उस स्वर्ण दिवस के लिए आज से
कमर कसें बलिदान करें।
जो पाया उसमें खो न जाएँ,
जो खोया उसका ध्यान करें॥
Monday, November 10, 2008
रीढ़ की हड्डी / हरिवंशराय बच्चन
मैं हूँ उनके साथ,खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
कभी नही जो तज सकते हैं, अपना न्यायोचित अधिकार
कभी नही जो सह सकते हैं, शीश नवाकर अत्याचार
एक अकेले हों, या उनके साथ खड़ी हो भारी भीड़
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
निर्भय होकर घोषित करते, जो अपने उदगार विचार
जिनकी जिह्वा पर होता है, उनके अंतर का अंगार
नहीं जिन्हें, चुप कर सकती है, आतताइयों की शमशीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
नहीं झुका करते जो दुनिया से करने को समझौता
ऊँचे से ऊँचे सपनो को देते रहते जो न्यौता
दूर देखती जिनकी पैनी आँख, भविष्यत का तम चीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जो अपने कन्धों से पर्वत से बढ़ टक्कर लेते हैं
पथ की बाधाओं को जिनके पाँव चुनौती देते हैं
जिनको बाँध नही सकती है लोहे की बेड़ी जंजीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जो चलते हैं अपने छप्पर के ऊपर लूका धर कर
हर जीत का सौदा करते जो प्राणों की बाजी पर
कूद उदधि में नही पलट कर जो फिर ताका करते तीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जिनको यह अवकाश नही है, देखें कब तारे अनुकूल
जिनको यह परवाह नहीं है कब तक भद्रा, कब दिक्शूल
जिनके हाथों की चाबुक से चलती हें उनकी तकदीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
तुम हो कौन, कहो जो मुझसे सही ग़लत पथ लो तो जान
सोच सोच कर, पूछ पूछ कर बोलो, कब चलता तूफ़ान
सत्पथ वह है, जिसपर अपनी छाती ताने जाते वीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
"http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/index.php?title=%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A2%E0%A4%BC_%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%80_/_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8" से लिया गया
कभी नही जो तज सकते हैं, अपना न्यायोचित अधिकार
कभी नही जो सह सकते हैं, शीश नवाकर अत्याचार
एक अकेले हों, या उनके साथ खड़ी हो भारी भीड़
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
निर्भय होकर घोषित करते, जो अपने उदगार विचार
जिनकी जिह्वा पर होता है, उनके अंतर का अंगार
नहीं जिन्हें, चुप कर सकती है, आतताइयों की शमशीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
नहीं झुका करते जो दुनिया से करने को समझौता
ऊँचे से ऊँचे सपनो को देते रहते जो न्यौता
दूर देखती जिनकी पैनी आँख, भविष्यत का तम चीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जो अपने कन्धों से पर्वत से बढ़ टक्कर लेते हैं
पथ की बाधाओं को जिनके पाँव चुनौती देते हैं
जिनको बाँध नही सकती है लोहे की बेड़ी जंजीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जो चलते हैं अपने छप्पर के ऊपर लूका धर कर
हर जीत का सौदा करते जो प्राणों की बाजी पर
कूद उदधि में नही पलट कर जो फिर ताका करते तीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
जिनको यह अवकाश नही है, देखें कब तारे अनुकूल
जिनको यह परवाह नहीं है कब तक भद्रा, कब दिक्शूल
जिनके हाथों की चाबुक से चलती हें उनकी तकदीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
तुम हो कौन, कहो जो मुझसे सही ग़लत पथ लो तो जान
सोच सोच कर, पूछ पूछ कर बोलो, कब चलता तूफ़ान
सत्पथ वह है, जिसपर अपनी छाती ताने जाते वीर
मैं हूँ उनके साथ, खड़ी जो सीधी रखते अपनी रीढ़
"http://www.kavitakosh.org/kk/index.php?title=%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A2%E0%A4%BC_%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%80_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%80_/_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF_%E0%A4%AC%E0%A4%9A%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%A8" से लिया गया
कोशिश करने वालों की / हरिवंशराय बच्चन
लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
नन्हीं चींटी जब दाना लेकर चलती है,
चढ़ती दीवारों पर, सौ बार फिसलती है।
मन का विश्वास रगों में साहस भरता है,
चढ़कर गिरना, गिरकर चढ़ना न अखरता है।
आख़िर उसकी मेहनत बेकार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
डुबकियां सिंधु में गोताखोर लगाता है,
जा जा कर खाली हाथ लौटकर आता है।
मिलते नहीं सहज ही मोती गहरे पानी में,
बढ़ता दुगना उत्साह इसी हैरानी में।
मुट्ठी उसकी खाली हर बार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
असफलता एक चुनौती है, इसे स्वीकार करो,
क्या कमी रह गई, देखो और सुधार करो।
जब तक न सफल हो, नींद चैन को त्यागो तुम,
संघर्ष का मैदान छोड़ कर मत भागो तुम।
कुछ किये बिना ही जय जय कार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
नन्हीं चींटी जब दाना लेकर चलती है,
चढ़ती दीवारों पर, सौ बार फिसलती है।
मन का विश्वास रगों में साहस भरता है,
चढ़कर गिरना, गिरकर चढ़ना न अखरता है।
आख़िर उसकी मेहनत बेकार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
डुबकियां सिंधु में गोताखोर लगाता है,
जा जा कर खाली हाथ लौटकर आता है।
मिलते नहीं सहज ही मोती गहरे पानी में,
बढ़ता दुगना उत्साह इसी हैरानी में।
मुट्ठी उसकी खाली हर बार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
असफलता एक चुनौती है, इसे स्वीकार करो,
क्या कमी रह गई, देखो और सुधार करो।
जब तक न सफल हो, नींद चैन को त्यागो तुम,
संघर्ष का मैदान छोड़ कर मत भागो तुम।
कुछ किये बिना ही जय जय कार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती।
Friday, November 7, 2008
IRMA STUDY MATERIAL
Š‹•Ž1˜1˜—Ž—œ1
1. Macro-economics ........................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Tenth plan............................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Eleventh plan ........................................................................................................ 6
1.3. Vision 2020 .......................................................................................................... 7
2. Land............................................................................................................................ 9
2.1. Soil type................................................................................................................ 9
2.2. Waste land .......................................................................................................... 10
3. Agriculture ................................................................................................................ 11
3.1. Food grains ......................................................................................................... 13
3.2. Commercial crops............................................................................................... 14
3.3. Cropping season ................................................................................................. 15
3.4. Agriculture exports ............................................................................................. 15
3.5. Irrigation ............................................................................................................. 16
3.6. Revolutions......................................................................................................... 17
A brief description of the major revolutions: ................................................................ 18
3.7. Agriculture: At A Glance ................................................................................... 18
3.8. India and world: comparison in agriculture........................................................ 20
4. Agri Business ............................................................................................................ 21
4.1. Fertilizer and pesticides ...................................................................................... 21
4.2. Food processing.................................................................................................. 24
4.3. Agriculture machinery........................................................................................ 25
4.4. Agriculture markets ............................................................................................ 27
4.6. Agriculture finance ............................................................................................. 28
5. Forest ......................................................................................................................... 30
6. Agriculture Allied Activities..................................................................................... 31
6.1. Horticulture......................................................................................................... 31
6.2. Poultry ................................................................................................................ 31
6.3. Dairy ................................................................................................................... 32
6.4. Sericulture........................................................................................................... 32
Page | 2
6.5. Fish ..................................................................................................................... 33
6.6. Animal Husbandry.............................................................................................. 33
7. Land reforms ............................................................................................................. 35
8. NGOs......................................................................................................................... 37
9. Development schemes and indicators ....................................................................... 41
9.1. HDI index............................................................................................................... 42
9.2. IRDP....................................................................................................................... 43
9.3. Self Employment programs.................................................................................... 43
9.4. Wage Employment programs................................................................................. 44
9.5. Education................................................................................................................ 44
9.6. Health ..................................................................................................................... 46
10. Micro finance ......................................................................................................... 47
11. Cooperatives........................................................................................................... 48
12. Retail revolution and farmer .................................................................................. 50
13. ITC e-Choupal........................................................................................................ 52
14. WTO and Indian agriculture .................................................................................. 56
15. Important Institutions ............................................................................................. 58
Page | 3
1. Macro-economics
India is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate
of 9.4% for the fiscal year 2006–2007. The average for last three years is close to 9%.
Beating Japan, the economy of India is expected to be the third largest in the world as
estimated by purchasing power parity by the end of this fiscal year. When measured in
Dollar terms, India is the twelfth largest in the world. Currently its GDP has more than
US $1.0 trillion. But per capita income of the country is low at $3,800 at PPP and $735
at nominal1 due to country’s huge population. In the World Bank classified India as a
low-income economy in 2006, but India will probably move into the lower middleincome
country classification of per capita income by 2008. Indian foreign exchange
reserves are increasing at rapid rate. During August, 2007, it was $230 billion. With the
recent surge in inflows, no wonder by the time you will read this document it would be
more than $250 billion.
Following graph compares the growth rate of major economies2.
*'3*URZWK5DWHV
&KLQD ,QGLD 0DOD\VLD .RUHD 86 8. -DSDQ
1 2006 estimates
2 Source : International Monetary Fund, The Economist and the OECD
Page | 4
The PPP picture is brighter. Following graph tells that it’s not far when we will catch up
china and America3.
GDP on PPP bas is
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
US
China
India
Japan
UK
Russia
Brazil
Korea
Australia
HK
Singapore
US $ t r il l ion
1.1. Tenth plan
During tenth plan (2002-07) period India has seen the growth like never before. The table
below is showing the sectoral growth rates and ICOR under Different Sectors of the
economy
3 *Estimates by IMF: World economic outlook , September 2006
Page | 5
Tenth Five year Plan in a nutshell (2002-07)
Macro-economics parameters of the tenth plan are given below. The most noticeable is
the increase in the savings and investment rate. If an economy wants to grow with the
rate of 9% or more its investments rate must be more than 35%. Investment comes from
savings so higher savings rate is prerequisite of higher growth. Can you guess which
country has highest savings rate. Obviously China!
Page | 6
Parameter 10th plan Post Plan
Domestic Savings Rate (%
of GDPmp)
26.8% 33%
Current Account Deficit (%
of GDPmp)
1.6% 3.1%
Investment Rate(% of
GDPmp)
28% 36%
GDP Growth Rate (% per
annum)
7.9% 9.4%
Export Growth Rate(% per
annum)
12% NA
Gujarat, Karnataka and Delhi were grown fastest with the growth rate in state GDP was
more than 10%. Bihar and Kerala were among the slowest with growth rate in state GDP
was 6.5%. Insurgency hit north eastern (NE) states were worst performers with growth
rate hovering at the lower 5%.
1.2. Eleventh plan
Eleventh plan (2007-11) is under the finalization process. Most of the policies and targets
are already finalize and reports on it are available on the planning commission website.
Targets growth rate for agriculture sector4 is 4 %.
Growth rate for agriculture sector achieved during 10th plan: 1.8%
Parameter Target for 11th plan
GDP growth rate 9%
Domestic Savings Rate (%
of GDPmp)
33%
Current Account Deficit (%
of GDPmp)
2.8%
Investment Rate(% of
GDPmp)
35%
4Montek Singh Ahluwalia, planning commission,
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/53rdndc/dchndc53.pdf
Page | 7
In the table below, the projections for sectoral growth and Import-Export growth rates are
given.
1.3. Vision 2020
Inspired with president Kalam, country has prepared a vision for 2020. Committee
headed by K C Pant has prepared the vision document in 2002. Few high lights are given
below.
Vision 2020 at
glance5
5 Report of the committee on vision 2020 planning commission,
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/pl_vsn2020.pdf
Page | 8
Page | 9
2. Land
Following tables shows some facts about the Indian land. India which is 7th largest
country has 2nd largest cultivable land and largest irrigated land in the world.
Parameter Indian value World Rank
Total Area 329 million hectares 7th
Land Area 297 million hectares 7th
Percentage of World Area 2.42 per cent 7th
Forest Area6 63 million hectares (19.4 %
of the total area)
Areable land 162 million hectare (43% of
Total)
2nd (USA 1st)
Irrigated Area 55 million hectares (40% of
total Arable land)
1st
Rain irrigated Area 60%
Cereals production 231 in year 2001 3rd behind China, USA
2.1. Soil type
India- Land – Soils
Soil States Useful in production of
Alluvial soils cover about
24% of the total land.
Found in Indo-Gangetic
Plains (Punjab, Haryana,
UP), in the valleys of
Narmada and Tapti in
Madhya Pradesh and the
Cauvery in Tamil Nadu.
These soils are considered
very good for the
production of wheat, rice
other cereals, pulses, oil
seeds, potato, sugarcane,
etc.
Black soils Found in the States of
Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
and Rajasthan.
These are also considered
good for cultivation of
cotton, cereals, pulses, oil
seeds, citrus fruits,
vegetables, etc.
6 Source: Data as of year 1999, planning commission website. The data on forest cover varies as different
agencies have different definition of what constitute a forest
Page | 10
Red soils Found in Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Bihar and West Bengal.
These are most suited for
rice, ragi (millet), tobacco
and vegetable cultivation.
2.2. Waste land
Wasteland is a degraded land which does not fulfill their life sustaining potential.
Wasteland can result from inherent / imposed disabilities such as by location,
environment, chemical and physical properties of the soil or financial or management
constraints.
Wastelands statistics indicate that about 63.85 million hectares, which account for
20.17% of the total geographical area (328.72 million hectares) exist as wastelands in
India7.
*XOOLHGDQGRU5DYLQRXVODQG, /DQGZLWKRUZLWKRXWVFUXE :DWHUORJJHGDQG0DUVK\
ODQG /DQG DIIHFWHG E\ VDOLQLW\DONDOLQLW\FRDVWDO LQODQG 8QGHU XWLOL]HGGHJUDGHG
QRWLILHG IRUHVW ODQG 'HJUDGHG SDVWXUHVJUD]LQJ ODQGHWF FRPHV
XQGHUWKHFDWHJRU\RIZDVWHODQG
7 Source: 1:50,000 scale wasteland maps prepared from Landsat Thematic Mapper/IRS LISS II/III Data
Page | 11
3. Agriculture
The Indian Agricultural sector provides employment to about 65% of the labour force,
accounts for 18.5% of GDP in 2005, contributes 20-21% of total exports, 14.7% of the
total export earnings, and raw materials to several industries.
Area, Production and Yield of Food grains Along with Percentage Coverage under
Irrigation in India
Year Area
(Million
Hectare)
Production
(Million Tonne)
Yield (Kg./Hectare) % Coverage
under
Irrigation
1950-51 97.32 50.82 522 18.1
1990-91 127.84 176.39 1380 35.1
2000-01 121.05 196.81 1626 43.4
2006-07* 124.07 211.78 1707 NA
Growth in Agriculture
Annual average Growth Rate (Percent)
Five Year Plan and Years Growth rate of agriculture
and allied sectors
Overall GDP Growth Rate
Eight five year Plan 4.7 6.7
Ninth five year Plan 2.1 5.5
2003-04 10 8.5
2004-05 .07 6.9
2005-06 2.3 7.5-8
Growth Rates
Growth rates 2004-05 2005-06
GDP 7.5% 8.2%
Agriculture .7% 2.3%
Industrial Sector 8.6% 9.0%
Service sector 9.9% 9.8%
Page | 12
Food Crops
Crop Area
Rice West Bengal, U.P., Andhra Pradesh
and Haryana.
