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CAT 2024 Preparation Time Table - A large number of management aspirants aim to pursue the MBA course from the Indian Institute of management. For that, candidates need to not only crack but also score a high percentile in the Common Admission Test 2024. Hence, once the candidate has focused his eye on the IIMs, then the next big step should be to draw a clear-cut preparation strategy that will enable him to achieve his goal.
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Hence in order to have a smooth journey, CAT exam preparation time table will play a pivotal role. This aspect is essential as one must remember that the right CAT exam preparation tips will pave the way for cracking CAT exam with ease. With an aim to be successful in the long run, what is needed is consistent hard work. Read the full article to know about the time table for CAT preparation.
The ability and capability of each individual vary. Therefore before drawing the CAT preparation time table, one should be able to assess what are their pluses and minuses. How much time is required for CAT preparation, to complete the CAT syllabus and also be well versed with the exam pattern of CAT. Accordingly, they can divide the CAT exam preparation time that they need to devote for each section. The CAT 2024 preparation timetable should be both realistic and the targets should be achievable.
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A sincere, consistent, and desiccated preparation for CAT 2024 would require six months of time. A little bit of alteration can be done in the timetable for CAT 2024 depending upon the self-assessment. However, the individual must mentally assess him or herself as to how much time they would require for effective CAT preparation. To accomplish the targets, the individual can break the six months and CAT preparation time required as follows:
IIM will release the CAT notification 2024 probably in the last week of July. Candidates who will appear for the CAT 2024 must begin their preparation for the exam by strengthening their basics. One must remember that when one decides to build a house, the first thing that is laid down is the foundation, and then the house is built. It is from May to July as part of CAT preparation, candidates must strengthen their basics for all the sections. Do not study the topics in a hurry. Follow the four-pronged strategy of first read, understand and then try to remember followed by application of whatever you have learned. Unnecessarily stressing yourself will be detrimental to your preparation.
In an endeavor to excel in this section, one needs to enhance their reading skills. This will help the candidates to analyse and draw inference from a wide array of topics. The more an individual reads the better it will be for him or her on the day of the exam. Hence read good-quality content and while doing so make sure that you understand and read between the lines also. This will help the individual to answer the questions swiftly as well as correctly. Try to devote at least two to three hours for reading comprehension.
A CAT aspirant has to design their CAT preparation timetable which is can follow on a daily basis. At the time of CAT exam preparation, candidates will have to practice questions with all the sections. Do not divide CAT exam preparation section-wise. In the last days of CAT preparation, candidates are advised to take the CAT mock test and solve previous year question papers. Also, must apply these CAT QA, DILR, and VARC tricks at the time of preparation.
Following a daily schedule for enhancing the CAT preparation is essential for each candidate. A daily schedule for effective CAT preparation should include a balanced mix of study, practice, and review. Let us discuss a detailed daily schedule for CAT preparation.
Time | Activity |
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM | Wake up and start the day with light exercise or meditation. |
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM | Breakfast. |
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Study Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Focus on reading comprehension passages, vocabulary, and grammar exercises. |
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Short break. Stretch, hydrate, and relax. |
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Study Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Practice problem-solving techniques and work on math fundamentals. |
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM | Break. Have a snack and refresh. |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Study Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR). Work on data puzzles and logical reasoning questions. |
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch break. |
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Review previous day's work. Go through mistakes, understand concepts, and revise key topics. |
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Take a practice test or work on a mock test. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and time management skills. |
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Break. Rest and recharge. |
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Study a different section from the morning. Rotate between QA, VARC, and DI & LR to keep things fresh and engaging. |
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Break. Light snack and relax. |
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Focus on weak areas. Use targeted exercises or seek help on challenging topics. |
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Dinner. |
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Revise important formulas, shortcuts, and strategies. Work on a few additional practice questions if needed. |
8:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Relax and unwind. Read a book or engage in a hobby. |
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Light revision or review notes. |
10:00 PM | Prepare for bed. Ensure you get adequate sleep for effective learning. |
While answering questions in this section, reading habits do play a pivotal role. If the candidate is well read then it becomes easy for him or her to answer questions related to the rearrangement of sentences so on and so forth. Now let us look at some of the topics from which the questions are asked in the verbal ability section and how much time should an individual devote for each of the topics in each session. Check out daily time table for CAT preparation for Verbal Ability section.
Topics for Verbal Ability
Session | Topics | Hours |
Session 1 | Section Correction | 4-6 hours |
Session 2 | Sentence rearrangement | 3-5 hours |
Session 3 | Completion of paragraphs | 3-5 hours |
Session 4 | Elimination of sentences | 2-4 hours |
Session 5 | Text Completion | 2-4 hours |
SSession 6 | Usage of words | 3 Hours |
Session 7 | Critical Reasoning : Statments conclusions arguments actions and inferences | 4 hours |
Session 8 | Fact inference judgement | 4 hours |
Session 9 | Grammar | 10-15 hours |
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While working towards making your basics strong, candidates must remember that this section requires less time for preparation as compared to verbal ability and reading comprehension and quantitative ability. However, all will depend on an individual’s grasping power. A CAT aspirant can perform well in this section by practicing as much as possible, solving questions from the sample papers etc. Within a span of a few hours, candidates can get a good understanding of the theoretical component of data interpretation.
