CAT 2018: How non-engineers can crack the exam
The online registrations for Common Admission Test (CAT) 2018 for admissions to major B-schools of India are currently underway, and shall continue till September 19. The exam is scheduled for November 25, 2018. Though the trends show that engineering students tend to have an advantage, and that they score better percentiles, but here are some tips for non-engineering background students to crack the exam.
Study tips for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Section: Part 1
It is important to note that the CAT exam only evaluates candidates' understanding of basic Quantitative concepts, and not hardcore mathematical acumen. Thus, non-engineering background students are not really at a disadvantage here. A thorough understanding of basic concepts such as arithmetic and proportionality tools, numbers, time, speed, distance, elementary combinatorics, algebra, and geometry would help them ace the exam.
Study tips for QA Section: Part 2
Irrespective of the fact that the aspirant comes from a Math background or not, following a three-step strategy to solve QA problems can help. Under this, one should first comprehend a question, then interpret it, only then proceed to solve it (if they think they can). In the end, practising plenty of past years' and mock test papers is also vital.
Tips for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section
A skill and practice-oriented section, DILR doesn't need you to be an engineer to be able to crack it. One only needs to focus on solving as many problems of this nature as possible to get a better grasp of the concepts and increase their problem solving speed. Also, attempt mock tests and past years' papers to perform better. All the best!
