The Difficulty Level of Arun Sharma Books for Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude Preparation in CAT

When it comes to preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), choosing the right study materials is crucial. Arun Sharma is a well-known author in the field, and his books are widely popular among candidates for logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude. However, there is a debate about whether these books are slightly above the CAT level in terms of difficulty. This article aims to clarify this issue and provide insights for candidates.

General Alignment with CAT Syllabus

Arun Sharma's books for logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude are generally considered to be well-aligned with the CAT syllabus and difficulty level. The books cover a wide range of topics and provide comprehensive explanations and practice questions that are relevant to the CAT. However, many students and educators have noted that some of the problems in these books can be slightly more challenging than what is typically found on the CAT. This can be beneficial for students looking to push their boundaries and prepare thoroughly for the exam.

Time Management in CAT

CAT is a time-based exam, requiring each question to be solved within approximately 3 minutes. Given this, the questions in Arun Sharma's books should be evaluated based on their suitability for time management. Level 1 questions in Arun Sharma's books are generally considered to be below CAT level, but Level 3 questions can be significantly more challenging and may not allow for solving questions within the allotted time frame. If a student encounters such questions, it is advisable to skip them initially and attempt them later once more time is available.

Advisories for Students Based on Strengths and Weaknesses

For students with strong logical reasoning skills, Arun Sharma's LOD (Level of Difficulty) 3 is highly recommended as it provides exposure to more complex questions, preparing students for surprises on the actual CAT. However, if logical reasoning is not a strength, students should avoid LOD 3 and focus on LOD 1 and 2 questions. Most LR questions in CAT are of LOD 1 or LOD 2 levels.

Similarly, for quantitative aptitude, questions from all three levels (LOD 1, LOD 2, and LOD 3) are often found in the CAT. This variance in difficulty level is designed to challenge students and ensure they are well-prepared for the exam. The key is to progress through the levels methodically and ensure a solid understanding of the concepts and problem-solving techniques.

Preparation Strategy and Attitude

The books of Arun Sharma are not above the CAT level; rather, they provide a conceptual framework that helps students build a strong foundation. CAT is an elimination test rather than a selection test, meaning it is designed to identify students who can handle the challenges presented. Therefore, every topic in the books is divided into three levels of difficulty, increasing in order. By starting from Level 1 and gradually moving to Level 2 and then Level 3, one can progress and become well-prepared for the CAT.

Those who are willing to accept the challenge for CAT and start preparing with Arun Sharma books will learn new concepts, practice consistently, and ultimately gain the confidence needed to overcome the boundaries set by IIMs. It is important to adopt a positive attitude and a structured approach to preparation to ensure success in the exam.

Conclusion: While Arun Sharma's books are suitable for CAT preparation, the level of difficulty in certain sections can be higher than the CAT average, which can be beneficial for students willing to push their boundaries. It is crucial to evaluate the questions based on time management, especially for Level 3 questions. By following a structured approach and embracing the challenge, students can fully leverage the benefits of these books and perform well in the CAT.