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One Year Study Plan for CAT 2024 - The Common Admission Test (CAT 2024) is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India as it is the gateway to top MBA colleges in the country. To crack the IIM entrance exam with a good score, aspirants are advised to start preparing for the CAT in advance. Toppers and experts suggest starting the preparation at least one year in advance so candidates can have enough time to cover all the important topics for CAT 2024 and revise them. Careers360 brings you expert advice on what should be your one-year study plan for CAT 2024 and how to prepare for the CAT exam in one year.
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Free Study Material: VARC | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
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Test: 20 Free Mock Test | 10 Year PYQs
Before the candidates design their one year study plan for CAT 2024, they must be aware of the differences between CAT score and percentile. Having a good understanding of the CAT exam basics can strengthen the candidate’s CAT study plan for 1 year.
The CAT score is the total marks obtained by a candidate in the exam,. It is calculated based on the number of correct answers, wrong answers, and the difficulty level of the questions. Each section of the CAT has a specific weightage, and the score reflects how well a candidate performed relative to the total possible score.
The CAT percentile indicates the relative performance of a candidate compared to others who took the same exam. It represents the percentage of candidates who scored lower than a particular score. For instance, if a candidate achieves a percentile of 90, it means they scored better than 90% of the test-takers. Percentiles are crucial for admission processes, as they help business schools rank candidates without revealing exact scores. Understanding the CAT percentile can enhance the candidate’s roadmap for CAT preparation.
A CAT percentile vs CAT score analysis is given below. The candidates can refer to this analysis throughout their CAT study plan or one year study plan for CAT 2024.
Percentile | Score VARC | Score DILR | Score QA | Overall Score |
99.5 | 42 | 30 | 30 | 86 |
99 | 36 | 25 | 25 | 74 |
95 | 30 | 20 | 22 | 52 |
90 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 42 |
80 | 20 | 11 | 9 | 35 |
70 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 30 |
Understanding the CAT exam 2024 pattern is one of the first major aspects of the CAT preparation roadmap of a candidate. Before any CAT aspirant devises their CAT study plan, they must fully understand the CAT exam pattern.
Particulars | CAT Pattern 2024 and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
Name of the Section |
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Section-wise CAT exam duration |
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CAT slot timings |
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How many questions in CAT exam | 66 Questions |
CAT total marks | 198 marks |
Mode of the CAT 2024 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
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Actually, there are more than 1200 leading B-schools that accept the CAT exam for admission. Around 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam every year, which makes the IIM entrance exam more competitive. A one-year study plan for CAT 2024 is the best way to crack this MBA entrance exam with a significantly high score. To start the preparation, candidates first need to decide which study plan they want to proceed ahead with. Candidates have two choices before they start their preparation, which are given below:
CAT 2024 with the assistance of coaching institutes
Let us look at each of the two plans in detail below and check is one year enough for CAT 2024 preparation.
A one-year study plan for the CAT exam involves breaking down your preparation into manageable stages. Start with understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, then focus on building a strong foundation in each subject. Gradually move on to advanced topics and practice regularly with mock tests. As the exam approaches, shift your focus to revision and improving test-taking strategies. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of all topics and ample time for practice and review.
