Preparing for the CAT 2024 exam involves a challenging and thorough process, and one of the most common dilemmas aspirants face is whether to skip certain topics. This happens especially in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section. While preparing for Quants, students often get intimidated by its vast syllabus resulting in the tendency to leave out a topic. One such topic is Numbers. The Number System is not a heavyweight in CAT or even in XAT. In this article, we have stated a few reasons to rethink leaving out minor topics and have suggested a few tricks for a comprehensive CAT 2024 preparation.
Understanding the Quants Section
The QA section of the CAT exam encompasses a variety of topics including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, modern math, and numbers. Each section contributes to the overall score and the distribution of questions can vary each year. Historically, Algebra and Arithmetic form a major portion of the paper. Numbers might seem to have fewer questions, but its presence is impactful and often intertwined with other topics.
| Year |
Slot |
Arithmetic |
Algebra |
Geometry |
Number System |
Modern Maths |
|
2023
|
Slot-01 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
| Slot-02 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
| Slot-03 |
9 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
2022
|
Slot-01 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
| Slot-02 |
8 |
9 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Slot-03 |
9 |
8 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
2021
|
Slot-01 |
11 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Slot-02 |
9 |
7 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
| Slot-03 |
11 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
|
2020
|
Slot-01 |
11 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
| Slot-02 |
10 |
9 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
| Slot-03 |
10 |
11 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
Most students struggle with completing the entire syllabus for the CAT exam. So It becomes understandable why some students consider skipping numbers and other smaller topics.
However, this approach can be risky. The unpredictable nature of the CAT exam means skipping any topic could result in missed opportunities to score easy marks.
Risks of Ignoring a Topic Completely
- Unpredictable Exam Patterns: Relying solely on past patterns can be misleading. A year with fewer arithmetic/ algebra questions and more number-based questions could catch you off guard.
- Integrated Questions: Questions in the CAT exam are not isolated to a single topic. Often, Number Systems concepts are combined with arithmetic, algebra, or geometry questions, requiring a fundamental understanding of numbers to solve.
- Lost Opportunities: Skipping numbers means potentially missing out on easy questions. An easy question on factors, multiples, or divisibility might be the key to boosting your score. The QA section in CAT 2023 was comparatively difficult and attempting easy Number System questions meant a jump in the sectional percentile.
The Solution- A Balanced Preparation Strategy
Instead of entirely skipping a particular topic, plan a balanced approach to your preparation. Here are some tips:
- Master the Basics: Ensure you have a strong grasp of fundamental concepts for every area. This would help to combat any major change in the exam pattern.
- Practice Integrated Questions: Work on questions that combine concepts from numbers with algebra and geometry. Focus on covering:- Factors, multiples, divisibility rules, and basic number properties.
- Use Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance to understand where you need to improve, and make sure numbers are part of your review process. You can also learn while only reviewing mock questions.
- Focus on Problem-Solving Skills: Develop strong problem-solving skills by practicing multiple questions. This will enhance your ability to think logically and apply concepts effectively during the exam.
While it's essential to prioritize high-weightage areas like arithmetic and algebra, having a well-rounded preparation strategy that includes Number System ( and others like logs, coordinate geometry. etc.) will provide you with the flexibility and confidence to tackle any question that comes your way. Remember, excelling in the CAT exam depends not only on hard work but also on working intelligently.
Quick Links:
Preparation Strategies and Time Table for CAT 2024
List of Books for CAT Exam 2024
Free online cat exam coaching by ARKSS
Test Prep By InsideIIM for CAT preparation, strategy, and topper’s insights