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CAT 2006: Balance the time, balance the score

November 17, 2006 21:40 IST

Yes, it is just one day away. The much awaited, much dreaded Common Admission Test of this year -- CAT 2006. Crack this and you'll be opening the gates to a bright future for yourself. All you CAT takers know this and that is why you have left no stone unturned in ensuring a foolproof preparation for the exam.

Training institutes, self-studies, group studies, mock tests, revision, you've done it all. Now, most of you are looking at consolidating what you've studied and smart techniques that can do the trick.

ARKS Srinivas and Rahul Reddy, CAT trainers from T.I.M.E., clarified doubts about answering techniques and stress factors during a chat with CAT aspirants on November 17.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript.

ARKS Srinivas says, Hi, I guess there would hardly be any questions for today. But Rahul and I will take them one by one. Shoot your questions.

Prahalad asked, Hello sir, With just a day to go,can i just relax and take the exam as it comes or shud i look at revising anything?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi Prahalad, do check your Quant formulae. Spend time reading a bit -- or taking an RC test. Keep all essentials for the exam ready. And yes, relax.

indica asked, Sir, I don't clear the sectional cut offs, what do I do next?should I study on the 18th?
ARKS Srinivas answers, You can very well study on November 18, if you feel it is going to help. But more importantly, you have to take stock of the situation and take a decision to go for overall percentile scores, rather than sectional cutoffs. Here, of course, one word of caution -- if the paper is easy, then it is imperative that you give enough time to be able to get the cutoff. Wish you all the best.

core2 asked, Hi ARKS and Rahul...may be a very silly question but what should we take for breakfast on Sunday morning so that our body is kind of well tuned during the exams.. I never bothered about this question during my AIMCATs but suddenly I thought about this point . Thanks
ARKS Srinivas answers, Well, if didn't matter in the AIMCATs, it won't matter on the CAT day.

Varun asked, Hello sir.. I hav never cleard any cutoffs in my mock cats and i havent gone beyond 70 percentile... What are my chances of getting a percentile of 80 - 90????
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, all cutoffs that TIME mentions in AIMCATs are for IIMs. In fact, colleges outside the top 15 may have either no cutoffs or very low cutoffs. So plan to maximise the score.

Prahalad asked, Sir,In the AIMCATs i clear the sectional cutoffs of 80% comfortably.Since the cutoffs for the IIMs seem closer to 90% do i need to do anything different to reach there,or will an 80% in AIMCAT generally translate to 90% in CAT?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, AIMCAT cutoffs are based on IIMs. So don't worry.

sanjay asked, hi how do i manage stress now..
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, don't sit and think about stress, go out and do something. Do things like light reading, watching a movie, surfing the net, chatting with fascinating people, etc.

kuldeep asked, Sir, Cud U please advise tht how many RC passages can b there in this year CAT and out of them how much cud b in 2 Marks sections
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi Kuldeep, there will be three RC passages, two of them will be with two marks each (if the paper is similar to CAT 2005). Honestly, it is very easy to predict, but not so easy to get the prediction right.

sachint asked, do mdi, spj ,nitie also have sctional cutoffs .if i realise i am not doing well shud i go for score maximastion n improve my percetile will that help me in getting calls frm spj,mdi ,nitie
ARKS Srinivas answers, Yes, they are most likely to have cutoffs. If things are going bad in a section, maybe score maximisation could be an option. But then, if the paper is very difficult, the cutoffs would be low. It is too much of a risk to take unless you are very sure of the same yourself.

