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Each year, a different IIM administers the Common Admissions Test (CAT). This test is used to admit candidates to MBA programmes. Thousands of college graduates and seasoned industry experts from all around the world prepare for the exam every year.
The first step to qualifying for the CAT exam is understanding the format of the test and its context. If you really want to pass the CAT, you need to progress from the bottom up in a planned way and remember how to start preparing for the test thoroughly.
How to Prepare for CAT? Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Due to the pandemic, the CAT exam has been modified in several ways. So, the first step for scoring well in CAT is to learn about the test’s latest format and guidelines.
Over the past few years, the number of questions and the length of time have been the same. So, if you want to do well in the exam, you must know the paper pattern, and syllabus, and prepare accordingly. This year, a few rules were taken care of when making the CAT paper. The rules are as follows:
- The CAT exams are made online, and each exam day will be split into three parts: the morning session, the afternoon session, and the evening session.
- The test will be approximately 2 hours long.
- There will be multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and “Type in the Answer” (TITA) questions on the exam.
- Each question will be worth 3 marks.
- Every wrong answer will cost you minus one point. There isn’t a negative mark for TITA.
Here is an outline of how the exam will be set up and what will be on the test:
| Name of the Section | No. of Questions | Allotted Time | Main Topics |
| QA or Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 minutes | Algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, probability, etc. |
| DILR or Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 22 | 40 minutes | Graphs, syllogism, charts, arrangements, etc. |
| VARC or Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 minutes | RC passages, Para jumbles, Summary, Inferences, etc. |
Watch our Daily Routine to crack CAT Video
Tips to Prepare for CAT Exam
Below given are some tips that one can use to prepare for the CAT exam
Fix a Plan
To do well in the CAT exam and get accepted to one of the IIMs, you need to work hard, be committed, and be disciplined. You must learn the basics, practice daily, study from the right materials, and give mock tests often. Getting ready for the CAT is not easy, but you can do it if you master your skills through self-study or with help.
Coaching Centers
CAT exam preparation requires at least nine to ten months. Coaching classes can assist candidates to reach their skill level faster, even if they don’t have much time. Coaching institutes may boost confidence, refine abilities, and teach new ones.
Candidates will also learn how to take the CAT test and how many questions to answer. Coaching institutes also provide the most significant topics, exam patterns, and optimal strategies for candidates to attain the highest percentile based on prior paper analyses.
Candidates will have access to the best reference books, teachers, videos, and sample tests. Overall, a training centre can help applicants study and prepare properly. Candidates can focus on preparation without worrying about exam resources or changes.
Self Study
Self-studying for the CAT allows freedom. Candidates can tailor their approaches and timelines. Individual CAT prep is self-paced and focused on personal needs.
- Candidates can customise their preparation method and timetable to their strengths and weaknesses.
- The preparation commonly uses online study tools and sites.
- The candidate has no class commitment. Candidate consistency is advised. Circumstances often dictate the timing.
- The candidate can determine their strengths and flaws when working alone.
Thus, self-studying candidates can practise without competition. Without coaching, the candidate must analyse, assess, and implement plans. Aspirants can save time by combining self-study and coaching.
Check out our video on CAT Preparation Strategy
Conclusion
Most candidates should start making plans to study for the exam since it is a very competitive exam. If you really want to pass the CAT, the most straightforward and efficient way to do so is to learn and use the most important CAT preparatory tips and adjust your study plan to match. If you prepare thoroughly with consistency & dedication, you can get into the best business schools in India, like the IIMs.