Wheat Punjab, Haryana and U.P and
Madhya Pradesh
Millets Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, U.P. and Haryana.
Barley U.P., Punjab and Haryana.
Maize Bihar, U.P., Punjab, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Pulses Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,
Bengal and Gujarat
Sugarcane U.P., Bihar, Maharashtra.
Non-Food crops or Cash crops
Tea Assam, West Bengal, Kerala.
Coffee Karnataka, Kerala and tamil nadu.
Oilseeds Orissa, U.P., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra
Pradesh.
Tobacco U.P., bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnartaka and
Gujarat.
Cotton Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and
tamil Nadu
Jut West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Orissa
Rubber Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala
Silk Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam and
Kashmir.
Page | 13
3.1. Food grains8
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Food grains Production in Millions tones
Following table shows the Crop-wise Production of Food Grains in Kharif/Rabi9
Crop-wise Production of Food Grains in Kharif/Rabi
Season in India
(2004-2005 and 2005-2006)
(Million Tonnes)
Crop 2004-05 2005
-06
Kharif Rabi
Tot
al
Khar
if
Rabi Tot
al
Rice 79.04 14.4
6
93.5 75.45 12.35 87.
8
Wheat - 79.5 79.5 - 75.53 75.
53
Maize 12.66 2.42 15.0
8
12.54 2.85 15.
39
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9 Source: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India.
Page | 14
Pulses 6.1 9.2 15.3 - - -
Total Coarse
Cereals 28.69 7.83 36.
52
Total Pulses 5.78 9.37 15.
15
Total
foodgrains
113.8 111.
3
225.
1
109.9
2
105.0
8
215
Cotton* 15 - 150 165 - 165
Jute ** 106 - 106 101.2 - 101
.2
Sugarcane
(Cane)
Continued in Kharif
and Rabi
- 270
0
- - 237
.5
Note : * : Cotton lakh bales of 170 kg each
** : Jute and Mesta lakh bales of 180 kg. each.
3.2. Commercial crops
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Page | 15
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3.3. Cropping season
The Indian crops can be divided into three groups in which two are major namely Kharif
& Rabi-
Kharif crop- The Kharif season is during the southwest monsoon (July-October). During
this season, agricultural activities take place both in rain-fed areas and irrigated areas.
Kharif crop includes Rice (Paddy), Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane, Seasamum,
Soyabean, and Groundnut.
Rabi crops- The Rabi season is during the winter months, when agricultural activities
take place only in the irrigated areas. This crop is sown in October last and harvested in
March/April every year. These crops include Wheat, Jowar, Barley, Gram, Tur,
Rapeseed, and Mustard.
Zayad Crop- In some parts of the country a crop is sown during March to June every
year. Zayad crops include Melon, watermelon, Vegetables, Cucumber, Moong, Urad etc.
Kharif and Rabi season comparison: Comparison of major food grains and total
production of rice and wheat. The comparison can also be seen in the table shown in the
sections of food grains and commercial crops.
Grains 2004-05
in million tonnes
Rice 87.8
Wheat 73.03
Rabi (all food grains) 103.4
Kharif (all food grains) 102.9
Total (all food grains) 206.3
3.4. Agriculture exports
The Agri-export and EXIM policy 2004-09 emphasized the importance of agricultural
exports and announced the following measures to boost the agri-ecports:
Page | 16
1. Macro-economics ........................................................................................................ 3
1.1. Tenth plan............................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Eleventh plan ........................................................................................................ 6
1.3. Vision 2020 .......................................................................................................... 7
2. Land............................................................................................................................ 9
2.1. Soil type................................................................................................................ 9
2.2. Waste land .......................................................................................................... 10
3. Agriculture ................................................................................................................ 11
3.1. Food grains ......................................................................................................... 13
3.2. Commercial crops............................................................................................... 14
3.3. Cropping season ................................................................................................. 15
3.4. Agriculture exports ............................................................................................. 15
3.5. Irrigation ............................................................................................................. 16
3.6. Revolutions......................................................................................................... 17
A brief description of the major revolutions: ................................................................ 18
3.7. Agriculture: At A Glance ................................................................................... 18
3.8. India and world: comparison in agriculture........................................................ 20
4. Agri Business ............................................................................................................ 21
4.1. Fertilizer and pesticides ...................................................................................... 21
4.2. Food processing.................................................................................................. 24
4.3. Agriculture machinery........................................................................................ 25
4.4. Agriculture markets ............................................................................................ 27
4.6. Agriculture finance ............................................................................................. 28
5. Forest ......................................................................................................................... 30
6. Agriculture Allied Activities..................................................................................... 31
6.1. Horticulture......................................................................................................... 31
6.2. Poultry ................................................................................................................ 31
6.3. Dairy ................................................................................................................... 32
6.4. Sericulture........................................................................................................... 32
Page | 2
6.5. Fish ..................................................................................................................... 33
6.6. Animal Husbandry.............................................................................................. 33
7. Land reforms ............................................................................................................. 35
8. NGOs......................................................................................................................... 37
9. Development schemes and indicators ....................................................................... 41
9.1. HDI index............................................................................................................... 42
9.2. IRDP....................................................................................................................... 43
9.3. Self Employment programs.................................................................................... 43
9.4. Wage Employment programs................................................................................. 44
9.5. Education................................................................................................................ 44
9.6. Health ..................................................................................................................... 46
10. Micro finance ......................................................................................................... 47
11. Cooperatives........................................................................................................... 48
12. Retail revolution and farmer .................................................................................. 50
13. ITC e-Choupal........................................................................................................ 52
14. WTO and Indian agriculture .................................................................................. 56
15. Important Institutions ............................................................................................. 58
Page | 3
1. Macro-economics
India is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate
of 9.4% for the fiscal year 2006–2007. The average for last three years is close to 9%.
Beating Japan, the economy of India is expected to be the third largest in the world as
estimated by purchasing power parity by the end of this fiscal year. When measured in
Dollar terms, India is the twelfth largest in the world. Currently its GDP has more than
US $1.0 trillion. But per capita income of the country is low at $3,800 at PPP and $735
at nominal1 due to country’s huge population. In the World Bank classified India as a
low-income economy in 2006, but India will probably move into the lower middleincome
country classification of per capita income by 2008. Indian foreign exchange
reserves are increasing at rapid rate. During August, 2007, it was $230 billion. With the
recent surge in inflows, no wonder by the time you will read this document it would be
more than $250 billion.
Following graph compares the growth rate of major economies2.
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2 Source : International Monetary Fund, The Economist and the OECD
Page | 4
The PPP picture is brighter. Following graph tells that it’s not far when we will catch up
china and America3.
GDP on PPP bas is
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
US
China
India
Japan
UK
Russia
Brazil
Korea
Australia
HK
Singapore
US $ t r il l ion
1.1. Tenth plan
During tenth plan (2002-07) period India has seen the growth like never before. The table
below is showing the sectoral growth rates and ICOR under Different Sectors of the
economy
3 *Estimates by IMF: World economic outlook , September 2006
Page | 5
Tenth Five year Plan in a nutshell (2002-07)
Macro-economics parameters of the tenth plan are given below. The most noticeable is
the increase in the savings and investment rate. If an economy wants to grow with the
rate of 9% or more its investments rate must be more than 35%. Investment comes from
savings so higher savings rate is prerequisite of higher growth. Can you guess which
country has highest savings rate. Obviously China!
Page | 6
Parameter 10th plan Post Plan
Domestic Savings Rate (%
of GDPmp)
26.8% 33%
Current Account Deficit (%
of GDPmp)
1.6% 3.1%
Investment Rate(% of
GDPmp)
28% 36%
GDP Growth Rate (% per
annum)
7.9% 9.4%
Export Growth Rate(% per
annum)
12% NA
Gujarat, Karnataka and Delhi were grown fastest with the growth rate in state GDP was
more than 10%. Bihar and Kerala were among the slowest with growth rate in state GDP
was 6.5%. Insurgency hit north eastern (NE) states were worst performers with growth
rate hovering at the lower 5%.
1.2. Eleventh plan
Eleventh plan (2007-11) is under the finalization process. Most of the policies and targets
are already finalize and reports on it are available on the planning commission website.
Targets growth rate for agriculture sector4 is 4 %.
Growth rate for agriculture sector achieved during 10th plan: 1.8%
Parameter Target for 11th plan
GDP growth rate 9%
Domestic Savings Rate (%
of GDPmp)
33%
Current Account Deficit (%
of GDPmp)
2.8%
Investment Rate(% of
GDPmp)
35%
4Montek Singh Ahluwalia, planning commission,
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/53rdndc/dchndc53.pdf
Page | 7
In the table below, the projections for sectoral growth and Import-Export growth rates are
given.
1.3. Vision 2020
Inspired with president Kalam, country has prepared a vision for 2020. Committee
headed by K C Pant has prepared the vision document in 2002. Few high lights are given
below.
Vision 2020 at
glance5
5 Report of the committee on vision 2020 planning commission,
http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/pl_vsn2020.pdf
Page | 8
Page | 9
2. Land
Following tables shows some facts about the Indian land. India which is 7th largest
country has 2nd largest cultivable land and largest irrigated land in the world.
Parameter Indian value World Rank
Total Area 329 million hectares 7th
Land Area 297 million hectares 7th
Percentage of World Area 2.42 per cent 7th
Forest Area6 63 million hectares (19.4 %
of the total area)
Areable land 162 million hectare (43% of
Total)
2nd (USA 1st)
Irrigated Area 55 million hectares (40% of
total Arable land)
1st
Rain irrigated Area 60%
Cereals production 231 in year 2001 3rd behind China, USA
2.1. Soil type
India- Land – Soils
Soil States Useful in production of
Alluvial soils cover about
24% of the total land.
Found in Indo-Gangetic
Plains (Punjab, Haryana,
UP), in the valleys of
Narmada and Tapti in
Madhya Pradesh and the
Cauvery in Tamil Nadu.
These soils are considered
very good for the
production of wheat, rice
other cereals, pulses, oil
seeds, potato, sugarcane,
etc.
Black soils Found in the States of
Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh
and Rajasthan.
These are also considered
good for cultivation of
cotton, cereals, pulses, oil
seeds, citrus fruits,
vegetables, etc.
6 Source: Data as of year 1999, planning commission website. The data on forest cover varies as different
agencies have different definition of what constitute a forest
Page | 10
Red soils Found in Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Kerala,
Maharashtra, Andhra
Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Bihar and West Bengal.
These are most suited for
rice, ragi (millet), tobacco
and vegetable cultivation.
2.2. Waste land
Wasteland is a degraded land which does not fulfill their life sustaining potential.
Wasteland can result from inherent / imposed disabilities such as by location,
environment, chemical and physical properties of the soil or financial or management
constraints.
Wastelands statistics indicate that about 63.85 million hectares, which account for
20.17% of the total geographical area (328.72 million hectares) exist as wastelands in
India7.
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7 Source: 1:50,000 scale wasteland maps prepared from Landsat Thematic Mapper/IRS LISS II/III Data
Page | 11
3. Agriculture
The Indian Agricultural sector provides employment to about 65% of the labour force,
accounts for 18.5% of GDP in 2005, contributes 20-21% of total exports, 14.7% of the
total export earnings, and raw materials to several industries.
Area, Production and Yield of Food grains Along with Percentage Coverage under
Irrigation in India
Year Area
(Million
Hectare)
Production
(Million Tonne)
Yield (Kg./Hectare) % Coverage
under
Irrigation
1950-51 97.32 50.82 522 18.1
1990-91 127.84 176.39 1380 35.1
2000-01 121.05 196.81 1626 43.4
2006-07* 124.07 211.78 1707 NA
Growth in Agriculture
Annual average Growth Rate (Percent)
Five Year Plan and Years Growth rate of agriculture
and allied sectors
Overall GDP Growth Rate
Eight five year Plan 4.7 6.7
Ninth five year Plan 2.1 5.5
2003-04 10 8.5
2004-05 .07 6.9
2005-06 2.3 7.5-8
Growth Rates
Growth rates 2004-05 2005-06
GDP 7.5% 8.2%
Agriculture .7% 2.3%
Industrial Sector 8.6% 9.0%
Service sector 9.9% 9.8%
Page | 12
Food Crops
Crop Area
Rice West Bengal, U.P., Andhra Pradesh
and Haryana.
Wheat Punjab, Haryana and U.P and
Madhya Pradesh
Millets Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, U.P. and Haryana.
Barley U.P., Punjab and Haryana.
Maize Bihar, U.P., Punjab, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Pulses Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra,
Bengal and Gujarat
Sugarcane U.P., Bihar, Maharashtra.
Non-Food crops or Cash crops
Tea Assam, West Bengal, Kerala.
Coffee Karnataka, Kerala and tamil nadu.
Oilseeds Orissa, U.P., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra
Pradesh.
Tobacco U.P., bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnartaka and
Gujarat.
Cotton Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and
tamil Nadu
Jut West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Orissa
Rubber Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala
Silk Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam and
Kashmir.
Page | 13
3.1. Food grains8
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Food grains Production in Millions tones
Following table shows the Crop-wise Production of Food Grains in Kharif/Rabi9
Crop-wise Production of Food Grains in Kharif/Rabi
Season in India
(2004-2005 and 2005-2006)
(Million Tonnes)
Crop 2004-05 2005
-06
Kharif Rabi
Tot
al
Khar
if
Rabi Tot
al
Rice 79.04 14.4
6
93.5 75.45 12.35 87.
8
Wheat - 79.5 79.5 - 75.53 75.
53
Maize 12.66 2.42 15.0
8
12.54 2.85 15.
39
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9 Source: Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India.
Page | 14
Pulses 6.1 9.2 15.3 - - -
Total Coarse
Cereals 28.69 7.83 36.
52
Total Pulses 5.78 9.37 15.
15
Total
foodgrains
113.8 111.
3
225.
1
109.9
2
105.0
8
215
Cotton* 15 - 150 165 - 165
Jute ** 106 - 106 101.2 - 101
.2
Sugarcane
(Cane)
Continued in Kharif
and Rabi
- 270
0
- - 237
.5
Note : * : Cotton lakh bales of 170 kg each
** : Jute and Mesta lakh bales of 180 kg. each.
3.2. Commercial crops
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Page | 15
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3.3. Cropping season
The Indian crops can be divided into three groups in which two are major namely Kharif
& Rabi-
Kharif crop- The Kharif season is during the southwest monsoon (July-October). During
this season, agricultural activities take place both in rain-fed areas and irrigated areas.
Kharif crop includes Rice (Paddy), Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane, Seasamum,
Soyabean, and Groundnut.
Rabi crops- The Rabi season is during the winter months, when agricultural activities
take place only in the irrigated areas. This crop is sown in October last and harvested in
March/April every year. These crops include Wheat, Jowar, Barley, Gram, Tur,
Rapeseed, and Mustard.
Zayad Crop- In some parts of the country a crop is sown during March to June every
year. Zayad crops include Melon, watermelon, Vegetables, Cucumber, Moong, Urad etc.
Kharif and Rabi season comparison: Comparison of major food grains and total
production of rice and wheat. The comparison can also be seen in the table shown in the
sections of food grains and commercial crops.
Grains 2004-05
in million tonnes
Rice 87.8
Wheat 73.03
Rabi (all food grains) 103.4
Kharif (all food grains) 102.9
Total (all food grains) 206.3
3.4. Agriculture exports
The Agri-export and EXIM policy 2004-09 emphasized the importance of agricultural
exports and announced the following measures to boost the agri-ecports:
Page | 16
IRMA Entrance Test 2007 Question
link:- http://www.pteducation.com/admin/testanalysis/uploads/IRMA%20Analysis_2007.pdf
Bird’s Eye View
Total Number of Questions : 200
Total Time : 120 minutes
The Marking Scheme : Marks for each correct answer was not specified in the paper but it was clearly
given in the brochure that one question will contain one mark. Negative marking of
25% was mentioned.
