Everyone is familiar with the Common Admission Test (CAT), as it is one of the most renowned entrance tests for MBA aspirants. CAT is the door to the best business schools in India, and it is a little challenging to crack compared to other MBA entrance exams.
CAT analyzes candidates’ verbal, analytical and logical abilities, helping them get admitted to India’s top business colleges. This article comprises all the strategies to help MBA aspirants crack CAT 2024.
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern And Important Dates
CAT 2024 will be conducted online mode. Their exam will be divided into three sections, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Ability.
CAT 2024 exam pattern is as follows:
- Test duration: 2 hours (120 minutes.)
- Number of questions: 66
- Type of questions: MCQ and subjective
- Each section duration: 40 minutes
- Marking scheme: +3 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer
Tentative dates of CAT 2024 are given below:
- The registration process for CAT 2024 will begin in August and will likely end on September 23.
- The admit cards will be issued in the last week of October 23.
- CAT 2024 exam date has yet to be confirmed; however, the tentative monthly is likely November 23.
- CAT 2024 result date still needs to be confirmed.
Importance of Coaching in CAT 2024 Preparations
CAT is one of the most challenging entrance tests for MBA aspirants. The preparation is a long journey and requires at least one year in advance.
Below are some points that will help you understand the importance of coaching in CAT preparation:
- With coaching comes experts and mentors. These mentors and experts help tackle tricky and complex questions.
- The coaching centers provide the study material for CAT and other books, so students can find the best books without grinding themselves searching for the best books.
- The coaching institutes help you fix a timetable or a daily studying routine.
- You always have a mentor by your side in times of doubt.
How To Win The CAT 2024 Race Through Self-Study?
First, you must know that it is possible to win the CAT 2024 race with self-study. Self-study is the way out if you are an office-going person or need more time to invest 4-5 hours in coaching institutes.
CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted every year by one of the IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management) on a rotational basis. The exam is conducted to evaluate a candidate’s quantitative, verbal, and logical reasoning skills to assess their eligibility for admission to management programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India.
If you are considering appearing for CAT 2024 through self-study, the following points will help you in the process:
- YouTube is heaven in your MBA entrance preparation. Always remember, you will get in on YouTube no matter what information you are searching for.
- Try Quora, Facebook, Telegram, and Google to resolve all your doubts.
- Try CAT mock tests or previous year’s question papers online.
- Purchase the best-recommended books for a verbal, analytical and quantitative study.
- Make a six months CAT preparation plan and follow it strictly.
The Strategic Plan To Crack the CAT Exam
- Prepare in sections: Learn to start preparing in sections and give appropriate time to each subject. If you are studying English comprehension for two hours, give at least 4 hours to the analytical part.
- Keep your basic concepts clear : With the correct fundamentals, you can go through a detailed study. That is why always keep your basics clear to hold a firm grip on each section.
- Focus on your weak spots: Everyone knows the quantitative section consumes more time than grammar or English comprehension. If your weak spot is analytical, focus more on that. On the contrary, if you are a math wizard and lack some vocabulary, give more time to reading and grammar .
- Practice Mock Tests :Mock tests or previous year question sets help build a strong foundation. Try solving by appearing in as many mock tests as possible to crack the entire question paper in minimum time.
- Know when to leave :Most students make the mistake of spending their maximum time on difficult questions. Remember, there is no negative marking on unattempted questions in CAT 2024. So, if any question is out of your league, leave that one and move to the next question.
Time-Needed To Cover CAT Admission Test Syllabus
Let us see what the CAT 2024 syllabus comprises:
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Venn Diagrams, Number Systems, Percentages, Approximation and Conversion techniques
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Grammar, Parts of Speech, Examples of Articles, Tenses, etc.
- Quantitative Ability: Mean-mode-median, Binomial, Probability, etc.
Even though the DILR section seems entirely analytical, there are no mathematical questions or formulas. This part solely tests your reasoning and analytical ability, so you need to practice your abilities in online sets.
The Quantitative section in the syllabus requires the most time, so try giving your maximum time to solve complicated mathematical questions.
If you’re looking to pursue an MBA degree, GHRU (G H Raisoni University) is an excellent choice. The university’s MBA program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the competitive business world.
Are Two Months Enough For CAT 2024 Preparation? Look What Experts Have To Say!
In times of need, even two months are enough for CAT 2024 preparation, especially when you are a repeater. Even if you are appearing for the CAT for the first time, you can still clear the syllabus. CAT is not a knowledge-based entrance test; you only need enhanced analytical skills.
Experts recommend investing your time in mock tests and staying updated with the ongoing trends. With the help of practice and a trusted meteor, you can always hope for the best results in CAT 2024.