CAT 2023 Slot 1 Paper Analysis & Solutions: Focus on Indian Games & Logic Problems
Introduction
The CAT 2023 Slot 1 paper featured a mix of Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation & Analysis (DIA), Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VRC), and Logical & Reasoning (LR) questions. This analysis highlights key themes, including problems inspired by Indian games and logical puzzles. Solutions are provided in English, adhering to the exam’s difficulty and structure.
1. Quantitative Ability (QA)
Key Topics:
Algebra (equations, inequalities)
Geometry (polygons, circles)
Probability & Combinatorics
Example Question (Indian Game Context):
“In a traditional Indian game, players roll two dice. What is the probability that the sum of the numbers on the dice equals 7, given that at least one die shows an even number?”
Solution:
Total outcomes without restrictions: (6 \times 6 = 36).
Favorable outcomes for sum = 7: (1,6), (2,5), (3,4), (4,3), (5,2), (6,1) → 6 outcomes.
Condition: At least one die is even.
Total outcomes with at least one even: Total outcomes – outcomes where both are odd = (36 - 9 = 27).
Overlap (sum = 7 and at least one even):
From the 6 favorable outcomes, exclude pairs where both are odd: (1,6), (6,1), (3,4), (4,3) → 4 valid outcomes.
Probability: (\frac{4}{27}).
2. Data Interpretation & Analysis (DIA)
Theme: Indian Sports (IPL Cricket League)
Data: Table comparing runs scored by 5 teams (MI, CSK, DC, RCB, RR) across 4 seasons.
Example Question:
“Calculate the average runs per season for Team RR, and determine its rank in 2022.”
Solution:
Total runs for RR: (120 + 150 + 130 + 140 = 540).
Average per season: (\frac{540}{4} = 135).
2022 runs: 140.
Rank: Compare with other teams’ 2022 runs (e.g., MI: 160, CSK: 155) → Rank 3.
3. Verbal & Reading Comprehension (VRC)
Passage: Onboarding rituals in Indian startups.
Question: “What is the primary purpose of the ‘Team Bonding Week’ mentioned in the passage?”
Solution:
Key details: The ritual aims to foster trust and collaboration.
Answer: To build team cohesion and reduce initial friction.
Vocabulary Focus:
Contextual Use: “Synergy” (Passage: “Enhancing synergy through shared goals”).
4. Logical & Reasoning (LR)
Theme: Indian Festivals (Diwali Celebrations)
Question:
*“Five families (A, B, C, D, E) attend Diwali. Each family has one child. Assign each child a hobby (Music, Art, Sports) such that:
No two siblings share a hobby.
A’s child cannot have Sports.
B’s child must have the same hobby as E’s child.
How many valid assignments are possible?”*
Solution:
Constraints:
B and E share a hobby.
A ≠ Sports.
Hobbies: Music (M), Art (A), Sports (S).
Step 1: Assign hobbies to B and E.
Possible pairs: (M,M), (A,A), (S,S).
Step 2: Assign remaining hobbies to A, C, D.
If B/E = M: A can be A/S (2 choices), C/D have 2 hobbies left → (2 \times 2 \times 1 = 4).
If B/E = A: A can be M/S (2 choices), C/D have 2 hobbies → (2 \times 2 \times 1 = 4).
If B/E = S: A can be M/A (2 choices), C/D have 2 hobbies → (2 \times 2 \times 1 = 4).
Total: (3 \times 4 = 12) valid assignments.
Conclusion
The CAT 2023 Slot 1 integrated Indian cultural contexts (games, festivals) into problem-solving, testing analytical and logical skills. Focus areas:
QA: Probability and combinatorics with game-based scenarios.
DIA: Sports/cultural data interpretation.
LR: Constraints-based logical deductions.
Preparation Tips:
Practice traditional game-related math problems (chances, strategy).
Strengthen data visualization skills for DIA.
Master logical frameworks for family/assignment puzzles.
Let me know if you need further clarification! 🎯
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