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It is just we are one month away from the most renowned CAT Exam 2024. Achieving an IIM degree requires dedication and hard work. In actual time, the competition for the CAT is becoming tougher each year due to the growing number of students and the increasing difficulty level of the exam. The whole exam is based on a student's performance in Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). CAT looks for candidates who are good with people and good with numbers as well. The preparation should be logical and analyzed at every step. Staying one month away from the exam means that one candidate needs to plan very strategically. This article on CAT exam will guide you through a four-week preparation schedule that can help you maximize your score.
Free Study Material: VARC | DILR | Quant | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
CAT 2024: CAT'23 Official Question with Solutions (Slot 1, 2, 3)
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Time Management- short but sufficient enough to use
Try to divide your day very effectively, as the majority of students preparing for the CAT exam usually seek a specific number or statistic to understand the level of effort required. However, it's not just about the number of hours spent on preparation but about the quality of learning derived from the process. Throughout your preparation, it's crucial to continually assess your learning and ensure that you're reaching your learning goals. Setting clear goals with deadlines is very important, as it helps you stay focused and motivated. When goals are set with timelines, it becomes easier to track progress and make necessary revisions. It is important to set realistic goals and have a schedule that includes short breaks. Time management in CAT is an essential part of CAT's success. The candidates should also be aware of the CAT sectional time management skills.
Focus on Strengths and Weaknesses: It is a game of rules with both strength and weak areas.
Clarity should be there with weak areas and strong areas where you excel and those that require more attention. Now with the details of this assessment, create a CAT study plan that allocates more time to weaker subjects while ensuring adequate coverage of all topics. The target should be to make strong areas stronger and weak areas at least manageable within this short frame of time.
Mock Tests and Analysis: Testing every little area is a very important gateway
The next essential step is to establish a habit of self-assessment, as it illuminates areas for improvement. This enables you to tailor your preparation efforts to capitalize on your strengths and address your weaknesses, ultimately leading to success in the CAT examination. The objective is to further strengthen strong areas and fortify weak areas to confidently navigate the exam. Regularly participate in mock tests and practice quizzes to evaluate your level of preparation and enhance your speed and accuracy in answering questions. Many online platforms provide tailored mock tests for the CAT exam, allowing you to simulate exam conditions and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Stay Calm: Focus and excel are the keys to success.
Believe in your skills and sail the journey with motivation and courage. Along with that, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle during your preparation phase. Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity to keep your mind and body in optimal condition.
The target of the CAT exam is to test the student's communication, logical, reasoning, and comprehension skills, as well as their ability to work with numbers. The CAT exam consists of three major sections, and the test is conducted online. There is negative marking and the questions are a combination of both MCQs and Tita-based questions. The challenge is more as sectional cut-offs have to be cleared.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Focuses on reading comprehension, para jumbling, and critical reasoning. Total 24 questions.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Measures your ability to interpret data sets and solve .Critical Reasoning : Statments conclusions arguments actions and inferences Total 20 questions.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section evaluates your mathematical skills, covering topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Total 22 questions.
CAT Exam always believes in Surprises, so while the fundamental sections remain the same, slight changes in the number of questions or the time allotted per section may vary each year. For 2024, keep an eye on any official updates from the CAT website and adjust your CAT strategy accordingly. For last year, 2023, there were some changes in some questions, and that too in specific slots, and some new areas were introduced, especially in VARC. So, a candidate has to be mentally prepared for all these sudden changes and needs to be agile with flexible skill sets.
In this last month of the CAT preparation, it's time to review. Review your list of strengths and weaknesses, and make sure there are no major topics in your weaker areas list. If you are still making mistakes in certain areas, go back and re-watch the lessons. If there are topics where you feel you don't have enough time to start from scratch, it's okay to leave them and not spend time on them for the CAT exam. Also, this month, revise all topics by practicing with questions and tests again, but try to solve them in less time this time around.
Build bullseye on the revision of Core Concepts
Make a strategy and fixed timing to revisit the fundamental and basic areas and concepts from each of the 3 sections.
Review Quantitative Aptitude Basics
This is the right time to revisit key mathematical concepts, particularly topics like percentages, averages, time and work, and profit and loss. Start with simple questions and gradually work your way up to more complex problems.
Strengthen Verbal Ability Skills
The set target should be solving 2 to 3 passages on a daily basis on reading comprehension. Reading 30 pages a day should be included, and that should be done from a variety of resources. Read Sunday newspaper very diligently. Along with that, practice summarizing passages and hone your vocabulary skills using quizzes, flashcards, or apps.
Practice Data Interpretation
At this stage in DILR, solving two sets on a daily basis should be the set target. Clarity should be present when interpreting graphs, tables, and pie charts. Practice problems that involve calculation-heavy data sets and look for patterns in the data that can help you solve them faster.
Time to be logical with exam strategies and elimination and shortcut processes.
Focus should be on developing Time Management Skills
Mastering time management is the set target. Work on dividing your time between sections. For example, for solving one RC passage the set target should be 8 to 10 mins with accuracy.
Gain confidence in Question Types in Each Section.
Be flexible in understanding the different types of questions in each section. For QA, practice solving word problems, geometry, and algebra. For VARC, focus on reading comprehension and para-jumbles. DILR requires solving both simple and complex data sets.
