Introduction to CAT 2020 Quantitative Section
Cracking the CAT 2020 examination requires a comprehensive understanding of the quantitative section, which forms a crucial part of the test. This article aims to provide valuable insights into the most important topics and strategies to master the Quantitative Aptitude section.Understanding the Basic Fundamentals
To build a strong foundation, it is essential to revisit and solidify key mathematical concepts. According to experts, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Algebra form the backbone of the Quantitative section, accounting for approximately 80-90% of the questions. Therefore, it is imperative to cover these topics thoroughly.
Affirming Your Focus Areas
It's crucial to conduct a detailed analysis of your mock tests to identify both your strengths and weaknesses. Relying solely on intuition can be misleading. Instead, perform an in-depth analysis to understand where you need to improve. For instance, even if you feel confident about Time and Work problems, a thorough analysis might show that you require more practice in this area. This analytical approach will allow you to effectively focus your revision efforts.
Strategic Mock Test Preparation
With about 72 days remaining for the CAT exam, you should take at least two mock tests per week. This frequency ensures that you remain consistent and improve systematically. Regular mock tests will help you assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your study plan.
Post-mock analysis is equally important. Without a deep analysis of your performance, your efforts may not yield the desired results. Analyze the questions you got wrong and the areas where you faltered. Use this information to refine your study plan and target weak spots.
Key Topics for CAT Quantitative Section
To optimize your preparation, focus on the following key topics:
Algebra
Algebra is a critical component of the Quantitative section, with an estimated 10-14 moderate difficulty questions. Mastery of algebraic concepts is essential for solving complex problems quickly and accurately.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic covers a wide range of topics, including ratios, percentages, profit and loss, and time and work. With 6-8 moderate difficulty questions, arithmetic is another crucial area to focus on. Understanding the underlying principles will significantly enhance your problem-solving speed and accuracy.
Number Systems
While Number Systems might only have 2-4 questions, they are moderately difficult and require a firm grasp. This topic often includes questions related to prime numbers, divisibility rules, and number theory.
Geometry and Mensuration
Geometry and Mensuration, although not as extensive, still form an important part of the Quantitative Aptitude section. With 3-6 moderately difficult questions, this area should be studied thoroughly to avoid any surprises during the test.
Modern Math
Modern Math, consisting of 1-3 easy questions, is less critical but should not be overlooked. Familiarity with these questions will aid in overall confidence and performance.
Using Previous Year Papers for Effective Preparation
The best source to prepare is undoubtedly the previous year's question papers (PYQs). All coaching materials are based on these papers, so it's advantageous to study directly from the original source. Regular practice with past papers will help you get a feel for the exam format and the types of questions you might encounter.
Conclusion
Mastering the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT 2020 requires a strategic approach. Focus on key areas such as Algebra, Arithmetic, and Geometry, and use previous year papers to hone your skills. Regular testing and in-depth analysis will ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
By following these strategies and dedicating sufficient effort, you can significantly improve your performance in the Quantitative section of the CAT 2020.