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How to prepare for CAT 2024 in 3 months: CAT 2024 is expected to be held on November 24, 2024. Candidates who intend to prepare for CAT in 3 months should follow a strategic preparation plan to score an excellent percentile in the CAT exam. During the last 3 months before the MBA entrance exam, candidates should try to revise the CAT syllabus and improve the exam strategy. In this article, we provide you with a step-by-step study plan to prepare for CAT in 3 months.
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Three months before the CAT exam is the most important phase of your preparation. The most important thing to keep in mind is that like any sport, game or race, the result will be decided at the final stage and a lot can change during the last quarter of CAT exam preparation.
So to achieve a better percentile in CAT 2024 entrance exam, know how to prepare for CAT in 3 months by diligently taking the steps given below during CAT preparation.
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Preparing for the CAT exam in three months requires a well-structured plan and disciplined approach. Here’s a suggested timetable to maximize your preparation:
Week | QA | DILR | VARC |
Week 1 | Basic Numbers, Classification, conversions (Decimal to a Fraction), Base conversion | Bar Graph, Pie Chart | Nouns, Pronouns |
Week 2 | ,Unit Digit Last Two Digit of a number Divisibility Rules | Line Graph, Tables | Verbs, Conjunctions |
Week 3 | HCF and LCM ,Number of factors and number of trailing zeroes | Spider, Caselett | Articles, Prepositions |
Week 4 | Profit and Loss ,Percentage | Data Interpretation,Blood Relation | Reading, Tenses |
Week 5 | Simple Interest ,Compound Interest ,Loans and Installment | , Order and Ranking ,Distance and Direction | Tenses, Sentence correction based on Tenses |
Week 6 | Quadratic Equations ,Linear Equations in Two Variables ,HCF and LCM | ,Cube Linear Arrangement | Subject verb agreement, Learn new words |
Week 7 | ,Inequality Functions and Graph, Maxima and Minima | Circular Arrangement, Distribution | Conditionals, Sentence improvement based on Articles |
Week 8 | Logarithm and Modulus, Average | Selection, Miscellaneous | Cloze test, Sentence correction, RC and PYQs |
Week 9 | Ratio and Proportion ,Proportions and Variations ,Mixture and Alligation | Decision Making, Venn Diagram | RC and PYQs, Strategy to solve RC problems |
Week 10 | ,Time, Speed and Distance , Time and Work ,Trains and Stream | Syllogism Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning | Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech |
Week 11 | PnC: Basics, Counting and Arrangements, Selections and Groupings, Distributions | Data sufficiency in LR, Games and Tournaments | Verbal Analogies, Participles, Parallelism |
Week 12 | Geometry, Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry, Set Theory, Sequence and Series, Statistics | ,Binary Logic , Mathematical Grid, Picking up of Coins, Clock Calendars, Sequences, Roots and Network, Number Series, Alphabetical and alphanumerical series | Parajumbles, Critical Reasoning, Idioms and Phrases, Misc Parts |
Prior to starting CAT preparation, aspirants must get well-versed in the pattern and CAT marking system of the exam. It is the first smart move in the preparation for any level exam. Understanding the CAT exam pattern means paying attention to the sections that are covered and what weightage of marks they hold.
It takes lots of effort and dedication to crack a competitive MBA entrance exam and since three months are not sufficient for full-fledged preparation for exams like the CAT, aspirants should maintain self-discipline and must avoid wasting time on irrelevant activities. Also, they must stick to the CAT preparation strategy they have adopted.
It is very important for aspirants to make a SWOT analysis for themselves as soon as possible because, on the basis of their strengths and weaknesses, they come to know how effectively they have to prepare further. CAT mock tests and online test series help one to know their strong and weak areas.
Aspirants for effective results may divide their preparation into different phases as well. For example, for the given time of three months, one can utilize the first month for the completion of the whole syllabus, and the second month can be invested in attempting full-fledged and sectional mock tests and online test series of different coaching institutions. The last month can be utilized for the revision of the whole syllabus of CAT.
In the first phase or in the first month of preparation, candidates should practice, for each topic, a lot of questions based on different patterns and must refrain from practising the same type of questions again and again. Practising all types of questions adds value to your preparation and makes you more learned in less time.
