The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive management entrance exams in India, serving as the gateway to prestigious B-schools such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and non-IIMs like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IIFT and IITs. CAT is a 2-hour exam, divided into 3 sections each with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. The sections are – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative Ability (QA). A large number of candidates from commerce background fear the QA section because of multiple reasons. Let us make an attempt to understand these reasons and devise CAT quants strategy for commerce students. Such an approach along with the right mindset and strategy will ensure that the candidates excel in this section.
Why is the Quant section so important in CAT?
The QA section contributes significantly to a candidate’s overall percentile. It is the only section which has a fixed range of syllabus unlike VARC and LRDI. Investing time and energy in QA can yield positive results, pushing the percentile higher. Though the section touches most of the concepts covered till standard 10th (other than modern maths), the trick lies in its application. QA section revolves around having good problem-solving skills, exposure to a wide variety of problems and time management, all at once. Understanding the syllabus in detail and a thorough practice of the same can ensure a good score in the section.
What are the key Challenges faced by Commerce Students in Quants Section?
1. Limited Exposure to Advanced Mathematics
Commerce students often have limited interaction with advanced mathematical concepts such as probability, higher algebra, or tedious geometry. Unlike students from science or engineering backgrounds, whose curricula emphasize these areas deeply. Commerce students typically focus on topics like accounting, statistics, and business math which are somewhat different. This lack of exposure can leave them a bit unprepared for certain math questions often encountered in quantitative section of the CAT exam.
CAT quants questions are never straightforward and often come as a mixture of 2 – 3 concepts. Due to this layer of complexity, Commerce students tend to face issues in adapting quickly. Further, there are certain topics which are not so familiar in commerce stream post tenth grade. For instance, concepts like probability distributions or matrix operations, which are less emphasized in commerce education, often form the core of many competitive exams including CAT. The unfamiliarity creates an initial barrier, requiring commerce students to first build foundational knowledge in these areas.
2. Struggles with Time Management
The quantitative section is known for its emphasis on speed and accuracy. This combination can be particularly challenging for commerce students due to their unfamiliarity with math. Their academic journey often involves structured problem-solving approaches, especially in the subjects like Accounting. Those sort of questions and scenarios allowed them to have time for detailed analysis and step-by-step calculations. However, in exams like CAT, GMAT, or XAT, quick decision-making and efficient calculations are key to success.
Many quantitative problems involve multi-step solutions, and commerce students tend to find themselves spending excessive time on one question. This finally leads to compromising their ability to attempt the entire section. Time pressure further amplifies the stress of solving complex questions, often resulting in mistakes (negatives) or skipping problems altogether. Therefore, before discussing the CAT quants strategy for commerce students, it is important to know the reasons for difficulty faced.
3. Math Anxiety and Psychological Barriers
For many commerce students, math is associated with anxiety. It usually stems from past experiences or a perceived lack of hold of the subject. This psychological hurdle is certainly a significant barrier to their performance in the quantitative section, leading to poorer percentiles. Math anxiety often transcends into nervousness, lack of confidence, or even avoidance. Hence resulting in students not fully engaging with the subject and the section in general. Do understand that the effects of math anxiety are not limited to emotions; they often translate into tangible performance issues. Students even may freeze when faced with difficult problems, make very whimsical mistakes or overthink straightforward questions, resulting in negatives.
4. Difficulty with Abstract Problem-Solving
Commerce students often excel in applying numbers to real-world scenarios, such as financial statements or cost analysis as per their curriculum. However, the abstract nature of many quantitative problems poses a unique challenge. Unlike contextual problems in Commerce, these questions demand needs to work on certain assumptions. While arithmetic can still be manageable, geometry and algebra certainly pose a problem. For example, questions involving number series, geometric shapes may seem disconnected from the practical applications that commerce students are familiar with. This unfamiliarity often leads to confusion, as students struggle to identify the right approach or interpret certain not so clear relationships.
Should Commerce students need to compulsorily have math background?
