section has only 20 questions but it can be tough to handle them in 40 minutes. Confusing DI tables and unfamiliar LR patterns can seem daunting in the given time limit. Increasing the calculation speed should be your prime focus in the last week of CAT preparation 2024. Check out last week tips to ace CAT DILR section.
Now that just over one week CAT 2024 exam, candidates need to ensure that they know answers to the following questions:
- What to study in the last week before CAT exam?
- How to study in the last week before CAT 2024?
- What to revise in the last week of CAT preparation?
CAT 2024 will be held on November 24, 2024. The time duration will be 120 minutes and you will get 40 minutes to solve 20 DILR questions. There will be 10 DI questions and 10 LR questions. The CAT question paper will consist of MCQs but solving them would require time. Needless to say, it is important to prepare for every section in the best possible manner. In the last week CAT preparation series, we have provided last week preparation tips for VARC and last week preparation tips for QA. In this article, we shall unveil the secret to score more in the CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 2024.
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Focus more on increasing calculation speed
It isn't enough to only khow to solve DILR questions. Increasing calculation speed should be your prime focus. In the CAT DILR section, candidates can expect questions based on data in tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, case studies, logical games, calendars, clocks, cubes, seating arrangements, blood relations, etc. Taking all this into account, it is very important to improve your speed in calculation, so that you finish the section within 40 minutes. Use the last week to improve DILR calculation speed. Do not depend on calculators - focus on mental calculations, use vedic mathematics, memorize all the root formulas, squares, cubes roots, percentage formulas, etc. for CAT 2024 preparation.
Q: What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?
Q: Which is better IIM Jammu or IIM Sambhalpur?
Both IIM Jammu and IIM Sambalpur accepts CAT score for admission to the Management courses. IIMs cutoff 2023 will be released after the CAT result. However, considering the 2022 cutoff, IIM Jammu CAT percentile was 90 and for IIM Sambhalpur, the percentile stood at 92 for the General ALL India category candidates. So, considering the previous year CAT percentile for both the IIMs, Sambhalpur is more competitive than Jammu.
Talking bout the NIRF Ranking 2023 under the Management category, IIM Jammu ranked 41, whereas, IIM Sambalpur secured the 58th position. Candidates can refer to the table given below to compare both IIM Jammu and IIM Sambalpur considering several aspects such as total MBA fees, highest package, NIRF ranking and CAT cutoff 2022 to make a clear decision:
| Parameters | IIM Jammu | IIM Sambhalpur |
|---|---|---|
| NIRF Management Ranking 2023 | 41 | 58 |
| CAT Cutoff 2022 | 90 | 92 |
| Total MBA fee | INR 10.5 L - INR 20.7 L | INR 10.5 L |
| Highest package 2023 | INR 64 LPA | INR 64.61 LPA |
Focus on arrangements and puzzles
The last week of CAT preparation 2024 is the time to focus more on solving questions related to arrangements, puzzles, games, averages, sets, cubes, games, variations. It is extremely important to have a good knowledge about finding logics, identifying links and key attributes.
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Manage your time efficiently
For each section of CAT, 40 minutes is allotted. Manage your time efficiently. In the last week of CAT preparation 2024, focus on time management. Dedicate a particular time slot to every section and practice sectional CAT mock test. Make sure you finish the test within one hour. This prepares you well in time management in CAT 2024 exam.
Do not start any new DILR topic in the last week
Aspirants are advised not to start any fresh topic in the last week before CAT - this could only lead to confusion in concepts. Confusion can ruin your prior preparation, thus it is recommended to revise the already completed DILR topics. Also, since CAT has negative marking, it is always a better idea to strengthen what you have already prepared instead of starting a new topic. Also read: CAT 2024 exam pattern
Focus on question selection
In the last week of CAT 2024 preparation, start evaluating which type of questions you can solve accurately in the DILR section. Mark only such questions for attempting in the exam. Selection of the questions plays a decisive role in the CAT exam. Read the questions carefully and make a wise choice across each section - this will help in maximizing possibility of high score. When practicing CAT mock tests in the last week, concentrate more on question selection so that when appearing for the exam you have a fair idea of which questions to attempt and which ones to skip.
Keep accuracy in mind
Along with time management in CAT DILR, it is extremely important to focus on accuracy as wrong answers carry negative marking in CAT. Candidates must keep in mind that it is not important to answer maximum number of questions; it is important to answer maximum number of questions accurately. If you attempt less questions, but with accuracy rather than more questions incorrectly, you will still score well. Aim for the same. Ideally, an attempt of 15-17 correct questions is considered good in CAT DILR.
Solve easy questions first
One of the mistakes many candidates make is that they start with difficult questions first, keeping aside the easy ones for later. The wise things to do is finish all the easy questions first. At the same time, candidates must keep in mind that some DILR questions may look easy but they are not. Read them carefully. Also, do not spend more than the decided time on each question otherwise you might miss solving both easy and difficult questions.
Do not just glance through. Scan every question
As stated earlier, most CAT Data Interpretation questions will comprise numbers, diagrams and statistics - these might appear scary, but in reality they might be easy to solve. Instead of getting nervous by the questions, act calmly. Scan the question for important data points or key arguments. If you do not scan the question and jump onto the next one after a quick read, you might miss out on solving a question in which you could score.
It is no hidden fact that there is no shortcut to hard work, so if you have worked hard for CAT 2024, you are sure to excel. Just keep faith in your abilities and handle the exam smartly. Nevertheless, these last week CAT tips can help you in maximising your efforts and strengthen your chances of scoring 100 percentile.
All the best!
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered an hour ago
To download the CDAC C-CAT admit card, the candidates will have to visit the official website at cdac.in. The login credentials required to access the CDAC C-CAT admit card are the candidate's application form number and password. During the registration process, the candidates should check their ap
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