Quant for CAT: Step by Step Guide for clearing Quant for CAT

Quant for CAT: Step by Step Guide for clearing Quant for CAT

Evolution of Quant: 

90’s and Early 2000s

Back in the early 2000s and before that, CAT used to have a large number of questions, which were of moderate difficulty. The focus in Quant was more on speed than in checking the depth of knowledge that the candidate had.

• Why it worked – Easy questions meant students without a strong maths or engineering background had a shot and more
• students could attempt.
• Challenges – Examiners felt that students were gaming the exam (by finding tips and tricks to solve MCQs rather than understanding the fundamentals) + there was too much focus on speed which was not that essential a requirement to become a good manager.

Late 2000’s 

The number of questions was reduced in CAT (for all subjects). The difficulty level of questions was increased in Quant (as in other subjects). Each question required more work than before but the number of questions was reduced.

• Why it worked – You needed a reasonable depth of knowledge to secure the required marks and was more difficult to game the exam. (As an aside, this can be one main reason why books written earlier like Arun Sharma have a lot more focus on using options to answer questions compared to the ones written later).
• Challenges – The dice got loaded in favour of engineers and students with strong maths background. Moreover, several recent studies started proving that quant skills may not be as important as earlier considered for good management and EQ and communication skills might be much more important than IQ. IIMs started getting some flak for having a large number of nerdy students without the personality and temperament to be good managers. (To get around some of this, weight-age of Verbal section was increased in CAT – 2008 where it consisted of 160 marks (40 questions) vs. 100 for DI/LR and QA (25 questions each))

Now and going forward

It seems IIMs have taken into account the feedback received and the Quant paper in recent years has been significantly easier. They have also ensured that time spent on each section is fixed and students cannot subsidise the extra time spent in one section by going through the other section faster. This is crucial as in the alternate scenario a candidate strong in Quant would have quickly gone through the Quant section and would have had extra time in Verbal (basically his good Quant skills would have made him look better in Verbal as well)

Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) - Prep Tests, Videos & Notes
Includes  40 docs,68 videos & 105 tests

Changes in CAT Quantitative Aptitude section

During the last three years, Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT has gone for substantial changes. Prior to 2015, around 70% part constituted Quantitative Aptitude questions and rest 30% was on DI questions. Before 2014, Quantitative Aptitude Questions For CAT  were 20 and on DI they were 10. Now the number of Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT has gone upto 34. Accordingly with the change in question type Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Solutions and Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions For CAT have also changed over the years.

Now the Quant Preparation for CAT should therefore, be focused on the current CAT exam trends. The key changes in Quantitative Aptitude questions are:

• Quantitative aptitude questions for CAT have increased from 20 to 34.
• The negative marking questions in Quantitative Aptitude section are 24 to 27 rest are to remain No-Negative marking questions. This change was brought by IIM Ahmedabad in 2015.
• The difficulty level of CAT Quantitative aptitude section has reduced

All Types of Questions that you can expect in Quant for CAT (With hand Picked List of Questions for each topic) 

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT: Composition and Question Pattern

Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT 2018 are to remain as per the previous year Quantitative Aptitude questions. In 2015, IIM Ahmedabad revamped CAT exam pattern and separated the Data Interpretation sub-section from Quantitative Ability Section. Quant 2018 will be a separate section now with only Quant questions in it. The share of Quantitative Ability for CAT questions is 100% now without any DI question clubbed to it. Quantitative Aptitude questions in Quant 2018 will carry a weightage of 34% to total CAT score and 100% for Quant section.

The CAT exam now has also changed the order of sections. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude is now the last section instead of first section and is placed after DILR. Quantitative Aptitude questions in CAT have remained on the same pattern during 2016 and 2017 also. The composition of Quantitative Ability for CAT 2018 is also expected to remain on the same pattern as of 2017 as below:

Quantitative Aptitude Questions and Answers

What is CAT Quantitative Aptitude? How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2018? What are the topics covered in the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Syllabus? What are the important CAT 2018 Quantitative Aptitude Tips to crack the exam? Where do I get the  Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT with Solutions? Which are the best CAT expert Quantitative Aptitude Tips & Tricks to score high in Quant 2018? Which are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section?

These are some of the queries raised by CAT aspirants in regard to Quant Preparation for CAT  and the CAT aspirants need the well guided answers on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for  CAT 2018.

