Smart steps in preparing for CAT

Whether they are graduate students or working professionals, candidates often spend three to six months preparing for the CAT exam. This timetable has to be broken down into phases so that you may study everything from the very basics to more sophisticated strategies before creating an exam plan.

So, you need to have a good study plan and strategy in place if you want to pass one of the most difficult admission exams. Every year in November, the CAT exam serves as the entry point for top MBA programmes at schools like the IIMs, FMS, MDI, and several more. Although several experts suggest various approaches to studying for the test, we present the easiest and most logical step-by-step method for CAT preparation here.

Here are some smart tips to follow:

Understand the CAT exam format

The Common Admission Test, or CAT as it is more generally known, has three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The CAT 2022 contained 24 questions in VARC, 20 questions in DILR, and 22 questions in the QA, as was previously mentioned.

Examine the CAT syllabus.

Understanding the curriculum is essential before beginning CAT preparation. Despite the fact that IIMs do not offer a set CAT curriculum, we have compiled a list of the key subjects based on recent CAT patterns

Verbal and reading comprehension portions of the CAT

Questions of a medium to high degree of difficulty are available on VARC. We have highlighted the most important VARC themes below after studying the CAT exam papers:
Understanding of Reading: It is a significant part of the CAT exam, accounting for more than 70% of the VARC weighting; there are 4-5 RC sections with 3-5 questions each.

Summary of the paragraph The student’s ability to reason and analyze is tested in this section. This topic’s questions will undoubtedly come up in the CAT.

Para-jumbles and Incongruous Sentences: Another crucial part of VARC, this one might take some time because the offered phrases could be long and organizing them requires work and skill.

The majority of grammar-based questions ask you to be familiar with the standard use patterns and norms of the English language, and the associated questions test your knowledge of those concepts.

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT

In the CAT, DILR questions come in sets of 2 to 6 questions each. Nearly equal emphasis is placed in the part on the subjects of logical reasoning and the interpretation of evidence. The list of subjects you need to thoroughly research for CAT DI and LR is provided below:

Caselets, Tables, Bar Graphs, Column Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Combinations of Two or More Types Linked to Each Other Games & Tournaments, Number and Letter Series, Calendars; Clocks, Cubes, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic, Syllogism; Logical Sequence; Seating ArrangementBlood Relations

Quantitative ability :

The Quant component of the CAT is renowned for being the most difficult part, and it mostly consists of problems from algebra, geometry, and arithmetic (in the decreasing order of weightage). Although the notions seem to be fundamental in nature, most of the problems that are linked to them are difficult to answer.

Strengthen the foundation

Ideally, CAT preparation should start with gaining a foundational grasp of all significant subjects. Start focusing on the foundational elements of each unit once you have gone over the curriculum and test structure. You will get better accuracy in less time if your conceptual clarity is strong. While consistent reading is necessary to master the verbal ability portion, spending significant time on practice is required for the other two areas. Start off by responding to questions based on subjects and chapters after being well-versed in the fundamentals.

Give frequent mock CAT exams.

Taking practice exams is not considered sufficient CAT preparation. These CAT mock exams, sample papers, and test series are meant to acquaint pupils with the difficulty of the material. Additionally, the mock results clearly show the CAT aspirant’s strengths and shortcomings in relation to the various topic areas. To raise your score, you must enhance your strong points while concurrently strengthening your weak ones. Start answering questions by subject and chapter after learning the fundamentals.

Adopt the appropriate strategy after carefully analyzing the practice exams.

Most CAT candidates neglect this phase in their preparation for the entrance exam. This process in evaluating the mock exams will provide you a clear image of where you stand and a direction for creating your test plan. When creating your study plan, keep in mind the significance of each part and how it relates to the CAT test. Keep in mind that each candidate needs a unique approach based on his or her strengths and weaknesses. As a result, you will discover which methods and tactics work best for you as you take more and more practise tests. Additionally, each type of query calls for a different strategy.In short.,

Make a study schedule: Create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle and stick to it. Allocate time for each subject and make sure you are covering all the necessary topics.

Practice with mock tests: Take as many mock tests as possible and practice under timed conditions. This will help you to improve your time management skills and increase your speed and accuracy.

Focus on your weaknesses: Identify your weak areas and spend extra time working on them. Practice different types of questions and try to understand the underlying concepts.

Take breaks: Make sure to take breaks while studying to avoid burnout. Take short breaks every hour or so to refresh your mind and stay focused.

Stay organized: Keep track of your progress and organize your notes and study materials. This will help you to revise effectively and stay on top of your work.

Stay motivated: Stay motivated and remind yourself of your goals. Celebrate small successes along the way and don’t get discouraged if you don’t do well on a practice test.

Seek help: If you are struggling with certain concepts, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to your teachers, mentors, or friends for guidance and support.