Number of Options : 5
Number of sets Available : 4
Sections/Sectional Time Limit : There were four sections and there was no sectional time constraint.
Sectional Break-up :
Section
No.
Topic
Number of
Questions
I Reading Comprehension + English Usage 40
II Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation 50
III Analytical Reasoning + Data Sufficiency 50
IV General Knowledge (Issues of Social Concern) 60
Expected Cut-Offs : Call from IRMA - 85+
call from XIMB (Rural Management) - 80+
We are please to present you the detailed analysis of Institute of Rural Management, Anand entrance test held on 11th,
November 2007 at 27 centers all over India. It was like Diwali sweets by IRMA to the students. The test was easy. The
whole paper (excluding the Issues of Social Concern (ISC) part) was of difficulty level of a Bank Clerical Recruitment Test
previously conducted by BSRB. Infact the English Comprehension (EC) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) part were
exactly of the same type. It might be possible that the QA and EC part of the test were sourced from one of these
past papers. Against the IRMA traditions, the Issues of Social Concern part was also quiet balanced with Agriculture,
Economics and Rural Economy questions, unlike a heavy dose of Agriculture and Rural economy questions.
As a four on the very first ball of an innings surely increases the confidence of the batsman, IRMA will definitely
prove to be a moral booster before the CAT.
Well, in the morning students reached their centers with plans to celebrate Bhai-Dooj after the test. Students were
looking calm, fresh and there were no curiosity / anxiety among them for the test for two reasons, first - IRMA had
already declared the test pattern in information brochure and second - the orthodox behavior of IRMA.
The test was divided into four parts English Comprehension (40 questions/marks), Quantitative Ability (50 questions/
marks), Analytical Reasoning (50 questions/marks), and Issues of Social Concern (60 questions/marks) respectively.
All other parts apart of ISC were easy. ISC section was moderate.
Ó PT Education, All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this material, in part or in whole, is prohibited.
Corporate Office: 214-17, Naurang House, Opp. Hindustan Times,
21, K.G. Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-01.
Ph.: 011-51510891/92/93 Fax: 011-51518999
Registered Office: Race Course Road, Indore.
Email: pinnacle@ptindia.com Web: www.ptindia.com
J
Disclaimer: All this information has been memorised by PT students. We are merely reproducing it here in fragments to ensure that the huge
community of students eagerly waiting to see an objective comparison of their performance gets the right picture.
(2) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
English Comprehension
Total number of questions : 40
In EC section there was one RC containing fifteen questions. The length of the RC was approx. 490 words. The theme of the passage was
on 'Water Scarcity and Management'. Out of total fifteen questions asked on RC, five questions were on synonyms and antonyms on the
words from the RC itself. From the rest of the questions of the section, five were based on Paragraph Arrangement; ten on Cloze Test and
remaining ten on Replace the Phrase by appropriate one. The section was easy and an attempt of 23+ questions should be decent.
Theme Length Questions Difficulty level
Water Scarcity and Management 490 words 15 Easy
Topic Questions
Paragraph Arrangement 5
Cloze Test 10
Replace the phrase by appropriate one 10
Easy
Reading Comprehension
English Usage
Difficulty level
Quantitative Aptitude
Total number of questions : 50
In QA section there were 15 questions on Numerical Ability, 20 on Data Interpretation, 5 on Number Series and 10 questions were on
Arithmetic topics like Percentage, Profit and Loss, SI and CI, Fractions, Numbers etc. The section was easy. An attempt of 40+
questions should be good.
Topic Questions
Numerical Ability 15
Number Series 5
Arithmetic 10
Data Interpretation 20
Difficulty level
Easy
Two Tables 5 questions on each set, one Pie Chart and one Bar Graph
Some of the students were able to recalled actual IRMA 2007 questions, which are given as follows. (Questions based on memory)
1. 7.899 + 4.534 – 2.315 + 3.824 = ? 2. (1202 + 40 × 12)/25
3. 42 + 18 × 0.85 4. 3125 + 586 – ? = 1231
5. 1818 × 18–15 6. 5.43 + 54.3 + 0.43 + 543 + 5 =
7. 15180 – ? = 606 8. ?2 + 542 = 172 – 1162 – 8380
9. (7.5% of 280) × (0.35% of 110) × 402 × ? × 9 = 47034 10. 482% of 393 + 99 = (793.222 – 142.386)/5.4329 = ?
11. 612384 × 52 = ? × 39901 12. 511.328 4.4763 × 89.213
13. (842.62)2 =
14. The difference between SI and CI earned in two years from an amount at the rate of 12% p. a. is Rs. 1123.2. What is the
amount?
14. What is he difference between SI and CI earned in three years an amount of Rs. 3000 at the rate of 5% p. a.?
15. How many small cubes of side 0.90 cm can be taken from a solid cube of 80 cm side.
16. If the numerator of a fraction is increase by 300% and the denominator is decreased 700% the fraction become 11/26. What
is the actual fraction?
17. Two number are in ratio 9 : 11. If first number is increased by 40% and the second one is reduced by 30%, the ratio becomes
18 : 11. What are the numbers?
DIRECTIONS: What should come in place of question mark (?) in the following number series?
18. 15 14 26 75 296 1475?
(1) 8954 (2) 8844 (3) 8764 (4) 8634 (5) 8584
19 9 10 24 81 340 1725?
(1) 8650 (2) 8661 (3) 9399 (4) 944 (5) none of these
20 11 24 52 110 228 466?
(1) 918 (2) 872 (3) 826 (4) 944 (5) none of these
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (3) of (7)
21 9 20 35 54 77 104?
(1) 135 (2) 155 (3) 175 (4) 195 (5) None of these
DIRECTIONS: Study the graph carefully to answer the questions that follow.
Number of students studying different disciplines in various
colleges in a year
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
A B C D E
COLLEGES
NO. OF STUDENTS
Arts Science Commerce
22 Number of students studying Science in College B from approximately what percent of the total number of students studying
Science in all the Colleges together?
(1) 15 (2) 17 (3) 23 (4) 21 (5) 19
23 What is the total number of students studying Arts from all the Colleges together?
(1) 9250 (2) 10250 (3) 9850 (4) 10450 (5) none of these
24. What is the respective ratio of total number of students studying Arts, Science and Commerce from all the Colleges together?
(1) 37 : 41 : 40 (2) 41 : 40 : 37 (3) 41 : 37 : 40 (4) 40 : 37 : 41
(5) None of these
25. What is the respective ratio of total number of students studying Commerce in the Colleges A & C together to those studying
Science in the Colleges D & E together?
(1) 9 : 5 (2) 9 : 4 (3) 5 : 9 (4) 7 : 11 (5) None of these
26. Number of students studying Arts in College D forms what percent of total number of students studying all the disciplines
together in that College ? (rounded off to two digits after decimal)
(1) 26.76 (2) 51.78 (3) 40.98 (4) 35.29 (5) 44.98
DIRECTIONS: Study the pie chart carefully to answer the questions that follow.
Degree wise break Up of spending pattern of a family in a month.
Total amount spent in a month = Rs. 35,000/-
72°
43.2°
64.8°
39.6°
90° 28.8°
21.6°
Miscell
Rent
Health
Travel
Groceries
Electricity
Savings
27 What is the respective ratio of amount spent by family on Miscell to the amount spent on groceries?
(1) 2 : 3 (2) 12 : 25 (3) 5 : 8 (4) 13 : 27 (5) None of these
(4) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
28. Total amount spent by the family on Travel and Health together forms approximately what percent of the amount spent on
Electricity?
(1) 157 (2) 96 (3) 118 (4) 143 (5) 130
29. Amount spent by the family on Rent form what percent of amount invested on Savings? (rounded off to two digits after decimal)
(1) 108.88 (2) 117.76 (3) 111.11 (4) 123.37 (5) None of these
30. What is the amount spent by the family on Electricity?
(1) Rs. 3850 (2) Rs. 5750 (3) Rs. 4200 (4) Rs. 6300 (5) None of these
31. What is the total amount invested by the family on Travel, Health and Savings together?
(1) Rs. 12800 (2) Rs. 10600 (3) Rs.14400 (4) Rs. 11200 (5) None of these
Analytical Reasoning
Total number of questions : 50
In Analytical Reasoning section, there were questions from Linear and Circular arrangement, Alphabet test, Odd one out, Coding and
Decoding, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Blood relations, Statement-Argument, Statement-Course of Action, Inference based and Decision
Making. The section was moderately tough and an attempt of 35 + questions should be good.
Topic Questions
Linear Arrangement 1
Circular Arrangement 5
Alphabet Related 2
Odd one out 3
Coding and Decoding 3
Syllogism 1
Data Sufficiency 5
Blood Relations 5
Statement Argument 5
Statement - Course of Action 5
Inference Based 5
Decision Making 10
Easy
Moderate
Easy
Difficulty level
91. Among M, T, R, V and W each has a different height. T is taller than only M. R is shorter than M but taller than V. Who is the third
tallest among them?
92. If it is possible to make a meaning full word from the first, fourth, seventh and eleventh letters of the word HYPERMARKET, then
the third letter of the word will be?
93. Find odd one out – Brinjal, Ginger, Papaya, Gourd, Tomato
94. If ‘go home now’ is written as ‘573 and ‘home and office’ is written as ‘285, then what is the code for go?
95. If COLD is coded as 52$%, LAME is coded as $19# then COME will be coded as
96. Find odd one out – Corn, Jowar, Mustard, Millet, Wheat.
97. If CENTURY is coded as OFDVZSV, then BEARING will be coded as
98. Find odd one out – 85, 65, 185, 165, 145.
99. How many letters are there in the word FAIIGVE, in which the difference between them is same as there in the English
Alphabets?
DIRECTIONS: Below is given a passage followed by several possible inferences which can be drawn from the facts stated in the
passage. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage and decide upon its degree of truth of falsity.
Mark answer (1) If the inference is ‘definitely true’, i.e. it properly follows from the statement of facts given.
Mark answer (2) If the inference is ‘probably true’ though not ‘definitely true’ in the light of the facts given.
Mark answer (3) If the data are inadequate’, i.e. from the facts given you cannot say whether the inference is likely to be true
or false
Mark answer (4) If the inference is ‘probably false’, though not ‘definitely false’ in the light of the facts given.
Mark answer (5) If the inference is ‘definitely false’, i.e. it cannot possibly be drawn from the facts given or it contradicts the
given facts.
The Govt. is mulling the possibility of letting the commerce ministry handle the nitty-gritty of foodgrain imports from now on
instead of the food ministry. An indication was given that there may not be any more wheat imports this year following stringent
opposition by both the finance and the commerce ministries. They contended that the exorbitant price of wheat would burden
the exchequer and would be a waste of precious foreign exchange. Some agri-economists are of the view that letting the
commerce ministry handle the job would ensure a sharper perspective. They argue that importing for government’s programmes
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (5) of (7)
when the food ministry has enough stocks to cover supply to BPL and AAY sections, may not have bee endorsed by the
commerce ministry.
126. Commerece ministry is more equipped to take decision as regards import of wheat considering impact of such imports on other
factors/
127. Commerce ministry is in favour of imports of wheat during the remaining part of the current year.
128. Importing wheat this year may put unnecessary financial loss to common public.
129. Finance ministry is against importing any more wheat this year.
130. Food ministry is short of adequate stock to supply to all the priority sectors.
DIRECTIONS: Following are the conditions for admitting students in a management institute:
The student must -
(i) be a graduate in any discipline with at least 55 percent marks.
(ii) have secured atleast 40 percent marks in the entrance test.
(iii) have secured atleast 50 percent marks in GD/PI.
(iv) be atleast 24 years old as on 1.11.2007.
(v) have secured atleast 60 percent marks in XII Std.
(vi) have post qualification work experience of atleast three year.
In the case of a student who satisfies all the conditions except -
(A) at (i) above, but have secured at least 75 percent marks in XII Std., his/her case may be referred to
Chairman - Admissions.
(B) at (iii) above, but have work experience of at least five years, his/her case may be referred to Director.
In each question below, detail information of one student is given. You have to take one of the following
courses of actions based on the information and conditions and sub-conditions given above. You are not to
assume anything other than the information provided in each question. All these cases are given to you as on
1.11.2007.
131. Shekhar Ahuja has secured 60 percent marks in XII Std. and 55 percent marks in graduation. He has been working for the past
three years in an organization after completing his graduation. He has secured 52 percent marks in GD/PI and 50 percent marks
in the entrance exam.
132. Sudhir Jaiswal was born on 16th March 1980. He has been working for the past four years in an organization after completing
his B.Sc. with 53 percent marks. He has secured 60 percent marks in both entrance test and GD/PI. He has also secured 78
percent marks in XII Std.
133. Shikha Shukla has secured 62 percent marks in graduation. She has secured 58 percent marks in XII Std., entrance test and in
GD/PI. She was born on 12th January 1983. She has been working for the past three years after completing her graduation.
134. Navin Pathare was born on 12th September 1981. He has been working for the past five years in an organization after
completing B.A. with 58 percent marks. He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and 45 percent marks in the entrance test.
He has secured 49 percent marks in GD/PI.
135 Neha Gaur has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and also in graduation. She has secured 50 percent marks in the selection
tests and in GD/PI. She was born on 8th May 1981. She has been working in an organization for the last four years after
completing her graduation.
136. Suresh Padgaonkar has secured 55 percent marks in the entrance test and 50 percent marks in GD/PI. He has been working for
the past five years in an organization after obtaining his B.A. degree with 56 percent marks. He was born on 12th August 1980.
He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std.
137. Aruna Nagpal was born on 24th November 1983. She has been working for the past three years in an organization after
completing her B.Com with 60 percent marks. She has obtained 62 perceent marks in XII Std. and 50 percent marks in the
entrance test. She has also secured 55 percent marks in GD/PI.
138. Ashok Rane has secured 62 percent marks in graduation and 45 percent marks in the entrance test. He has been working for the
past six years after completing his graduation. He has secured 45 percent marks in GD/PI and 65 percent marks in XII Std. He
was born on 6th March 1979.
139. Arun Ghosh was born on 25th April 1982. He has secured 52 percent marks in graduation and 78 percent marks in XII Std. After
completing his graduation, he has been working for the past four years in an organization. He has secured 52 percent marks in
both entrance test and GD/PI.
140. Mohan Srivastava was born on 5th June 1980. He has been working in an organization for the past five years after completing
B.Sc. with 60 percent marks. He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and 50 percent marks in GD/PI. He has also secured
45 percent marks in the entrance test.
(6) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
Issues of Social Concern
Total number of questions : 60
The fourth and the last section was the biggest section of the paper. It contained 60 questions based on Indian Economy, Rural
Indian Economy and Agriculture. The section was balanced between these three topics. Ten questions of this section were easy,
another 20 questions were moderate and remaining questions required a sharp eye on current events related to agriculture and rural
economy. An attempt of 25+ questions should be decent. We have recalled some of the questions which are as follows
1. What is poverty?
2. Many economics are of the opinion that India is no more a developing country. Rather it is a country in the state of transformation.
What are the symptoms, which have prompted these economist to form this opinion about India?
A . More and more countries are coutsourcing their business to India.
B. India has a vast reserve of highly technically skilled manpower
C . Instead of agrobased economy we are economically growing.