To check whether your preparation is going on the right track or not, it is necessary for you to devote ample amounts of time to the mock tests. The mock tests whether sectional or full-fledged, help one to increase speed and accuracy, wherein the speed will improve one’s time management and the accuracy will create more chances to score well in the exam. Mock tests also help in developing shortcuts and tricks for long calculative sections like Quantitative Aptitude. Analysis of each and every mock test is also one of the most essential parts of the preparation.
After an active CAT preparation of two months, the third and the last phase should be utilized for the revision of basic concepts and formulae to polish or to have a good command over CAT 2024 preparation. Divide the last fifteen days before the exam in such a manner so that a sufficient revision of each section can be done.
Know more about CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips
In conclusion, the key to achieving your goal of cracking CAT 2024 is to become a focused, meticulous and intelligent person. To know more about the CAT exam and other related details, visit Careers360.
Understanding how to prepare for CAT in 3 months also involves having a clear idea on what to do and not to do during CAT 2024 preparation in 3 months. Let us understand each factor that contributes to a successful CAT preparation in 3 months.
Dos | Don'ts |
Plan a daily study routine covering all sections, including Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. | Avoid delaying your study sessions. |
Ensure a strong understanding of basic concepts before moving to advanced topics. | Don't skip foundational topics thinking you can manage advanced ones. |
Take mock tests frequently to build speed and accuracy. | Don’t disregard the analysis of your mock test performances. |
Identify strengths and weaknesses from mock tests and adjust your study plan. | Don't ignore areas of weakness; work on them. |
Utilize recommended books, online resources, and previous year papers. | Avoid using materials that are not up to date with the latest syllabus and exam pattern. |
Maintain a regular study routine and keep a positive mindset. | Don’t let distractions derail your study plan. |
Engage with peers for doubt clearing and additional resources. | Don’t study completely alone; interaction can provide new insights. |
Ensure a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular breaks. | Don’t compromise on sleep or skip meals due to study pressure. |
Continuously review topics you have studied to reinforce learning. | Avoid last-minute cramming, which can increase stress and reduce retention. |
For candidates aiming to prepare for the CAT in 3 months, a structured month-by-month study schedule is essential. This plan provides a CAT roadmap for what needs to be accomplished each month to effectively prepare for the CAT in a short time frame. Below is a detailed CAT preparation schedule for three months:
In the first month, focus on building a solid understanding of basic concepts. Here are the steps to follow:
Assess Your Current Knowledge: Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each subject area.
Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Read through all chapters to understand the topics covered in the CAT exam.
Gather Study Materials: Select books and resources that align with the updated CAT exam pattern and syllabus.
Enhance Your Vocabulary: Regularly read books, articles, and newspapers to improve your vocabulary.
Practice Basic Problems: Start solving basic problems to reinforce your understanding of fundamental concepts.
In the second month, work on gaining clarity on each chapter and practice solving questions accurately:
Focus on Key Topics: Identify and concentrate on the most important subjects.
Organize Your Studies: Follow a study plan that aligns with the latest exam format.
Utilize Study Techniques: Use study hacks to efficiently solve questions.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Create a list of unusual words, their meanings, antonyms, and usage in sentences.
Improve Accuracy in DILR: Practice analyzing graphs and data sets to boost your accuracy in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section.
Adjust Your Study Plan: Regularly review and adjust your study plan based on your progress.
Continuous Self-Evaluation: Keep assessing your performance to identify areas for improvement.
The final month should focus on intensive practice and familiarization with the exam format:
Review All Chapters: Go through each chapter to ensure you have covered all topics thoroughly.
Avoid New Topics: Do not start new chapters that you haven’t studied yet.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve sample papers from previous years to get a feel of the actual exam.
Take Mock Exams: Participate in as many mock exams as possible to build exam-taking stamina and identify weak areas.
Memorize Key Formulas: Ensure you know all essential CAT formulas by heart.
To prepare for the CAT in 3 months, it's important to study for 6-8 hours daily. Start your day with 2-3 hours focused on Quantitative Ability to build and practice key concepts. Spend 1-2 hours mid-morning improving your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by reading articles and practicing vocabulary. Dedicate your afternoon to Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for 2-3 hours, solving various problems to enhance your skills. In the evening, spend 1-2 hours on revision and taking mock tests, analyzing your performance to identify areas for improvement. Regular breaks, a healthy lifestyle, and a distraction-free study environment are essential to maintaining focus and productivity.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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