Month | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Month 1 | Basic Numbers, Classification, conversions (Decimal to Fraction), Base conversion, Unit DigitLast Two Digit of a number | Bar Graph, Pie Chart | Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs |
Month 2 | Line Graph, Tables, Spider | Conjunctions, Articles, Prepositions, Reading | |
Month 3 | Percentage Profit and Loss Simple Interest Compound Interest | Caselett, Data Interpretation, Blood Relation | Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Correction |
Month 4 | ,Loans and Installment ,Linear Equations in Two Variables ,Quadratic Equations , Types of Polynomials | RC and PYQs, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech | |
Month 5 | ,Inequality Functions and Graph, Maxima and Minima, Logarithm and Modulus | Distribution, Selection, Miscellaneous, Decision Making | Verbal Analogies, Participles, Parallelism |
Month 6 | Average , Problems involving Ages, Mixture and Alligation Ratio and Proportion | Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning Venn Diagram Syllogism , Data Sufficiency in LR | One-word Substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms |
Month 7 | Ratios in partnership ,Time and Work Time, Speed and Distance | Seating Arrangement Binary Logic | Parajumbles and PYQs, Idioms and Phrases and PYQs |
Month 8 | ,Trains and Stream Linear Races and Circular Races , TSD in Elevator | Mathematical Grid, Miscellaneous (Part 1) | Critical Reasoning |
Month 9 | Revision of all topics covered so far, focus on weak areas | Revision of all topics covered so far, focus on weak areas | Revision of all topics covered so far, focus on weak areas |
Month 10 | Advanced problems, Mock Tests | Advanced problems, Mock Tests | Advanced problems, Mock Tests |
Month 11 | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes |
Month 12 | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas |
Some of the experts of CAT and past year toppers agree that mentoring or joining coaching for CAT may really help to some extent. But merely joining coaching does not guarantee you acing the entrance exam and scoring high marks. Pulkit Daga, a CAT topper, said that joining a coaching class for CAT is not obligatory, through which a candidate can think of getting into top B-schools. Walking on the footprints of Suvam Debnath who self-prepared for CAT without being part of any coaching institute, he took the assistance of the internet. So CAT preparation without coaching is absolutely possible.
Some experts admit the fact that roughly 500 hours of serious preparation for CAT 2024 will be sufficient to reach the peak potential to crack the exam and get admission to the best B-Schools in India. If candidates are planning to go for self-study and without any coaching for CAT 2024, then candidates can follow the below-mentioned CAT 1 year study plan.
S. No. | Methods |
1. | Division of Syllabus |
2. | Monthly Planning |
3. | Create study groups |
4. | Get the right study material |
As per the exam CAT 2024 exam pattern, the paper will be divided into three sections - verbal ability & reading comprehension, quantitative ability and logical reasoning and data interpretation. Upon deciding to take the CAT exam, candidates need to follow the CAT 2024 syllabus to draw up a preparation plan. Remember that the CAT 2024 preparation time is now. Follow the below-mentioned strategy to start preparation based on sections.
For Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation:
Keeping in view the past records, this section of LR & DI is considered to be a difficult nut to crack and hence requires a tough grind to be done from the side of candidates
For this, it is advisable to thoroughly go through the previous year's CAT question papers
For Quantitative Ability:
Basic level mathematics preparation is a must to score in this section of QA
Major topics of the QA section include questions from seating arrangements, number system, profit and loss, geometry, blood relations etc.,
Practising mock tests for the section will be more beneficial
At the time of solving QA questions, candidates avoid using calculators
According to the CAT topper Alamuri Kumar, candidates can develop vocabulary skills through regular reading habits and explore different topics of CAT with major details.
Go through journals, blog posts, articles, podcasts etc., to improve this section
Practice topics like inferences, comprehensions and para jumbles
Candidates must divide their preparation strategy to answer when exactly they should start to prepare for CAT 2024. Most candidates get confused and end up wasting a lot of their precious time. To begin with, candidates can start their preparation with 9 months, 6 months and 3 months of planning. When and how to start CAT preparation can be divided by candidates as follows:
Division on Month-wise Basis:
Monthly Division | The focus of the CAT 2024 Preparation Strategy |
9 Months (March-May) |
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6 Months (June-August) |
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3 Month (September-November) |
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Taking help from alike minds will accelerate one’s performance for sure. Hence, try to search for other candidates who are planning to appear for CAT 2024. A good company helps a lot and can ensure better consequences. Therefore, it is advisable for candidates to search out people who are planning for B-School for the upcoming academic year. Study group participants can help and motivate others to create a lively and competitive-free environment.
According to CAT topper Shreemant Singi, it is better to form a focused friend’s circle with the same objective can help in clearing doubts and formulating a better strategy. Apart from the helping hand, friends who know the importance of CAT can help one to start studying post a decent amount of recreational time.
CAT is about attempting questions with accuracy rather than solving more questions. Do not forget that negative marking will be applicable in CAT 2024 just like the previous years. To score well in all sections will be possible only when candidates know where to prepare. Candidates must try to figure out and look for the best books for CAT preparation.