Sharing the Quantitative Aptitude Tips & Tricks on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2018, Experts and toppers suggest that those who are weak in Quant should begin with their Quant Preparation for CAT with Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT with solutions so that they simultaneously know the errors they are making.  One of the most important CAT Quantitative Aptitude tricks to prepare well is to get conceptual clarity by reading a good Quantitative Aptitude Book . Since Quant 2018 will test you on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math among other important topics, the most important of the Quantitative Aptitude Tricks is to strengthen your basics followed by Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions for CAT.

Hand Picked List of Questions for each topic:  

Digital Root or Seed Number

Learn the appraoch to solve the typical calculation oriented questions in a quick span of time. A wonderful approach for mathematics as well as DI questions

Number System - Euler's theorem to find Remainder

Learn the principles to crack the toughest questions of number system in seconds. A wonderful approach to solve the reminder questions without cyclicity.

Time, Speed and Distance

Have a look at the basics of time, speed & distance, with special reference to average speed and relative speed. Learn quick methods to solve some tough questions.

Mixture and Alligation

How to solve, some tough questions by applying the wonderful technique of alligation. Learn the fundas to solve the repeated solution questions in a quick span of time

How to improve in Geometry & Mensuration

If Geometry & Mensuration is your weak area, here is a comprehensive collection of the exact material you need to make it your strong area.

Progressions - Arithmetic mean and Geometric mean

How to find the maximum and minimum value of the different series. Make yourself familiar with the approach to handle aviodable type of algebra questions.

Permutation and Combination: Fundamentals

Learn the fundamental principles of counting. Besides that learn some advanced concepts and some tough permutation questions with the help of logical formulas.

Chess Board: Numbers of Squares and Rectangles

In this article, we will learn the formulas to calculate number of squares and rectangles in a board. Also, get to know the various chessboard problems/puzzles asked in CAT.

Average or Arithmetic Mean

Learn the basics of average alongwith some short - cuts to sove the questions quickly. Handling the questions with the help of the rule of balancing.

How to improve in Algebra

If Algebra is your weak area, here is a comprehensive collection of the exact material you need to make it your strong area.

Permutation and Combination- Distribution of Balls into Boxes

Learn the simple trick to master the tricky concept of Permutation and Combination: Distribution of balls into boxes.

Geometry – Polygons

Read this article to understand the basic terminologies, important properties and formulas of a polygon.

How to improve in Permutation and Combination

If Permutation and Combination is your weak area, here is a comprehensive collection of the material required to make it your strong area.

Geometry: Shortcuts and Tricks

Learn the shortcuts to approach the frequently asked questions of Geometry.

How to prepare for Quant?

CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) questions contribute 34% share in overall CAT exam which consists of 3 sections with 100 questions and is divided into MCQs with negative marking and Non-MCQs without negative marking. Quant 2018 will be the 3rd section in CAT 2018. IIMs have revamped the difficulty level in Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT and have tried to ensure that the Quantitative Aptitude Questions are not skewed towards a particular section of CAT test takers. Accordingly Quant 2018 may not be as difficult as it used to be.

Many of the CAT toppers without Mathematics background  admit that they were weak on Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT  and it took them time to march on Quant preparation for CAT. But they could crack the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT with high score and are now studying in IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, FMS Delhi, MDI and other top B-schools.

So, how did these toppers improve on CAT Quantitative Aptitude? What type of Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT did they choose? Which best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section they referred? What type of CAT Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions for CAT they preferred? What were the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Tips & Tricks which made them crack the Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT with high score?

One thing which has remained common in regard to Quant preparation for CAT among all the CAT toppers with 99 or 100 percentile now studying in IIM A,B,C,L, FMS Delhi or other top MBA colleges, is that despite being weak in CAT Quantitative Aptitude section, they planned well on their preparation journey and after getting into their desired IIM or other top B-school, they have shared also the tips for CAT aspirants on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2018.

But before  exploring on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2018; which are the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT books and out of them how to choose the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section;  What are the CAT 2018 Quantitative Aptitude tips from experts and toppers; wherefrom you can get a good number of Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT with Solutions, we should know what is the composition and type of Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT  in Quant 2018 exam pattern after it was revamped by IIM Ahmedabad in 2015:

The query how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2018 needs to be addressed by knowing the structure and content of  Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT 2018 exam. With the increased number of Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT, you should first know the Quant 2018 question pattern, type of Quantitative Aptitude questions, in the changed CAT exam pattern to take the right path before moving on your CAT preparation journey:

How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Unlike other two sections which have 2 parts like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension; Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT consists of questions based only on Mathematics. Accordingly, it requires different preparation strategy focused only on Quantitative Aptitude questions on different topics. Following are the most important points to guide you on how to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Exam:

• Prepare as per latest trends on Quantitative Aptitude questions in CAT  
• Read the Best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section
• Get Updated CAT  Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Material of Best Coaching Institutes
• Read CAT toppers’ Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Strategy
• Take CAT Quant 2018 Mocks and Analyse each one after attempting them

Let us understand in detail the strategy how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT:

Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT

With the revamped pattern of CAT since 2015, one of the key Quantitative Aptitude for CAT tips is to focus on such Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT which are based on CAT previous year Quantitative Questions pattern of last 2-3 years.

