How to Use Calculator in CAT Exam 2024? The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a challenging exam for individuals wishing to pursue MBA programs in India. As the 2024 exam approaches, it's critical to grasp the resources that can assist you boost your score. One useful tool is the on-screen calculator, which was added in 2015 and allows students to perform simple calculations throughout the test. This calculator makes answering math questions easier.

The inclusion of an on-screen calculator has transformed how candidates approach quantitative sections. Understanding how to use this tool successfully will help you do better and save time on exams.

Tips on How to Use Calculator in CAT Exam 2024?

Even though an on-screen calculator is allowed in CAT exam, candidates are advised to know how to use calculator in CAT Exam 2024 and must make sure that they utilise the calculator judiciously.

The calculator can prove to be quite helpful to a candidate if used properly but at the same time can create problems too if not used with caution. Here are some tips and instructions on how to use calculator in CAT exam 2024.

1. Practice using an On-screen Calculator
2. Know How to Use the On-screen Calculator
3. Note Down Everything
4. Identify Questions Which Require the Use of a Calculator in CAT 2024
5. Improve your Mental Calculations

1. Practice using an On-screen Calculator

On-screen calculators are rarely used by any of us during our daily lives. Using an on-screen calculator can be a tedious task especially if a candidate does not know their way around it since a student needs to input the data with the help of a computer mouse and not buttons.

Since students are familiar with physical calculators more so than on-screen/online calculators, using an on-screen calculator with ease and agility will require lots of practice on the student’s part. 

Students should practice using on-screen calculators regularly for doing their calculations when either preparing for CAT or when giving mock tests so that they are comfortable with the on-screen calculators during CAT.

Also Read: What is A Good CAT Score? Cutoff for IIMs and Non-IIMs

2. Know How to Use the On-screen Calculator

A candidate must know how to use the On-screen calculator provided in the CAT exam to avoid any kind of issues and complications in the examination hall itself. The basic functionality of the On-screen calculator provided in CAT is the same as that of a normal calculator and students have to put the numbers in using the buttons on the screens and obtain their answers.

Also Read: Top 10 Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in India

3. Note Down Everything

When a candidate realises that a calculation is too difficult to accomplish on their own and they need the help of a calculator to do the same, it is natural for the candidate to feel insecure about their answers.

In situations like these, candidates must remember to note down important details and numbers so that they do not waste time second-guessing everything. 

Students often feel confused even after obtaining answers to calculations done on a calculator and this leads to them wasting precious time during the CAT exam, noting down the answers and important parts of the question in the notepad provided for rough work can help eliminate this problem.

Also Read: Major Advantages of taking CAT Entrance Examination

4. Identify Questions Which Require the Use of a Calculator in CAT 2024

While dealing with the question how to use calculator in CAT exam, candidates must know when to use it. Additionally, we know candidates are under a strict time limit when appearing for CAT and any time spent in vain can become very costly to a candidate.

A candidate needs to make sure that they take every decision with care and that every decision should be final. 

This rule should be followed regarding the use of a calculator during CAT too, a candidate must read every question thoroughly before attempting to answer it and must make sure that they know whether they will need a calculator to find the answer.

A student is bound to suffer from panic and stress during the examination if they realize they need a calculator halfway through solving a particular question.

Also Read: How to Score 95 Percentile in CAT?

5. Improve your Mental Calculations

CAT aspirants must remember that the calculator provided to the examinees is for situations where a candidate is not able to proceed with a question on their own and need help with calculations.

One of the primary objectives of CAT is to test a student’s performance under pressure and if a student has to use a calculator for every other question, their performance is bound to be lacking.

Candidates must make sure that their mental maths and ability to do instant calculations are at their peak when appearing for CAT 2024 and to use the calculator only when absolutely necessary.

A candidate is unaware of the kind of facilities and computer system that will be provided at their examination centre for CAT, and sometimes relying on the on-screen calculator can be risky and time-consuming. 

Also Read: Things and Documents to Carry at CAT Exam

Is Calculator Allowed in CAT 2024?

Is Calculator Allowed in CAT 2024? is a common yet very pressing question; the inclusion of complicated topics in the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections, the aid of a calculator is something that every CAT examinee needs. Carrying a physical calculator is barred inside the examination hall.

Nonetheless, the syllabus for CAT 2024 is vast. It includes complicated topics from the 10+2 mathematics syllabus and problematic data analysis questions.

Even though students are expected to prepare rigorously before the CAT exam, a particular candidate might need to be more familiar with such topics because they do not have mathematics as a part of their 10+2 core subjects.

As students from every stream of subjects are eligible to appear for CAT, it is important to consider students who didn't study maths and also keeping in mind the time constraints put in place.

Also Read: When is the Best Time for CAT Preparation?

CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions

The CAT exam 2024 is a huge and important event for management aspirants all across India, candidates begin their preparations for CAT as early as a year before the examination day, in many cases even earlier.

Preparation for the exam is not the only requirement that a candidate needs to meet when appearing for CAT, a candidate must follow certain basic instructions put forth by the examination conducting authorities to have a smooth and fair examination for all the candidates.

The instructions for candidates to follow on the day of the CAT 2024 exam are as follows:

• Carry important items: A candidate must make sure to carry important items like CAT admit card, photo identity proof, etc.
• Follow the dress code: A candidate is required to follow a certain dress code when appearing for CAT. A candidate must make sure to follow this dress code to avoid any kind of hassle during the examination.
• Do not carry any barred items: Any kind of electronic gadgets, bags, keys, jewellery, watches, wallets, etc. are prohibited inside the CAT exam centre. A student must not be in possession of any such item.
• Maintain the decorum of the examination hall: A student must remember to behave properly and not engage in any kind of interaction or malpractice with other candidates. Any kind of irregularities found regarding a candidate will lead to the outright cancellation of that candidate’s exam.

Appearing for CAT 2024 can be a very stressful ordeal, especially when taking the exam for the first time. Various questions, doubts and issues regarding the exam can surface in the minds of the candidates and lead to panic and anxiety.

The candidates should always remember to keep a calm and composed mind and focus on their preparation and on performing their best at all times when appearing for CAT.

Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching?

Importance of Using the On-Screen Calculator

The on-screen calculator can be useful for a variety of reasons.

1. Time Management: It aids in the speedy completion of complex computations, allowing candidates to focus on problem-solving rather than laborious calculations.
2. Error Reduction: The calculator reduces the possibility of errors that may arise while performing manual calculations, particularly under time restrictions.
3. Confidence Boost: For applicants who struggle with numbers, owning a calculator can boost confidence and minimise anxiety during exams.

Also Read: How to Improve Vocabulary for CAT Exam 2024?