Rams asked, hello sirs, hardly just a day left do u think reading anything new is useful. r it better to gaze down the knowns...
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, you are right. Some revision of quality questions is the order of the day. Nothing new.

ashu asked, hi. what if the cat returns to its old pattern i.e. 200 odd questions? what should be our strategy then? attempt more questions or maintain high accuracy?????
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, divide time equally and try to ensure a good number of attempts. The key is to do all the easy questions. Very unlikely that you will get 200 questions. I am placing my bets on 90 questions again.

kartik asked, Hi, thanks for being patient with our questions. I have a problem of low attempts in quantitative section. Because of this I end up getting anywhere around cutoff +- 2 marks in it. Please advise how I can deal with this?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi Kartik, thanks for understanding. First, do all questions you can. Do not worry about how many questions you are not able to get (even in a row). That will get you off from all pressures. Second, make sure that you read all questions so that you don't miss out on easy ones.

Only 2 days asked, Can GK be added in the three existing sections?
Rahul Reddy answers, Possible, but not probable.

pg123 asked, Sir can you let us know what is the cut off for abm course in iims
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi, it will be low. Could be as low as 93 percentile.

adeshgoyal asked, sir, could u please tell what difference accuracy makes in calculating percentile for 2 students, suppose one gets 20 marks in english with 80% accuracy and other gets 22 marks with 50% accuracy...whose percentile would be higher?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, that depends on the negative marking. Last year, CAT specified 1/3 negative marks. So, no progressive marking.

adeshgoyal asked, sir, could u please tell what difference accuracy makes in calculating percentile for 2 students, suppose one gets 20 marks in english with 80% accuracy and other gets 22 marks with 50% accuracy...whose percentile would be higher?
ARKS Srinivas answers, If one gets 10 marks with 100 per cent accuracy and another gets 10 marks with 50 per cent accuracy -- both will get same percentiles.

harsh asked, hello sir i have been getting 93-95 percentile in simcats regularly but havent cleared the cut off based on these percentile which college should i aim for
Rahul Reddy answers, MDI, IMT, IMI, KJ Som, FORE, etc.

prasad asked, Sir, I am expecting a percentile of around 90 in the CAT-06. Can you suggest me the institutions that can aspire for?
Rahul Reddy answers, IMT, IMI, FORE, TAPMI, etc.

sachint asked, AS YOU SAID THEY HAVE CUT OFFS R THESE CUT OFF SAME AS IIM CUT OFF'S OR THEY HAVE THERE OWN CUTT OFFS
Rahul Reddy answers, Almost same -- about one mark lower. NITIE, though, has a higher QA cutoff.

Prahalad asked, Sir,what is the selection procedure for IIMC PGDCM?what are the cutoffs for that course?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Same as the PGDM course. Except that they have another exam after CAT (before the GD and interview, in general) called the ATM (Aptitude test in Math). The percentiles will be same.

jay asked, hello sirs, is imi delhi a good college with regard to placements?and what should be the cut off for this institute?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Yes, it is a good one. Last year, it was close to 93 percentile.

pg123 asked, Sir in today's economic times there was an article that the seats of iims would be increased by 2000. in this case what would be the percentile effect especially for pgp of iim
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, the proposed seat increase is to take in OBC reservation. In which case, open category seats will probably remain same.

Rams asked, sir, i am not aiming for iim in that scenario. wat should be the area of maximum scoring ?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Your strength area.

jay asked, hello sirs, is imi delhi a good college with regard to placements?and what should be the cut off for this institute?
Rahul Reddy answers, About 90 percentile.

Prahalad asked, Sir,what is the selection procedure for IIMC PGDCM?what are the cutoffs for that course?
Rahul Reddy answers, Clear CAT -- get call -- do GD-INT. Also, write aptitude test in Math -- get final admission -- pay fees -- have a great time at IIMC.

shruthi_r asked, answer please.. is it required to 've job experience? since my college is not very rwputed, my chances of getting a high salary without an MBA is very feeble.. so plz lemme know..
Rahul Reddy answers, No, lots of freshers make it to IIMs and top B schools.

harsh asked, sir i knowits difficult but whats your prediction how many questions this time around
Rahul Reddy answers, Our bet is on 90 questions, 150 marks.

sumit asked, sir what should be last 2 days approach towards cat i have been very volatile in my sim cats i have got 95 percentilw also and 60 perecentile also
Rahul Reddy answers, Have fun and indulge in light exercise. Do a bit of revision, of interesting questions. Take care of your health and get enough sleep.