3. Which of the following is true about farmer in India?
4. Which of the following policy is designed for farmers specially – Kisan Credit Card, PSL
5. Which of the following is not a BRIC country.
6. The economic growth of a country is very much influenced by which of the following policies of Govt. of the country?
(1) FOOREX Mgmt. Policy (2) Trade Policy (3) Fiscal Policy (4) Monetary Policy
7. 2001 census birth rate highest in state
8. As we all know a high rate of eco. growth raise the living standard of the general public in a country and is considered the most
potent factor in eliminating ...
(1) cultural barriers (2) low quality of employment
(3) gender inequality (4) poverty
(5) All of these
9. Highest Milk producing state in India
10. Which of the following is the women upliftment programme run by Indian Govt.
(1) TRYSEM (2) Swa Shakti (3) TREAD (4) SGSY (5) STEP
11. The most obvious indicator of a prosperous village is
(1) Male-Female ratio (2) Effective Water Management
(3) Soil Health (4) Women Empowerment
(5) All of these
12. Where will be a probability of less poor?
(1) Metro (2) Remote village (3) Town (4) District HQ
13. In certain studies done by Agri. Scientist it is noticed that the formers use/apply more than the required quantity of chemical
fertilizers in their fields. What may be the reasons for the same? Farmers have a misconception that .....
(A) More fertilizer will give good crops (B) More fertilizer reduce the water required for the crop
(C) Chemical fertilizer increase the fertility of the land for the future.
14. UNO classified countries amongst the developed and undeveloped on the basis of
(1) Population (2) Education Facilities
(3) Per Capita Income (4) Change in the index of GDP in last three years
(5) None of these
15. Which of the following in a country like India can be considered as the sign(s) of economic growth?
(A) High rate of migration of people from city to metros and rural to urban areas
(B) Rising imbalance in male-female ratio
(C) Decline in rate of unemployment
16. Marginal and Small farmers in most of the places in India are mainly dependent on who for their working capital requirements for
their day to day affairs
(A) Local Money Holders (B) Rural Banks
(C) National Banks
17. Farmers in India certainly get a subsidy on which of the following commodities
(1) Tractors (2) Chemicals (3) Seeds (4) Fertilizers
18. In India population policies are made for a period of 20 years. Period of the present population policy is
19. India is considered a very important Dam and Multipurpose river valley project construction country. But latest/new studies
shown that these projects have created some problems in the country than providing the solution of the same. Which are this
problems
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (7) of (7)
20. Nurses emigration from which state is maximum in Gulf countries
21. The infrastructural facilities are often referred to as eco. and social overheads. Which of the following is/are included in these
facilities?
22. Sectorial Growth rate in Xth plan
23. Co-operative Credit Societies in village is known as
(1) Rural Co-operative Banks (2) Choupal (3) Panchayat Samiti (4) Agri. Credit Society
24. The recent suicides of farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka were related to which crop – Paddy, Cotton, Onion
25. SEZ full form?
26. Name of the bank of Dr. Mohd. Yunus?
Apart from this there were questions from PURA, Rural Folk and Quality Employment, National Commission for Farmers, BRGF fund,
Child Health and Focus Africa, MS Wangari Muta Muthai, Budget, Bharta Nirman Programm, NARI Adalat, Pratham Study, 14th SAARC
summit, Pragti Farmer Club etc.
Overall the paper was good and an attempt of 120 to 125 questions with 80% accuracy will be ideal to get a call for GD/
PI. Final selection will be done on the basis of overall performance in Written Test, PI and GD. The marks obtained in PI and GD will
be normalised across evaluating panels. The marks obtained in the Written Test and the normalised marks obtained in PI and GD will
be reduced to equivalent marks out of 50, 40 and 10 marks, respectively. An overall merit list will be prepared based on total marks
obtained out of these 100 marks. Such listing will be done separately for different categories of the applicants and the required
number of candidates will be selected from different categories in their order of merit.
The cut off marks used for final selection of candidates and some general facts are shown below.
Section
Actual Cut-Off
in 2006
Estimated Cut-
Off in 2007
English Comprehension 16 19
Quantitative Ability 18 21
Analytical Reasoning 11 15
Issues of Social Concern 13 15
Overall Cut-off 76 85
Total number of students appeared 10696
Total No. of seats (PRM) 90
Reservation Status Yes
Intake ratio for GD/PI 1:4
Cut-Off Marks (Last Year)
76 Marks
(overall)
Fees 3 lacs
Average Salary 6.09 lacs
Source: IRMA Brochure 2007
Expected Cut-Offs
85+ call from IRMA
80+ call from XIMB (Rural Management)
"Beginning is easy - continuing hard", be well prepared for CAT next Sunday.
Best Wishes!
Bird’s Eye View
Total Number of Questions : 200
Total Time : 120 minutes
The Marking Scheme : Marks for each correct answer was not specified in the paper but it was clearly
given in the brochure that one question will contain one mark. Negative marking of
25% was mentioned.
Number of Options : 5
Number of sets Available : 4
Sections/Sectional Time Limit : There were four sections and there was no sectional time constraint.
Sectional Break-up :
Section
No.
Topic
Number of
Questions
I Reading Comprehension + English Usage 40
II Quantitative Aptitude + Data Interpretation 50
III Analytical Reasoning + Data Sufficiency 50
IV General Knowledge (Issues of Social Concern) 60
Expected Cut-Offs : Call from IRMA - 85+
call from XIMB (Rural Management) - 80+
We are please to present you the detailed analysis of Institute of Rural Management, Anand entrance test held on 11th,
November 2007 at 27 centers all over India. It was like Diwali sweets by IRMA to the students. The test was easy. The
whole paper (excluding the Issues of Social Concern (ISC) part) was of difficulty level of a Bank Clerical Recruitment Test
previously conducted by BSRB. Infact the English Comprehension (EC) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) part were
exactly of the same type. It might be possible that the QA and EC part of the test were sourced from one of these
past papers. Against the IRMA traditions, the Issues of Social Concern part was also quiet balanced with Agriculture,
Economics and Rural Economy questions, unlike a heavy dose of Agriculture and Rural economy questions.
As a four on the very first ball of an innings surely increases the confidence of the batsman, IRMA will definitely
prove to be a moral booster before the CAT.
Well, in the morning students reached their centers with plans to celebrate Bhai-Dooj after the test. Students were
looking calm, fresh and there were no curiosity / anxiety among them for the test for two reasons, first - IRMA had
already declared the test pattern in information brochure and second - the orthodox behavior of IRMA.
The test was divided into four parts English Comprehension (40 questions/marks), Quantitative Ability (50 questions/
marks), Analytical Reasoning (50 questions/marks), and Issues of Social Concern (60 questions/marks) respectively.
All other parts apart of ISC were easy. ISC section was moderate.
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(2) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
English Comprehension
Total number of questions : 40
In EC section there was one RC containing fifteen questions. The length of the RC was approx. 490 words. The theme of the passage was
on 'Water Scarcity and Management'. Out of total fifteen questions asked on RC, five questions were on synonyms and antonyms on the
words from the RC itself. From the rest of the questions of the section, five were based on Paragraph Arrangement; ten on Cloze Test and
remaining ten on Replace the Phrase by appropriate one. The section was easy and an attempt of 23+ questions should be decent.
Theme Length Questions Difficulty level
Water Scarcity and Management 490 words 15 Easy
Topic Questions
Paragraph Arrangement 5
Cloze Test 10
Replace the phrase by appropriate one 10
Easy
Reading Comprehension
English Usage
Difficulty level
Quantitative Aptitude
Total number of questions : 50
In QA section there were 15 questions on Numerical Ability, 20 on Data Interpretation, 5 on Number Series and 10 questions were on
Arithmetic topics like Percentage, Profit and Loss, SI and CI, Fractions, Numbers etc. The section was easy. An attempt of 40+
questions should be good.
Topic Questions
Numerical Ability 15
Number Series 5
Arithmetic 10
Data Interpretation 20
Difficulty level
Easy
Two Tables 5 questions on each set, one Pie Chart and one Bar Graph
Some of the students were able to recalled actual IRMA 2007 questions, which are given as follows. (Questions based on memory)
1. 7.899 + 4.534 – 2.315 + 3.824 = ? 2. (1202 + 40 × 12)/25
3. 42 + 18 × 0.85 4. 3125 + 586 – ? = 1231
5. 1818 × 18–15 6. 5.43 + 54.3 + 0.43 + 543 + 5 =
7. 15180 – ? = 606 8. ?2 + 542 = 172 – 1162 – 8380
9. (7.5% of 280) × (0.35% of 110) × 402 × ? × 9 = 47034 10. 482% of 393 + 99 = (793.222 – 142.386)/5.4329 = ?
11. 612384 × 52 = ? × 39901 12. 511.328 4.4763 × 89.213
13. (842.62)2 =
14. The difference between SI and CI earned in two years from an amount at the rate of 12% p. a. is Rs. 1123.2. What is the
amount?
14. What is he difference between SI and CI earned in three years an amount of Rs. 3000 at the rate of 5% p. a.?
15. How many small cubes of side 0.90 cm can be taken from a solid cube of 80 cm side.
16. If the numerator of a fraction is increase by 300% and the denominator is decreased 700% the fraction become 11/26. What
is the actual fraction?
17. Two number are in ratio 9 : 11. If first number is increased by 40% and the second one is reduced by 30%, the ratio becomes
18 : 11. What are the numbers?
DIRECTIONS: What should come in place of question mark (?) in the following number series?
18. 15 14 26 75 296 1475?
(1) 8954 (2) 8844 (3) 8764 (4) 8634 (5) 8584
19 9 10 24 81 340 1725?
(1) 8650 (2) 8661 (3) 9399 (4) 944 (5) none of these
20 11 24 52 110 228 466?
(1) 918 (2) 872 (3) 826 (4) 944 (5) none of these
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (3) of (7)
21 9 20 35 54 77 104?
(1) 135 (2) 155 (3) 175 (4) 195 (5) None of these
DIRECTIONS: Study the graph carefully to answer the questions that follow.
Number of students studying different disciplines in various
colleges in a year
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
A B C D E
COLLEGES
NO. OF STUDENTS
Arts Science Commerce
22 Number of students studying Science in College B from approximately what percent of the total number of students studying
Science in all the Colleges together?
(1) 15 (2) 17 (3) 23 (4) 21 (5) 19
23 What is the total number of students studying Arts from all the Colleges together?
(1) 9250 (2) 10250 (3) 9850 (4) 10450 (5) none of these
24. What is the respective ratio of total number of students studying Arts, Science and Commerce from all the Colleges together?
(1) 37 : 41 : 40 (2) 41 : 40 : 37 (3) 41 : 37 : 40 (4) 40 : 37 : 41
(5) None of these
25. What is the respective ratio of total number of students studying Commerce in the Colleges A & C together to those studying
Science in the Colleges D & E together?
(1) 9 : 5 (2) 9 : 4 (3) 5 : 9 (4) 7 : 11 (5) None of these
26. Number of students studying Arts in College D forms what percent of total number of students studying all the disciplines
together in that College ? (rounded off to two digits after decimal)
(1) 26.76 (2) 51.78 (3) 40.98 (4) 35.29 (5) 44.98
DIRECTIONS: Study the pie chart carefully to answer the questions that follow.
Degree wise break Up of spending pattern of a family in a month.
Total amount spent in a month = Rs. 35,000/-
72°
43.2°
64.8°
39.6°
90° 28.8°
21.6°
Miscell
Rent
Health
Travel
Groceries
Electricity
Savings
27 What is the respective ratio of amount spent by family on Miscell to the amount spent on groceries?
(1) 2 : 3 (2) 12 : 25 (3) 5 : 8 (4) 13 : 27 (5) None of these
(4) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
28. Total amount spent by the family on Travel and Health together forms approximately what percent of the amount spent on
Electricity?
(1) 157 (2) 96 (3) 118 (4) 143 (5) 130
29. Amount spent by the family on Rent form what percent of amount invested on Savings? (rounded off to two digits after decimal)
(1) 108.88 (2) 117.76 (3) 111.11 (4) 123.37 (5) None of these
30. What is the amount spent by the family on Electricity?
(1) Rs. 3850 (2) Rs. 5750 (3) Rs. 4200 (4) Rs. 6300 (5) None of these
31. What is the total amount invested by the family on Travel, Health and Savings together?
(1) Rs. 12800 (2) Rs. 10600 (3) Rs.14400 (4) Rs. 11200 (5) None of these
Analytical Reasoning
Total number of questions : 50
In Analytical Reasoning section, there were questions from Linear and Circular arrangement, Alphabet test, Odd one out, Coding and
Decoding, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, Blood relations, Statement-Argument, Statement-Course of Action, Inference based and Decision
Making. The section was moderately tough and an attempt of 35 + questions should be good.
Topic Questions
Linear Arrangement 1
Circular Arrangement 5
Alphabet Related 2
Odd one out 3
Coding and Decoding 3
Syllogism 1
Data Sufficiency 5
Blood Relations 5
Statement Argument 5
Statement - Course of Action 5
Inference Based 5
Decision Making 10
Easy
Moderate
Easy
Difficulty level
91. Among M, T, R, V and W each has a different height. T is taller than only M. R is shorter than M but taller than V. Who is the third
tallest among them?
92. If it is possible to make a meaning full word from the first, fourth, seventh and eleventh letters of the word HYPERMARKET, then
the third letter of the word will be?
93. Find odd one out – Brinjal, Ginger, Papaya, Gourd, Tomato
94. If ‘go home now’ is written as ‘573 and ‘home and office’ is written as ‘285, then what is the code for go?
95. If COLD is coded as 52$%, LAME is coded as $19# then COME will be coded as
96. Find odd one out – Corn, Jowar, Mustard, Millet, Wheat.
97. If CENTURY is coded as OFDVZSV, then BEARING will be coded as
98. Find odd one out – 85, 65, 185, 165, 145.
99. How many letters are there in the word FAIIGVE, in which the difference between them is same as there in the English
Alphabets?
DIRECTIONS: Below is given a passage followed by several possible inferences which can be drawn from the facts stated in the
passage. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage and decide upon its degree of truth of falsity.
Mark answer (1) If the inference is ‘definitely true’, i.e. it properly follows from the statement of facts given.
Mark answer (2) If the inference is ‘probably true’ though not ‘definitely true’ in the light of the facts given.
Mark answer (3) If the data are inadequate’, i.e. from the facts given you cannot say whether the inference is likely to be true
or false
Mark answer (4) If the inference is ‘probably false’, though not ‘definitely false’ in the light of the facts given.
Mark answer (5) If the inference is ‘definitely false’, i.e. it cannot possibly be drawn from the facts given or it contradicts the
given facts.
The Govt. is mulling the possibility of letting the commerce ministry handle the nitty-gritty of foodgrain imports from now on
instead of the food ministry. An indication was given that there may not be any more wheat imports this year following stringent
opposition by both the finance and the commerce ministries. They contended that the exorbitant price of wheat would burden
the exchequer and would be a waste of precious foreign exchange. Some agri-economists are of the view that letting the
commerce ministry handle the job would ensure a sharper perspective. They argue that importing for government’s programmes
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (5) of (7)
when the food ministry has enough stocks to cover supply to BPL and AAY sections, may not have bee endorsed by the
commerce ministry.
