The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most popular entrance tests for major business schools in India, including IIMs. With over 2 lakh applications competing for roughly 2000 seats each year, passing the CAT is no simple task. Months of diligent preparation and exam preparations are required. Here are some CAT test preparation ideas and tricks:
Understand the Test Pattern Completely
The first step is to comprehend the CAT exam format. It is a 180-minute computer-based exam with three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
The overall number of questions is 100, with sectional time limitations of 60 minutes for VARC, DI & LR, and 90 minutes for QA. It is critical to understand the sort of questions, difficulty level, sectional makeup, and time constraints.
Make a Study Plan
With a wide syllabus and limited time, a comprehensive study strategy is essential. Create a realistic timetable with daily/weekly goals for each segment. Give your weak areas additional attention. Take fake tests to determine your skills and shortcomings. As you go, keep updating and fine-tuning your plan. A strong study strategy will increase your productivity.
Learn Concepts and Formulas
Learn ideas carefully and recall key formulas/rules for parts such as QA and DI & LR. It is vital to be fluent in key concepts such as geometry, algebra, numbers, percentages, and so on.
Answer questions by subject and go over your mistakes. Improve your vocabulary, study comprehension passages on a regular basis, and practice critical reasoning abilities for VARC. Conceptual clarity will aid in correctly answering questions.
Increase your speed and accuracy.
The CAT assesses your ability to properly answer questions in a restricted amount of time. As a result, practice speed and accuracy by solving mocks under timed situations. Examine where you’re losing points: are they trivial mistakes or taking too much time on particular question types? Assess your weak points and practice extra questions from those topics. Gradually increase your speed while maintaining accuracy.
Try Mocks
Mock exams are the greatest approach to prepare for the actual CAT exam. Every week, create timed mock exams that cover all areas. Examine your performance to discover opportunities for improvement. Besides from correctness, consider your ability to solve problems swiftly and without becoming stuck on any. Simulated exams improve exam temperament and help minimize last-minute shocks.
Work on Test-Taking Strategies
For the CAT, having solid test-taking methods is essential. Some essentials: completely read all directions, questions, and alternatives before responding. Make better use of your time by devoting more effort to challenging questions.
Avoid getting stuck on any question. Mark questions to be reviewed and revisited later. Control sectional cut-offs by answering more questions in your strong section. Take mock tests to hone your techniques.
Improve Your VARC Skills
This portion is frequently the downfall of many test takers. Improve on your reading comprehension by reading different types of texts on a regular basis. Increase your vocabulary by learning new words and knowing how to use them in phrases. Improve critical thinking abilities by objectively assessing arguments in texts. Answering prior CAT VARC problems will give you an idea of the complexity of the questions.
Improve Your Problem-Solving Ability
Improve your quantitative and logical reasoning skills. For QA, learn shortcuts, vedic math, percentages, ratios, fundamental arithmetic, and so on. Learn numerous analytical principles and use them to solve problems faster.
In DI and LR, practice several formats such as tabular graphs, bar graphs, pie charts, and so on. Use direct and indirect procedures as needed. Improve your ability to make hypotheses. Problem-solving abilities will help you answer each CAT question efficiently.
On the big day, keep your cool.
Don’t let exam stress overwhelm you on test day. Sleep soundly the night before and eat a nutritious breakfast. Arrive early at the exam center. Throughout the session, be cool and review your mocks. Pay close attention to the invigilators’ directions. Use your time carefully and focus completely. Remove distractions, make rational guesses if unsure, and proceed. Keeping your cool will help you score higher.
To summarize, CAT preparation takes 4-6 months. Strong basics, speed, and precision in all areas are essential. Frequently completing practice tests, learning from mistakes, and working on exam techniques can help you acquire CAT abilities. Complete the test quietly and without making stupid mistakes. Thorough preparation, clever exam methods, and calm nerves will assure you ace this.
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