Saurabh asked, Do you know whether IIM A have come up with sectional cutoffs for CAT 2006?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Yes, sectional percentage score would be 25 percentile and overall, 35 percentile -- for an open category student.

shruthi_r asked, sir, i'm in engg 2nd year, from a pvt engg college at b'lore. i would like to know what is the ideal preparation for CAT.. when should i start to stay ahead and assure myself a seat at top B-schools...?
Rahul Reddy answers, It is one of the world's most competitive exams. So, start as early as possible. For 2008 graduation, target CAT 2007. 12-18 month preparation is good.

Prahalad asked, Sir,Over the past few months its been wonderful to have you people in the rediff chat and clearly many of our doubts. it has been a really useful session and our sincere thanks to both of you.Wish us luck for the D Day
Rahul Reddy answers, Thank you and all the best. Rock the CAT.

Kunjal asked, Sir sometimes it happens in English that i clear the cut-off but as soon as i increase my attempts then falter..what is the best way to cop up??
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, VA is an easier option to increase attempts as compared to RC. Within VA, look at what types of questions that you can do faster.

Rams asked, sir, (hope this would be question in many minds) how do u support wild guesses. since i am bit weak in quants but able to deduce two choices. is it better to choose between any of other two r better to skip those questions. wats ur advice?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, one out of two guesses should be ok. The expected value is positive. Also, marking something means that you can move ahead rather than getting stuck with one problem. Also, it is a good time to see whether God is on your side.

adeshgoyal asked, sir, is it true that apart from clearing sectional cut offs, different IIMs give emphasis on different sections, e.g. IIM A gives more emphasis on quant, while IIM C on english...that means we must score some more marks in a particular section if we want to get a call from a particular IIM.
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, different IIMs do have slightly different weightages. The difference is marginal and only affects borderline cases. Also, the nature of weightages is never known and the weightages are also different for different years.

karan asked, sir at times i get very confused looking at so many quesstion regarding which question should i attempt wat should i do
Rahul Reddy answers, Attempt any question that you are sure you can solve.

harsh asked, sir please reply..... what toughness level do u except accross all sections same as last year or bit tougher since half hour has been given extra
Rahul Reddy answers, Doesn't matter, as it will be tough for everyone. Anyway, I expect the same level of toughness as that last year.

iim-hopeful asked, SIR HAV BEEN TENSED AFTER READING AND WATCHING INTERVIEWS OF ASPIRANTS IN THE MEDIA. THEY ALL R BURNING THE MIDNIGHT ALL AND I HAVENT....
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, even a normally lazy student would claim to be hardworking on TV, right? So don't worry.

iim-hopeful asked, SIR HAV BEEN TENSED AFTER READING AND WATCHING INTERVIEWS OF ASPIRANTS IN THE MEDIA. THEY ALL R BURNING THE MIDNIGHT ALL AND I HAVENT....
ARKS Srinivas answers, Switch off the TV.

gaurav2388 asked, hi sir...i have a very peculiar problem...i started my mocks wid a bang....95+ %ile in first 4 then came 2 40 n finally to 70's but the good part is that iv managed to cleat cutoffs in va n di in almost all mocks...wat can be ur suggestion for people like me.? Plz answer this....
ARKS Srinivas answers, Think about the 95 percentile over the next two days. It will help you to concentrate on what you did better.

nikhil asked, hi sir in all my mock cats i was able to clear 2 cut-offs in almost every paper but could not clesr the third by 1/2/3 marks.though the third section was different everytime like quant or di or eng.is it a matter of worry for me.can i clear the 3 cut-offs.(my scores kept incresing in all the tests)
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, please ensure that you stick to the time limits. If you overshoot time, then the third section sometimes gets screwed. Also, when you finish a section, take a break of few seconds and then start.