126. Commerece ministry is more equipped to take decision as regards import of wheat considering impact of such imports on other
factors/
127. Commerce ministry is in favour of imports of wheat during the remaining part of the current year.
128. Importing wheat this year may put unnecessary financial loss to common public.
129. Finance ministry is against importing any more wheat this year.
130. Food ministry is short of adequate stock to supply to all the priority sectors.
DIRECTIONS: Following are the conditions for admitting students in a management institute:
The student must -
(i) be a graduate in any discipline with at least 55 percent marks.
(ii) have secured atleast 40 percent marks in the entrance test.
(iii) have secured atleast 50 percent marks in GD/PI.
(iv) be atleast 24 years old as on 1.11.2007.
(v) have secured atleast 60 percent marks in XII Std.
(vi) have post qualification work experience of atleast three year.
In the case of a student who satisfies all the conditions except -
(A) at (i) above, but have secured at least 75 percent marks in XII Std., his/her case may be referred to
Chairman - Admissions.
(B) at (iii) above, but have work experience of at least five years, his/her case may be referred to Director.
In each question below, detail information of one student is given. You have to take one of the following
courses of actions based on the information and conditions and sub-conditions given above. You are not to
assume anything other than the information provided in each question. All these cases are given to you as on
1.11.2007.
131. Shekhar Ahuja has secured 60 percent marks in XII Std. and 55 percent marks in graduation. He has been working for the past
three years in an organization after completing his graduation. He has secured 52 percent marks in GD/PI and 50 percent marks
in the entrance exam.
132. Sudhir Jaiswal was born on 16th March 1980. He has been working for the past four years in an organization after completing
his B.Sc. with 53 percent marks. He has secured 60 percent marks in both entrance test and GD/PI. He has also secured 78
percent marks in XII Std.
133. Shikha Shukla has secured 62 percent marks in graduation. She has secured 58 percent marks in XII Std., entrance test and in
GD/PI. She was born on 12th January 1983. She has been working for the past three years after completing her graduation.
134. Navin Pathare was born on 12th September 1981. He has been working for the past five years in an organization after
completing B.A. with 58 percent marks. He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and 45 percent marks in the entrance test.
He has secured 49 percent marks in GD/PI.
135 Neha Gaur has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and also in graduation. She has secured 50 percent marks in the selection
tests and in GD/PI. She was born on 8th May 1981. She has been working in an organization for the last four years after
completing her graduation.
136. Suresh Padgaonkar has secured 55 percent marks in the entrance test and 50 percent marks in GD/PI. He has been working for
the past five years in an organization after obtaining his B.A. degree with 56 percent marks. He was born on 12th August 1980.
He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std.
137. Aruna Nagpal was born on 24th November 1983. She has been working for the past three years in an organization after
completing her B.Com with 60 percent marks. She has obtained 62 perceent marks in XII Std. and 50 percent marks in the
entrance test. She has also secured 55 percent marks in GD/PI.
138. Ashok Rane has secured 62 percent marks in graduation and 45 percent marks in the entrance test. He has been working for the
past six years after completing his graduation. He has secured 45 percent marks in GD/PI and 65 percent marks in XII Std. He
was born on 6th March 1979.
139. Arun Ghosh was born on 25th April 1982. He has secured 52 percent marks in graduation and 78 percent marks in XII Std. After
completing his graduation, he has been working for the past four years in an organization. He has secured 52 percent marks in
both entrance test and GD/PI.
140. Mohan Srivastava was born on 5th June 1980. He has been working in an organization for the past five years after completing
B.Sc. with 60 percent marks. He has secured 65 percent marks in XII Std. and 50 percent marks in GD/PI. He has also secured
45 percent marks in the entrance test.
(6) of (7) IC : PTpnrIRMA2007
Issues of Social Concern
Total number of questions : 60
The fourth and the last section was the biggest section of the paper. It contained 60 questions based on Indian Economy, Rural
Indian Economy and Agriculture. The section was balanced between these three topics. Ten questions of this section were easy,
another 20 questions were moderate and remaining questions required a sharp eye on current events related to agriculture and rural
economy. An attempt of 25+ questions should be decent. We have recalled some of the questions which are as follows
1. What is poverty?
2. Many economics are of the opinion that India is no more a developing country. Rather it is a country in the state of transformation.
What are the symptoms, which have prompted these economist to form this opinion about India?
A . More and more countries are coutsourcing their business to India.
B. India has a vast reserve of highly technically skilled manpower
C . Instead of agrobased economy we are economically growing.
3. Which of the following is true about farmer in India?
4. Which of the following policy is designed for farmers specially – Kisan Credit Card, PSL
5. Which of the following is not a BRIC country.
6. The economic growth of a country is very much influenced by which of the following policies of Govt. of the country?
(1) FOOREX Mgmt. Policy (2) Trade Policy (3) Fiscal Policy (4) Monetary Policy
7. 2001 census birth rate highest in state
8. As we all know a high rate of eco. growth raise the living standard of the general public in a country and is considered the most
potent factor in eliminating ...
(1) cultural barriers (2) low quality of employment
(3) gender inequality (4) poverty
(5) All of these
9. Highest Milk producing state in India
10. Which of the following is the women upliftment programme run by Indian Govt.
(1) TRYSEM (2) Swa Shakti (3) TREAD (4) SGSY (5) STEP
11. The most obvious indicator of a prosperous village is
(1) Male-Female ratio (2) Effective Water Management
(3) Soil Health (4) Women Empowerment
(5) All of these
12. Where will be a probability of less poor?
(1) Metro (2) Remote village (3) Town (4) District HQ
13. In certain studies done by Agri. Scientist it is noticed that the formers use/apply more than the required quantity of chemical
fertilizers in their fields. What may be the reasons for the same? Farmers have a misconception that .....
(A) More fertilizer will give good crops (B) More fertilizer reduce the water required for the crop
(C) Chemical fertilizer increase the fertility of the land for the future.
14. UNO classified countries amongst the developed and undeveloped on the basis of
(1) Population (2) Education Facilities
(3) Per Capita Income (4) Change in the index of GDP in last three years
(5) None of these
15. Which of the following in a country like India can be considered as the sign(s) of economic growth?
(A) High rate of migration of people from city to metros and rural to urban areas
(B) Rising imbalance in male-female ratio
(C) Decline in rate of unemployment
16. Marginal and Small farmers in most of the places in India are mainly dependent on who for their working capital requirements for
their day to day affairs
(A) Local Money Holders (B) Rural Banks
(C) National Banks
17. Farmers in India certainly get a subsidy on which of the following commodities
(1) Tractors (2) Chemicals (3) Seeds (4) Fertilizers
18. In India population policies are made for a period of 20 years. Period of the present population policy is
19. India is considered a very important Dam and Multipurpose river valley project construction country. But latest/new studies
shown that these projects have created some problems in the country than providing the solution of the same. Which are this
problems
IC : PTpnrIRMA2007 (7) of (7)
20. Nurses emigration from which state is maximum in Gulf countries
21. The infrastructural facilities are often referred to as eco. and social overheads. Which of the following is/are included in these
facilities?
22. Sectorial Growth rate in Xth plan
23. Co-operative Credit Societies in village is known as
(1) Rural Co-operative Banks (2) Choupal (3) Panchayat Samiti (4) Agri. Credit Society
24. The recent suicides of farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka were related to which crop – Paddy, Cotton, Onion
25. SEZ full form?
26. Name of the bank of Dr. Mohd. Yunus?
Apart from this there were questions from PURA, Rural Folk and Quality Employment, National Commission for Farmers, BRGF fund,
Child Health and Focus Africa, MS Wangari Muta Muthai, Budget, Bharta Nirman Programm, NARI Adalat, Pratham Study, 14th SAARC
summit, Pragti Farmer Club etc.
Overall the paper was good and an attempt of 120 to 125 questions with 80% accuracy will be ideal to get a call for GD/
PI. Final selection will be done on the basis of overall performance in Written Test, PI and GD. The marks obtained in PI and GD will
be normalised across evaluating panels. The marks obtained in the Written Test and the normalised marks obtained in PI and GD will
be reduced to equivalent marks out of 50, 40 and 10 marks, respectively. An overall merit list will be prepared based on total marks
obtained out of these 100 marks. Such listing will be done separately for different categories of the applicants and the required
number of candidates will be selected from different categories in their order of merit.
The cut off marks used for final selection of candidates and some general facts are shown below.
Section
Actual Cut-Off
in 2006
Estimated Cut-
Off in 2007
English Comprehension 16 19
Quantitative Ability 18 21
Analytical Reasoning 11 15
Issues of Social Concern 13 15
Overall Cut-off 76 85
Total number of students appeared 10696
Total No. of seats (PRM) 90
Reservation Status Yes
Intake ratio for GD/PI 1:4
Cut-Off Marks (Last Year)
76 Marks
(overall)
Fees 3 lacs
Average Salary 6.09 lacs
Source: IRMA Brochure 2007
Expected Cut-Offs
85+ call from IRMA
80+ call from XIMB (Rural Management)
"Beginning is easy - continuing hard", be well prepared for CAT next Sunday.
Best Wishes!
IRMA Issue of Social Concern
1. What is project Swashakti?
Ans: Swashakti is a project for rural women’s development and empowerment.
2. What is the meaning of the Blue Box term related with WTO?
Ans: In WTO terminology, subsidies in general are identified by boxes.
Any support that would normally be in the amber box, is placed in the blue box
3. Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan was associated with
Ans: Total Revolution
4. What is project Gyandoot?
Ans: The goal of this project is to establish community-owned, technologically innovative and sustainable information kiosks in a poverty-stricken, tribal dominated rural area.
5. What do you understand Bhoomi?
Ans: This was the name of the project meant for the computerization of land records of Karnataka.
6. What is the aim of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
Ans: Ensuring availability of food grains to the public at affordable prices as well as for enhancing the food security for the poor.
7. Co-operative movement in which sector of the Indian Economy has been highly successful?
Ans: Milk production
8. Inflationary Pressure on the Economy means…
Ans: It means inflation is high in the economy.
9. What will be the effect of introduction of Kullahars, Khadi and Sampark Kranti Express etc. on the rural economy?
Ans: It will promote the rural domestic industries thereby increasing the employment generation in the rural sector and hence leading to the growth of the Indian economy in general.
10. What is the contribution of the agriculture sector in the GDP of the Indian Economy?
Ans: 10: 21%
11. What is rain fed farming?
Ans: ‘Rainfed farming’, is defined as growing crops under conditions of natural rainfall.
12. Inflation is measured in terms of…
Ans: Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
13. What are the uses of the interlinking of the rivers?
Ans: 13: It addressed the twin problems of monsoon floods and water scarcity.
14. What is National Bamboo Mission?
Ans: The National Mission has been structured to address critical areas of bamboo development covering - research, development, post-harvest management, product development and marketing by adopting a mission mode approach.
15. What is the chemical used for the cloud seeding?
Ans: Silver Iodide
16. What is the name of the first Genetically Modified crop that was given permission to be grown in India?
Ans: Bt Cotton
17. The National Commission of Women was constituted in…
Ans: 1992
18. What is micro finance?
Ans: Small loans that help poor people to start or expand their small businesses.
19. What is NPA?
Ans: NPA is defined as Non Performing Assets
20. What is the purpose of launching the Indira Awas Yojana?
Ans: The project was started to help construction of dwelling units for members of Scheduled Castes and also Non-Scheduled Castes rural poor living below the poverty line.
Ans: Swashakti is a project for rural women’s development and empowerment.
2. What is the meaning of the Blue Box term related with WTO?
Ans: In WTO terminology, subsidies in general are identified by boxes.
Any support that would normally be in the amber box, is placed in the blue box
3. Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan was associated with
Ans: Total Revolution
4. What is project Gyandoot?
Ans: The goal of this project is to establish community-owned, technologically innovative and sustainable information kiosks in a poverty-stricken, tribal dominated rural area.
5. What do you understand Bhoomi?
Ans: This was the name of the project meant for the computerization of land records of Karnataka.
6. What is the aim of the Public Distribution System (PDS)?
Ans: Ensuring availability of food grains to the public at affordable prices as well as for enhancing the food security for the poor.
7. Co-operative movement in which sector of the Indian Economy has been highly successful?
Ans: Milk production
8. Inflationary Pressure on the Economy means…
Ans: It means inflation is high in the economy.
9. What will be the effect of introduction of Kullahars, Khadi and Sampark Kranti Express etc. on the rural economy?
Ans: It will promote the rural domestic industries thereby increasing the employment generation in the rural sector and hence leading to the growth of the Indian economy in general.
10. What is the contribution of the agriculture sector in the GDP of the Indian Economy?
Ans: 10: 21%
11. What is rain fed farming?
Ans: ‘Rainfed farming’, is defined as growing crops under conditions of natural rainfall.
12. Inflation is measured in terms of…
Ans: Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
13. What are the uses of the interlinking of the rivers?
Ans: 13: It addressed the twin problems of monsoon floods and water scarcity.
14. What is National Bamboo Mission?
Ans: The National Mission has been structured to address critical areas of bamboo development covering - research, development, post-harvest management, product development and marketing by adopting a mission mode approach.
15. What is the chemical used for the cloud seeding?
Ans: Silver Iodide
16. What is the name of the first Genetically Modified crop that was given permission to be grown in India?
Ans: Bt Cotton
17. The National Commission of Women was constituted in…
Ans: 1992
18. What is micro finance?
Ans: Small loans that help poor people to start or expand their small businesses.
19. What is NPA?
Ans: NPA is defined as Non Performing Assets
20. What is the purpose of launching the Indira Awas Yojana?
Ans: The project was started to help construction of dwelling units for members of Scheduled Castes and also Non-Scheduled Castes rural poor living below the poverty line.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The success story
Major (Retired) Devashish Chakravarty is India's only two time CAT 100 percentiler (CAT 2004 and CAT 2006). He graduated from IIM Ahmedabad as the Best All Round Student of the Batch 2005-07.
In this interview he shares his story of his journey through the unimaginable - a 100 percentile score, doing the unthinkable - repeating his feat once again in an exam which everyone dreads to face.
Interviewing him is Anshul Gupta, IIM Kozhikode, Batch of 2008 and Devashish's team-mate from TenADay.in, India's most successful online testing site for CAT takers.
TenADay : Barood (Devashish's dorm name from IIM Ahmedabad) - much as I would like to hear about how you worked towards a 100 percentile score, I must ask a question which troubles everyone even more - why do you have a 100 percentile score twice? You were a 2nd year student at IIM Ahmedabad in 2006 so what made you attempt CAT 2006 and get another 100 percentile score?
Devashish: (Laughs) Most people find it difficult to accept, but actually the answer is quite simple. I had to attempt the CAT once again and obtain a 100 percentile in order to win a bet and not back out of a challenge thrown by a friend at IIM.
In August, 2006 when the CAT forms were out, we at Dorm-15 at IIM Ahmedabad were having a major argument over tea and pakodas in my room while it rained heavily outside. Hilao (his dorm name - real name Raghavendra) - an IIT graduate - strongly maintained that in any examination, several people have the capacity to top.
Who ultimately tops depends on the dynamics on the day of the exam which would include the toughness of the paper, the health of the individuals and even the weather. I opposed him equally strongly maintaining that only one person is destined to top an examination - the person who eventually does so and nothing can change that - not the weather, the toughness of the questions or the mood of the examiners. To decide who was right, our heartless dorm mates egged us on to fill up the forms for the CAT examination once again.
The rules of the challenge stated - if Hilao beats Barood OR Hilao scores a 100 percentile (he had a 99.7 in CAT 2004), then Hilao wins i.e. CAT is weather dependant.
If Barood gets a 100 percentile AND is ahead of Hilao, then Barood wins which means CAT is independent of the weather and a person who decides to defeat the CAT is the only one who will win!
