Hi guys! This week I had the chance to answer a few questions and concerns about DILR in CAT exam with a YouTube Live webinar. So, if you are a CAT aspirant, do check out the most important Q&As that I answered during the webinar (in this article!). If you want to watch it,
check out the YouTube link.
Before I share the Q&A, here's a brief about my profile: I am an Engineering Fresher from NIT Raipur with 9.09/10 GPA in Graduation, 95.00% in 12th CBSE Board Exams and 10/10 CGPA in my 10th CBSE Board Exams. I scored 99.64%ile in CAT 2019 (172/300 marks) and 99.81%ile in DILR section.
- What are a few tips to improve the scores in these days and particular aspects to look for while analyzing the mocks?
In these days, try and solve as many questions as possible in the mock tests (Don't ignore the accuracy though). The key to 99%ile+ is to get as many questions correct as possible. In my opinion, if there are 5-6 sets, try attempting 3-4 sets. Also, revise everything that you've learnt till now before you attempt any mock tests. It will help you remember all the formulae. Play on your strengths and don't let other sections affect your current one. If you want more tips on analyzing the mock tests, read this article.
- How to choose the sets and manage the time in DILR section?
First step: Run through all the sets briefly and choose the set that you want to solve. Some sets might be number-intensive but easy to solve or small, while others may look easy but are tough (especially LR! :P). You can also practice sectional tests, but in the last month, I'd advise you to attempt full-length mock tests in your time slot. Some people also use a prioritization technique.
- What should be the strategy considering we have only 40 mins?
This new exam pattern has created a lot of pressure. There's only one simple point here: If there were 32 questions within 1 hour in the old pattern, the number of questions to solve in 40 mins will obviously decrease. The new pattern will not impact the amount of time taken per question as much as we are anticipating. There is no need to panic :)
- How much were you scoring in mock tests?
On an average 90-120 marks in the mock tests. Percentile differed a lot. Don't get too affected (demotivated or overconfident) by the scores of your mock tests. You should also not question your self-worth on the basis of these scores.
- Should we solve mock tests 1 day before the exam?
It is not recommended by many but I still gave one and fortunately the score was good (146/300, 99.5%ile). If you're someone who gets too affected by mock test scores, don't give.
I had recently hosted a webinar on InsideIIM where I spoke extensively on the last-mile preparation tips on DI-LR. In case you missed out on the live session, do watch the recording here.
Pro Tip: Don't discuss the exam paper with people having a slot before you. It creates unnecessary pressure if someone else found the exam tougher or didn't do well.
Pro Pro Tip: Take the necessary breaks. (Warning: Don't ignore this!) Studying continuously and putting pressure on yourself hampers your productivity and efficiency. Have a good sleep the night before your exam. Don't mug up formulae.
Read this article if you are facing difficulty in keeping yourself motivated.
Hope this blog helps! All the Best! :)