ACAT Preparation Tips - How to Prepare for ACAT Exam Effectively

The Amrita Common Aptitude Test or the ACAT exam is a nationwide entrance test conducted by the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham for admitting aspiring candidates for their various Post Graduate programmes in the Management domain offered primarily at their main campuses at Amaravati, Amritapuri, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and Kochi. The ACAT exam is held annually and any candidate who wishes to register must pay an application fee of Rs 1,500. In this article of Careers360, we will study the ACAT exam and ACAT preparation tips in depth. The candidates are advised to follow each ACAT preparation tip to succeed in the ACAT exam and ensure a very good ACAT score.

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Understanding the ACAT Exam

Before any candidate sets sail for the preparation journey of any exam. It is mandatory that they have a complete understanding of the examination that they are planning to appear for and crack. A candidate must have a clear answer to the question, ‘What is the ACAT exam’, ACAT exam dates and so on. Now let us study in depth about the ACAT exam.

Overview of the ACAT Exam Pattern

The ACAT exam format consists of four sections namely, Verbal Reasoning and Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Analysis, General Knowledge on Indian and Global Scenarios and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section has a total of 25 questions. For each right answer, the candidate is awarded 3 marks. But in case the candidate marks a wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, there is no mark deduction for unanswered questions.

ACAT Exam Syllabus: Key Sections And Topics Covered In The ACAT Amrita Exam

Once an aspirant is aware of the ACAT exam structure, it is necessary that they understand the various sections of the ACAT exam 2024 and prepare accordingly. They must also have a clear understanding of various Amrita ACAT exam key topics and structure their ACAT Amrita preparation likewise.

Importance of the Amrita ACAT Exam In The Admission Process

While Amrita University considers a valid score in exams such as CAT/ XAT/ MAT/ CMAT/ KMAT/ GMAT/ GRE, it is always better to appear for the Amrita ACAT exam and crack the ACAT exam. The main reason for this is that the aforementioned examinations are more difficult than the ACAT Amrita exam. With constant practice and preparation, the candidates will be able to crack the ACAT exam and secure a very good ACAT score. By virtue of this, they can make it to their dream Amrita Campus.

ACAT Exam Section-wise Preparation Tips

The candidates are now aware of the four different sections asked in the ACAT exam, Verbal Reasoning and Language Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Analysis, General Knowledge on Indian and Global Scenarios, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section demands its own specific set of tips and tricks to ace the overall ACAT exam. Now, let us discuss them in detail.

Verbal Reasoning and Language Comprehension

Candidates who have low language skills or struggle with the English language in general might find this section to be very challenging. Here are a few tips on how to tackle the Verbal Reasoning and Language Comprehension section of the ACAT exam.

Enhance Vocabulary

Candidates should regularly read newspapers, journals, and books to build a strong vocabulary. A broad vocabulary helps in understanding and answering comprehension passages and verbal reasoning questions more effectively. Using flashcards or apps to learn new words daily and reviewing them frequently can be beneficial.

Practice Reading Comprehension

It's important for candidates to work on reading comprehension exercises to improve their ability to quickly grasp and analyze written content. Focusing on speed reading and identifying key ideas within passages is crucial. Summarizing paragraphs in their own words can help candidates ensure understanding and improve retention of key points.

Review Grammar Rules:

Candidates should brush up on essential grammar rules and practice sentence correction exercises to improve accuracy in language comprehension questions. Regular practice with exercises covering different aspects of grammar, such as tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure, can help strengthen their skills.

Data Interpretation and Analysis

The presence of a lot of data and complex figures is one of the major reasons why candidates deem the Data Interpretation section of the ACAT exam as one of the most challenging. But with constant practice, this section can easily be tackled. Let us discuss a few important ACAT Data Interpretation and Analysis tips and tricks

Familiarize with Graphs and Charts

Candidates need to get comfortable interpreting data from various graphical representations like bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs. Understanding how to quickly analyze data sets is crucial for this section. Practising by interpreting data from various sources and drawing conclusions from it can enhance their skills.

Practice Calculation Speed

To improve calculation speed, candidates should regularly practice with data interpretation sets. Quick and accurate calculations are essential for solving these questions within the time limit. Incorporating mental math techniques into daily practice can help reduce reliance on calculators.

Solve Diverse Question Types

Engaging with a variety of data interpretation questions, including percentage calculations, ratio analysis, and trend analysis, can prepare candidates for different scenarios. Exposure to different question types helps build confidence and adaptability during the exam.

General Knowledge on Indian and Global Scenarios

The syllabus of the General Awareness section is broad and vast for any exam. Due to this, the candidates face a lot of issues. Let us discuss a few General Knowledge on Indian and Global Scenarios tips and tricks to bring the most out of this section of the ACAT exam.

Stay Updated

Candidates should regularly read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow reliable online sources to stay informed about current events, both in India and globally. This practice will assist in answering questions related to contemporary issues. Subscribing to a daily news digest or using a news app can help candidates stay updated efficiently.

