CMAT 2016 exam: Expect higher level of difficulty

A quick look at previous CMAT exams proves an important point. With each passing year, the level of difficulty in CMAT has only gone up.

The exam, like other national-level MBA exams, is evolving every year and refining its test taking strategy. From twice a year, CMAT will now be held just once every year.

A look at the top scores of the exam will prove that the highest marks scored is going down.

According to CMAT expert Mikin Shah, “A look at the results of September CMAT tells us that students have fared poorly in terms of absolute score. For starters, the top score 323 is a good 50 marks down from 376 scored in February 13 CMAT. Only 13 students were able to score 300 or higher as compared to 325 students in February 13. Moreover, the number of students scoring less than 120 marks (out of 400) has increased to 67% from 57% in September 2012.”

While suggesting last month preparation tips for CMAT 2016, Shah suggests that candidates should focus on Accuracy, not speed.

 

Top scores in CMAT exam over the last few years

CMAT February 2015	326
CMAT September 2014	323
CMAT February 2014	317
CMAT September 2013	326
CMAT February 2013	376

 

So which are the sections, where candidates can expect a slightly more difficult questions?

Our answer is - Every section!

 

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

QA sections is primarily dominated with simple concepts and advanced mathematics. Candidates need to practice this section well. Some of the basic concepts that one can expect in this section are Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number Systems, etc.

 

Reasoning

In this section the emphasis has shifted from critical reasoning to comprehension skills. In the last few years, reasoning section has been lengthy and time-consuming. Some of the common topics from which we can expect the answers are arrangements, blood relations, coding­ decoding, direction-based questions and syllogisms.

Language Comprehension

In the reading comprehension section, there’ll three to four passages. These passages are generally long and require a lot of focus. Each passage is followed by six to eight questions. Reading skills can be developed only with thorough practice over some months.

One can also expect vocabulary-based questions, sentence corrections, jumbled sentences, critical reasoning and fill-in-the-blank questions.

 

Top colleges accepting CMAT scores

 

Accuracy

As mentioned above, CMAT exam is all about accuracy. The test takes into account not just the number of questions one attempts by also how many were correct.

Speaking to Shiksha, Shah says, “One does not have to solve all the questions to score well. Imagine the scenario where there are 25 questions in one section. One candidate, out of a total of 25 questions, solves 23 questions but with an accuracy of 40 - 50%. Net gain in this case: only 13 to 14 correct questions, plus a heavy penalty in terms of negative marking that pulls you down further. In case of other candidate, he solves 21-22 questions but with 90% accuracy. Net gain in this case: 18-19 correct questions accompanied with a small quotient of negative marking. Keeping an accuracy based approach can go a long way in improving your performance and improving your score radically.”

 

And here are some key factors to keep in mind for CMAT exam:

1. Accuracy is more important than speed.

2. Candidates need to focus on all topics. With CMAT, there’s no section you can comfortably choose to ignore. Prepare to be surprised!

3. You cannot conquer GK in a day. It all depends on how well you have been following news and current affairs in the last few months. One can however practice for static GK questions by referring to Manorama Year books and so on.

4. Same goes for reading comprehension. Test-takers can’t master it in these two weeks. Reading habits develop over the years. So, while taking the paper, be calm and attempt this section at the end, especially if it’s your weak zone.

5. Attempt your strongest section first. Quickly, finish the sections where you are sure of scoring well. Make sure to take care of accuracy. Attempt your weakest section at the end.

6. Don’t forget about negative marking. There’s negative marking of one (1) mark for each wrong answer.

7. And finally, don’t get stuck on one question. Move on to the next question as soon as possible.