Cracking the CAT exam requires not only academic preparation but also strategic decision-making under pressure. One of the biggest traps that students fall into during the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is the sunk-cost bias. This psychological tendency to continue investing time in a set just because you’ve already spent time on it can derail your performance. As a fellow CAT aspirant preparing with the CAT exam syllabus in mind, here are some insights and strategies I’ve found helpful in managing set switching and steering clear of this bias.
Understanding sunk-cost bias in DILR
Sunk-cost bias refers to our reluctance to abandon something we’ve already invested effort in. In the context of CAT DILR, this means continuing with a set that feels unsolvable just because you’ve already spent 10–12 minutes on it. The problem is, this often comes at the cost of other potentially easier sets that could have fetched you quick marks. During your CAT preparation, it’s essential to train yourself to recognize such situations, especially as you navigate through the CAT exam pattern.
Why timely set switching matters
The CAT exam pattern demands that you solve what you can, not everything. The DILR section typically contains 4 sets with 3-4 questions each. Your aim should be to maximize accuracy and attempts within the given time. Spending too long on a tough set reduces the time available for easier ones. This time management skill becomes even more crucial once you’ve filled out your CAT application form and start preparing seriously.
Key reasons to switch sets:
- You’re not making logical progress after a few minutes.
- The data seems overly complex or ambiguous.
- You’re feeling stuck or mentally fatigued.
How to identify a non-fruitful set early
To avoid sunk-cost bias, you need to spot unproductive sets early. Here’s what I do:
- Initial scan (first 3–4 minutes): Read the set, assess the clarity of data and structure. Can you identify variables and relationships?
- Check solvability: If you’re unsure how to start solving even after the scan, flag it and move on.
- Partial progress test: If you’ve started but can’t move past the first or second question in 5 minutes, consider switching.
Practical set switching strategy
- Divide time in rounds:
- Round 1: Spend the first 20–22 minutes attempting 2 sets that look the most familiar or easy.
- Round 2: Revisit the remaining sets and pick the next best one.
- Use mental timers: Keep a rough track of time spent per set. If you cross 8–10 minutes without solid progress, that’s your cue to switch.
- Pre-decide exit criteria: Before the test, set a rule for yourself. For example, “I will not spend more than 3 minutes on a set without writing anything on paper.”
This strategy becomes second nature as you go through mock tests and finalize preparation details, including downloading the CAT admit card.
How I overcame the bias during mocks
Initially, I would stubbornly stick to a difficult set, thinking “I’ve spent 8 minutes already, I must finish it.” The result? I often missed out on easier sets I could have solved in less time. After analyzing mock results and feedback, I realized that quick switching improved my accuracy and score. I started scoring better by attempting fewer but more manageable sets.
Conclusion
Avoiding sunk-cost bias in CAT DILR is all about staying objective. Recognize that your goal is to maximize your score, not to complete a specific set just because you’ve already started it. Time is your currency in the CAT exam — spend it wisely. Practice set switching during mocks so that it becomes a habit on the final exam day.
As the CAT exam date approaches, being aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and time traps will help you manage the DILR section better. Stay focused, stay flexible — and don’t let past effort cloud your current judgment.
