CAT 2019: Important Topics for Preparation

CAT 2019: Important topics for preparation - “Time and Tide wait for none.” It is a truth universally acknowledged that we cannot have control of the flow of time. That being said, it is extremely important for CAT aspirants to be thorough with the preparation as its exam date is inching closer. Preparation for CAT exam takes a good deal of hard work, but along with hard work, focusing on important topics for preparation and knowing some tips and tricks do the trick. To that note, Careers360 brings to you all the important topics for CAT preparation and the effective tips that can help you to ace the entrance exam.Before digging into CAT important topics for preparation, let’s know the first and foremost strategy that you should set to achieve sure-fire success. Always remember that managing time in your life, coupled with elbow grease influences your success rate. CAT aspirants, therefore, should set a proper time table for the CAT entrance exam and follow it without fail. Focus on optimum time management, set your priorities and bone upon to get through the test with flying colours.
Latest: CAT 2019 result to be declared on January 6, 2020.

Latest: Know Your Chances, Eligibility & Required Cut-offs for getting Calls from IIMs & other Top MBA Colleges through CAT 2019 - CAT Pathfinder - IIM & Non-IIM MBA Call Predictor

CAT 2019: Important topics for preparation

With the D-day round the corner, it is imperative for CAT aspirants to brush up their basics and revise the important from which questions are majorly expected in the exam. Here, in this article, we have compiled all the important topics from all three sections of CAT exam that candidates should focus.

CAT 2019: Important topics for preparation

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Quantitative aptitude is probably one of the most crucial yet challenging sections in the CAT exam. This section includes 34 questions, which consists of both multiple and non-multiple questions. Truth to be told, getting hold of this section helps aspirants score well in CAT 2019 exam. Students who are not confident in this section must shift their focus more on the same to improve their performance. Mathematical questions are based on logic and theories and therefore one should practice more to gain confidence and clear the basics.

Kaustubh, CAT 2018 Topper, said that Quantitative Analysis was lengthy and tough and the easiest section was Logical Reasoning and Data Analysis. Kaustubh added that anyone who is appearing for the exam next year should devote more time to this section

Some of the topics that the aspirants must focus under this section, and from which most questions asked are:

Preparation Tips: Candidates should check the weightage of each topic in the aforementioned section and prepare accordingly. It is recommended that they should focus more on the Number system and geometry topics as they hold the maximum weightage. When you are clear with the basic concepts, you should pick the examples and practice them. Students should start with solving the simple ones and then gradually start picking the difficult ones. Do not leave any topic uncovered.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The number of questions asked in the section is 32. Candidates must note that the questions in this section can be easily solved, but they are time-consuming. This section tests a candidate’s ability of decision-making ability and speed using limited input. Logical reasoning revolves around understanding the trick hidden in the question. Your preparation, therefore, should also include brainstorming sessions, such as solving crossword puzzles, Sudoku, riddles on blood relations, family tree etc.

According to Niranjan, CAT 2018 Topper, he said DILR was easy for me as most questions were based on logic. There were not many questions on data interpretation which involves a lot of numbers and consumes time. I went about solving DILR by understanding the questions and then picked the easy to difficult ones.DILR usually has 5-6 paragraph/cases and questions are based on it. I went through the cases and picked the easiest ones first.

The important question types from these sections are based on the following topics:

Preparation Tips- The more you practice the questions from DI & LR, better will you perform. The DI questions in CAT are known for being calculation intensive. Use the on-screen calculator in this section. As there is no theoretical questions in this section, practice more to excel in this section. It is advised to candidates to solve DI first and then move to LR. In DI, candidates have to do mental calculations while LR can be solved by making guesses if there is less time.

3. Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC)

In this section, 34 questions are asked, of which 24 questions are multiple-choice and rest are non-multiple questions. This section is divided into two parts, Reading Comprehension and English Usage. Students should give more attention to reading comprehension passages as most questions are based on the same. The passages can be from any of the following subjects - Science & Technology, History, Psychology, etc. The questions in this section are time-consuming yet more scoring. The Reading Comprehension area includes around five passages - three to five questions from each passage. The English Usage area includes questions on grammar, vocabulary etc.

Niranjan, one of the toppers from CAT 2018 said my weakest section was VARC.

To build confidence in VA, I bought a couple of books online from Amazon. I referred to Arun Sharma’s book on VARC which is detailed and includes lots of questions, which is enough for practice. This helped me get a good hold on VARC.

Some of the important topics for CAT preparation are as follows:

Preparation Tips - Expert, Arks Srinivas of Career Launcher suggests students focus on grammar and try learning five to ten words each day. Adopting this practice will help candidates in their CAT preparation and enhance their vocabulary. Ensure that you spare at least half an hour every day for this section either taking a slip test or reviewing one. Reading the editorials of the Newspaper(s) helps in improving comprehension.