ICFAI Business School-IBSAT 2024
9 IBS Campuses | Scholarships Worth Rs 10 CR
The Common Admission Test (CAT exam) is the gateway to the world of management for a student in India. People who did not study maths after class 12th face some difficulties in the CAT QA section. So, this article provides some effective CAT tips for non-engineers.
With question papers including Quantitative Analysis, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, prepared by the top IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) of the country every year, the CAT exam easily creates a niche for itself among the top admission tests of the country’s academia.
Free Study Material: VARC | DILR | Quant | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
CAT 2024: CAT'23 Official Question with Solutions (Slot 1, 2, 3)
Test: 20 Free Mock Test | 10 Year PYQs | Most Scoring Concepts
Even though the recent CAT exam papers have become somewhat easier, especially in the quantitative part, CAT is still a major challenge for non-engineers that requires a more than considerable cerebral, discipline and time investment on behalf of the student attempting it. So in the article, we have provided CAT preparation tips for non-engineers to help them prepare for the QA section.
The CAT exam, or Common Admission Test, is an entrance test for MBA programs in India. It evaluates skills in areas like quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. For non-engineers, the CAT exam is crucial because it opens doors to top business schools that offer excellent career opportunities. Since many non-engineers come from diverse academic backgrounds, excelling in CAT allows them to demonstrate their skills and potential in management, even if they haven't studied engineering. Performing well in the CAT can help non-engineers gain admission to prestigious MBA programs, which can lead to high-paying jobs and a successful career in business management.
Non-engineers who didn’t have maths in class 12th face some difficulties in the CAT exam due to the mathematics-heavy Quant and DILR sections. However, following a strategic approach and starting CAT preparation many months before the exam can help candidates get over their fear of maths and score well in all the sections of the CAT exam.
Some CAT tips for non-engineers are:
Break down complex questions
Focus on time management
Build confidence through regular practice and revision
The syllabus of the CAT exam is only what you have studied in your schools till the tenth standard. However, no specific syllabus exists. As an Indian, irrespective of wherever in India you hail from and whatever Board and medium you have studied in, you all have studied the same fundamentals of mathematics.
So, how can a Non Engineer crack the CAT exam? Well, apart from the fact that a student who is a non-engineer without mathematics in the twelfth standard is a bit out of practice, there is not much of a difference, and all are on an even playing field in CAT.
The CAT exam is usually held on the last Sunday of November (24th November being the last Sunday of the month in 2024) in three separate slots: morning, afternoon, and evening. All the slots have different question papers. In case of a difference in the difficulty level of the question papers in the three slots, while declaring the results the scores are scaled up accordingly to counter the difference. In short, the CAT exam is also a level playing field across all slots.
CAT 2023 was the 40th anniversary of CAT examination, and after having undergone quite some changes, it has evolved into a two-hour online examination, with 40 minutes for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (Section A), 40 minutes for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (Section B) and 40 minutes for Quantitative Ability (Section C).
The sections appear in the above order and you have to mandatorily attempt them in the same order. Once the first 40 minutes are over, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section permanently becomes inaccessible, after the next 40 minutes the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section becomes inaccessible, and so on. A timer showing the time left for a particular section is present on the screen.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension has 24 questions. In CAT 2023, 21 of them were MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions with 4 options each) and 4 TITAs (Type In The Answers).
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning has 20 questions (4 sets having 5 questions each). In CAT 2023, 14 of them were MCQs (with 4 options each) and 6 TITAs.
Quantitative Ability has 22 questions. In CAT 2023, 14 of them were MCQs (with 4 options each) and 8 TITAs. A total of 66 questions, out of which in CAT 2023, 49 were MCQs (with 4 options each) and 17 TITAs.
NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | AACSB Accredited | Ranked #7th best University | H-CTC 21.90 LPA | Avg CTC: 8.23 LPA
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
Each correct answer fetches 3 marks. Hence the total marks of the CAT examination is 66*3 = 198. However, there is negative marking for incorrect MCQ answers, each incorrect answer fetching 1 negative mark. Hence you should refrain from clicking an option as an answer unless you are 100 percent sure the answer is correct. There is no negative marking for incorrect TITA answers.
An onscreen non-scientific calculator is also there, though one should use it only in the most extreme circumstances, as it has been found to be more a curse than a blessing.
Here are some time management tips for non-engineers taking the CAT exam:
Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the CAT exam, including the sections and types of questions. Knowing what to expect helps in planning your time effectively.
Practice Regularly: Take mock tests to get used to the timing and pacing of the exam. Regular practice will help you manage your time better during the actual test.
Prioritize Questions: Start with the sections or questions you find easiest. This approach helps build confidence and ensures you don’t get stuck on difficult questions early on.
Set Time Limits: Allocate specific time limits for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Stick to these limits during the exam to ensure you have enough time for all sections.
