3-WEEK STUDY PLAN FOR XAT 2020

As somebody
wise said, “It is important to work on your weaknesses, but it is more
important to capitalize on your strengths”. The next few weeks should be used
as much in removing the chinks in your armour as in sharpening your tools. We
have compiled some general information about each section along with some tips for
the coming 3 weeks:
Verbal Ability
& Logical Reasoning
- Almost half the questions in the
VALR section are of passage-based comprehension and the passages herein can be
quite tricky. Some actions that can help you with these:
- Passage
skimming and gauging understanding levels is critical to identify tough
passages.
- Try to
attempt only 6-8 questions from 2 of the easier passages.
- Do some
pre-reading: Search online for the source for each of the passages that came in
past 2-3 years (Just google their opening lines) and read some similar material
to gain familiarity with the subject matter.
- Try to
improve your reading speed by undertaking speed-reading exercises. (Call us if
you need help with this).
- There is
not enough time to memorise whole word-lists, but try your hand at contextual
vocabulary in practice tests that are available online or in apps.
Decision
Making
The DM section checks the logical
reasoning and comprehension skills of the test taker. With questions in the
form of caselets having single or multiple questions, the decisions sought
cover managerial decisions, financial decisions, HR decisions and decisions on
ethical dilemmas. Some strategies to crack this section:
- Eliminate
the obvious incorrect choices
- Always
focus on the criterions to make decisions
- Think as a
business manager
- Look at key
words and parties/stakeholder involved in the business scenario – Are you
dealing with a subordinate or a superior
- Always take
the ethical stance, even when the alternative seems more practical!
Quantitative
Aptitude & Data Interpretation
There is a
consistent focus on Algebra (5-8 questions) and Geometry (5-7 questions) in
this section, so these should take the bulk of time during preparation.
Some
specific pointers for this section:
- Devote
specific time to practice a few selected areas that tend to be tested more
often in the XAT (Sequences, Functions & Linear/Quadratic equations in
Algebra and 2D/3D Mensuration, Trigonometry, Heights and Distances &
Circles in Geometry). Build enough familiarity so that you can find at least 2
attemptible questions each from repetitive areas.
- There are
two data caselets each year and aspirants should find at least one of the sets
quite easy (i.e. based on simply reading data from the graphs and finding
percentage changes/ratios).
- Practice is
a must for DI, it is especially so for Data Sufficiency which has 2 questions
each year.
- Since DS
questions were quite tricky and even lengthy this is an area which can be left
un-attempted.
- Brush-up
your concepts on main areas in Arithmetic such as Profit/Loss, SI-CI, Mixtures,
TSD and Work as the easiest questions will most likely be from this area!
Additionally bear in mind that attempting past XAT papers is crucial (you can find these for free on the XAT website). Attempt a mix of past papers and mock tests to test the above strategy, and also to fine-tune it basis your strengths and weaknesses.
Remember, perseverance and constant improvement are the key!
All the best for XAT 2020 – I sincerely hope that you crack it.