Mastering TITA Questions in the CAT Exam: A Strategic Approach

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive and widely recognized entrance exam for admission to top-notch management institutes in India. One of the challenging question types in the CAT exam is the TITA (Type in the Answer) or non-Multiple Choice Questions. These questions require a different approach and strategy compared to regular MCQs. In this blog, we will delve into effective techniques to tackle TITA questions and maximize your chances of success in the CAT exam.

Understand the Question:

Before attempting any TITA question, take a moment to understand what the question is asking. Read it carefully and underline or note down the key information. TITA questions often involve calculations, reasoning, and in-depth understanding, so a clear comprehension of the question is crucial.

 Time Allocation:

TITA questions generally consume more time than MCQs due to the detailed calculations or analysis they require. Allocate your time wisely among all the questions in the section, keeping in mind the TITA questions' time-intensive nature. If you're stuck on a single question for too long, it might be wise to move on and return to it later if time allows.

Show Your Work:

Unlike MCQs where the answer choices guide you, TITA questions require you to show your work step by step. Present your calculations, reasoning, or methodology clearly. This not only helps you organize your thoughts but also increases your chances of partial credit if your final answer is not accurate.

Approximation Technique:

Since TITA questions are time-consuming, employing approximation techniques can be beneficial. Round off numbers to convenient values to simplify calculations without significantly affecting the accuracy of your answer. This approach saves time while still yielding reasonably accurate results.

Prioritize Strong Areas:

Play to your strengths. If you are confident in a particular topic or subject area, prioritize those TITA questions. This strategy boosts your chances of scoring well on those questions and leaves you with more time for challenging ones.

Elimination Strategy:

While there are no answer choices to eliminate in TITA questions, you can still employ an elimination strategy. Eliminate obviously incorrect options in your calculations or analysis to narrow down possibilities and increase the likelihood of arriving at the correct answer.

Review and Recheck:

Reserve some time at the end of the section to review your TITA answers. Carefully recheck your calculations, formulas, and reasoning. Since there are no answer choices to cross-check, meticulous review is your last line of defense against errors.

Simulate Exam Conditions:

Practice is key. Regularly practice solving TITA questions under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. This not only improves your speed and accuracy but also builds your confidence in handling these types of questions.

Tackling TITA questions in the CAT exam requires a blend of strategic thinking, subject knowledge, and time management.

By understanding the question, showing your work, prioritizing, and practicing diligently, you can enhance your ability to approach these questions with confidence and precision. The goal is not only to arrive at the right answer but also to do so efficiently within the constraints of the exam.

Good luck!