The Ultimate Guide to CAT 2018 Slot 2: Master the Meow and Ace Your Exam
Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), is one of the most prestigious and competitive MBA entrance exams in the world. In the 2018 edition, Slot 2 was held on November 25, and thousands of aspiring MBAs put their knowledge to the test.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about CAT 2018 Slot 2, including:
- Exam structure and format
- Previous year's paper analysis
- Preparation tips and strategies
- Common mistakes to avoid
- FAQs
So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a feline-tastic journey towards CAT triumph!
Exam Structure and Format
The CAT exam consists of three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- 24 questions in 60 minutes
- Questions on verbal reasoning, grammar, and reading comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- 24 questions in 60 minutes
- Questions on data interpretation and logical reasoning
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- 34 questions in 60 minutes
- Questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics
Important Note: The number of questions in each section may vary slightly from year to year.
Previous Year's Paper Analysis
Overall Difficulty: Slot 2 was generally considered to be slightly more difficult than Slot 1.
Sectional Difficulty:
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VARC: Moderate to difficult; long reading comprehension passages
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DILR: Challenging; complex data sets and reasoning questions
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QA: Moderate to difficult; time-consuming questions requiring higher-level thinking
Overall Score: The average score for Slot 2 was around 100.
Preparation Tips and Strategies
VARC:
- Practice reading and solving comprehension passages from various sources.
- Improve your vocabulary and grammar skills.
- Focus on understanding the main ideas and arguments in the text.
- Practice summarizing and paraphrasing passages to improve your comprehension.
DILR:
- Solve a variety of puzzle-based questions, including those on data interpretation and logical reasoning.
- Learn to analyze data tables, charts, and graphs efficiently.
- Develop your ability to identify patterns and make inferences.
- Practice solving questions under time pressure.
QA:
- Revise all fundamental concepts from class 10th mathematics.
- Practice solving a wide range of numerical problems, including those on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
- Develop your speed and accuracy through regular practice.
- Learn tricks and shortcuts to solve problems efficiently.
Overall Tips:
- Start preparing early and dedicate sufficient time to your studies.
- Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Use quality study material and prepare from reliable sources.
- Stay focused, motivated, and don't give up easily.
- Remember, the CAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and don't get discouraged by setbacks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not reading the instructions carefully: Make sure you understand all the exam instructions before starting.
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Spending too much time on difficult questions: If you're stuck on a question, move on and come back to it later.
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Answering questions you're not confident about: Guessing randomly can lower your overall score.
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Not practicing enough: The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you will be on exam day.
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Panicking under time pressure: Stay calm and composed during the exam. Time management is crucial.
Pros and Cons of CAT Slot 2
Pros:
- Usually has a slightly lower overall score compared to Slot 1.
- Less competition as fewer candidates appear for the later slot.
- More time to prepare, as Slot 2 is held after Slot 1.
Cons:
- Questions may be slightly more difficult than Slot 1.
- May have less time to adjust to the exam environment.
- Can be more stressful, as candidates may be aware of the scores from Slot 1.
FAQs
1. What is the duration of the CAT exam?
- 180 minutes (3 hours)
2. How many sections are there in the CAT exam?
- 3 sections: VARC, DILR, and QA
3. What is the total number of questions in the CAT exam?
- 82 questions (may vary slightly from year to year)
4. Is there any negative marking in the CAT exam?
- Yes, one-third of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
5. What is a good score in the CAT exam?
- A score around the 90th percentile is generally considered to be a good score.
6. What are the top IIMs in India?
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIM Bangalore
- IIM Calcutta
- IIM Lucknow
- IIM Indore
7. What are the job profiles offered by IIMs?
- Consulting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations
- General Management
8. What are the extracurricular activities offered by IIMs?
- Sports clubs
- Cultural clubs
- Business clubs
- Social clubs
Stories and Lessons Learned
Story 1:
The Cat Who Studied Too Hard
Once upon a time, there was a cat named Whiskers who wanted to ace the CAT exam so badly that he studied day and night, burning the midnight oil. However, on the day of the exam, Whiskers was so exhausted that he fell asleep in the middle of the test!
Lesson: Don't overdo it! Pace yourself and get enough rest before the exam.
Story 2:
The Cat Who Guessed Wisely
Another cat named Mittens was a bit lazy and didn't study much. But on the day of the exam, she used her feline intuition and guessed on every question. To her surprise, she ended up scoring quite well!
Lesson: Sometimes, a little bit of luck can go a long way. Don't give up even if you're not fully prepared.
Story 3:
The Cat Who Focused on the Right Things
A third cat named Oliver realized that he couldn't master all the topics in the vast CAT syllabus. So, he decided to focus on his strengths and ignored the topics that he found difficult. On exam day, he excelled in the areas he had prepared for and scored a decent percentile.
Lesson: Don't try to be a jack-of-all-trades. Identify your strengths and play to them.
Conclusion
The CAT 2018 Slot 2 was a challenging exam, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can achieve success. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single purr-fect step. So, stay pawsitive, work hard, and may the CAT gods be in your favor!
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