Three Weeks to FMS 2008: Fasten Your Seat Belts

Three Weeks to FMS 2008: Fasten Your Seat Belts

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FMS 2003	FMS 2004	FMS 2005	FMS 2006
Algebra and Arithmetic had more than 50% share in the total number of questions. The most prominent topics were number theory, time & work, and basic arithmetic. Barring Mensuration, questions from all the remaining topics were do-able in the stipulated time. An attempt of around 70% was quite a possibility.	This year, Quantitative Section was difficult as compared to the past. Once again, Algebra and Basic Arithmetic were the exam-setters' favourites. A good attempt would have been near 55% in this section.	With mere 10% questions on Geometry, this year again Quantitative examiners preferred Algebra and Arithmetic (70% questions) more than any other topic. Questions were manageable and were easier as compared to FMS 2004. A good attempt would have been between 55-60% in this section.	This section was the only life-saver in the FMS 2006. This year the Quantitative Section was much balanced as compared to previous years. All topics had their share in the total 49 questions. Questions from higher mathematics were more but rather elementary. 60% attempt was a clear possibility for the students.

FMS Verbal Section

Verbal section in FMS is considered toughest of all. Presence of lengthy Reading Comprehension passages is the most prominent reason for the same. Let's have a look at the last four years' trend of FMS's Verbal Section: -

FMS 2003	FMS 2004	FMS 2005	FMS 2006
Very lengthy RCs with over 6000 words in total. Attempting 70% questions would have been the remote possibility for most. 74% questions (out of total 75) were based on reading comprehension only. An attempt of around 50% in RC and 70% in English Usage was a good possibility.	This year, not only the passages were lengthy but also the questions were 37% more than the last year. The questions from RCs and English Usage were easier. English Usage was the easiest of all in FMS 2004. 70% questions in Verbal Section seemed do-able.	RC, this year, followed the FMS 2004 trend. 48 questions (64% of total questions from Verbal) were from RC against 47 last year.. Questions from RC, Synonyms and Antonyms were of higher difficulty level as compared to other sub-sections. A good attempt would have been between 72-76% in this section.	Finally, a year that witnessed a 23% decrease in the total number of questions from Verbal Section. This year, there were 36 questions from RCs and 21 from English Usage. On the whole, number of questions per RC decreased from 10 last year to 7 this year, thus, making the section the most difficult even this year. We recommended a mere 55% attempt to be achievable by an average student.