• CAT Quant = 10th-grade math. Focus on basics.
  
  

• Spend extra time on foundations.
  
  

• Master Arithmetic and Algebra (~70% of Quant).
  
  

• You need only 7-9 correct answers for a 95+ %ile.

Here are a few things you can do to stand out:

• Academics: Be ready on 2–3 core subjects.

• Internships/Projects: Treat them as your work ex.

• PORs: Highlight leadership, quantify impact.

• Why MBA?: Have a clear, logical story.
  
  

Freshers stand out with depth, clarity, passion.

Would I rather choose a new IIM or a private B-school like XLRI/SPJIMR/MDI? That boils down to 2 things:

• Brand: IIM has pan-India brand, but XL/SP/MDI also have powerful alumni (XLRI for HR, SP for Marketing/Finance).
  
  

• Placements: XLRI/SP/MDI placements are often better than new IIMs.
  
  

Verdict: XL/SP/MDI usually > New IIMs. But BLACKI > any private B-school.
Hope it helped!

Hi Chirag. An ideal attempt strategy is personal, but here’s a proven method:

The ABCDE Method of RC Selection

Glance through all 4 RCs in first 2–3 minutes (don’t read fully). Judge based on:

• A – Area of Comfort: Familiar vs tough topic.
  
  

• B – Bulk: Short and crisp vs long and dense.
  
  

• C – Complexity: Simple vs jargon-heavy.
  
  

• D – Directness of Questions: Specific vs vague.
  
  

• E – Enthusiasm: Which one do you want to start with?
  
  

Rank RCs 1–4 (easy to hard). Start with 1, then 2, and so on. This way you grab marks from the easiest first and avoid wasting time on tough ones early.

Tip: Always attempt the 8 VA questions. They give great return on time.

Hi Ankan, it’s admirable that you're tackling this head-on. First, let me assure you that CAT is not a test of esoteric vocabulary. It tests your ability to understand words in context.

Here are some tips that work:

1. Context is King: When you learn a new word, don't just learn its dictionary meaning. Learn it in the sentence where you found it. This is how CAT tests you.

2. Read Diverse Topics: Don't just stick to one genre. Read fiction, non-fiction, science, history. This will expose you to a wider range of vocabulary naturally.

3. 'Word Power Made Easy' by Norman Lewis: This book is a classic for a reason. It teaches you word roots, which can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words.

4. Consistency: Spend 15-20 minutes every day on vocabulary, rather than cramming for hours on a weekend. Use flashcard apps like Anki for revision. Your background is not a disadvantage if you are willing to put in consistent, smart effort.

An inference is something that must be true based on the given text, not something that could be true. The best way to get these right is by using elimination. The wrong options are often too extreme (using words like 'all', 'never'), go beyond the scope of the passage, or directly contradict the text. Always go back to the passage and find the evidence that proves your chosen option.