So that's how CAT 2006 found the two of us sitting and sweating over the paper. When the results were declared, Hilao had scored 99.99 percentile and I had a 100 percentile. It was that simple.
TenADay : Of course it wasn't that simple either for you or Hilao since you would have to attempt CAT as seriously as any one else. But more of that later. Please tell us how did you study towards CAT 2004?
Devashish : When I was preparing for CAT 2004, I was serving in the Indian Army at the Indo-Bhutan border. The biggest problem at a remote location like that is that there are no resources to help you prepare. No coaching classes, no written material, no means of comparing one's performance with anyone else.
Since there was a telephone connection - there was also dial-up Internet connectivity. However there was no website offering test preparation and performance scores and analysis. (In Oct 2006, this would form the seed idea for TenADay.in but more of that later).
So while on leave, I picked up a large bunch of second hand CAT books and test-preparation material including old question papers etc and took them back with me. Everyday after work, I would sit down at night and start learning formulae, rules of grammar, interpreting graphs etc. That's how I prepared for CAT 2004.
TenADay : And how did you solve the problem of comparing and bench marking your performance?
Devashish : I figured it out that since I did not have anyone else to compare my performance with, I would have to benchmark my training against my own performance across the days and weeks to CAT. So accordingly I started plotting time taken and accuracy for every question that I solved.
Over a period of time I built up personal time v/s accuracy charts across the three major sections - Quant, Verbal and Logic/DI. I further created time v/s accuracy charts over different sub-sections in each of these sections e.g. Permutations and Combinations in Quantitative Ability, Comprehension in Verbal etc.
So as my preparation progressed over time, I would work on my weak sub-sections trying to attain a basic minimum speed and accuracy and fine tune my strong sub-sections even further to squeeze the maximum marks from every minute spent.
TenADay : How did that get around the problem of variability? I mean - every CAT paper is different. Sometimes the number of questions change, the marks per question change, in one paper the Comprehension passages are easy and in another they are impossible to crack?
Devashish : Yes - accurate and speedy question solving is not everything and these two alone are not enough to enable you to clear the CAT exam. For e.g. If there is a tough Reading and Comprehension passage and you attempt it correctly in 25 minutes - now that might be the fastest accurate attempt for that particular passage.
But was it a wise decision? That passage earned you 5 correct answers in 25 minutes. What was the opportunity cost of those 25 minutes? ('Opportunity cost' is obviously a term Devashish has picked up at IIM, Ahmedabad) You might have been able to answer 8 to 10 sentence and grammar correction questions within the same time. Hence question selection becomes an important skill to master.
Having arrived at that conclusion, I realised that there are two components to sharpen question selection skills - the first is an ability to speed-read and the second is quick decision-making. Speed reading is an ability I acquired by learning from speed-reading books and practicing the same while reading. Quick and accurate decision making in question selection comes from conscious and constant practice.
In a bunch of questions I would always try and select the easiest ones first and work my way through to the last question which should turn out to be the most difficult one for me. Since I would note the time taken for solving each question, I would check my chart at the end of each practice session. In a good practice session where my question selection would be accurate, the questions solved at the beginning of the session would show the shortest solving times, with the timings gradually increasing towards the end of the session.
TenADay : Phew - that is a lot of planned effort...
Devashish:... and the reward is worth it, don't you agree?
TenADay : Yes - definitely! A 100 percentile and an admission to IIM Ahmedabad is certainly worth all the effort that it takes. And did you follow the same strategy for CAT 2006?
Devashish : Actually it was quite different for CAT 2006. Of course - I started preparation in the same fashion. Only now - the circumstances were different. I would start preparation only after I had finished my studies for the next day of class at IIM Ahmedabad. In October 2006, my friends and later business partners - Bhushan, Vineeta, and Vishal - and I hit upon the idea of a testing website for CAT so that people could prepare from their desks at office and home and bench mark themselves instantaneously with other people across the country.
And www.TenADay.in was born with its now famous trademark 10 questions in 10 minutes test every day followed by an instantaneous national percentile and analysis. Launching the website and keeping it going meant preparing fresh and challenging questions for TenADay users.
Preparing quality questions was far tougher than solving them. A thorough knowledge of the subject, tricks in question solving and thinking patterns was required. Developing questions for TenADay.in honed those skills and my performance in solving questions automatically shot up. This helped towards scoring a 100 percentile in CAT 2006 again.
TenADay : So setting up a website to help people practice for the CAT actually helped you get a 100 percentile. I don't think that is a practical option for everyone. I would rather follow your first route towards a 100 percentile in CAT 2004!
Devashish : If you have the determination and are ready to make the effort to practice smartly every single available moment of the day - you will definitely crack the CAT! Trust me.
In this interview he shares his story of his journey through the unimaginable - a 100 percentile score, doing the unthinkable - repeating his feat once again in an exam which everyone dreads to face.
Interviewing him is Anshul Gupta, IIM Kozhikode, Batch of 2008 and Devashish's team-mate from TenADay.in, India's most successful online testing site for CAT takers.
TenADay : Barood (Devashish's dorm name from IIM Ahmedabad) - much as I would like to hear about how you worked towards a 100 percentile score, I must ask a question which troubles everyone even more - why do you have a 100 percentile score twice? You were a 2nd year student at IIM Ahmedabad in 2006 so what made you attempt CAT 2006 and get another 100 percentile score?
Devashish: (Laughs) Most people find it difficult to accept, but actually the answer is quite simple. I had to attempt the CAT once again and obtain a 100 percentile in order to win a bet and not back out of a challenge thrown by a friend at IIM.
In August, 2006 when the CAT forms were out, we at Dorm-15 at IIM Ahmedabad were having a major argument over tea and pakodas in my room while it rained heavily outside. Hilao (his dorm name - real name Raghavendra) - an IIT graduate - strongly maintained that in any examination, several people have the capacity to top.
Who ultimately tops depends on the dynamics on the day of the exam which would include the toughness of the paper, the health of the individuals and even the weather. I opposed him equally strongly maintaining that only one person is destined to top an examination - the person who eventually does so and nothing can change that - not the weather, the toughness of the questions or the mood of the examiners. To decide who was right, our heartless dorm mates egged us on to fill up the forms for the CAT examination once again.
The rules of the challenge stated - if Hilao beats Barood OR Hilao scores a 100 percentile (he had a 99.7 in CAT 2004), then Hilao wins i.e. CAT is weather dependant.
If Barood gets a 100 percentile AND is ahead of Hilao, then Barood wins which means CAT is independent of the weather and a person who decides to defeat the CAT is the only one who will win!
So that's how CAT 2006 found the two of us sitting and sweating over the paper. When the results were declared, Hilao had scored 99.99 percentile and I had a 100 percentile. It was that simple.
TenADay : Of course it wasn't that simple either for you or Hilao since you would have to attempt CAT as seriously as any one else. But more of that later. Please tell us how did you study towards CAT 2004?
Devashish : When I was preparing for CAT 2004, I was serving in the Indian Army at the Indo-Bhutan border. The biggest problem at a remote location like that is that there are no resources to help you prepare. No coaching classes, no written material, no means of comparing one's performance with anyone else.
Since there was a telephone connection - there was also dial-up Internet connectivity. However there was no website offering test preparation and performance scores and analysis. (In Oct 2006, this would form the seed idea for TenADay.in but more of that later).
So while on leave, I picked up a large bunch of second hand CAT books and test-preparation material including old question papers etc and took them back with me. Everyday after work, I would sit down at night and start learning formulae, rules of grammar, interpreting graphs etc. That's how I prepared for CAT 2004.
TenADay : And how did you solve the problem of comparing and bench marking your performance?
Devashish : I figured it out that since I did not have anyone else to compare my performance with, I would have to benchmark my training against my own performance across the days and weeks to CAT. So accordingly I started plotting time taken and accuracy for every question that I solved.
Over a period of time I built up personal time v/s accuracy charts across the three major sections - Quant, Verbal and Logic/DI. I further created time v/s accuracy charts over different sub-sections in each of these sections e.g. Permutations and Combinations in Quantitative Ability, Comprehension in Verbal etc.
So as my preparation progressed over time, I would work on my weak sub-sections trying to attain a basic minimum speed and accuracy and fine tune my strong sub-sections even further to squeeze the maximum marks from every minute spent.
TenADay : How did that get around the problem of variability? I mean - every CAT paper is different. Sometimes the number of questions change, the marks per question change, in one paper the Comprehension passages are easy and in another they are impossible to crack?
Devashish : Yes - accurate and speedy question solving is not everything and these two alone are not enough to enable you to clear the CAT exam. For e.g. If there is a tough Reading and Comprehension passage and you attempt it correctly in 25 minutes - now that might be the fastest accurate attempt for that particular passage.
But was it a wise decision? That passage earned you 5 correct answers in 25 minutes. What was the opportunity cost of those 25 minutes? ('Opportunity cost' is obviously a term Devashish has picked up at IIM, Ahmedabad) You might have been able to answer 8 to 10 sentence and grammar correction questions within the same time. Hence question selection becomes an important skill to master.
Having arrived at that conclusion, I realised that there are two components to sharpen question selection skills - the first is an ability to speed-read and the second is quick decision-making. Speed reading is an ability I acquired by learning from speed-reading books and practicing the same while reading. Quick and accurate decision making in question selection comes from conscious and constant practice.
In a bunch of questions I would always try and select the easiest ones first and work my way through to the last question which should turn out to be the most difficult one for me. Since I would note the time taken for solving each question, I would check my chart at the end of each practice session. In a good practice session where my question selection would be accurate, the questions solved at the beginning of the session would show the shortest solving times, with the timings gradually increasing towards the end of the session.
TenADay : Phew - that is a lot of planned effort...
Devashish:... and the reward is worth it, don't you agree?
TenADay : Yes - definitely! A 100 percentile and an admission to IIM Ahmedabad is certainly worth all the effort that it takes. And did you follow the same strategy for CAT 2006?
Devashish : Actually it was quite different for CAT 2006. Of course - I started preparation in the same fashion. Only now - the circumstances were different. I would start preparation only after I had finished my studies for the next day of class at IIM Ahmedabad. In October 2006, my friends and later business partners - Bhushan, Vineeta, and Vishal - and I hit upon the idea of a testing website for CAT so that people could prepare from their desks at office and home and bench mark themselves instantaneously with other people across the country.
And www.TenADay.in was born with its now famous trademark 10 questions in 10 minutes test every day followed by an instantaneous national percentile and analysis. Launching the website and keeping it going meant preparing fresh and challenging questions for TenADay users.
Preparing quality questions was far tougher than solving them. A thorough knowledge of the subject, tricks in question solving and thinking patterns was required. Developing questions for TenADay.in honed those skills and my performance in solving questions automatically shot up. This helped towards scoring a 100 percentile in CAT 2006 again.
TenADay : So setting up a website to help people practice for the CAT actually helped you get a 100 percentile. I don't think that is a practical option for everyone. I would rather follow your first route towards a 100 percentile in CAT 2004!
Devashish : If you have the determination and are ready to make the effort to practice smartly every single available moment of the day - you will definitely crack the CAT! Trust me.
CAT exam Strategy by IIM topper…
CAT 2002 and aftermath.
During my engineering second year I have decided to take CAT. Basically I dont know why i wanted to go that way. but some reasons I could think of are,
1. a very decent pay 4-5 lpa
2. comfortable life for me and my family
3. the challenge the CAT poses
4. I am tired with my tryst with technical courses
So, I have started gaining information regarding management education in India. Soon, I figured out the need to crack CAT to have any chances of entering into a b-skool. After some more investigation found that, lots of reading and good maths/calculation skills are necessary for cracking CAT. I have decided to improve my verbal abilty, communication skills and business knowledge to considerable levels before i can attend any coaching classes.
Subscribed to BW 3 year offer in late second year. then started reading reader’s digest, India today and other books. All the while also tried to do reasonably well in my acads.
Came december 2001 and I have decided to go for coaching. There is no choice available in vizag at that time. So, joined in TIME for cat 2002 coaching. Daily in the morning 6-8 used to attend those classes and used to feel proud for doing something extra. In the first 4 months nothing improved. just classes and some sectional tests. Never ever we were tested with actual papers. Then came the summer vacation. Convinced my parents and stayed back in vizag so that, i can attend classes as well as take some tests. But I have absolutely no plan or no idea of the amount of work to put in to crack CAT. Neither i am sure about what colleges i want to apply and what is it i am looking for in the whole ordeal. 2 months were a breeze At the end of 2nd month, I took my first ever real-mock cat and believe me, it was a shock for me. Whatever practise i have done so far seemed to be useless. and the results also turned out to be bad. At once i have realized the importance of doing mocks and practising cat-like questions.
Then the academic session started. not that i study for the exams, but we have to do 2 projects in final year, and the pressure is building up. Basically i like to do my work for myself. so, slowly i started takin my project seriously and by the time it was september, i had lost my position in mocks. ranks in AIMCATs camedown to 300+ and settled there. But I have always maintained them below 500. somehow i had a strong feeling that, i can crack cat if i maintain my ranks belwo 500. Apart from CAT, I have considered other options such as FMS, IIFT, XLRI, IRMA, NITIE and JMET. That is a cross section of colleges. But I was desperate to do mba right after graduation and applied to this many colleges.
Apart from the regular TIME Material, I have xerox’d some IMS papers and did them off and on.
Well, at last the d-day came.
as usual started of with verbal. But since my verbal is the weakest link of the chain, i spent considerable amount of time in that section and did almost 40 questions. By the time i am done with it, i was already 50 mins into the test.
quickly rushed to quant section. And if any one of you seen the CAT 2002 Quant paper, you know what i am talking here. that section was tough. But Quant is always my streangth. So, did it for full 40 mins and attempted some 27 questions there.
only 30 mins left. Started doing small DI sets. Again if you look at CAT 2002 DI paper, you know what are these small sets are. They have some 7-8 sets each with 3-5 questions. on any day, one can attempt 30+ there and get away with a score above 25 easily. But since i have managed to mis-manage my time, i could do only 19 in 30 mins. But, i thought that, i can score well there, because, in TIME AIMCATs 19-20 was always a very good attempt rate. Very less did i know that TIME AIMCATs DI/VA is very differant from original CAT DI/VA.
After the exam i felt that, i can get atleast 2-3 calls. All this illusions are result of my poor understanding of cat and lack of overall perspective. I have assumed that, i can get a score above 58 which is what TIME predicted as cutoff. Again this is due to my poor analysis of mocks/aimcats. I dunno what my accuracy is, what my strike rate is usually like….
The Results
They came one after another. First B then C. Later A I and K and atlast L. All of them had the same message for me. ‘Sorry….’
I was devastated. I could not do anything for 2-3 days. The thought that i am loser has consumed me like anything. Even in the mess I felt like i am shameless to eat food. It was my first ever major failure in life. And with no job in hand i was feeling like hell at that time.
By the time it was april last week, i had only one final admission and that is from IRMA. I was not very sure as to whether i should go there or not. I told my parents that I want to try CAT again in 2003 and for that i want to stay back in vizag. They told me that, it mite be difficult for them to support me after engineering. And when i told them about IRMA, they said, i can go for that rather. I started applying to companies for job franetically. But no one seemed to be interested in hiring a fresher. I have envisaged the options of working as a faculty in engg. college or something like that. All this because, somewhere in my heart i know that, IRMA is not the place from where i want to do PG.
At last, in May first week, i got an offer from the present employer through campus placement. Decent pay and no bond. I accepted it immediately and decided to go for cat 2003.
