Preparation plan for Data Interpretation for CAT 2012

Today we will discuss about Data Interpretation which will be now converged with the Quantitative Ability part in the first of the two sections of CAT 2012. 

Topics of Data Interpretation

The Data Interpretation section consists of graphs, charts, tables etc. for calculating data. Though some questions need calculation, others can be solved without calculation. To have a closer view, this area consists of questions on Tables, Bar Charts, Pie Charts, Line chart/Scatter diagrams; Caselet/Logic based DI, Network Diagram etc. 

Improve your ability to work with numbers. You need to be as good as possible in mental calculations viz. additions, subtraction, multiplications, divisions, percentages and ratios. This can only be achieved through consistent practice.  Like other section, this section also needs thorough practice. Observing numbers in different forms and ways is a simple way to improve your speed with numbers..

Preparing for Data Interpretation

Like other sections, you can get a good idea about the questions by solving from the previous years’ CAT papers. This can form your basic preparation foundation. “For Data Interpretation, go through last five to six years CAT exam papers and try solving them without any preparation. Analyze and evaluate your approach with reference to every question including the one which you solved easily,” advises Kudva.

Reading can also boost your preparation meter for DI area. As Gejo Sreenivasan, Principal Consultant, Career Launcher says, “You must practice a lot in order to interpret the data. Solve at least one DI problem every day. You must read articles, especially on business which are heavy on data and analyze them. This will keep your 'DI cells' on toes.” Kudva says in a similar tone, “Refer to the graphs and data provided in various business papers and magazines. You need to identify techniques to solve questions which require big and time consuming calculations.”

Books & preparation material for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Some of the books, which will help you in preparing for the Data Interpretation part of the Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation section are, ‘How to prepare for the Data Interpretation for CAT’ by TATA-McGraw Hill publications, ‘How to prepare for the Data Interpretation for CAT’ by Arihant Prakashan, Face 2 Face CAT Common Admission Test: 19 Years' (1993-2011) by Arihant Prakashan,  Quant E-Book, Author : Ravi Handa, The e-book is a unique 60 page reading material which consists of all the formulas & tips which students’ often requires while preparing for management exams like CAT, XAT and others. This book will be a comprehensive guide for the students who now need not hunt for their 10th and 12th standard books for formulas and in addition will help them learn the tricks and trades to solve lengthy problems in less than half-the-time spent earlier while practicing numerical at home.