OMPRAKASH asked, Sir, I am a ayurvedic doctor, having research in the production line since three yrs. i want to appear CAT exam on coming 2007. i want ur opinion.
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, as long as you are sure about doing an MBA, you can do it.

shiv asked, hello sir,i am MBBS student,with 5 yrs experience.in september i got to know abt these exams as i belong to totally different branch.i started off with correspondance.sir i know that my preparations r not good for CAt but i am hoping that if i could get with SNAP and XAT.plz tell if i keep preparing can i get through?
ARKS Srinivas answers, YES. You just need to believe it yourself.

shiv asked, hello sir,i am MBBS student,with 5 yrs experience.in september i got to know abt these exams as i belong to totally different branch.i started off with correspondance.sir i know that my preparations r not good for CAt but i am hoping that if i could get with SNAP and XAT.plz tell if i keep preparing can i get through?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, the branch doesn't matter. Every now and then, we send a doctor to the IIMs.

shruthi_r asked, but since i'm only in 2nd engg engg, will u be catering to students like me? n where can i get more info?
ARKS Srinivas answers, YES. Visit www.time4education.com

sandy asked, Hi Sir, Can you please tell me if there would be any deposit counter or something like that to keep our cell phones with?,As the cells are not allowed inside the examination hall and I have to travel from a far off place to the exam hall.
Rahul Reddy answers, It depends from centre to centre. Now, if you visit your exam center one day before the exam, you may ask about the rules. But relax, you will not be the only one with a cell at the center.

sandy asked, Hi Sir, Can you please tell me if there would be any deposit counter or something like that to keep our cell phones with?,As the cells are not allowed inside the examination hall and I have to travel from a far off place to the exam hall.
ARKS Srinivas answers, Probably not. But you can keep it on the desk (after switching that off).

LastTime asked, Sir What is the latest update on OBC reservation....
Rahul Reddy answers, It is up to the government to take a decision.

LastTime asked, Sir What is the latest update on OBC reservation....
ARKS Srinivas answers, Nothing YET.

karan asked, sir can u tell me how should i handle the first 15 min at times i get very confused i get so nervous that im not able to attempt the easiest ques i just switch over to different ques ?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi Karan, you are pretty normal. Everybody would be tense. But then, you want to be an MBA, right? Just ensure that you don't worry about the results. Put your best foot forward. All the best.

thechamp asked, my simcat scores always stayed at 78-80%ile. what can i expect from this cat ?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, focus on maximising overall scores. Apply to good colleges like KJ Somayya, Wellingkar, BIM, NIBM, IFMR, IISWBM, etc. Remember, most of these colleges are giving very good placement these days.

mrperfect asked, sir, i have the problem in verbal part. previously, my accuracy was 50-60% in verbal and only once or twice, i cleared the cutoff by 1-1.66 marks... but in the last 2 weeks, my accuracy and score in mock tests and last aimcat have gone up to a great extent to 80-90% in verbal and cutoff + 3-4 marks in verbal... so, how shud be my strategy in verbal ??? shud i attempt more in verbal as i am doing now or shall i play very safe
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, don't experiment now. Do what has worked in the last two to three mocks.

core asked, I have been getting rank of mostly around ~1200-1300 in most of my AIMCATs with some +/- 300 ranks sometimes. However last 2 AIMCATs I have been done little better and got rank in 200s and 300s..How should I judge myself now ?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, 200s-300s is very good. All the best.

ashu asked, my question is intended to both of you: please say us how did you felt befor and after cat?? what did u do to tackle cat? I am sure you would have missed the rediff chat at that time???
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi ashu, There was no rediff at that time. Yes, I am sure we were exactly like what most of them are feeling right now. Apprehensive, hopeful, a little keyed up and, well, waiting for the CAT day!

karan asked, sir can u tell me how should i handle the first 15 min at times i get very confused i get so nervous that im not able to attempt the easiest ques i just switch over to different ques ?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, start with an area, which you are good at, and try to get a few questions correct, quickly.

anamika asked, Hi, I am having around 5 Yrs of work experience in software but my scores are not that good in the mock sessions around 80%. Do I still stand a chance for a call?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Yes, there will still be institutes at 80 to 85 percentile, from where you can get a call.

