Published on 22nd September 2023, 11:07 am
CAT 2023: Strategies to Minimize Negative Marking
Cracking CAT requires a dedicated test-taking strategy to score high marks, that maximizes the chance of getting calls from top B-schools. Among various strategies, the one for handling negative marks is most crucial for CAT, as every incorrect answer results in a penalty of 1 mark.
Here are strategies to help you minimize negative marking effectively:
> Elimination Method
Make informed guesses and use the elimination technique to minimize incorrect choices. It will help you select from the remaining options and increase your chances of getting it right, thus minimizing negative marks.
> Select Your Attempts
Focus on attempting questions that you are confident about. Prioritize your strong areas and questions that seem less complex. Minimize the risks you take by moving on from questions you are unsure about.
> Reduce Attempted Questions
It is difficult to attempt all 66 questions of CAT within the given time frame of 2 hours. Trying to answer all the questions can lead to errors that could be otherwise avoided. So avoid rushing through questions and take your time understanding them.
> Allot Time Limits
Fix the time you spend per question and how many questions you are aiming to attempt. If the time exceeds, leave the question and move to the next one. On the other hand, it will also reduce errors made by reading questions incorrectly.
> Mock Tests and Practice
Take regular mock tests to mirror the actual CAT exam and analyze your performance afterward. Pay special attention to questions you answered incorrectly and practice those topics again to improve your strategies.
Reducing the negative marking in CAT involves a combination of improving accuracy, strategic attempts, and regular practice. By developing these skills and strategies, you can minimize the negative impact of incorrect answers on your CAT score.
To analyze your test-taking strategy, click here.
Best of luck!