Focus on Important Topics

It’s essential for candidates to concentrate on key areas such as politics, economics, science, and international relations. A broad understanding of these topics will allow them to tackle a wide range of questions in this section. Online quizzes and GK apps can be used to regularly test their knowledge.

Review Previous Papers

Candidates should look at past exam papers to identify common themes and topics that frequently appear in this section. This approach will help them focus their preparation on the most relevant issues. Creating a timeline of major events can also aid in quick revision before the exam.

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude is undoubtedly the most challenging section in most of the management entrance exams and the Amrita ACAT exam is no exception. Proper practice and dedicated Amrita ACAT preparation are necessary for acing the Quantitative Aptitude section of the Amrita ACAT exam. Let us discuss a few tips and tricks on Amrita ACAT Quantitative Aptitude.

Strengthen Basic Concepts

Candidates need to ensure they have a solid understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. A strong foundation is key to solving more complex problems. Regularly revisiting these basics and practising different types of problems will reinforce their understanding.

Practice with Time Limits

It's important for candidates to regularly practice solving quantitative problems within a set time limit to improve speed and accuracy. Time management is critical in the Quantitative Aptitude section. Timed quizzes and full-length practice tests can simulate the exam environment and build confidence.

Review Formulas and Shortcuts

Candidates should memorize important formulas and learn useful shortcuts to solve problems more efficiently. Knowing when and how to apply these can save valuable time during the exam. Creating a formula sheet for quick reference and regularly revising it will ensure they remember key concepts during the test.

For a detailed understanding of the various ACAT preparation tips and tricks, the candidates can refer to this ebook designed by Careers360.

Importance of ACAT Mock Tests

During the candidate’s Amrita ACAT exam preparation, ACAT mock tests play a significant role in shaping their preparation. Once the candidate is able to successfully complete their ACAT exam syllabus, the immediate next task is to indulge themselves in a comprehensive ACAT mock test. The major reasons why to attempt ACAT mock tests are given below:

Familiarizes Exam Pattern: ACAT Mock tests provide a comprehensive understanding of the ACAT exam structure, including the types of questions asked, the distribution of marks, and the difficulty level. This familiarity helps reduce anxiety and prepares ACAT candidates for what to expect on the actual exam day.

Improves Time Management: Practicing with ACAT mock tests allows candidates to experience the pressure of completing the exam within the given time limit. This practice helps them develop strategies for efficiently managing their time across different sections, ensuring they can answer as many questions as possible.

Identifies Weak Areas: By regularly taking ACAT mock tests, candidates can identify specific topics or sections where they struggle. This insight allows them to focus their revision efforts on these weaker areas, turning them into strengths before the actual exam.

Builds Confidence: Simulating the exam environment through ACAT mock tests helps build the candidate's confidence. Familiarity with the testing conditions and continuous practice helps reduce exam-related stress and boosts self-assurance.

Enhances Problem-Solving Speed: Repeated exposure to exam-like questions through mock tests improves candidates' speed and accuracy in solving problems. This is especially important in competitive exams like ACAT, where quick thinking and precision can significantly impact the final score.

Importance of ACAT Sample Paper

While the ACAT mock tests are essential for the ACAT aspirants, ACAT sample papers are also equally important for the candidate’s success. As the ACAT sample paper follows the same format as the ACAT exam, it involves similar questions and difficulty levels to the ACAT exam. Now let us discuss in depth the ACAT examination sample paper’s significance.

Understanding Exam Structure: ACAT sample papers provide candidates with a clear understanding of the ACAT exam's format, including the types of questions, marking scheme, and overall structure. This familiarity reduces uncertainty and helps candidates prepare more effectively.

Practicing Real Exam Scenarios: Working through ACAT sample papers allows candidates to simulate the actual exam experience. This practice helps them get accustomed to the exam conditions, making them more comfortable and less anxious during the real test.

Targeted Revision: ACAT Sample papers highlight the key topics and question patterns that are likely to appear in the exam. By practising these, candidates can focus their revision on the most relevant areas, ensuring a more efficient study process.

Improving Problem-Solving Techniques: Solving a variety of questions from ACAT sample papers helps candidates develop and improve their problem-solving strategies. This practice is crucial for tackling different types of questions with confidence and accuracy.

Boosting Confidence: Regularly working through ACAT sample papers builds confidence by familiarizing candidates with the exam content and format. This increased confidence can lead to better performance under pressure on exam day.

ACAT Preparation Tips 2025: Important Books

Now that the candidates are aware of the various ACAT preparation tips and the AACAT exam structure, it is necessary that they are aware of the various ACAT preparation books which are also essential for their successful ACAT journey. Let us understand and go through each of the ACAT preparation books and their features.

ACAT Preparation Tips 2025: Other Useful Resources