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How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 4 months? - Candidates who want to pursue a management program from IIM or from any other premier B-school of India must necessarily appear for CAT 2024 and crack it with a good percentile. Apart from other MBA entrance tests, the CAT exam is the toughest one to crack. But as they say, one can climb Everest with preparation, commitment, approach, and targeting. The same applies to CAT 2024 preparation. Read the full article to learn “how to prepare for CAT in 4 months.”
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Four months seems like a short span to complete the CAT 2024 self-preparation. However, with the right exam strategy and practice, one can score a high percentile in CAT 2024. If one has already started their CAT preparation for 2024 it means their basics are clear and now they need to focus on speed, accuracy, shortcuts, tips, and tricks.
However, for those who are going to start their preparation from now on, then this article is a must-read. In this article of Careers360, one will get to know “How to prepare for CAT 2024 in 4 months”, and how one can draw their study plan so that they crack the exam without any difficulty and make their way to the premier B-School of India. Check out the 4 months CAT preparation plan below.
Before making any study plan or preparation strategy for the CAT exam, one should get familiar with the CAT exam pattern and its detailed syllabus. As per the past year's trend, the exam pattern for CAT 2024 consists of three sections, namely, Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). There are 20 questions for the QA and 24 questions in the VARC section and DILR consists of a total of 20 questions with a total of 66 questions.
While taking CAT 2024, candidates can not switch between the sections due to the sectional time limit. Candidates get 40 minutes for each section. The total time duration is 2 hours for CAT 2024, which means candidates have to manage their time accordingly so that they can avoid the hassle and anxiety.
If one has only four months to prepare for CAT 2024, then they should divide their preparation plan stage-wise. It makes their preparation easy and they can handle the CAT preparation pressure with ease. Here are some tips for 4 months CAT preparation.
Before starting the CAT 2024 preparation, candidates need to check where they stand currently such as whether their basics are clear or not, did they know the basic formulas to solve Quantitative Aptitude questions, etc. After knowing this, candidates can get an idea of their strong and weak areas. If one is unable to assess their level of preparation, then moving forward can be a herculean task.
After making a diagnosis report, candidates can categorise in which sections they have a good accuracy rate and which are the ones where they need to work hard. It will hardly take 2 to 3 days to spot where one is standing.
Once candidates have gone through the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT 2024, they need to start working on the fundamentals of every topic during the four months of CAT preparation. Through this candidates can get conceptual clarity and strengthen their basics. While preparing for the Verbal Ability section, one should do their reading on a regular basis to get a hold of it.
Apart from the VARC section, the other section demands a good amount of time to practice the concepts. When one is well versed in the basics, they should start their preparation chapter and section-wise and at a swift pace.
The Quantitative aptitude section actually carries the major chunk of CAT preparation. Apart from other sections, Quant has a very vast syllabus from algebra to percentages, basically, the Quant section tests the fundamentals of a candidate. It needs a proper strategy to prepare for each topic in a systematic way. Through this process, candidates can understand the basics and can set a benchmark for CAT preparation. One can make the Quant section easy for them, they only need to include Learning and practice while preparing for CAT in 4 months.
There is no fixed syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning syllabus, which makes it a bit difficult as compared to other sections. Among the three sections, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is the most crucial and challenging in the CAT 2024. If one is good at solving puzzles then they can tackle the Logical Reasoning section very easily. Those who are not familiar with DILR questions have to solve previous year's CAT papers and solve questions from standard templates, Einstein puzzles, the grid puzzle, etc.
Self-study is very important when it comes to taking any exam. The best part of self-study is one can get to know where he or she stands and anticipate accordingly. Sometimes, self-study might be frustrating but this is the only way to achieve any goal. One can include the following factors while doing self-study.
Read the textbook
Read the class notes
Make colourful and proper notes
Look up other online resources
Teach someone what you have learned
CAT preparation is considered incomplete if one has not attempted the mocks. CAT mock tests, test series, or CAT sample papers are basically designed to make aspirants understand the structure and level of the CAT entrance test. The result of the CAT mock test will indicate the candidate's strengths and weaknesses. Taking mocks at the beginning of preparation, candidates have ample time to improve their weak areas, and simultaneously they can strengthen their strong portions.
Candidates should set a target to solve at least six past-year papers in a week. After solving every paper, candidates should spend time analysing it. See where you scored well as well as where you could be good and what are the main reasons for not doing better. This step should be performed in the second last month of preparation. The main benefit of solving past years' papers is, that candidates can get to know whether they are making progress or not.
In the last 10 to 15 days of CAT preparation, do not explore any new topics. Only practice what you know and extract the maximum benefit. Just polish your strength and do a revision of all sticky notes that you have made during exam preparation.
According to CAT topper, Satya Sripada (99.51 percentile), focuses on basics. Revise what you have studied in the day before going to sleep and have a revision day once a week where you go through all the notes again. Note down important questions or tricks in a different notebook. Give mocks regularly and analyse them properly. Revisit the same mock a second time after a couple of weeks. You need to go through the syllabus and past papers and build your own strategy to counter the exam.
Preparing for the CAT exam in 4 months requires using a range of effective study resources. Focus on books that cover quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, andLogical Reasoning comprehensively. Look for materials that include detailed explanations of concepts, plenty of practice questions, and strategies for solving problems efficiently. Additionally, using resources that offer a variety of mock tests and previous years' papers is crucial for getting familiar with the exam pattern and improving time management. By using these kinds of study materials, you can create a solid preparation plan for the CAT exam preparation in 4 months. Some of the most essential CAT preparation books are given below:
For CAT preparation in four months, concentrate on mastering core quantitative aptitude concepts. Regular practice is essential, starting with basic problems and gradually increasing difficulty to enhance your problem-solving skills effectively.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Detailed coverage of quantitative topics, includes shortcuts and tips for solving problems |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT | Fundamental concepts of mathematics, clear explanations, essential for building a strong foundation in maths |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of quantitative topics, includes advanced level problems and solutions |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | Detailed coverage of quantitative topics, includes numerous practice questions and solved examples |
For CAT preparation in four months, prioritize improving verbal ability and reading comprehension skills. Focus on practicing a variety of passages and questions to enhance comprehension, vocabulary, and speed. Regularly review and analyze different types of texts to strengthen your understanding and interpretation abilities effectively.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay | Step-by-step approach to improve verbal ability and comprehension, includes practice questions |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/Simon & Schuster | Enhances vocabulary through practical exercises, quick learning strategies |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | Covers entire syllabus of English grammar, includes practice exercises and self-assessment sections |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Covers verbal ability topics, practical approach with practice questions and previous year papers |
For CAT preparation in four months, concentrate on enhancing your skills in data interpretation and logical reasoning. Use practice books that offer a range of exercises and strategies to improve your ability to analyze data and solve logical puzzles. Regular practice and systematic review of different types of problems will help you build confidence and proficiency in these areas essential for the CAT exam.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of DI topics, self-sufficient for preparation |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Strong concept building, practical application of problems, graded difficulty levels |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | Focuses on interpretation of data and sufficiency of information, practical approach |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Practical approach to DI and LR topics, includes practice questions and mock tests |
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.
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