The 3-Round Attempt Strategy: How to Maximize Score per Minute in CAT
Siddharth SharmaVerified Author
CAT 99.94%ile | IIM Bangalore Alum
Key Strategy Takeaways
Never solve questions in sequential order (1 to 22). CAT spreads easy questions randomly across the section.
Round 1 (0 to 18 mins): Solve only guaranteed 1-minute solvable questions (Round A).
Round 2 (18 to 34 mins): Solve questions where you know the method but calculations take 2–3 minutes (Round B).
Round 3 (34 to 40 mins): Review marked questions and attempt zero-negative TITA questions.
The biggest tragedy in CAT is walking out of the exam hall, discussing the paper with friends, and realizing that Question #21 was an easy 30-second percentage calculation that you never even saw because you were stuck on Question #7.
1. The Flaw of Linear Solving (Question 1 to 22)
Linear solvers are at the mercy of the question order. If question 4 is an intricate geometry puzzle, their momentum is destroyed. The 3-round framework decouples your progress from convenor question sequencing.
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CAT 99.94%ile in QA. 8+ years mentoring over 12,000 aspirants for IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta.
Credentials: CAT 99.94%ile | IIM Bangalore Alum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABC attempt strategy in CAT?
ABC stands for Attempt now (Round 1: direct formula), Buffer for later (Round 2: medium calculation), and Cancel (Round 3: ultra-lengthy or unfamiliar concepts).
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