Unlike other areas, Data Interpretation differs in the fact that it has fewer concepts than Quant or Verbal. The gestation period for maximising scores in DI and Logic is far shorter than for other areas.
All it requires is:
A basic level of understanding of percentages, addition and subtraction, and a thorough grasp over basic arithmetic calculations especially Averages.
A good understanding of various formats of data representations (there are only six-eight of them), the kind of data that can obtained from them.
Clear demarcation and understanding of Logic based puzzles which include Tournament questions, Venn diagrams, Maxima and Minima questions, Distribution and arrangement, Circular arrangement, Networks and the like will make a huge difference in your scores.
Tactics you will need to adopt while attempting Data Interpretation
Data interpretation questions are solved in four basic steps.
Select the Set to be solved. When you have multiple sets, focus on the sets which you can understand, are familiar and appear solvable in reasonable time. Such judgment has to be developed by practice. And your choice may not always be correct. So after say 3-4 minutes, if you are stuck then quit and attempt another set of questions. It is important here to note that it may seem to be the right strategy to concentrate on two sets and try solving all questions from those sets than spending time on all sets.
The problem with the above approach of doing only two sets is that you are spending too much time in those two sets and even if one of the sets go wrong, then your chance of getting into the IIMs will get postponed by an year. It is always advisable to spend certain in each set and then depending on whether or not the set is easy and the questions are doable in reasonable time, you give a little more time or quit.
Once a set is selected, understand the data. Don’t rush towards the questions. Spend some time understanding the data and how it can be read.
Understand the Question. What is it that we need to calculate? What is the data required for that and how it can be obtained.
Pick up the pencil and solve the question. Look at the simplest method possible and don’t calculate things that are not required. At this stage keep an eye on the answer choices. These will help you decide the level of approximation or accuracy required in the calculations.
Remember that you need not solve all questions in a set simply because you have attempted that set. Solve the easy and medium questions and then move onto the next question rather than getting stuck on one difficult question.
Logic or Reasoning
Reasoning is a vast area that has been traditionally given in CAT along with some other area – in the recent years along with Data Interpretation and not as an independent section. However, this area has more to do with commonsense and speed of thinking rather than with any formal knowledge of Logical Ability.
Tactics to be adopted for Reasoning questions
Similar to DI, you need to first select the set that you will attempt. Look for familiarity and the degree of complexity in the question. For example a question on tournaments with Round Robin question with four teams playing each other is far less complex than one involving 6 teams. With 4 teams playing each other you have 6 matches overall. With six teams you have 15.
Then again while solving a set if you are stuck at any point assess whether you are likely to crack the set in the next few minutes. If not sure, quit.
Please make sure all data is noted down correctly from the question. One mistake there can ruin six-eight minutes of your time as well as give you negative marks.
Between DI and LA, allot time based on your comfort level with each area.
In Conclusion
Application of Strategy requires a solid foundation in terms of concepts, application, problem solving accuracy and speed.
Smart strategy can maximize the score in the critical 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Strategy has to be customized for every candidate based on one’s strengths and weaknesses.
The strategy should be developed and practiced in the All India Mock CATs
Learn how to handle pressure. Keeping a cool head will pay rich dividends
If you prepare well and have the right strategy, you wouldn’t need it, but best of luck all the same.
(The article has been written by Director of T.I.M.E. Mumbai ARKS Srinivas)
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