Coming to the LRDI section, it can be make or break for any aspirant. It is important to have a proper strategy in place. While CAT 2018 surprisingly had a relatively easy LRDI section, the years before 2018 have seen some really tough LRDI sections wherein even answering 3 sets with a 90% accuracy can get you to the elusive 99%ile in LRDI. Do NOT go for speed in this section as accuracy is of paramount importance. Herein, set your priorities right. If you are good with numbers, concentrate on the DI sets and practice them. If you prefer the LR ones like I did, do spend more time on those sets and look to practice all the types of sums at least till you are comfortable with each one of them. Attempt at least 3 sectional mocks of LRDI every week apart from the full mocks.
The QA section has been traditionally simple but CAT 2018 saw a huge change in its difficulty level. Attempting even 15 questions with 90% accuracy got students a percentile of over 95. Irrespective of the difficulty level this time, there is just one way to attempt this section. Practice. One cannot put a number on how much you should practice but do cover all your strong topics and strengthen them further. Practice getting to answers in the least possible time and use the options in the answer wherever possible. If you are scared of Maths, you must spend the most amount of time on it. Try to improve your accuracy to minimise the negative marks and increase your speed. I was very afraid of this section but managed to clear it by attempting just 12 questions with a 100% accuracy.
HOW MANY MOCKS TO ATTEMPT? There can be no fixed number but on an average, 3-4 mocks a week is recommended. Always remember that analysing the mocks and understanding where you went wrong is way more important than giving the mock itself. Hence, give a mock every alternate day if possible and analyse the mock properly utilising at least 4-5 hours on the next day. This strategy worked for me in my second attempt. Analysing mocks can give you new ideas on saving time and minimising the wrong attempts as well. It can provide fresh perspectives which can be the difference between a 90%ile and a 99%ile for sure.
The CAT 2019, conducted by IIM Kozhikode, is ultimately just another examination you will appear for. Try not to take undue pressure since it negatively affects your productivity. You need to relax at least on the last day before the test if not the last couple of days. Hang out with friends, go for a movie, do anything but try not to think about the exam. Lastly, believe in yourself. If you won't, no one else will! You can do this.
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