Can I Use a Calculator in GAT Test
Well a lot of my students in Pakistan and especially in Lahore ask me this question. The answer is NO.
However let me tell you that it really does not matter – even if a calculator was allowed it wouldn’t have made much difference.
I have not yet seen even a single question on the GAT test that requires the use of a calculator. Every bit of calculation can be done mentally or on the paper. Essentially the purpose of the GAT math is to measure your ability to quickly solve a problem using logic.
While it is true that calculator does not make silly mistakes but the kind of calculation that is required really makes one look silly with the use of a calculator.
Almost always it is not the math which is challenging but the approach to solving it.
What do I suggest?
Well you should practice a lot of basic mental computations such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Never use a calculator while taking the GAT mock test or practicing any GAT questions. A lot of time when we are preparing for the NTS GAT, we tend to simply use a calculator for deriving the answer. Never do those – you will only do harm to yourself rather than benefit from it.
My suggestion is – lock your calculator away while preparing for the GAT exam.
The best way to determine whether you are good at the mental Math is to take a practice test using a GAT sample mock test for the math section. This will give you a feel for how good or bad you are at calculations that come on the GAT test in Pakistan.