Avoid Spending Too Much Time on One Question: If you’re stuck on a question, move on and come back to it if time permits. Spending too much time on one question can affect your overall performance.
Arithmetic has been the main player in the CAT Quantitative Ability section for quite some years now with 8-9 questions, with Algebra being a close second with 6-7 questions. They account for almost 68 to 75 percent of the total questions in the section.
The modern mathematics topic of Numbers and Number Systems generally has 3-5 questions. Geometry (Euclidean Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, and Trigonometry included) too has around 4 questions. 1-2 questions are from the rest of Modern Mathematics topics like Indices, Surds, Logarithms, Functions and Graphs.
Deductive ability has always been the preferred area of evaluation in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, especially deductive ability using quantitative skills.
Mathematics, or rather mathematics learned till the tenth standard, is an intrinsic part of the CAT exam. It is a cent percent necessity for the Quantitative Ability section of 22 questions and is also a necessity for almost eighty percent of the 20 questions of the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. However, as daunting as it may look, it is not an insurmountable hurdle for the non-engineering student without mathematics in the twelfth standard to master mathematics.
The CAT exam does not test advanced analytical skills. You should never expect long-drawn calculations or an overt application of high-end theory and formulae in the process of solving a sum. One has to understand the problem (often apparently complicated) created in the sum, see through it, and utilize the minimum of analytics and theory and a maximum of logic and common sense to coolly solve it in the minimum time possible. Never has till date a CAT exam question been repeated, so trying to remember a process of solution or by-hearting is useless.
Time management is a necessity for the CAT exam. 66 questions in 2 hours imply an average of 1 minute 49 seconds per question. It includes the time to read the problem, comprehend it, plan out the solution, and execute it. To get the highest ranking possible (99.99 to 100 percentile) in a section you do not need to solve all the problems.
15-16 questions correct out of 22 in Quantitative Ability, 13-14 questions correct out of 20 in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and 17-18 questions correct out of 24 in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension are more than enough to ace all the sections individually (provided you do not click wrong answers inviting negative marks). But that too means 16+14+18 = 48 questions in 2 hours, which is an average of 2 minutes 30 seconds per question.
So to read the problem, comprehend it, plan out the solution, and execute it, all in 2 minutes 30 seconds, you need to be very very good in your basic fundamentals, the same which was taught to us in school, and to understand the fundamentals that well so as to have a very good grip on procedural short-cuts. That is the key to success in the CAT exam, especially for a student who is a non-engineer without mathematics in the twelfth standard.
To achieve the above the secret is practice. Practice with a timer in front of you, to be more precise. And give as many CAT mock tests and solve as many PYQs as possible. You must remember one very important but basic fact - every problem in the last 40 years history of the CAT examination can be solved in 2 minutes, provided you deduce the problem and utilize your short-cutting skills and basic fundamentals to solve it. Swift calculating skills also help. This mastery over shortcuts and basic fundamentals will only come with regular revision and extensive practice.
And it is of no consequence whatsoever as to whether you are a non-engineer with no mathematics in your twelfth standard. In CAT 2020, 2021, and 2022 there were quite a few 100 percentilers who were B.Com graduates.
What should be the strategy of preparation for CAT 2024 for a student who is a non-engineer without mathematics in the twelfth standard? Read the following pointers to find out.
Devote a solid three and a half hours per day for the CAT preparation for a period of seven months. One and a half hours for Quantitative Ability, and one hour each for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Be strict in this aspect. Discipline will make a big difference.
First, sharpen your numerical calculation skills. As in basic additions, subtractions, combinations of additions and subtractions, multiplications, squares, cubes, square roots, and reciprocals to decimal and reciprocals to percentage conversion. This will not only be an asset to you in Quantitative Ability but will be tremendously helpful for the calculations involved in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of the CAT exam.
Then focus on Arithmetic topics. Ratio and Proportion, Variation, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Average, Alligation and Mixtures, Time Speed and Distance, Time and Work, and Simple and Compound Interest. Focus on understanding the basics of the topics. Intensely focus on the shortcuts. The first six topics mentioned above act as the biggest catalysts in Quantitative Ability. Solve as many problems as you can, but always timing yourself, and taking care to see that your timing is improving.
You are now ready to attempt Line Graphs, Bar Charts, Pie Charts, and other special graphs in the domain of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Use your numerical calculation ability and the arithmetic ability newly acquired. Solve as many problems as you can, but always timing yourself, and taking care to see that your timing is improving.
Now focus on Algebra. Especially First Degree Linear Equations with their graphical implications, Quadratic Equations with their graphical implications, and Basics of Polynomials and Inequalities and Inequations. Solve as many problems as you can, but always timing yourself, and taking care to see that your timing is improving.
Next is the turn of Geometry. Lines and Angles, Triangles, Right-angled Triangles, Circles, 2D and 3D Mensuration, Trigonometry and Coordinate Geometry. Again, solve as many problems as you can, but always timing yourself, and taking care to see that your timing is improving.