While it is difficult to determine CAT syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude, it is advisable to prepare as per the changed CAT exam pattern. If you continue preparing as per the old pattern of CAT Quant Syllabus, you may end up with a low score. Although, you cannot rule out the recurrence of questions on forgotten topics in Quantitative Aptitude section, the priority should be given to the current CAT pattern and on the current topics as per revised CAT syllabus.

Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section

If you are doing self-preparation for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, you cannot deny the the importance of choosing the best book for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. Most of the CAT toppers who were weak in CAT Quantitative Aptitude opted for self –preparation after making thorough search on best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude section.  

Among the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT books, the Quantitative Aptitude book by Arun Sharma and Quantitative Aptitude Book By Arihant Publication are some of the best Quantitative Aptitude Books. In fact, the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section  should be of latest edition carrying the latest features as per the current CAT exam pattern with Quantitative Aptitude Questions and Answers.

Now the question is- which is the best book for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. Out of 35 odd CAT preparation books on Quant 2018 preparation, in opinion of the CAT toppers and experts is Quantitative Aptitude Book by Arun Sharma. Other best books for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT are:

• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by  Sarvesh K Verma
• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Best Study Material for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

In case you are preparing for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT with the help of coaching centres, or wish to go for a mix of coaching supported preparation and self preparation to get the best of both in CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation, alongwith the best book for Quant 2018 preparation, you will be getting the best study material with more Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions for CAT.

The Preparation Material of Best Coaching Institutes like TIME, CL, IMS could be very helpful to prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. The reason is that the study material on Quant Preparation for CAT of top coaching centres is updated as per the latest and expected changes in CAT exam pattern and also consists of Quantitative Aptitude Tips & Tricks by CAT experts.

The preparation material will contain the following apart from other key features:     

• Quant 2018 study material to strengthen fundamentals with CAT 2018 Quantitative Aptitude Tips
• Quantitative Aptitude Questions for CAT with Solutions
• Quantitative Aptitude Tricks by experts on how to solve the questions faster with accuracy  
• Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions for CAT of varying difficulty level

With the help of this preparation material you will be able to develop your own Quantitative Aptitude tricks to crack the Quant 2018 questions quickly.

How to Attempt Mocks for CAT (Quant)

Quant Mocks for CAT

Taking Mocks and sample tests is very important to crack Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT. This fact has been tested by the CAT toppers over a period of time. Taking more mocks on Quant 2018 will expose you to a vast variety of Quantitative Aptitude questions. More the number of Mocks, the more equipped will be you with self developed Quantitative Aptitude tips and tricks to crack the questions.  

Mocks, according to the toppers are the best source of preparation for CAT. But the most important is the post Mock analysis. You must analyse each mock attempted by you to check for your mistakes and understand them well. Ensure that the mistakes are not repeated. This will further strengthen your Quant 2018 preparation.

This is one point that cannot be emphasized hard enough. The more mocks you give, the better your preparation strategy gets. Why? Because after every mock test analysis, you will get an idea about your strong and weak areas, speed, accuracy, and other factors. As a result, you will then modify your strategy based on this data. Therefore, your strategy will keep adapting and evolving till the day of the exam.

Mock tests also help you to get familiarized to the pattern of the exam. They help you in getting used to the activity of sitting in one place for hours and attempting the test.

Remember, you can never be 100% done with your preparation in Quant. There will always be some score of improvement in one or more topics. Therefore, do as much as you can in the time that is available to you.

You may have mastered the concepts theoretically, but you will not gain confidence unless you take various "Mock Tests". Take as many mock tests as you can. Remember, Practice makes a person perfect. Understanding things theoretically is far different from doing them practically. So, put your theories in practical framework and check out if your strategy is working effectively. Optimal use of time to attempt optimum number of questions is desirable as well as fruitful.  

Selected Mocks for you to Attempt (most recommended): 

• CAT Mock Test - 1
• CAT Mock Test - 2
• CAT Mock Test -3
• CAT Mock Test -4
• CAT Mock Test -5

Selected Mocks for you to Attempt (most recommended):

All that you would need for CAT compiled
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