What went wrong with my approach in cracking cat 2002?
1. I never did the fundamental material/brms
2. My preparation for english is very much haphazard. All i did is reading news paper, writing unknown words in a book, doing some silly grammer excersizes. And I never did practise papers and i never paid heed to rc. to be frank i even dont know what my speed is like.
3. I never analysed my mock/aimcat papers. What ever little analysis i did was focussed in quant section. I never knew clearly what are my strengths/weaknesses. I paid little attention to my accuracy and strikerate. My single focus was rank in aimcat.
4. I dunno the differance between a sitter and an ordinary question. My approach had been start from 1 and do till 50.
5. my preparation was totally random. i never had a proper timetable. Even if i had one, it was cluttered with non-important non-urgent tasks. I thot reading books will help in cracking RC in CAT. But morethan reading books, i need to change the approach . My reading was poor. Thanks to my vernacular background.
6. My time management was poor and emotional. and by emotional i mean that, if i feel that i am not doing a section well, i used to sepnd some more time there to satisfy my ego. and this lead to an erratic and random score pattern. nothing was consistent in my mocks. not just marks, but the number of mistakes also vaired.
7. lack of overall perspective and competition.
CAT 2003
May - August, 2003
I took one week break to adjust myself to the new workplace. At abt may 19 or so, i took one Diagnostic CAT and my scores were reasonable. But i knew that i need a systematic approach to crack it. So, I have planned the next 3.5 months for every day.
My work schedule at that time was something like, 7-8 journey, 8-6 office, 6-7 journey. So, I have 3-4 hrs in the night to slog. May be even less on somedays.
I have categorized the entire syllabus for CAT into 4 broad areas.
LR
DI/DS
QA
VA
Then, I have identified the important topics in these areas. First three have abt 15-20 topics in each area. Last one was vast. So, i gave more preference and time to it.
For each topic in first three areas i have alloted one/two days and my aim is to complete that topic from either material or X class textbooks.
During the office hours i used to solve problems posted on cat-2003 Y! Groups/PG. It was really helpful and used to motivate me alot.
MOCK CATS
The first one was on 29-jun-2003. AIMCAT 401. At that time my preparation was only half done and i have so many topics to complete. But, the experience from last year helpmed alot. I have managed to get an AIR of 60, even though my netscore was just above half of my rank. But this thing happens with TIME First mockcats. After this mock, i made it a point to record my mock performances in an Excel sheet. The format was something like, Sl. Number, Date and Mock #, Vocabulary, RC, Quant, DI DS Logic, Comments. I have recorded almost all mock performances in this sheet. I used to write in about unknown words, shortcuts, question numbers, silly mistakes i made and mistakes in my strategy in that sheet. Before taking another mock, i used to go through that sheet. This helped me in consciously avoiding the mistakes i have commited in earlier mocks and fine tuning my strategy.
Some guidelines for taking mocks:
. Stick to time. If you are taking a 2 hour test, take it for 2 hrs only. Be merciless, especially if you are taking them in your room/home. Dont let anything disturb you in those 2 hrs.
. Use a watch and make it a habit
. Have a strategy in mind before you start the test. Take 2-3 mins to analyse the paper and say to yourself something like ‘VA is verbal heavy, there are 4 rcs, quant has some diagrams and sets of questions, DI is lengthy, some ds questions were there, LR is absent, let me start with va and then move to qa and at last di’. Once you know the order of sections, stick to timelimits with in the section. Never let your ego come into the picture in those 2 hrs. I used to feel like, ‘hmm.. VA was tough, let me spend few mins more here’ to avoid that, i have devised a new method. I used to give timelimits as 35 mins for each section. And at the last i used to visit the toughest/easisest section and make up for a good overall score.
. Most importantly realise that, you have to get most out of the test. dont be egoistic and solve a problem for 2-3 mins. If you get it in 1 min, its ok, beyond that, learn to leave problems. Try to read as many as possible and decide what to solve quickly. This knack for identifiying so called sitters comes from taking 30-40 mocks in a span of 3 months.
. After the paper, dont rush to key. Take a break, relax for sometime and start looking at the paper. Try to findout correct answers without key. Analyse your answers and see if there is any fast/better method to solve the problems/questions. Try to reason out, why you have not attempted that RC or DI Set and cross check whether that is really a tough one. Try to estimate your score before jumping to the key. This will help you in giving a better idea abt your accuracy. After the analysis is over, then verify the answers with key and if needed go through the detailed answers. For me, most of the times, my mistakes used to comeout in the analysis phase. Checking with key was something like validating my analysis.
. Always try to share your mock scores/analysis with others. This will give you a better overall picture and good understanding of your relative standing. Use PG/Y! groups for this purpose. For many ppl, these groups are for posting scores. But realise the fact that, they are not notice boards. Instead, try to analyse the paper and post that also. With that you are helping no one else but yourself.
. Always calculate accuracy/speed figures for individual sections and net. And try to maintain a stable figure of speed and acc. If there is an abrupt change in those figures, try to investigate and findout the reasons. Ideally 60% speed with 80% + accuracy will help you in getting good scores. But speed sometimes varies with easiness of the paper. Identifying the trends of speed/acc in aug/sept will help you to fine tune your strategy before the d-day. for me, i was a 75 speed 70 acc person earlier. after some hardwork, i was able to cut on my speed and improve my acc.
Some guidelines for Individual Sections:
QA
I cannot over-emphasize the need for identifying sitters in this section. Most of the times solving 15-20 questions out of a 50 question paper will give you a 90+ percentile ( sometimes, even 99+ ) For me, QA has always been a strength. So, i used to do 25+ questions in most mocks and needless to say used to get good percentiles too.
From what i have realised from my preparation,
. Everyone has some weak areas in quant. For me Probability/perm/combns was a weak area. I used to leave all questions in that.
. Most of the times, solving the questions from 1-50 will not work.
. It is always better to give a shot to sets of questions. Somethings like ‘A and B started from P and Q with 20 and 30 kmph speed at 10 pm on a day……’ and then some questions on that. if you know the concept you can crack all the questions in that.
. you must know 3 of the following topics to have an easy sail thru the section. Algebra/Number Theory/Mensuration/Geometry. See the last 3 years CAT papers and you will know what i am speaking.
. Before starting the first mock, try to complete as many fundametals as possible on QA topics. Use a notes to jot down the unknown formulea/shortcuts.
. While analysing the QA Section, try to findout the sitters/easy ones you have missed out during taking the mock. And try to reason out.
. have some thumb rules based on your strategy. For me, I always,
Quote:
- read and try to attempt 1-2 liners no matter what
- read and try to attempt questions on menuration/geometry ( you can recognise them easily, coz, they have either numbers or figures in them )
- read and try to attempt questions on logs/algebra ( same funda again )
- start from somewhere in the middle of the section. never go from 1-50. It is always page by page.
- read and try to attempt sets of questions ( especially those on if a+b = a*b^2 or on graphs or on functions )
. Most importantly never compare. Yes, If you QA is not your strength, dont even bother about toppers. Just try to clear the cutoffs and that is all. Dont crib about ppl attempting 35 questions. Instead try to beat them in your strong points.
DI
i have only one line to say
PRACTISE
VA
Well, by now you have recognized the poor english in my posts. So, I am not good enough on commenting this. I never have been a topper in this area. But ppl say that ‘Read alot, it helps’
August - November, 2003
During this period, I have taken atleast 50 mock tests. And i feel that, from august last week you can start taking tests and try to culminate by nov 3rd week. But this period is again dependant on your present stage. My opinion on differant mock tests,
TIME AIMCATs - definetly the best as far as qa/di/ds/lr are concerned. This year va/rc have been better. But nowhere near what cat va/rc are like.
IMS SimCATs/ACT/MCT/FCT - very good va/rc papers. DI and QA were calculation heavy and sometimes kilometers away from what CAT tests. overall, decent papers.
CL MockCATs/FLTs - decent english,qa and di. sometimes, brilliant DI. and no doubt one of the cheapest packages available in the market. I got some 30 tests for 2000.
apart from the the above three i subscribed for Ascent Mocks, 10 of them for some 900. they were decent. But Qa is not that good.
I made it a point that, i take as many mocks as possible from august. In the beginning i used to take 2 mocks a week. In early sept i made it 3 mocks a week and stick to it till the end. Now, there is something called ‘Burnout’ If you feel that, you are going too fast and reach a peak before nov 21, then, take a full one week break and start again. moreover, dont take too many mocks in a week. at the most 4 mocks for a week should suffice. But again, this is highly personal and you can decide based on your performances.
during the last 30 days, i have tried to analyse my old mocks once again. During this period i made optimum use of the excel sheet i have compiled based on my mock scores. Plus, during the last few days, i realised that, my accuracy is goind down. So, I tried to record all my errors in a notebook. And this helped me alot in cutting down on my mistakes.
December, 2003 - February, 2004
Most of the december and first few weeks of jan, i spent time on other exams and work. tried to do some RC preps and was successful in improving it a bit. After my fms exam on 18.01.2004, i tried to focus on CAT. There is nothing special in this period. It was all the same. Mocks and analysis. There is little i can do apart from that.
D-Day
Aah, atlast the day came. I was excited about my results in other exams ( IIFT, JMET, FMS ).
As usual started the paper with verbal and could do 36 in 35 mins.
Then moved to QA and tried to maximise my gains there. Spend 40 mins and read most of the questions and attempted 32 there.
Then moved to DI. Contrary to what ppl think, this section was tough. Could do only 25 in this section.
so, over all 93 attempts. feeling the butterflies in the stumoch came out, but my result turned out to be better.
As they say, the rest is history.
During my engineering second year I have decided to take CAT. Basically I dont know why i wanted to go that way. but some reasons I could think of are,
1. a very decent pay 4-5 lpa
2. comfortable life for me and my family
3. the challenge the CAT poses
4. I am tired with my tryst with technical courses
So, I have started gaining information regarding management education in India. Soon, I figured out the need to crack CAT to have any chances of entering into a b-skool. After some more investigation found that, lots of reading and good maths/calculation skills are necessary for cracking CAT. I have decided to improve my verbal abilty, communication skills and business knowledge to considerable levels before i can attend any coaching classes.
Subscribed to BW 3 year offer in late second year. then started reading reader’s digest, India today and other books. All the while also tried to do reasonably well in my acads.
Came december 2001 and I have decided to go for coaching. There is no choice available in vizag at that time. So, joined in TIME for cat 2002 coaching. Daily in the morning 6-8 used to attend those classes and used to feel proud for doing something extra. In the first 4 months nothing improved. just classes and some sectional tests. Never ever we were tested with actual papers. Then came the summer vacation. Convinced my parents and stayed back in vizag so that, i can attend classes as well as take some tests. But I have absolutely no plan or no idea of the amount of work to put in to crack CAT. Neither i am sure about what colleges i want to apply and what is it i am looking for in the whole ordeal. 2 months were a breeze
Then the academic session started. not that i study for the exams, but we have to do 2 projects in final year, and the pressure is building up. Basically i like to do my work for myself. so, slowly i started takin my project seriously and by the time it was september, i had lost my position in mocks. ranks in AIMCATs camedown to 300+ and settled there. But I have always maintained them below 500. somehow i had a strong feeling that, i can crack cat if i maintain my ranks belwo 500. Apart from CAT, I have considered other options such as FMS, IIFT, XLRI, IRMA, NITIE and JMET. That is a cross section of colleges. But I was desperate to do mba right after graduation and applied to this many colleges.
Apart from the regular TIME Material, I have xerox’d some IMS papers and did them off and on.
Well, at last the d-day came.
as usual started of with verbal. But since my verbal is the weakest link of the chain, i spent considerable amount of time in that section and did almost 40 questions. By the time i am done with it, i was already 50 mins into the test.
quickly rushed to quant section. And if any one of you seen the CAT 2002 Quant paper, you know what i am talking here. that section was tough. But Quant is always my streangth. So, did it for full 40 mins and attempted some 27 questions there.
only 30 mins left. Started doing small DI sets. Again if you look at CAT 2002 DI paper, you know what are these small sets are. They have some 7-8 sets each with 3-5 questions. on any day, one can attempt 30+ there and get away with a score above 25 easily. But since i have managed to mis-manage my time, i could do only 19 in 30 mins. But, i thought that, i can score well there, because, in TIME AIMCATs 19-20 was always a very good attempt rate. Very less did i know that TIME AIMCATs DI/VA is very differant from original CAT DI/VA.
After the exam i felt that, i can get atleast 2-3 calls. All this illusions are result of my poor understanding of cat and lack of overall perspective. I have assumed that, i can get a score above 58 which is what TIME predicted as cutoff. Again this is due to my poor analysis of mocks/aimcats. I dunno what my accuracy is, what my strike rate is usually like….
The Results
They came one after another. First B then C. Later A I and K and atlast L. All of them had the same message for me. ‘Sorry….’
I was devastated. I could not do anything for 2-3 days. The thought that i am loser has consumed me like anything. Even in the mess I felt like i am shameless to eat food. It was my first ever major failure in life. And with no job in hand i was feeling like hell at that time.
By the time it was april last week, i had only one final admission and that is from IRMA. I was not very sure as to whether i should go there or not. I told my parents that I want to try CAT again in 2003 and for that i want to stay back in vizag. They told me that, it mite be difficult for them to support me after engineering. And when i told them about IRMA, they said, i can go for that rather. I started applying to companies for job franetically. But no one seemed to be interested in hiring a fresher. I have envisaged the options of working as a faculty in engg. college or something like that. All this because, somewhere in my heart i know that, IRMA is not the place from where i want to do PG.
At last, in May first week, i got an offer from the present employer through campus placement. Decent pay and no bond. I accepted it immediately and decided to go for cat 2003.
What went wrong with my approach in cracking cat 2002?
1. I never did the fundamental material/brms
2. My preparation for english is very much haphazard. All i did is reading news paper, writing unknown words in a book, doing some silly grammer excersizes. And I never did practise papers and i never paid heed to rc. to be frank i even dont know what my speed is like.
3. I never analysed my mock/aimcat papers. What ever little analysis i did was focussed in quant section. I never knew clearly what are my strengths/weaknesses. I paid little attention to my accuracy and strikerate. My single focus was rank in aimcat.
4. I dunno the differance between a sitter and an ordinary question. My approach had been start from 1 and do till 50.
5. my preparation was totally random. i never had a proper timetable. Even if i had one, it was cluttered with non-important non-urgent tasks. I thot reading books will help in cracking RC in CAT. But morethan reading books, i need to change the approach . My reading was poor. Thanks to my vernacular background.
6. My time management was poor and emotional. and by emotional i mean that, if i feel that i am not doing a section well, i used to sepnd some more time there to satisfy my ego. and this lead to an erratic and random score pattern. nothing was consistent in my mocks. not just marks, but the number of mistakes also vaired.
7. lack of overall perspective and competition.
CAT 2003
May - August, 2003
I took one week break to adjust myself to the new workplace. At abt may 19 or so, i took one Diagnostic CAT and my scores were reasonable. But i knew that i need a systematic approach to crack it. So, I have planned the next 3.5 months for every day.
My work schedule at that time was something like, 7-8 journey, 8-6 office, 6-7 journey. So, I have 3-4 hrs in the night to slog. May be even less on somedays.
I have categorized the entire syllabus for CAT into 4 broad areas.
LR
DI/DS
QA
VA
Then, I have identified the important topics in these areas. First three have abt 15-20 topics in each area. Last one was vast. So, i gave more preference and time to it.
For each topic in first three areas i have alloted one/two days and my aim is to complete that topic from either material or X class textbooks.