If you look out for CAT books, the market will provide you with big stacks of books. But what will you do if those books don’t serve the purpose? Before buying books, it is advisable to go through the syllabus carefully. Check whether the book you are planning to buy contains all topics or most of them or not. Buy those books that provide quality content.
How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT - Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - K. Sinha Nishit
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT - Ajay Singh
Nishakar Kumar, topper in CAT 2023 who hit a straight 99.83 percentile told Careers360 that he took coaching and received feedback from the professional with regard to the preparation strategy. “A good coaching institute will prove beneficial along with regular CAT mock tests,” says Rahul. Whereas CAT 2023 topper Rounak Tikmani says, “Coaching institutes provide guidance and content and make the preparation path easy, however, it is not always necessary to join one.
Below are the benefits associated with CAT coaching, if you are planning to join a coaching institute for CAT 2024 -
Competitive environment to stay focused
Sufficient study material
Mock Test series
Shortcut methods of solving difficult questions
According to Soham Katkar, Topper of CAT, clearing CAT requires both i.e. self-study can make a difference, whereas coaching institutes provide the right base, quick concept clarity, as well as straightforward guidance.
CAT preparation can take more than a year, for a CAT aspirant with an average past academic record, 6-8 months for a student with a better-than-expected past academic record and 3-4 months for an aspirant with an amazing past academic record.
Focus on understanding the basic concepts of Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern and start solving practice questions to build your problem-solving skills.
Hard work is possible. Try searching for some good coaching institutes around you. CAT exam has 3 sections verbal, DILR and quants quants is the section where students face difficulties so keep practicing and get your doubts cleared by teachers.
Yes, one year is generally enough for CAT preparation if you plan your study time well and stay consistent. It allows you to cover the syllabus, practice extensively, and address any weaknesses before the exam.
A CAT student should aim to study for around 3 to 5 hours daily. The key is consistency and quality of study rather than just the number of hours. Regular practice and review are crucial for good preparation.
That you have signed up for the CAT is fantastic! Although it may seem a little late to begin preparing now, it is still possible to do well on the test if you put in deliberate and purposeful work. Here's how to make the most of the time you spend preparing:
Recognise the structure of the CAT: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) are the three portions of the exa m.
Establish a Study Plan: Considering your limited time, make a regular and reasonable study plan. To improve your score, give less known topics priority, but be sure to practise the simpler ones as well.
Mock Exams: Consistently take mock exams. They will assist you in determining your strong and weak points and acclimating to the format of the exam. In order to improve time management, try to replicate actual exam situations.
Concentrate on Core Concepts: Review your foundational knowledge of arithmetic and logical thinking, as these will be tested heavily. Start reading articles and exercising comprehension on a regular basis for VARC.
Resources: To obtain organised help, make use of internet resources and CAT prep books.
I understand your situation, Aishwarya. Preparing for the CAT while balancing your final year of engineering can be challenging, especially without coaching. However, with dedication and the right approach, it's definitely possible to crack the exam.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses:
2. Build a Strong Foundation:
3. Effective VARC Preparation:
4. Online Resources:
5. Create a Study Plan:
6. Stay Motivated:
While coaching can be helpful, it's not essential. With dedication, perseverance, and effective study strategies, you can definitely crack the CAT and achieve your goal of getting into IIMB.
Remember, starting now is a great decision. The earlier you begin, the more time you'll have to improve your skills and build confidence. Good luck!
For more information about CAT exam you can go through the link attached below.
https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
It just indicates that you have a provisional allocation and that registration for the general category is now open without reservation.If you meet the prerequisites to be enrolled in that specific course at your college, you can be admitted to the designated college.
Hello,
No, you cannot select the NC-OBC (Non-Creamy Layer Other Backward Classes) section in the CAT registration form if you belong to the RBA (Reserved Backward Area) category, even if your family income is less than Rs. 8 lakhs.
The NC-OBC category in the CAT registration form is specifically for candidates who belong to the Non-Creamy Layer of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) as per the central government’s list of OBCs. The RBA category is a separate category applicable mainly in states like Jammu & Kashmir, and it does not fall under the central OBC category.
If you belong to the RBA category, you should select the appropriate category you qualify for in the CAT registration form (General, SC, ST, EWS, or any other applicable category based on state or central government recognition).
Hope it helps !
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