CAT 2023: Last Week Tips to Score More in DILR
Expert recommended tips are crucial for enhancing CAT 2023 preparation in the last week. Learn the strategies to answer DILR questions and achieve a high score in CAT exam.
Anil Solonki28 Oct, 2023
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CAT 2023 Last Week Preparation Tips: The CAT exam is scheduled to take [place on 26 November 2023. To qualify for the CAT exam with a good percentile, candidates have to perform well in all three sections, namely DILR, VARC, and QA. However, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is considered the most challenging and uncertain section of the exam. To excel in CAT DILR, candidates should commence their preparations 5-6 months ahead of the exam date, focusing on crucial topics such as Seating Arrangements and bar Graphs, among others.
According to the CAT 2023 exam pattern , DILR comprises 20 questions that are grouped into sets. By thoroughly preparing for the DILR topics, candidates can aim to secure 12 to 15 marks in each set. To help candidates secure high marks in the DILR section of the CAT exam 2023 , this blog provides expert-recommended tips. By following last week's preparation strategies, candidates can effectively improve their DILR sectional and CAT 2023 overall scores.CAT 2023 Last Week Preparation Tips: Understanding DILR Pattern
Securing a 95+ percentile in the CAT examination necessitates acquiring 50-55 raw marks. Achieving this target involves attempting 16-18 questions with a 90% accuracy rate. The DILR segment is widely acknowledged as one of the lengthy sections in the CAT exam. Last year's test-takers have rated the DILR section as moderately difficult. The preparation for CAT's DILR section involves developing speed and accuracy while solving reasoning-based questions. Additionally, candidates must learn to filter out irrelevant information, among other aspects. The table below demonstrates the CAT DILR paper pattern to help candidates determine the number of questions they can expect in the exam:| CAT 2023 DILR Question Pattern | |
| Total number of questions | 20 |
| No. of MCQs | 16 |
| No. of non-MCQs | 4 |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to high |
| Marking scheme | +3 for each correct response -1 for every incorrect answer in non-MCQ |
| Highlights of DILR questions | LR has10 questions DI has 10 questions All are in the set of 3-4 questions |
CAT 2023 DILR Last Week Preparation Tips
CAT is the highly reputed MBA entrance exam in India. The success rate of candidates in CAT is nearly 2%, meaning out of every 100 candidates participating in CAT, only 2 get selected. To outperform in the intensely competitive exam, candidates must seek expert guidance and support from highly qualified educators of PW Online MBA Batches . Besides joining the PW MBA Coaching, candidates must follow the below-mentioned tips in the final week of CAT preparation:Focus on Improving Calculation Skills
A quick calculation is essential to score well in the DILR section of the CAT exam. Therefore, candidates must emphasise enhancing their calculation speed one week before taking the CAT 2023 exam. This year, CAT candidates can expect a wide array of questions based on diverse data sources such as charts, tables, diagrams, graphs, case studies, logical games, calendars, blood relations, and more in the DILR section. Given the variety of topics, it's essential for candidates to enhance their calculation speed in order to complete the section within the allocated time. With the aim to improve the calculation skills of candidates, the PW MBA Pioneer Pro batch offers expert-led videos explaining different tricks to quickly calculate questions involving numbers.Select Questions Smartly
In the last phase of CAT preparation, it's vital to strategise the selection of questions in the DILR section. Careful selection of questions significantly influences sectional and overall CAT exam performance. Candidates must take the time to meticulously read and analyse each question to meticulously select and choose questions in the DILR section. This strategic approach helps candidates in maximising their potential for achieving a higher score. To enhance proper question selection, candidates must take multiple mock tests for the CAT exam during the last week's practice sessions. This practice will provide a clearer understanding of which questions to attempt and which to skip, facilitating a more strategic approach during the actual exam.Attempt Simple Questions First
A common mistake made by most CAT candidates is initiating their test by attempting difficult or tricky questions, setting aside the easier ones for later. By following this approach, candidates generally consume most of their time-solving tough questions. Additionally, they are left with limited to no time for remaining questions. Therefore, candidates must focus on answering simple questions first. Besides this, candidates should note that certain DILR questions that appear to be simple are actually quite challenging. So, candidates must read them attentively before solving them. Furthermore, it's crucial that candidates don't exceed the allocated time for each question because this prevents them from answering both easy and difficult questions within the exam duration.Also Read: CAT Preparation Plan for VARC and DILR
Efficiently Utilise Time
Candidates get 40 minutes time to answer the questions in each section of the CAT exam. Candidates must have solid time management skills to answer the CAT questions within the sectional deadline. As the final week of CAT preparation approaches, candidates must emphasise time management. For this, they should allocate specific time slots to each section and practice mock tests and sample papers to ensure completion within the one-hour timeframe. This practice effectively improves candidates' time management skills to perform better in the CAT 2023 exam.Avoid Starting New DILR Topics in the Final Week
It's advisable for aspirants not to start new topics of the CAT 2023 syllabus during the last week. Introducing new subjects might cause confusion in understanding concepts, potentially undermining prior preparations. In contrast, candidates must pay attention to revising previously covered DILR topics. Given CAT's negative marking system, reinforcing existing knowledge is wiser than commencing a new topic.Prioritise Accuracy
In addition to managing time, emphasising accuracy is crucial due to CAT's negative marking system. Candidates should remember that in the CAT exam, the primary emphasis isn't on answering the maximum number of questions but rather on answering most questions correctly. So, candidates must try to attempt questions with precision rather than answering more questions incorrectly, as the results lead to a better score in both DILR and the overall CAT exam.Also Read: CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days
Approach to Solve CAT DILR Questions
The strategy to solve DILR questions in CAT involves the following points:- Take around 4-5 minutes to thoroughly examine all the questions. Identify a few sets that seem easier and quicker to solve. Begin with the set that involves less time.
- Carefully read and understand the questions before solving them. Avoid using any information not provided in the question, as the assessment focuses on candidates' approach rather than general knowledge.
- Prior to engaging in calculations or eliminating choices, thoroughly analyse all the options provided in the specific question.
- Use the presented tables, charts, or graphs to extract the necessary data for solving the question.
- Strive to identify the correct option, noting the precise answer. For instance, if the answer options present an acceptable range, approximating and eliminating can help find out the accurate answer without the need to perform huge calculations.
CAT 2023 Last Week Preparation Tips FAQs
What is the total and sectional duration of the CAT exam?
Candidates get a total of 120 minutes to answer all the questions in the CAT exam. The sectional time limit in CAT 2023 is 40 minutes for each of the three sections.
What is the pattern of CAT DILR questions?
The DILR section consists of 20 questions with 6-7 sets, each containing 3-4 questions.
What are the topics covered in the CAT DILR sections?
The DILR section of the CAT exam includes questions from topics like puzzles, graphs, blood relations, arrangements, sequence, and more.
What is the ideal time candidates should spend on each question in the DILR section?
Ideally, candidates should spend nearly 1.5 minutes to solve each question in the DILR section.
Which questions should I solve first in the DILR sections?
Candidates should initially solve the simpler questions in the DILR section, and then they should take on the challenging ones.
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