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Preparation for any management entrance test needs dedication as well as a planned strategy. And the same goes for CAT preparation. The first choice of every MBA aspirant is to crack CAT on the very first attempt and get into an IIM. This makes the Common Admission Test (CAT) the most popular entrance exam in India. Every year, more than two lakh candidates appear for the CAT, and very few of them make it into the IIMs of India.
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The rest of the candidates either apply for those B-schools that accept the CAT scorecard or for other national-level management entrance exams such as MAT, CAT, CMAT, or SNAP. Also, the syllabus and exam pattern for CAT and other exams are quite similar differing only in terms of difficulty level. So if you have filled multiple MBA entrance exams, then the question is how to balance CAT preparation along with other entrance exams. Careers360 presents you with some tips on how to prepare for CAT along with other entrance exams.
Prior to setting any strategy for CAT 2024 or any other entrance exam, it is necessary to know the exam pattern of a particular exam. By knowing the exam pattern of CAT 2024, one will be aware of its marking scheme. The exam pattern of the CAT and other MBA entrance tests varies in terms of the marking scheme too. CAT 2024 entails a negative marking scheme, implying there is no need to attempt all the questions. More focus must be placed on the accuracy of the questions answered. Let us check the detailed CAT 2024 exam pattern.
Particulars | Details |
Total time duration of the exam | Two hours |
Sectional time duration | 40 minutes for every section |
Total number of questions | 100 |
Exam mode | Computer-Based Test |
Marking scheme |
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One can easily make a preparation strategy by understanding the exam pattern of the CAT entrance exam. By knowing the total number of questions, nature of questions, time limit, and marking scheme, one can easily determine how much time they should invest to complete a particular topic.
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After knowing the structure of the CAT question paper, one should compare it with the other management entrance exam test pattern and devise a strategy accordingly. For instance, we are going to compare the CAT and XAT exam pattern. The major difference in both exams is the number of sections. In CAT 2024, there are only three sections from which questions will be asked, but in XAT, there is the addition of one more section, which is General Awareness, and the newly reintroduced essay writing.
The time duration is the same for both exams, but in CAT there is a sectional time limit, that is, candidates (except the PwD category) will have a total of 40 minutes to solve a particular section, but in XAT there is no time limit to solve a section apart from the essay writing section (10 minutes). Check the major difference between CAT and other management entrance exam patterns.
Particulars | CAT | XAT | CMAT |
Exam mode | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) |
Total number of questions | 66 | 100 (Varies year to year) + 1 (Essay Writing) | 100 |
Total time duration | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes + 10 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
Number of sections | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Section name |
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Marking scheme |
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Total marks | 198 | 100 (varies year to year) | 400 |
Also Check - How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability?
It is also a must to know all the topics on which questions will be asked in CAT 2024. Prior to starting the preparation, one should go thoroughly through the syllabus of CAT 2024 so that one gets to know which sections they need to work on hard and which topics they need to work on less. Sections from which questions will be asked in CAT 2024 are: Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability.
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Section Name | Important Topics |
Quantitative Aptitude |
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Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
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Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability |
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After knowing the syllabus of the CAT and other MBA entrance exams, one should first check the common topics, keep them aside, and make a different strategy for them. Suppose, a candidate is planning to appear both for CAT and XAT. Then they need to set a different strategy. For the QA and VARC sections, there is no need for a different study plan, but for the rest of the sections, a different plan needs to be mapped out. In XAT, there is a section Decision Making, and General Awareness, and one will have to allot some time to them.
As we know the popularity and difficulty level of the CAT, one needs to dedicate four to five hours to studying daily, but preparing for another management entrance test along with the CAT makes the task tough. In that situation, one should know how they should allot equal time and attention to the preparation of the entrance test. If one gets to know all such tips, then they can do their XAT, CMAT, and MAT preparation along with CAT 2024 preparation. Know all the tips and tricks to balance CAT preparation with other entrance exams.
Related topic - How to prepare for VARC
Time allocation is a must when candidates start preparing for management entrance tests. After going through the exam pattern and syllabus of the CAT and other management entrance exams, one should make a preparation table and try to determine in which section they need more time. One needs to categorise topics that require daily practice. In exams that have a general awareness section, one should include reading newspapers and magazines on a daily basis.
For the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, there is no need to prepare separately because this is the only section that is common in every management entrance exam. After doing such things, one will know how many hours are needed to study daily for preparation. Allot section-wise time accordingly and refer to the recommended books by experts.
As we mentioned above, there is a difference between the CAT and other MBA entrance exam patterns and syllabi. Candidates will have to divide their study hours accordingly for a few sections.
