As a CAT aspirant in India, you are constantly looking for ways to maximize your score in minimum time. One of the most effective strategies to optimize your preparation is by analyzing the "cost per mark" for each topic, especially in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) sections. This metric helps you understand the effort-to-reward ratio of each topic so that you can prioritize your preparation accordingly. Understanding the CAT exam syllabus and CAT exam pattern is essential before diving into this analysis.
What is "cost per mark"?
"Cost per mark" refers to the amount of time or effort required to gain one mark from a specific topic. In simple terms, it is the investment (in hours or cognitive load) you make to gain a unit score. Lower the cost, higher the ROI (return on investment).
Formula:
Cost per mark = Total time/effort spent on topic ÷ Average marks scored from that topic
Step 1: Gather your data
To begin the analysis, gather the following:
List of CAT topics in QA and DILR (e.g., Arithmetic, Algebra, Bar Graphs, Seating Arrangements)
Time spent on each topic (through a prep app or personal study logs)
Accuracy and average marks scored from each topic in mock tests
Review the CAT exam syllabus to ensure topic-wise completeness
This data is usually available if you’ve taken at least 5-10 full-length mocks and maintained a topic-wise record.
Step 2: Calculate average marks per topic
For each topic:
Look at your last 5-10 mocks
Calculate how many questions from that topic you attempted
Note how many were correct
Use the marking scheme (typically +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect) to calculate net marks
Example:
Topic: Algebra
Attempts: 10 questions across mocks
Correct: 7
Incorrect: 3
Net marks = (7 x 3) - (3 x 1) = 21 - 3 = 18
Average marks per mock = 18 / number of mocks in which Algebra appeared
Understanding how topics are distributed in the CAT exam pattern can also help in interpreting these numbers.
Step 3: Log your time investment
Track how much time you spent learning each topic:
Concept videos or reading = X hours
Practice problems = Y hours
Revision = Z hours
Total = X + Y + Z
This will give a rough idea of your effort per topic.
Step 4: Compute "cost per mark"
Now divide total time spent by the average marks obtained.
Example:
Time spent on Arithmetic = 25 hours
Average marks from Arithmetic = 30
Cost per mark = 25/30 = 0.83 hours per mark
Compare this with another topic:
Time spent on Modern Math = 20 hours
Average marks from it = 10
Cost per mark = 20/10 = 2 hours per mark
Clearly, Arithmetic is giving better ROI than Modern Math.
Step 5: Categorize topics based on ROI
Based on cost per mark, classify topics into:
High ROI (low cost per mark): Prioritize these topics
Medium ROI: Practice enough to stay confident
Low ROI (high cost per mark): Avoid or de-prioritize unless they are high-weightage or you're already strong in them
Use the CAT exam pattern to assess how frequently each topic appears in actual tests.
Step 6: Realign your strategy
Use this analysis to:
Allocate time more wisely in your study plan
Decide which topics to attempt first in mocks
Drop low-ROI topics if time is limited
This is especially important closer to the CAT exam date, where every hour matters. Also, make sure you have submitted your CAT application form in time and keep track of when the CAT admit card will be released.
Final thoughts
Preparing for the CAT exam is not just about covering the entire syllabus. It’s about making smart, data-driven choices. Analyzing "cost per mark" for QA and DILR topics helps you focus on areas that offer the highest return for your time and effort. As your prep progresses, revisit this analysis every 2-3 weeks and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Make sure you're familiar with the CAT exam syllabus, understand the CAT exam pattern, have filled out the CAT application form, and have downloaded your CAT admit card once released. This way, you don’t just work hard—you work smart.