Rams asked, hello srinivas sir, (my strength)i am fit with both verbal and DI. My favorite is DI. Bit weak in quants. when taken aimcats my score stands on average (15-12, 13-15, 5-6) (Di, Verbal, Quants) resp. in this case not aiming for iim in which area i should score good
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, try to maximise the score -- spend a little more time in VA and try to get three to four marks more.

char asked, if the overall score is high will the IIM's overlook the failure to clear a particular sectional cutoff?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Probably not.

Kit asked, With a 3 year work-ex, wat is the percentile I should aim for if I am interested in only the IIMs?
Rahul Reddy answers, 98.55 and above.

mrperfect asked, sir, u r not answering my question. i have posted many times in last chats as well but never got any reply from u... plzz respond to this last and final query atleast "sir, i have the problem in verbal part. previously, my accuracy was 50-60% in verbal and only once or twice, i cleared the cutoff by 1-1.66 marks... but in the last 2 weeks, my accuracy and score in mock tests and last aimcat have gone up to a great extent to 80-90% in verbal and cutoff + 3-4 marks in verbal... so, how shud be my strategy in verbal ??? shud i attempt more in verbal as i am doing now or shall i play very safe "
ARKS Srinivas answers, The fact that you have been doing well should ensure that you do well even in the CAT exam. Do exactly what you have been doing for the last few tests. All the best.

Kunjal asked, Sir...i am quite nervous..even in nite some times in dream i c myself in exam hall..so nervous sir..what to do??
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, everybody is nervous. Try dreaming about Ash or Mallika.

mrperfect asked, sir, u r not answering my question. i have posted many times in last chats as well but never got any reply from u... plzz respond to this last and final query atleast "sir, i have the problem in verbal part. previously, my accuracy was 50-60% in verbal and only once or twice, i cleared the cutoff by 1-1.66 marks... but in the last 2 weeks, my accuracy and score in mock tests and last aimcat have gone up to a great extent to 80-90% in verbal and cutoff + 3-4 marks in verbal... so, how shud be my strategy in verbal ??? shud i attempt more in verbal as i am doing now or shall i play very safe "
Rahul Reddy answers, Do again what you did in the last two mocks. Don't experiment.

Kit asked, Sir, not sure if someone already asked this, but hw would an additional 30 mins affect the cut-offs for this year's CAT?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, hardly any difference.

vikas asked, which area should we focuss on clearing the entrance examination of SNAP
ARKS Srinivas answers, There could be a cutoff for sections. So try and do well in all. But do maximise your score too. It is the balance that is required.

Mangal asked, Sir I want to know whether the format of questions asked in PGSEM conducted by IIMB is same as of CAT
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi Mangal, you can apply to PGSEM through CAT itself. You should have marked the oval in the CAF at the application stage.

Rashi asked, my question is:how should we balance our scores in all the sections
Rahul Reddy answers, Balance the time spent on each section -- scores will balance out.

Mangal asked, Sir plz answer my question abt PGSEM conducted by IIMB do u provide coaching for this
ARKS Srinivas answers, You should have applied to PGSEM when you applied for CAT itself, through the CAF form.

thechamp asked, Sir I've 1-1.5 yrs exp and currently doin job ... So i will be only aiming for A+ colleges ....
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, your aim should depend on the scores you are capable of. So if you are geting 95 percentile or so in the AIMCATs, only then can you aim at A+ colleges.