Studying from recommended study material will make your base and concepts clear, but if a candidate wants to analyse their weekly performance, then he or she must include taking mocks at the end of the week to analyse their strengths and weaknesses. In the meantime of CAT preparation, candidates can easily moderate their preparation strategy by taking mocks. Taking CAT mocks not only boosts a candidate's confidence level but can also improve their speed and accuracy. If a candidate takes command over mocks, then they will learn how to manage time.
While drawing the schedule for CAT preparation along with other entrance exams, candidates should set a daily routine that they can follow easily. Prepare a daily routine by considering a few factors, such as how much time you have left to prepare for CAT 2024 or for another entrance exam. How much sleep your body needs depends on what kind of diet one has to follow during the preparation period. Take a note and paste it on your wall. Take a look at the highlights of the daily study routine set up for CAT 2024.
Practice two Reading Comprehension (RC’s) daily
Practice two Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) questions daily
Practice Quantitative Ability to work daily for two hours
Read the Newspaper and Magazines daily
Revise all the formulas daily
Solving previous year's question papers is always a boon for any entrance exam. If a candidate includes CAT past year question papers in their preparation strategy, they will become familiar with the exam structure and marking scheme. Over the Internet, all the sample papers for every entrance exam are available free of charge.
Candidates should avail of this facility, download such sample papers as needed, and solve them on a daily basis. Solving the question papers for XAT, SNAP, MAT, etc. will enable the candidates to increase their grip over all kinds of questions. They will be able to answer the questions with ease if, on a regular basis, the candidates answer the past years' question papers of different exams.
Also Read - MBA Entrance Exams in India
Whether it's preparation for CAT, XAT, MAT, or CMAT, or any state or university-level management entrance exam, making a habit of reading is a must. Do not take it lightly. Many candidates think that reading is not mandatory, but it is. If you are one of them, then it is the right time to inculcate this habit. Reading habits will immensely help in the Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation section, but they are also helpful in the General Knowledge section.
To prepare for CAT 2024, start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Create a study plan that allocates time for each section: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Focus on strengthening your basics before moving to advanced topics. Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' papers to build your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance to identify weak areas and work on them. Time management and regular revision are crucial. Stay updated with any changes in the exam pattern and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey.
To prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude, start by thoroughly understanding the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Practice solving a wide range of problems to build your problem-solving skills and speed. Regularly take timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions and identify your weak areas. Focus on improving accuracy and time management by revisiting difficult topics and practising shortcuts and strategies. Consistent practice, reviewing mistakes, and staying updated with different types of questions will help you excel in this section.
Attempting mock tests is crucial for CAT preparation as it helps simulate the actual exam experience. Regularly taking CAT sample papers allows you to practice time management and develop strategies for tackling different sections under timed conditions. Analyzing your performance in these tests helps identify your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus on areas that need improvement. Mock tests also build your confidence and reduce exam anxiety, as you become more familiar with the types of questions and the pressure of the exam environment. Consistent practice with CAT mock tests ensures that you are well-prepared and ready to perform your best on the exam day.
Following the strategies shared by CAT 99 percentilers can significantly enhance your preparation. These top scorers often emphasize the importance of understanding the basics and building a strong foundation in all subjects. They recommend creating a structured study plan that balances time between learning new concepts and revising old ones. Regular practice through mock tests and sample papers is crucial, along with analyzing mistakes to avoid repeating them.
Enhancing your vocabulary for the CAT VARC section involves consistent practice and exposure to new words. Start by reading a variety of materials, such as newspapers, magazines, novels, and academic journals, to encounter different words in context. Make it a habit to note down unfamiliar words idioms and phrases and look up their meanings, and use them in sentences to reinforce your understanding. Utilize vocabulary-building apps and flashcards to regularly review and practice new words. Engaging in word games and puzzles can also make learning new vocabulary enjoyable.
Practising Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) for CAT requires a systematic approach. Start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of questions, such as charts, graphs, tables, puzzles, and logical sequences. Solve a variety of problems to build your understanding and develop strategies for different question types. Regular practice is essential, so incorporate DILR exercises into your daily study routine. Take timed practice tests to improve your speed and accuracy, simulating the actual exam conditions
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In CAT exam, questions are asked from Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability while in XAT questions are asked from Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation, Verbal and Logical Ability, Decision Making and General Knowledge.
All the three entrance tests, CAT, XAT and CMAT are conducted in an online mode.
There are four sections in CMAT namely- Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Language Comprehension
In the CAT exam, there will be 66 questions. CMAT will have a total of 100 questions.
Solving the previous years' question papers and sample papers will enable the candidates to increase their grip over all kinds of questions. They will be able to answer the questions with ease.
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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