In fill-in-the-blank questions, you can rule out options that result in grammatically incorrect sentences. Further, the correct option will match the style and tone of the sentence, and can be detected on the basis of this.
Except 2 and 5, all prime numbers end in 1, 3, 7 and 9.
Try reading passages "out of context" i.e. from somewhere in the middle of the passage. Then go back and read the start to see the information that was used as a base by the author. This is useful since CAT reading comprehension passages often lack a concise introduction and ending.
The difference between the compound interest and simple interest on a certain sum for two years is equal to the simple interest calculated for one year on one year's simple interest.
Diversify your reading to different topics to reduce the challenge of attempting passages in the exam. Pick up topics that you have not read before and/or are your weak areas.
Sometimes in Data Sufficiency questions, if you see "two equations - two variables" case, do not conclude that the data is sufficient. We have to make sure that the two equations are neither same nor do they form an inconsistent system of equations.
In fill-in-the-blank questions, be on the lookout for wrong options that are the exact opposite of the correct one. This is especially relevant when under time pressure, or when the words are of very high difficulty level.
While calculating the weighted average, the ratios of the weights can be used instead of using the actual weights. Also if the weights are equal then the weighted average is same as the simple average.
Use the titles of editorials, articles, and even books to practice 'title' questions in reading comprehension passages. Inverting the question to see why the author chose the title will let you understand the logic used.
While calculating the ratio of two items, remove all the common terms, if any. For example, the ratio of circumference of two circles is equal to the ratio of the radii only; we can remove the common multiplier '2π' in the formula for circumference.
To improve your reading comprehension skills, pick up a variety of passages from different areas, and then identify the author's tone, author's style, and the viewpoint that he supports.
When one of the options is "None of these" do not choose that option which is approximately close to the answer.
A common trap in analogy questions is to reverse the correct relationship. Be on the lookout for such options. This is especially important when the relationship is one of degree.
To solve geometry questions with speed and accuracy, make a habit of drawing a figure when one is not provided with the question.
While eliminating close answer options in reading comprehension passages, a good understanding of the passage helps. Also, look for options that follow the style and tone of the passage as closely as possible.
Read the instructions for Data Sufficiency questions carefully as there are more than one variants of these instructions and the correct option you mark may change as per these.
When attempting dense reading comprehension passages, such as the ones that have come in recent CAT papers, it helps to reduce reading speed in order to understand the main idea throughly. This is better than having to re-read the passage after reading the questions.
While practicing sums, learn to derive the formulae that are going to be used rather than memorizing them. Deriving formulae helps one to be prepared for logic-based sums that cannot be solved by standard formulae.
While eliminating options in RC questions, look out for options that contradict ideas from the passage. Even if part of the option contradicts a certain idea, the option can be eliminated on the basis of being partially incorrect.
Questions that involve variables in multiple equations can be solved to get unique values for variables. However, at times, the question only requires you to reduce the equations into a different form, one that is representative of the answer. Avoid time-consuming solving of equations whenever possible.
