How to attempt DI : part 1

Please read Introduction post first.

The first few minutes we spend on any section have a huge bearing on how we are going to perform in that section. So u should have complete familiarity with the set that u attempt first. Never venture into unknown waters initially. Now it can't be that u are not having any idea about all the sets asked in exam. In that case, the paper is really testing or u should be prepared to give the test next year ( sorry if this sounds harsh, but it's true).
So the best option would be select a DI set first. The chances of cracking a DI set are always more than cracking an obscure LR set. Again if a set based on tournament is asked and u hv the confidence to crack any tournament set, u may start with tht as well.

But to all those who are weak in DI, i'll suggest u to start with a DI set. So my suggestion to all of you is to start working on speed maths a little bit. The time u save while doing DI can be allotted to a tough LR set. Develop good calculation speed and try to attempt all DI sets, and may be 1 LR set and this should be enough to secure a 97-98%ile. ( I'm assuming tht there would be atleast 2 DI sets).

Now those who want 99.5+ in DI, start loving DI and LR. If u can't enjoy doing DI/LR it would be tough to get 99.5+. I know it's all about marks and we not giving CAT for fun, but i personally believe tht unnecessary pressure doesn't help in this section.
You see what kind of a person u are, also determines how u'll fare in this section. If u are by nature a bundle of nerves and allow even small occasions to get to u, chances are tht u'll find going tough in this section.
The reason is that compared to other sections the stakes are very high in this section. Other sections do have single questions but DI section generally has questions in sets. At a time 4-5 questions are at stake. That translates into around 15-20 marks which will be the difference between a 94%ile and a 99%ile. So at the back of the mind there is always this thought that if I'm not able to crack the set, then those 15-20 mins tht i'hv invested in the set would become a liability. This pressure does not help ur cause really. The best way to avoid this mental trap is to start loving those sets. Just don't think abt cut-off and %iles and other things while attempting DI and specially LR. I know what i'm saying is tough to follow but trust me the day u clear these demons from ur mind, u'll start doing exceedingly well.



Note : The author Vipul Tyagi is a CAT '09 aspirant, member of Pagal Guy Dream team '09 has scored 16/20 times a percentile greater than 99.49 in AIMCATs with AIRs of 1,7,8,9,10 ... From past three aimcats he has achieved AIR 1 with a comfortable margin in DI.