Ben Madilynn
With over 3 lakh candidates applying for the CAT 2024, the exam continues to be one of the most challenging paths to getting into top-tier management institutes in India. As there is a constant increase in competition every year, students aiming for these prestigious programmes are facing increasingly rigorous challenges. This exam is not just limited to test candidates’ academic knowledge, but it also examines their analytical and logical skills.
This year, the exam is anticipated to be held on November 24, 2024, so it’s important to make the most of the available time. Therefore, having a structured preparation strategy is crucial to ace the exam.
Here are five essential tips from Anil Somani, Chairman of FOSTIIMA Business School-Delhi, to help you excel in the CAT 2024 and secure a top percentile.
1. Understand the Exam Patterns and Syllabus Thoroughly
Before starting the preparation, the first and foremost thing is to thoroughly review the syllabus and exam patterns. The CAT exam consists of three sections i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude QA. This exam follows a sectional time limit, giving candidates 40 minutes to complete each section.
Start by understanding the syllabus thoroughly and categorising topics into your areas of strength and weakness. This approach allows you to focus on maximising your scores in your strongest subject while improving areas that require more effort. Additionally, it is essential to familiarise yourself with how the questions are structured, including the weightage of each section.
2. Practice Mock Tests Regularly:
One of the best ways to prepare for the CAT is to take regular mock tests. They simulate the real exam environment and allow you to analyse your performance under a specific time limit. Mock tests will not only improve your speed and accuracy but also help you develop effective strategies for different sections. After each test, thoroughly analyse your performance, and identify the areas where you made mistakes, the questions that took too much time, and the sections where you struggled.
Focus on improving those weak points while reinforcing your strengths. Over time, this practice will help you develop strategies to tackle different sections, improve your time management skills, and build confidence. Also, try to take at least one full-length mock test every week and increase the frequency as you come closer to the exam date.
3. Develop Section-Wise Strategy:
Each section of the CAT exam has its own challenges and requires a different approach. For VARC, focus on improving your reading speed and comprehension. Reading diverse materials, such as newspapers, novels, and journals, will expose you to a variety of topics and improve your ability to tackle complex passages. For DILR, practice solving puzzles and data interpretation sets regularly. Since this section is all about logic and analysis, honing these skills through regular practice is crucial.
For QA, focus on basic concepts like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Mastering shortcuts for calculations can help you save valuable time during the exam. Among the three sections, identify your strong and weak sections and dedicate time accordingly.
4. Create an Effective Time Management Strategy:
Since the CAT is a time-bound test, you need to score a minimum cut off marks for each section. Thus, time management becomes necessary. You need to develop the ability to quickly assess the difficulty level of a question and decide whether it’s worth attempting immediately or skipping it for later.
Many students fall into the trap of spending too much time on a single question, which can cost them valuable marks on easier questions that they may not get to. While speed is important, it is equally important to focus on accuracy too, as answering questions incorrectly can lead to negative markings, which can significantly lower scores.
5. Focus on Maintaining a Balanced Routine:
Maintaining a balanced routine is important during CAT preparation to avoid burnout and ensure consistent performance. The long hours routine of studying can lead to mental exhaustion if not managed properly, which can negatively impact one’s exam readiness. So to maintain the balance, it is always important to incorporate regular breaks into your study schedule.
Studying for 2–3 hours at a stretch and then taking short breaks can refresh your mind and prevent fatigue. During these breaks, engage yourself in activities like walking, meditation, or yoga which can help to clear your thoughts and rejuvenate your focus.
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By focusing on these key areas and applying the tips provided, one can enhance the chances of achieving a top percentile and securing a place in a prestigious management institute.