Ajay asked, With a 3 year work-ex and reservation(sc)wat is the percentile I should aim for if I am interested in only the IIMs?
ARKS Srinivas answers, 93 percentile should be good.

mrperfect asked, sir, what do think this time verbal and RC will be... do u think it will be the same as last time with too much of confusion in answer choices or do u think they wont place too much ambiguity on suthor's side.. what do u think might be their strategy sir??
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, there will be some questions, which are inferential and also ambiguous. I am hoping the number will be lesser than it was last time.

catrinacafe asked, i have not studied much but am very intelligent and beautiful........please suggest some shortcuts. I can ace PI & GD with my looks
Rahul Reddy answers, Try Bollywood.

Ashwin asked, With a job in Hand from a reputed company, with handsome package?? How should I look over to MBA prospect? MBA Rt now?? or MBA after some workex?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, you have to look at what MBA can do to your career over a long period like, say 10 years.

sd asked, wat would 98.55 percentile mean in terms of mark for a paper like last year ?
Rahul Reddy answers, About 45.

thechamp asked, Sir what i meant was that if i dont make into top A+ grade colleges then i wud give CAT again next year rather than settling with any other colleges ... is that fine ?
Rahul Reddy answers, If you have a good job and and are young, then you can definitely take CAT once more. Lots of people get through in the second or third attempt.

CDP asked, HOW TRUE IT IS THAT WE CANNOT TAKE THE CAT MORE TAHN THREE TIMES CONSICUTIVELY.
Rahul Reddy answers, I have taken CAT five times and am taking it on November 19 again.

Tapash asked, anything special from the expert for cooloing off tomorrow day time...
ARKS Srinivas answers, I guess, see a good movie. Spend time reading a good book. Think less of CAT. All the best.

xerxex asked, ARKS sir why r u not responding to me... I really don't know...how to face di tomorrow
ARKS Srinivas answers, Hi, I guess, think of picking up four sets and giving about 10 minutes to each of them. But then, choosing those four would be the key.

Mangal asked, Sir what cut-off shud I expect for PGSEM
ARKS Srinivas answers, 95.

stenthu asked, sir, plzz answer this question sir.. it is important for guyz who belong to ST category..----"sir, what shud be the percentile for "ST" candidate to get calls from all the iims sir?? "
ARKS Srinivas answers, 90+ percentile would be GOOD.

nucleus asked, hi i just completed my revisions n now just taking my mind away from CAT. Is it right thing to do?
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, yes, you can revise for a few hours on Saturday as well, but don't stress yourself. Also, go out and have some fun. Don't sit and keep thinking about the exam.

stenthu asked, sir, plzz answer this question sir.. it is important for guyz who belong to ST category..----"sir, what shud be the percentile for "ST" candidate to get calls from all the iims sir?? "
Rahul Reddy answers, It varies a little bit. Anyway, about 75 percentile should be enough.

nucleus asked, hi i just completed my revisions n now just taking my mind away from CAT. Is it right thing to do?
ARKS Srinivas answers, Absolutely.

Mangal asked, Sir I score 80%ile in MOCKCAT & I have 2 yrs exp in IT so shud I expect for PGSEM
ARKS Srinivas answers, Possible.

ankit123 asked, Sir I am getting excellent percentiles in my mocks..but still not completely sure abt performing on the c day...help!
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, everybody is tense. Take your mind off the exam. Watch James bond in Casino Royale RR* (Rahul Recommends)

thechamp asked, Sir one more question All those who clear 25% sectional cutoffs and 30 % overall cutoffs will get a call or is it a minimum requisite .
ARKS Srinivas answers, Minimum requisite.

shreyans asked, sir do the iim does see the accurancy levels along with our scores
Rahul Reddy answers, Hi, unlikely. If they do, they will mention it in the instructions.

catrinacafe asked, I am unhappy with your answer. It is my dream to be a model from IIM
ARKS Srinivas answers, I was unhappy with your question too!

Rahul Reddy says, Thanks a lot everyone. Hope we have been able to help. Don't worry too much, just do your best. And it's not the end of the world. There are many successful, happy, famous people in the world who have never cleared CAT.

Rahul Reddy says, Bye and wish you all the best.