During the office hours i used to solve problems posted on cat-2003 Y! Groups/PG. It was really helpful and used to motivate me alot.
MOCK CATS
The first one was on 29-jun-2003. AIMCAT 401. At that time my preparation was only half done and i have so many topics to complete. But, the experience from last year helpmed alot. I have managed to get an AIR of 60, even though my netscore was just above half of my rank. But this thing happens with TIME First mockcats. After this mock, i made it a point to record my mock performances in an Excel sheet. The format was something like, Sl. Number, Date and Mock #, Vocabulary, RC, Quant, DI DS Logic, Comments. I have recorded almost all mock performances in this sheet. I used to write in about unknown words, shortcuts, question numbers, silly mistakes i made and mistakes in my strategy in that sheet. Before taking another mock, i used to go through that sheet. This helped me in consciously avoiding the mistakes i have commited in earlier mocks and fine tuning my strategy.
Some guidelines for taking mocks:
. Stick to time. If you are taking a 2 hour test, take it for 2 hrs only. Be merciless, especially if you are taking them in your room/home. Dont let anything disturb you in those 2 hrs.
. Use a watch and make it a habit
. Have a strategy in mind before you start the test. Take 2-3 mins to analyse the paper and say to yourself something like ‘VA is verbal heavy, there are 4 rcs, quant has some diagrams and sets of questions, DI is lengthy, some ds questions were there, LR is absent, let me start with va and then move to qa and at last di’. Once you know the order of sections, stick to timelimits with in the section. Never let your ego come into the picture in those 2 hrs. I used to feel like, ‘hmm.. VA was tough, let me spend few mins more here’ to avoid that, i have devised a new method. I used to give timelimits as 35 mins for each section. And at the last i used to visit the toughest/easisest section and make up for a good overall score.
. Most importantly realise that, you have to get most out of the test. dont be egoistic and solve a problem for 2-3 mins. If you get it in 1 min, its ok, beyond that, learn to leave problems. Try to read as many as possible and decide what to solve quickly. This knack for identifiying so called sitters comes from taking 30-40 mocks in a span of 3 months.
. After the paper, dont rush to key. Take a break, relax for sometime and start looking at the paper. Try to findout correct answers without key. Analyse your answers and see if there is any fast/better method to solve the problems/questions. Try to reason out, why you have not attempted that RC or DI Set and cross check whether that is really a tough one. Try to estimate your score before jumping to the key. This will help you in giving a better idea abt your accuracy. After the analysis is over, then verify the answers with key and if needed go through the detailed answers. For me, most of the times, my mistakes used to comeout in the analysis phase. Checking with key was something like validating my analysis.
. Always try to share your mock scores/analysis with others. This will give you a better overall picture and good understanding of your relative standing. Use PG/Y! groups for this purpose. For many ppl, these groups are for posting scores. But realise the fact that, they are not notice boards. Instead, try to analyse the paper and post that also. With that you are helping no one else but yourself.
. Always calculate accuracy/speed figures for individual sections and net. And try to maintain a stable figure of speed and acc. If there is an abrupt change in those figures, try to investigate and findout the reasons. Ideally 60% speed with 80% + accuracy will help you in getting good scores. But speed sometimes varies with easiness of the paper. Identifying the trends of speed/acc in aug/sept will help you to fine tune your strategy before the d-day. for me, i was a 75 speed 70 acc person earlier. after some hardwork, i was able to cut on my speed and improve my acc.
Some guidelines for Individual Sections:
QA
I cannot over-emphasize the need for identifying sitters in this section. Most of the times solving 15-20 questions out of a 50 question paper will give you a 90+ percentile ( sometimes, even 99+ ) For me, QA has always been a strength. So, i used to do 25+ questions in most mocks and needless to say used to get good percentiles too.
From what i have realised from my preparation,
. Everyone has some weak areas in quant. For me Probability/perm/combns was a weak area. I used to leave all questions in that.
. Most of the times, solving the questions from 1-50 will not work.
. It is always better to give a shot to sets of questions. Somethings like ‘A and B started from P and Q with 20 and 30 kmph speed at 10 pm on a day……’ and then some questions on that. if you know the concept you can crack all the questions in that.
. you must know 3 of the following topics to have an easy sail thru the section. Algebra/Number Theory/Mensuration/Geometry. See the last 3 years CAT papers and you will know what i am speaking.
. Before starting the first mock, try to complete as many fundametals as possible on QA topics. Use a notes to jot down the unknown formulea/shortcuts.
. While analysing the QA Section, try to findout the sitters/easy ones you have missed out during taking the mock. And try to reason out.
. have some thumb rules based on your strategy. For me, I always,
Quote:
- read and try to attempt 1-2 liners no matter what
- read and try to attempt questions on menuration/geometry ( you can recognise them easily, coz, they have either numbers or figures in them )
- read and try to attempt questions on logs/algebra ( same funda again )
- start from somewhere in the middle of the section. never go from 1-50. It is always page by page.
- read and try to attempt sets of questions ( especially those on if a+b = a*b^2 or on graphs or on functions )
. Most importantly never compare. Yes, If you QA is not your strength, dont even bother about toppers. Just try to clear the cutoffs and that is all. Dont crib about ppl attempting 35 questions. Instead try to beat them in your strong points.
DI
i have only one line to say
PRACTISE
VA
Well, by now you have recognized the poor english in my posts. So, I am not good enough on commenting this. I never have been a topper in this area. But ppl say that ‘Read alot, it helps’
August - November, 2003
During this period, I have taken atleast 50 mock tests. And i feel that, from august last week you can start taking tests and try to culminate by nov 3rd week. But this period is again dependant on your present stage. My opinion on differant mock tests,
TIME AIMCATs - definetly the best as far as qa/di/ds/lr are concerned. This year va/rc have been better. But nowhere near what cat va/rc are like.
IMS SimCATs/ACT/MCT/FCT - very good va/rc papers. DI and QA were calculation heavy and sometimes kilometers away from what CAT tests. overall, decent papers.
CL MockCATs/FLTs - decent english,qa and di. sometimes, brilliant DI. and no doubt one of the cheapest packages available in the market. I got some 30 tests for 2000.
apart from the the above three i subscribed for Ascent Mocks, 10 of them for some 900. they were decent. But Qa is not that good.
I made it a point that, i take as many mocks as possible from august. In the beginning i used to take 2 mocks a week. In early sept i made it 3 mocks a week and stick to it till the end. Now, there is something called ‘Burnout’ If you feel that, you are going too fast and reach a peak before nov 21, then, take a full one week break and start again. moreover, dont take too many mocks in a week. at the most 4 mocks for a week should suffice. But again, this is highly personal and you can decide based on your performances.
during the last 30 days, i have tried to analyse my old mocks once again. During this period i made optimum use of the excel sheet i have compiled based on my mock scores. Plus, during the last few days, i realised that, my accuracy is goind down. So, I tried to record all my errors in a notebook. And this helped me alot in cutting down on my mistakes.
December, 2003 - February, 2004
Most of the december and first few weeks of jan, i spent time on other exams and work. tried to do some RC preps and was successful in improving it a bit. After my fms exam on 18.01.2004, i tried to focus on CAT. There is nothing special in this period. It was all the same. Mocks and analysis. There is little i can do apart from that.
D-Day
Aah, atlast the day came. I was excited about my results in other exams ( IIFT, JMET, FMS ).
As usual started the paper with verbal and could do 36 in 35 mins.
Then moved to QA and tried to maximise my gains there. Spend 40 mins and read most of the questions and attempted 32 there.
Then moved to DI. Contrary to what ppl think, this section was tough. Could do only 25 in this section.
so, over all 93 attempts. feeling the butterflies in the stumoch came out, but my result turned out to be better.
As they say, the rest is history.
Strategies to tackle CAT
If we are to rate the importance of having a strategy to tackle any examination on a scale of 10, I would give 10! Yes, a strategy is so important that not having one is detrimental to your own prospects. A good strategy is like a cricket coach. A coach makes your life easy on the pitch while a strategy makes it easy to write your examination. Indian cricket team survived the England series without a coach but the seniors chipped in. So, bottom line - strategies work!
So, what makes a strategy?
Well, anything and everything that shows you a direction is a strategy. If you decide to tackle your favourite section first, that's a strategy. If you decide to leave the nightmarish section to the end, it also is one. Anything that suits you is a strategy. And one important point to note before you read further is, something that works for you might not work for someone else and vice versa.
If there is one event that hooks up the entire student community (after cricket, of course!), it is CAT. When you start is very important. Some students start as early as December and some start as late as September. It is not at all important as to when you have started. Agreed that sooner the start better is the momentum.
I started my preparation around April end and abandoned it almost immediately, due to work pressure. My serious preparation started just one and a half month before the examination. Not taking away any credit away from the early birds, it is the preparation and confidence level that carries you through.
Strategy 1: Better if you can start early. Even if you can't, there's nothing to worry. Have at least a couple of months and be confident that you can be the chosen one.
People come to me and ask, "Is it really important to join an institute?" Certainly not! It is not at all compulsory to be enrolled in an institute; if you think you can tackle it alone. Coaching institutes help you in structuring your preparation. They help you iron out your chinks and make you better in tackling different situations.
All this will help you if you attend the classes and take the help of the faculty. For someone like me, who did not attend 75% of the classes (thanks to work, again!) it was more of a 'pay-for-the-material'. However, the weekend examinations form a critical part of your preparation. It is very important to gauge yourself against the opposition and warm up for the occasion. Even the mighty Australian cricket team plays a couple of practice matches to warm up. The weekend tests help you identify the areas of improvement.
Strategy 2: Joining an institute is good but unable to do so is not detrimental. Make sure that you are able to give a shot at the weekend examinations.
When I was preparing for my CAT examination, I had this dilemma every weekend. Right after the examination, I used to diligently work out the paper again. More often than not, I would falter at the cut-offs. It was only once or twice that I could clear all the three cut-offs simultaneously.
I used to wonder, will this have an impact?
Is it indicative of the real CAT? With due credit to the preparation exams, they are not THE REAL CAT EXAMINATION! End of matter! What you do here is not at all an indication of what you are going to do there. Losing a practice match to the Mumbai side would never hamper the chances of the Aussies in the test matches.
Strategy 3: Weekend exams are important for your preparation but are not the real indicators. Try to get confidence but do not let the results undermine your capabilities.
In one of the weekend exams, I was so fascinated by the Analytical section that I spent unnecessarily long in that. Needless to say, I missed the cut-offs in the rest of the sections. No matter how much it is stressed, time management is THE important factor in your examination. You may be exceptionally brilliant in all the sections but not knowing how to manage the limited time at your disposal makes you look pathetic.
Michael Hussey is an exceptional cricketer because he knows how to pace his innings; starts slowly, builds the innings and knows when to cut loose. A better student knows when to stop at a question, when to switch sections etc.
Strategy 4: Remember that the time at your disposal is limited and meagre. Sounds clichéd but time management is paramount to your success.
CAT is known to throw surprises. Be it with the difficulty of the sections, the number of sections, and the number of questions…it never ceases to surprise you. Trust me; a CAT paper which is remarkably easy is a surprise in itself! It is very important to be prepared for everything that the examination throws at you.
Ricky Ponting, as a one-down batsman, must be prepared psychologically to face the second ball of the innings or the last ball of the innings; for that matter any time of the innings. It is very important to keep you calm and strike it rich with your abilities.
Strategy 5: CAT exam is a surprise in itself. Expect the best and be prepared for the worst. Remember that it's the same paper for everyone!
I will not blame you if you are confused and worried. Strategy is something that is unique to you; something which only you can formulate for yourself. Remember that what clicks for me might not click for you. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and weave your strategy around that. Australian team makes sure that Michael Clarke comes before Michael Hussey because Hussey is more adapted to give an impetus at the end. BEST OF LUCK!
So, what makes a strategy?
Well, anything and everything that shows you a direction is a strategy. If you decide to tackle your favourite section first, that's a strategy. If you decide to leave the nightmarish section to the end, it also is one. Anything that suits you is a strategy. And one important point to note before you read further is, something that works for you might not work for someone else and vice versa.
If there is one event that hooks up the entire student community (after cricket, of course!), it is CAT. When you start is very important. Some students start as early as December and some start as late as September. It is not at all important as to when you have started. Agreed that sooner the start better is the momentum.
I started my preparation around April end and abandoned it almost immediately, due to work pressure. My serious preparation started just one and a half month before the examination. Not taking away any credit away from the early birds, it is the preparation and confidence level that carries you through.
Strategy 1: Better if you can start early. Even if you can't, there's nothing to worry. Have at least a couple of months and be confident that you can be the chosen one.
People come to me and ask, "Is it really important to join an institute?" Certainly not! It is not at all compulsory to be enrolled in an institute; if you think you can tackle it alone. Coaching institutes help you in structuring your preparation. They help you iron out your chinks and make you better in tackling different situations.
All this will help you if you attend the classes and take the help of the faculty. For someone like me, who did not attend 75% of the classes (thanks to work, again!) it was more of a 'pay-for-the-material'. However, the weekend examinations form a critical part of your preparation. It is very important to gauge yourself against the opposition and warm up for the occasion. Even the mighty Australian cricket team plays a couple of practice matches to warm up. The weekend tests help you identify the areas of improvement.
Strategy 2: Joining an institute is good but unable to do so is not detrimental. Make sure that you are able to give a shot at the weekend examinations.
When I was preparing for my CAT examination, I had this dilemma every weekend. Right after the examination, I used to diligently work out the paper again. More often than not, I would falter at the cut-offs. It was only once or twice that I could clear all the three cut-offs simultaneously.
I used to wonder, will this have an impact?
Is it indicative of the real CAT? With due credit to the preparation exams, they are not THE REAL CAT EXAMINATION! End of matter! What you do here is not at all an indication of what you are going to do there. Losing a practice match to the Mumbai side would never hamper the chances of the Aussies in the test matches.
Strategy 3: Weekend exams are important for your preparation but are not the real indicators. Try to get confidence but do not let the results undermine your capabilities.
In one of the weekend exams, I was so fascinated by the Analytical section that I spent unnecessarily long in that. Needless to say, I missed the cut-offs in the rest of the sections. No matter how much it is stressed, time management is THE important factor in your examination. You may be exceptionally brilliant in all the sections but not knowing how to manage the limited time at your disposal makes you look pathetic.
Michael Hussey is an exceptional cricketer because he knows how to pace his innings; starts slowly, builds the innings and knows when to cut loose. A better student knows when to stop at a question, when to switch sections etc.
Strategy 4: Remember that the time at your disposal is limited and meagre. Sounds clichéd but time management is paramount to your success.
CAT is known to throw surprises. Be it with the difficulty of the sections, the number of sections, and the number of questions…it never ceases to surprise you. Trust me; a CAT paper which is remarkably easy is a surprise in itself! It is very important to be prepared for everything that the examination throws at you.
Ricky Ponting, as a one-down batsman, must be prepared psychologically to face the second ball of the innings or the last ball of the innings; for that matter any time of the innings. It is very important to keep you calm and strike it rich with your abilities.
Strategy 5: CAT exam is a surprise in itself. Expect the best and be prepared for the worst. Remember that it's the same paper for everyone!
I will not blame you if you are confused and worried. Strategy is something that is unique to you; something which only you can formulate for yourself. Remember that what clicks for me might not click for you. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and weave your strategy around that. Australian team makes sure that Michael Clarke comes before Michael Hussey because Hussey is more adapted to give an impetus at the end. BEST OF LUCK!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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