By now you should be ready for the Deductive Reasoning problems of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Solve as many problems as you can. Here solving is primary, and timing is secondary.
Move on to Number and Number Systems of Modern Mathematics. Plus other essential Modern Mathematics topics
Parallelly focus on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Brush up your grammar. Practice Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions on a daily basis.
Do not stick to one chapter because you are unable to solve a few questions. Move on, there might be another concept to that question you have not learned yet, once you are done with the new concept, go back and solve the former.
Once the basics are over, which it should be in three months, just focus on mocks and practice. Time yourself diligently. Give one CAT mock a day. Analyze your mocks after giving them. Redo all the questions after the mock. Slowly increase the level of difficulty of your practice questions. And do not forget to revise the fundamentals and short-cutting techniques on a regular basis.
During your preparation journey, there will be times when you may feel demotivated. However, it is important to understand that this feeling is temporary and you have to crack the CAT exam. So, set clear, achievable goals from the beginning of your preparation. Make a study schedule for each day so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. On days when you feel a lack of confidence or motivation, take a break for a while, and then solve a few easy questions from your most preferred topic to get back in the groove. Keep calm and maintain a positive mindset.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the CAT exam:
Ignoring the Syllabus: Ensure you cover all the topics in the syllabus. Overlooking certain areas can leave you unprepared for some questions.
Not Practicing Enough: Relying only on theory without adequate practice can hurt your performance. Regularly take mock tests and solve practice questions to build confidence and improve your skills.
Mismanaging Time: Failing to allocate time properly to each section or spending too long on difficult questions can affect your overall score. Stick to a time management strategy to ensure you cover all sections effectively.
Skipping Instructions: Not reading the instructions carefully can lead to mistakes. Always read the instructions for each section and question to avoid misunderstandings.
Ignoring Accuracy: Focusing only on speed without considering accuracy can lead to a high number of mistakes. Aim for a balance between speed and accuracy.
Overthinking Questions: Overcomplicating or overthinking questions can waste time and lead to errors. Stick to straightforward solutions and avoid unnecessary complexity.
The candidates can refer to this article written by Careers360 experts on top mistakes to avoid during the CAT exam to have a better understanding.
Non-engineers without mathematics in the twelfth standard perceive themselves to be at a disadvantage in the CAT examination.
In reality, if one thinks carefully, it is the opposite. An engineer, or someone with mathematics in the twelfth standard is habituated to analytical solutions of problems and relies on formulae and theory a lot. The CAT exam problems appear like googlies to them. In order to play the googlies they first have to get out of their already created habit, and then inculcate the fundamentals and procedural short-cuts. Whereas the non-engineer without mathematics in twelfth standard is like a clean slate, and has the job of just getting the fundamentals and shortcuts right.
With a little bit of discipline, sincerity, and following CAT preparation tips for non-engineering students, there is no reason why a non-engineer cannot succeed. If needed, the help of a coaching center can also be utilized. However, he/she alone is also enough.
Self-belief, discipline, and the urge to succeed are important. Planning a proper strategy and following it helps. But primarily getting strong on fundamentals and short-cuts is the key.
Before 2010 the percentage was about 18-20% on an average in the IIMs. But the percentage has steadily increased in the last fourteen years, being around 38-39% on average in the IIMs in 2022.
You can prepare for the CAT exam without coaching, provided that you are disciplined enough and ready to work hard. Start by going through the syllabus of CAT and preparing a study schedule accordingly. To brush up the concepts, you can take the help of CAT preparation books as well as online lecture videos. You can buy previous years’ papers or download them online and practice questions from them daily. Take mock tests and analyze them to assess your preparedness for CAT.
Yes by all means. The CAT syllabus includes mathematics studied till the tenth standard.
Don’t perceive it as mathematics. Perceive it as a problem that has to be solved as early as possible using your basic knowledge, a basic knowledge that every Indian student who has studied till the tenth standard has. That is one of the primary skills needed for a to-be management candidate. So what you perceive as mathematics is basically to test how quickly you can analyze and solve a problem. And verbal ability is a test of your cognitive and communication skills.
Yes, a lot of students from non-maths backgrounds crack CAT each year. You just have to work harder and start your preparation earlier to gain a thorough understanding of the basic maths concepts relevant for the CAT exam.
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 .
To know about this please prefer our college predictor
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.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
180+ Companies | Highest CTC 15 LPA | Average CTC 7.5 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Passport to over 600+ B-Schools | Availed by lakhs of students | Wide acceptability of scores by hundreds of Business Schools and University Departments
UGC Approved Programs | 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.74 LPA
Ranked 05th best University in India by NIRF 2024 | Highest CTC 35 LPA | Average CTC 11.4 LPA
9 IBS Campuses | Scholarships Worth Rs 10 CR