Topics covered under Data Interpretation
Session | Topics | Time allocated |
Session 1 | Basics for Data Interpretation | 2-4 Hours |
Session 2 | Word Problems | 2-4 hours |
Session 3 | Tables | 2-4 hours |
Session 4 | Pie Charts | 3 hours |
Session 5 | Tougher Sets | 3 hours |
In order to train yourself well for the Logical Reasoning section of CAT 2024, candidates must try to consistently solve questions related to seating arrangements, grid puzzles, tournaments and sequences as well as various types of puzzles. Regularly solving such questions will enable the candidates to get an understanding about the type of questions that are asked and it will help them get a better grasp about it.
Session | Topics | Time allocated |
Session 1 | Grids and Tables | 3-4 hours |
Session 2 | Games and Tournaments and Visualisation | 3-4 hours |
Session 3 | Sequences and Selections | 3-4 hours |
Session 4 | Math based Puzzle | 3-4 hours |
Session 5 | Difficult Sets | 3-4 hours |
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This is a slightly exhaustive section as compared to the other two. When we look at the CAT 2024 preparation time table for quantitative ability then in such a case, this can be broadly divided under four sub-sections which are
Though there is no specific strategy that one needs to follow as to what topic they should cover first. However, it is suggested that one completes the basics first and then starts preparing for other topics.
The basic mathematics lays the foundation to solve even the trickiest of questions. If the candidates master the basics of mathematics that it will be easy for them to solve questions related to linear quadratic equations. They would also be able to solve the questions which are related to ratios as well as tough modules.
Topics | Hours |
2-3 hours | |
2-4 hours | |
2 hours | |
2-4 hours | |
2- 4 hours | |
2-4 hours | |
2-4 hours | |
3 hours | |
2 hours |
This section includes questions which are slightly tricky and the total number of questions that are asked in this section are not very substantial and this assessment is based on past years trends of question papers. Candidates should practice as many questions as possible with regard to the number systems and counting. Most importantly they should not give up till they are confident about the concepts.
Topics and time allocated
Topics | Time allocated |
Number theory | 2-3 hours |
Combinatorics -Basics | 3-4 hours |
3-4 hours | |
Combinatorics - Tough concepts | 2- 3 hours |
Factors and Multiples | 3-4 hours |
SET theory | 3-4 hours |
As part of the CAT preparation strategy, one very important point that the candidate must keep in mind is to ensure that first and foremost one gets a very good understanding of how the questions need to be solved. This will happen only once the candidate has a clear understanding of the fundamentals. For scoring well in the geometry section, there is no replacement of practice. The more the candidate will practice, he or she will score well. Hence one of the methods that one can adopt as they prepare for the CAT exam is to first learn and understand the concepts related to Geometry and then execute it by solving the questions.
Topics | Time allocated |
Geometry - Circles | 3-4 Hours |
Triangles and their properties | 3-4 hours |
3-4 hours | |
Geometry - Additional concepts | 3-4 hours |
3- 5 hours | |
Mensuration | 3-4 hours |
Coordinate Geometry | 4- 6 hours |
One of the important terminologies while solving questions related to Algebra is “x” and “y” and it is essential that the candidates get comfortable with the language. Moreover, it is observed that the candidates build on the algebra section whatever they have learned quadratic and linear equations. Candidates will be confident that they have understood all the topics only when they are able to correctly draw inferences from the information that is given in the question. It is then only that they will be able to solve the questions with ease.
Topics | Hours |
4 hours | |
Exponent and Surds and Logarithm | 3-4 hours |
Functions | 2-3 Hours |
2-3 hours | |
Progressions | 2-4 hours |
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Preparing for the CAT in one month requires a focused and strategic approach. Begin by reviewing the key concepts and syllabus for each section—Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation. Prioritize practising with mock tests and previous years' papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and identify areas where you need improvement. Allocate time each day for targeted practice and review, focusing on your weaker areas. Lastly, make sure to incorporate regular breaks and maintain a healthy routine to keep your mind sharp.
For a 3-month CAT preparation plan, start by creating a balanced study schedule. Divide your time between understanding core concepts, practising problems, and taking mock tests. Focus on mastering each section—Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation—by working through study materials and previous years' papers. Regularly review your performance in mock tests to identify and address weak areas. As the exam approaches, shift to intensive revision and practice to refine your strategies and boost your confidence.
A 6-month CAT preparation plan should be thorough and well-organized. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Spend the first few months building a strong foundation in each subject area—Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation. Incorporate regular practice through exercises and mock tests to gauge your progress. In the next phase, focus on solving advanced problems and improving your speed and accuracy. During the final month, concentrate on revision and taking full-length mock tests to fine-tune your strategies and increase your confidence.
A 12-month CAT preparation plan offers ample time to build a strong foundation and excel. Start by thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. Use the initial months to grasp fundamental concepts and gradually move to advanced topics. Incorporate regular practice sessions and mock tests to track your progress. As you approach the second half of your preparation, focus more on refining your problem-solving techniques and working on your speed. In the final months, intensify your revision, take full-length mock tests, and review your performance to fine-tune your strategies and boost your confidence.
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
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Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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