Now, this time, it is very important to have an actual exam vibe, so the focus should shift from learning to practicing under exam-like conditions.
Every day Todo list to be followed
It is very important to solve questions from all three areas by giving equal importance on a daily basis. At least 1 to 2 RCS and non-Rc questions. Along with five quant questions and 5 Lr questions as well as two sets of Di are must.
Analyse Test Performance and Identify Weak Areas
Keeping a good track of progress is very important. Every segment should be of equal importance. Understanding and honing last-moment upskilling will be a big help. Every day, weak areas should be visited by clearly understanding their importance and with specific targets. It's all about revising, repeating, and reading.
In the final, the countdown to the CAT exam begins, it's crucial to devise a comprehensive strategy for preparation. In addition to CAT preparation books, it's essential to incorporate valuable resources such as newspapers, blogs, and articles for a well-rounded approach. Reading materials like The Hindu and Economic Times can improve reading comprehension and keep you updated with current affairs. Moreover, following reputable online resources like Pagalguy, Word Pandit, Time4Education, Career Launcher, Hitbullseye, Cracku, Unacademy, Careers 360, and Byju’s can provide access to mock tests and valuable preparation tips.
Revise Key Concepts and Formulas
Imbue the final hours of preparation with a fervent revision of pivotal formulas and concepts.
For example-
In Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Review essential mathematical formulas, practice problem-solving techniques, and reinforce your grasp on data interpretation methodologies. Engage in solving a variety of logical reasoning puzzles, revisit fundamental principles, and familiarize yourself with different types of logical arguments and structures.
In Language Comprehension: Enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills by practising with diverse passages from newspapers, magazines, and literary works. Focus on expanding your vocabulary and improving your understanding of grammar and syntax.
Work on Previous Years’ Paper
It's important to review CAT previous year's papers as they provide insight into the paper's algorithm. Taking mock tests is a crucial strategy for success. It's essential to analyze mock tests in a timely manner and focus on specific areas. Analyzing each section provides clarity on overall progress. In addition, solving both practice and previous year papers is important for effective planning.
Implement Stress Management Techniques
A balanced study routine is crucial for effective preparation, so try to ensure you get sufficient sleep, eat healthily, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Exercise and relaxation techniques can also help manage stress and keep you focused. Try to plan your days left for CAT preparation a daily target for concept, revision, and practice, too.
Section 1 - Data Reasoning Skills
Strategies for Improving Analytical Reasoning Skills
In mastering Analytical Ability, aspirants should immerse themselves in Logical Reasoning and data interpretation.
Regular practice sessions help develop an intuitive understanding of logical frameworks and sharpen analytical skills.
Cultivating strong problem-solving abilities is essential for preparation.
Solving more puzzles can be a big help.
Work on fundamentals as much as possible to get hold of the topic.
Practice some common topics like Game theory as they are part of every year's cat paper.
Section 2 - Verbal Ability Skills
Strategies for Improving Analytical Reasoning Skills
Reading Comprehension: Enhance your skills by practicing with a variety of passages and answering related questions.
Vocabulary: Strengthen your vocabulary through regular reading and the use of flashcards.
Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve reading speed and comprehension.
Participate in discussions and debates to enhance verbal expression.
Use apps and online resources to practice vocabulary exercises.
Section 3 - Quantitative Skills
Strategies for Improving Analytical Reasoning Skills
Arithmetic: Focus on percentages, ratios, averages, and basic arithmetic operations.
Algebra: Practice solving linear and quadratic equations.
Geometry: Study the properties of different shapes and solve related problems.
Graphs: Learn to interpret and analyze data from various graphs.
Practice mental math to improve calculation speed.
Break down complex problems into simpler steps.
Regularly solve practice tests to build familiarity with different types of questions.
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Visit your own calendar on a daily basis and be consistent schedule-wise as well as practice-wise.
The holistic approach is very important, so time has to be given area-wise, sectional-wise, as well as overall analysis-wise.
The focus should be to hone your strength areas and your eyes should be on Weak Areas, so practice and practice more.
Daily reading will help to develop lots of skill sets including concentration power so be an active reader to be ready with an updated stock of vocabulary and recent new interesting topics from wide areas.
A calm and composed attitude is a must, so staying Positive and believing in one’s skills are important, so try to maintain a positive attitude and manage stress effectively.
Do’s
Focus on building a strategy.
Take regular mock tests.
Prioritize weak areas, but don’t ignore strengths.
Don’ts
Don’t cram; build a steady understanding of concepts.
Avoid comparing your preparation with others.
Don’t stress over things beyond your control.CAT formula sheet
The CAT exam consists of 3 sections and each section typically carries equal weightage.
Try to practice regularly, focus on mastering fundamental concepts, and develop time-saving techniques such as mental math and shortcut methods.
Enhance your logical thinking skills by practicing puzzles, syllogisms, and critical reasoning questions. Also, diagrammatic representations can be used to visualize and solve complex logical problems.
Definitely try to Improve reading comprehension by practicing regularly and increasing reading speed. Like a bird's eye focus on vocabulary building through exercises, flashcards, and contextual learning.
Read on a daily basis from a variety of resources and wide areas, too. Expose yourself to solving at least 3 to 5 RCS per week in this last moment.
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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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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