Do you have recurring nightmares where you are chased by complex numbers and math problems? Well it’s time to take a fresh look at this common fear. With the common admission test (CAT) looming near, one would wonder if this is the right time to start tampering with basic concepts and the answer to that is no. Revisiting the old concepts would only strengthen what you already know from the recent preparations.

With the new pattern that has been announced by the IIMs, Quantitative ability would be combined with Data interpretation to form one section which would have a separate time limit of 70 minutes. In these 70 minutes one would be expected to attempt a jumbled array of questions coming from both these sections. As per the new pattern students would be attempting the quantitative & DI section first followed by the second section which would comprise of verbal ability & Logical Reasoning questions. Each section will have 30 questions to be attempted in the stipulated 70 minutes.

It is perceived by many aspirants that with the new pattern students who are probably good with numbers but weak with the language section would be at a disadvantage but the truth be said that the new pattern gives everyone including the ones who have the constant fear for math problems a fair chance to prove their mettle. No prior academic background or strengths are going to come to the rescue this time. So adopting a strategy of working on only the strength areas would not be a sensible thing to do. CAT is no longer a speed based test so be sure of all the questions you attempt. Do not leave any preparation incomplete, have the courage to go back to concepts whenever necessary and practice what is not known. Be sure to have enough practices through the mock and simulated tests.

The Quantitative ability section in CAT tests one’s knowledge over and above one’s logical and management abilities. It is believed that over the years the difficulty level of the quantitative problems has increased, one cannot be too sure of this trend. In the 2010 CAT which was also the second year of the computer based test the difficulty level of the quant section was moderate. There were 20 questions from quantitative aptitude and it covered topics in algebra, arithmetic, geometry, modern mathematics etc. Another trend that has been observed with this section is the growing importance of logic based questions. Pure arithmetic questions based on concepts like percentages, ratio and proportion etc may have decreased within the QA section but its application is seen across other sections such a DI and LR so one needs to be proficient with such topics as well.

Facing the challenge
 CAT effectively involves application of concepts, strategizing and thinking, so work a balance between your strong and weak areas. If certain areas in quantitative ability for instance permutations or algebra are problematic then take time out to work more on those problems. In quantitative ability, revise on the fundamentals of various modules such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry and modern math. Be sure to be comfortable with question types that have repeated year after year. For instance experts feel that questions on time, speed, distance, number systems etc come every year. Most of these questions do not require any special skill but mere common sense. The more you practice the more confident you get.

The biggest challenge with CAT in general is its unpredictable nature, so guessing its pattern is as tough as it is to crack it. But at the same time, one also needs to have an idea about the same pattern which is so tough to guess. So with just a month left for the D day the earlier question comes up again, Is it too late to work on Quant? The answer is no, better late than never.