Before answering this, note that the response is very subjective, though many iQuanta CAT toppers will also support this. The answer is clearly a ‘No’—you don’t need to be have a mathematical background to ace the QA section. Completion of the syllabus and ample practise of diverse set of questions can easily help you score even a 99+ percentile.
However, here is the difference: while having a hold on mathematics may seem not mandatory but they play a key role. Students from the engineering background or sciences in general are much quicker and are likely to solve a problem correctly. But that doesn’t mean that Commerce students are any less. It is just that they need the right guidance and correct set of resources to be at par with their engineering counterparts.
Honing these skills alone can take months of effort and come with a lot of challenges. If you are wondering how to build these skills quickly, the answer to this problem is simple: iQuanta Non-Engineers Quant Module.
Recognizing the difficulty around building a solid foundation of mathematics, iQuanta has launched Non-Engineers Quant Module to help you master the fundamentals of QA. This program offers candidates will get access to 80+ hours dedicated quant basic concept videos with aligned 6 to 10 NCERT. Further, iQuanta’s dual pedagogy will ensure that you not only learn through these videos but also get to apply in the application classes held by them.
You will also gain access to our curated online community, where you will learn the most frequently appeared questions in the CAT exam. Additionally, you can also watch numerous video solutions for all the different sub-sections. What else? iQuanta offers 24*7 doubt solving within their community. They claim to solve any doubt within 15 minutes which is a necessity if you are someone who is not so comfortable with Mathematics.
Join the Largest CAT Preparation Community in India
Tips and Tricks for CAT Quants Strategy for Commerce Students
1. Practice Mental Calculation: The Key to Speed and Accuracy
This surely is the most suggested CAT Quants Strategy for Commerce Students. The ability to perform quick mental calculations is truly a game-changer in the QA section. Commerce students often rely on calculators for accounting and finance problems; hence, the habit can result in poor mental calculation. Though CAT permits a simple on-screen calculator but the time wasted in using it should not go unnoticed. Hence, for the simpler calculations, it is always suggested that you do them mentally and mark the right answer quickly. You can even use the method of approximation. In a few questions, options are very far fetched and hence if you can quickly calculate a rough figure, you can get to the answer in no time.
2. Build a Strong Foundation in Quantitative Aptitude
As discussed above that Commerce students may find certain advanced topics in QA, such as probability, permutations to be unfamiliar or challenging. Before diving directly into mock tests, it is essential to develop a strong foundation in these areas. Focus on understanding the basics of topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry and number systems. Platforms like iQuanta offer structured courses specifically tailored as per the needs of students to build their QA skills. With their amazing topic-wise breakdown, live and interactive sessions, coupled with 24*7 doubt solving, you are bound to ace the section.
3. Do Not Miss Out on the Syllabus: Know What to Prepare
Many commerce students face difficulties in QA because they are unsure about the exact syllabus in detail. Hence, understanding the syllabus thoroughly is the first step towards your right preparation. The syllabus broadly covers sections of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems and modern math. Know your strengths and play on them smartly. Further, provide more time and give special attention to your weaknesses to improve upon them. If you are scared of certain topics, try to know the basics first, get comfortable and only then, jump into the tougher questions. However, it is always advised to not leave any part of the syllabus as a sitter may end up from those topics. This should one of the top CAT Quants Strategy for Commerce Students.
4. Use Shortcuts Wherever Possible
CAT is not just about solving problems. It is about solving them quickly and efficiently. Learning the basic shortcuts and alternative methods for common QA problems can give you a significant edge. Understand that the options are there to help you, rather than to confuse you. Use them wisely. You always do not need to follow the process, knowing and applying shortcuts sometimes can help you a lot.
5. Mock Tests and Their Analysis
Mock tests are truly an important part of CAT preparation, especially when it comes to the QA section. They will help you simulate the actual exam environment, identify your weaker areas, and fine-tune your time management strategies. Also, do not just attempt mocks but significant time to analyse them in detail. Unless you analyse and understand your mistakes, you will not improve. Hence, do not rush post mock analysis and always take help from your mentors if confused.
