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CAT Preparation: Myths vs Facts – Most MBA aspirants appear for CAT but look up all sorts of information about the exam before starting their preparation. It is also true that during CAT preparation, a lot of myths and facts that are baseless are propagated to them. In this article, we take a look at all such CAT preparation myths and facts to enable aspirants to segregate myths from facts about CAT and finetune their preparation strategies accordingly.
The statements given below are generally assumed to be true. While some may seem closer to fact, most of them have no bearing to CAT preparation. The simple fact remains that CAT can be easily cracked with the right sort of preparation and perseverance.
This is one of the CAT exam myths. Most feel that CAT requires a very high IQ and is difficult to crack. This is a common perception for all exams but totally a myth. The perception comes because of the difficulty in IIM admissions which is the dream for many. CAT is just like any other exam that can be cracked successfully with good preparation. However, it is a fact that there are limited IIM seats so not all get a seat.
While it is true that one needs Maths skills, the fact is that the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is mostly based on topics learnt in class 9 and 10. Applicants are expected to first understand basic and core concepts to be able to apply them in different contexts. If one works and puts in a bit of effort, with time and practice, one can get better at cracking the CAT QA section well. Accuracy is more important and hence practice is crucial and a must.
Totally a CAT exam myth. Coaching helps regulate the topics to cover but this is a personal decision. There have been many toppers in CAT’s history who have not taken any coaching but have done really well in terms of their performance in the CAT exam. Once can check out how to prepare for CAT without coaching.
There is a certain truth to this. The reason being most engineers are good at quantitative aptitude, analytical areas on account of their academic background. However, the IIMs and leading BSchools endorse diversity in their student community hence non-engineering students do have a good chance to get in.
The fact is the number of females appearing for the CAT exam as compared to males is much less. Most toppers in CAT are engineers and female engineering students appearing for CAT are again few. This doesn’t mean that females stand a lesser chance. It means that there is no strong basis to give credence to this CAT exam myth.
Again, this is a big myth about the CAT exam. The fact is that most toppers have devised their own methods and means to prepare. Their stories can be taken as examples for motivation but the fact still remains that aspirants must figure out their strengths and weaknesses to plan their CAT exam strategy. Blindly following the toppers would be a big no.
While speed helps, it is not the only factor to help in scoring. It is a CAT exam myth that one needs to be very fast in answering. Good reading skills are an advantage so aspirants must try to cultivate them. Speed can only come with practice and hence to keep this as a factor would be detrimental especially if one is in the initial stages of preparation.
A total myth with the CAT exam is that cracking it means an IIM admission. This is not really correct as the 21 IIMs have limited seats and only a few can be accommodated out of the 2 lakh students who appear for the exam every year. However, the main fact is that CAT is just a screening test. To get into IIMs, candidates still need to meet the selection criteria which considers academic performance as well as the scores obtained in group activities as well as personal interviews held by the respective IIMs.
Again, one of the myths of the CAT exam is that one can score well only if all questions are answered. This can be detrimental also. CAT has negative marking and one has to mind this as answering all can sometimes lead to loss of marks. Hence answering those questions to which one knows the answers would be the best method to go with.
This is a matter of time management, understanding and proper preparation. Many students who attempt CAT are working professionals and hence may not be able to devote time to preparing well for the exam. Other times, there are students who just attempt the exam to get the hang of it and start serious preparation. However, it is totally untrue to say that to crack CAT, one would need to prepare for one to two years. There have been many students who have cracked the exam in their first attempt. It all depends upon the preparation and hard work put in by the candidates.
The best part of the TITA questions that there is no negative marking. This makes them less risky unlike other questions. Preparation for these questions is ideally a good thing since one can attempt them without fear of losing marks.
Another CAT exam myth is that learning shortcuts is a must as this would allow aspirants to quickly complete the exam. However, this is not true at all. While speed is a factor that can help, it will be advantageous only if combined with accuracy.
The other fact is that to learn shortcuts, one needs to not just know the concepts but practice them well. Sometimes, answers can be worked out with the help of the concepts understood.
Everybody has good days and bad days. Mock tests will only reflect the answers on a given day but if one works on the weak areas after every CAT mock test, there will only be improvement. Second, most aspirants get dejected after just a test which is the wrong way to go. Most toppers have persevered and appeared for many mock tests, improved on their performance after each test by working on the weak areas; questions where they have gone wrong.
This is another piece of bad advice. The last weeks and days are best spent on strengthening the already known concepts. Learning at the last minute is a bad idea as there is very little time to put it to use and this could facilitate making mistakes in the exam. That would be detrimental to the scores and morale.
Advice by experts is to fix a timetable and schedule the syllabus such that most topics are covered within half the time. The next step would be to put them to use with mock tests and practice sessions.
The above listed are some common myths of CAT exam and also the cause of unnecessary fears as well as stress. Aspirants should not be looking at these before starting their CAT preparation. Instead, they should make sensible achievable plans keeping in mind their constraints (time, effort etc.), strengths and weaknesses.
On Question asked by student community
Hello
As you said you by mistakenly done that, you don't need to get worry regarding that ,
Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .
The steps you can follow is -
1. You can check if the correction window is available or not
2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.
Hope this helps
In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.
Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.
While filling the form:
Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).
There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.
If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.
Hello,
Thank you for your question!
KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).
CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.
CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.
Hello it will clear your doubt!
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