Maharashtra MBA CET 2018 – Paper Pattern and Analysis

• Date: 11th March 2017 (Saturday)
• Slot: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
• Total Number of Questions: 200
• Total Time allotted: 150 minutes
• No. of Choices per question: 5 choices
• No. of Sections: 4
• Negative Marks: No negative marking

CET 2018 Paper Pattern

Section wise Analysis

Based on the student feedback, it is found that there are quite a few differences in the topics covered in slot 3 as compared to the earlier two slots. While the number of questions based on analytical puzzles appears to be on the lower side, the topics, blood relations, Input/output, Decision making and data sufficiency, which were not given in slot 1 were given in slot 3. There was no question on coding and decoding in this slot. There were more analytical reasoning questions and lesser number of questions on analytical puzzles. Candidates felt that the Decision Making questions were tough. In this section, the number of attempts may come down because more number of topics were covered. While the overall difficulty level of this section appears to be the same as that of slot 1, the good number of attempts may come down a shade to 38-40 in 70 minutes.

Questions from the topic symbols and notation, based on candidate feedback, seems to be of old model. Candidates’ feedback indicates that the questions from deductions seem to be quite different from the ones given in slot1. This time it was on finding the conclusion which does not follow from the given statements.

Analytical Puzzles:

Candidates reported that this area had the maximum number of questions. They remember having found many regular type questions like Linear Arrangement, Circular (square) Arrangement with little amount of handling numbers, Distribution (days), Distribution with common parameters and comparison and Arrangement of people on different floors. They said there were 6 sets with number of questions per set being different. Candidates felt that 17 questions among the puzzles were doable. Since, the puzzles were difficult, they said that it would be a good strategy to attempt analytical reasoning first and then utilized the remaining time for tackling analytical puzzles. Candidates said that certain types of sets were predicted by T.I.M.E. & were discussed in end course workshops and AMMCETs. Candidate said that these sessions helped them in answering some of these questions easily.

Critical Reasoning:

The candidate said that they have come across a mix of Verbal and Critical Reasoning. For Verbal Reasoning, they said, there were questions on Statements and Inferences, finding probable reasons and courses of action. According to them the question based on Courses of action was slightly different from the regular ones. Candidates were asked find long term and short term solutions. Candidates found these questions to be moderate to difficult.

Section 2: Abstract Reasoning (Non- verbal)

As in slot1/2, in slot 3 also, major number of abstract reasoning questions were easy. Many candidates said that they could attempt 18-20 questions by spending about 20 questions. They reported that more than 50% of the questions were of type finding the next figure in the series. While the rest of the questions are from the topics analogies and similar pair.

Section – 3 : Verbal Ability / RC

This slot also has two RCs, paragraph based fill in the blanks, identifying grammatically correct sentence, identifying correct usage of the word, match the parts of sentences given in two columns, best restatement, phrase replacement, PFQs, identifying meaning of idiom, error identification, finding correct connector and synonyms and antonyms. Among these finding connector, correct usage of the word, match the sentence parts and finding meaning of idioms are new types. Candidate feedback indicates that even in this slot a good number of attempts would be about 35 questions in 35-40 minutes.

Section 4: Quantitative Aptitude:

Candidates’ feedback indicates that this section is in no way different from slot1. According to the candidates 30-35 questions in 45 mins would be a good number of attempts.

Based on the candidates’ feedback, the paper can be classified as moderately difficult. It appears that the correct selection of questions is the key to a good score. Since there wasn’t any element of surprise in the type of questions, a judicious distribution of time and choice would have ensured a comfortable number of attempts with a good accuracy. A good student should have attempted around 125-130 questions. However, students aiming for the top colleges should have attempted around 135-140 questions.