Hello aspirant,

The number of questions to attempt depends on the following factors:-

• Accuracy level of student
• Time taken by student
• Concept clarity of student
• Attempt in other sections

For any two students number of attempts cannot be same. There are a total of 34 questions in quant section. A student may attempt all 34 questions and end up getting -34 marks.. So your accuracy an preparation matters a lot.. Attempt only 18 questions with 100% accuracy and you'll score good marks as 54. So you need to analyse your ability through mocks.



You can refer to the given link for derailed information:-  https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/how-many-questions-attempt-get-99-percentile-in-cat

Dear Aditya, CAT exam paper can be Categorised into 3 parts:



Quantitative Ability

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning



The Verbal Ability section and Reading Comprehension has 34 Questions, Data interpretation-Logical Reasoning section has 32 MCQ questions and Quantitative Ability has 34 MCQ questions totalling up to 100 questions. Each Question has 3 marks and a wrong answer takes away 1 mark.



Most IIMs give weightage to QA section while FMS Delhi gives importance to VARC section. Now what we need to remember is that CAT has negative marking. So it is not the no.of questions you need to attempt. The emphasis should be on how many questions should you get correct. Based on your Category, your QA score will differ. For someone from General Category, you need atleast 80% from QA section. Most IIMs have the same cut off for QA section. It is 70% for OBC, 60% for SC,ST. The total score is adjusted through a method called Equating. And then the score will be normalised across all sections. QA section has 34 questions and lets say you attempted 17 and  answered 13 correct. Then the Accuracy is calculated as 13/17*100 which is 76%. Going by this, you should atleast answer 20 questions correct. Lets say you attempted 25. Then, 20/25*100 and then the accuracy is 80%.



Now, we know what to do. Lets also see how to do it:



Quantitative Aptitude covers almost 30% of the CAT question paper. QA can be categorised into Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Advanced Mathematics. Practise chapter by chapter and develop mental calculations. Like practise more of basic summation, subtraction, fractions and tables. Numbers, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership, Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series, Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Coordinate Geometry, Basic Trigonometry are few important topics.



Preparation tips:



Because this section involves mathematics and takes most of your time, your focus should be on solving the problems efficiently in the beginning. Even if it takes time, practise upto perfection. Practise as many questions as you can in the conventional way. As and when you get a grip on the subject, you can go for short cuts. Memorise tables, square roots, cube roots, conversion from percent to fraction, etc. Solve sample papers on Mathematics. In the beginning, do not worry about the time it takes. As you practise, you will get the hang of the subject and it will be easier for you.



CAT Books For Quantitative Ability:

1.NCERT mathematics books (from 6th to 10th class) ::

These books are a good way to start if one needs to clear their basics and concepts. NCERT books are best to start your CAT Preparation with only if you have a lot of time before your exam date and need to brush up on concepts before solving advanced problems.



2.How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT (by Arun Sharma)

(publisher: Tata McGraw Hill)

This is a very popular book among CAT aspirants and really easy and simple to understand. This book also focuses on the basics first and has different levels of difficulties step by step.



3.Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations (by Abhijit Guha)

This book is quite comprehensive for various competitive exams, for both MBA aspirants and for those seeking jobs who need to prepare for the aptitude tests.

4.Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma

It is an extensive book for students aspiring to go to IIMs. It has a very simple, lucid and tailor made content revolving around CAT.



5.Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (by Nishit Sinha)

This book by Pearson focuses on in depth understanding of core topics for basic and advanced applications.