• Be well prepared

The best way to avoid negative marking is by solving the questions accurately. To be able to solve the questions efficiently, it is important to be thorough with all the CAT syllabus topics and be well acquainted with the different question variations. Also, take several mocks before the exam for self-analysis and develop problem-solving abilities in the exam.

• Read the questions thoroughly

Read questions properly

It is important that each question should be read properly before starting to solve. In many cases, candidates misread a value or a unit and end up solving the question incorrectly. So, it is suggested to read the questions effectively and then start solving.

• Avoid guessing

It is one of the most common practices that many individuals do in the competitive exams. As there is a -1 negative marking in CAT, even 1 incorrect guess can end up reducing the overall percentile to a great extent. It is always suggested to answer accurately and not guess in the CAT exam.

• Be calm and concentrated

There are several instances where candidates mark the incorrect option in a hurry without noticing. This mainly happens when candidates states of minds are not composed and they get distracted. This is one of the common mistakes which can be easily avoided by staying calm and composed.

• Avoid last-minute attempts

The duration of the CAT exam is 3 hours and the total questions are 100. So, it is really difficult for an individual to attempt all the questions in that time. But, CAT is all about getting the answers right and not solving all the questions. So, it is important to attempt the questions accurately and avoid last minute answers as it may lead to an incorrect attempt.

• Have proper test-taking strategies

In the exam, managing time and solving accurately is very important. To be able to confidently attempt the questions, one needs personal test-taking strategies. The problem-solving abilities differ from person to person and so, it is important to have individual strategies. It is advised to start attempting with the easy questions from the more confident topics (according to self-preference) and then move to the difficult and time-consuming ones.

These were a few tips that can help the CAT aspirants avoid getting negative marking in the exam. It is important to have proper preparation and be confident with the syllabus. Candidates are suggested to take mock tests which are provided by the IIMs on the official website. The mock tests are generally released after the CAT registration is over and are available for all the registered candidates.

CAT aspirants can also check out BYJU’S video lessons on different CAT exam topics to learn and prepare more effectively. Subscribe to BYJU’S YouTube channel to check out more video lessons and download the app to get complete assistance.

So far, out of all these exams, the CAT which is conducted by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) is accepted by almost all universities for the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer based test that is held in the second half of the year. It tests the students in Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning/Data Interpretation.

Here are a couple of things you need to know before you go ahead with the test.

1. First impression is NOT the last impression.

The CAT test gives the candidate 1 hour for each session, i.e. it is a 3-hour test overall. You can only go to the next session once the allotted time has elapsed. There are a total of 100 questions in the test that are so designed that 1 question never fully focuses on just 1 topic. The question can be an artful mixture of multiple concepts. Hence, I’m CAT first impressions are usually deceptive.

1. It’s possible to score a negative integer

Contrary to what our school grading system teaches us, marks aren’t always positive integers. The CAT has negative marking. Each question carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrectly answered question. However, there’s another type of questions that exist and these can be your saviors. They’re the Type In The Answer (TITA) category. These questions are non-MCQ type and aren’t a part of the negative marking scheme. These can usually be your source of ‘lazy marks’ especially in Verbal as they usually contain para-jumbles and grammar questions.

1. Play to your strengths

We are often advised to step out of our comfort zones while prepping for success, but in the CAT, your safety zones will get you assured marks as opposed to risks that have a higher probability of incorrect answers. You should always go for the topics that you’re most confident in before you attempt anything else, in this way, you’ve secured those marks, and then if time permits, you solve everything else. But this is in no way an advice to just study a select few topics thoroughly. Prepare everything, but know your strengths.

1. Aim HIGH!

Of course, the best institutes that you can get into on the basis of the CAT are the IIMs. But apart from those, there will be institutes native to your city or state that hold great reputations, too. Research institutes based on their cut-off scores, stream centric placements, and course curriculum. A college reputed for one course may not necessarily be the same for another. So aim accordingly.

1. Work experience isn’t just resume accessory.

Candidates that have work experience have a good chance of getting accepted into their dream institutes. That is because once you’ve got the hang of the field, the understanding and application of business management concepts gets smoother. Worry not freshers, you also have a chance at your dream institutes. Just start connecting to people who’ve been in the corporate world, keep up to date on current affairs, and try your hand at a couple of internships during your undergraduate courses if possible.

1. Scores don’t determine your admit.

PGDM requires the candidates to prove themselves via an extra set of tests that are divided into rounds of Written Ability, Group Discussion/Case Discussion, and Personal Interview. It is essential to prep yourself well for each round. Speak to alumni or current students of the institutes to know what their experiences were. Scour the internet for people’s experiences and interview questions that you can prep yourself for.

This process will require dedication and meticulousness. Keeping track of all exam and institute related news will surely help you. The exam itself is easy to conquer once you focus on practicing as much as you can. Confidence and a smart demeanor will definitely impress the admission committee. You must and should have enough faith in yourself as you set about on your journey. All the best!

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