CAT stands for Common Admission Test, which is one of the tough tests in India, used for entering business school. One of the top-ranking business schools in India is IIMIndian Institute of Management where every student wants to take admission. Here we are going to discuss on prepration tips for cat exam.
Start early
it is important to start early for the CAT exam. The exam is a challenging one, and it takes time to learn the material and practice answering questions. Starting early will give you enough time to do both of these things.
Here are some of the benefits of starting early for the CAT exam:
- You will have more time to learn the material. The CAT exam covers a wide range of topics, so it takes time to learn everything you need to know. Starting early will give you more time to study and master the material.
- You will have more time to practice answering questions. The best way to prepare for the CAT exam is to practice answering questions. Starting early will give you more time to practice and get comfortable with the format of the exam.
- You will be less stressed. The CAT exam is a challenging exam, and it can be stressful. Starting early will give you more time to prepare and reduce your stress levels.
If you are serious about taking the CAT exam, I recommend starting your preparation early. It will give you the best chance of success.
Create a study plan
Once you have started preparing, it is important to create a study plan. This will help you stay organized and on track. Your study plan should include the topics you need to cover, the amount of time you will spend studying each day, and the resources you will use.
here are some tips on how to create a study plan for the CAT exam
- Start by setting realistic goals. How much time do you have to prepare? What is your target score? Once you know your goals, you can start to create a study plan that will help you achieve them.
- Break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make it seem less daunting and more achievable. For example, if your goal is to score 900 in the CAT, you could break this down into smaller goals, such as scoring 80% in each section.
- Create a schedule that works for you. How many hours can you realistically study each day? Be sure to factor in time for breaks and relaxation.
- Choose the right resources. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the CAT. Choose the ones that are right for you and that will help you learn the material in a way that makes sense to you.
- Be consistent. The key to success is to be consistent with your studies. Set aside time each day to study and stick to it as much as possible.
- Take practice tests. Taking practice tests is a great way to identify your weaknesses and improve your scores. Be sure to take practice tests under timed conditions so that you can get used to the format of the exam.
- Manage your time wisely. Time management is essential for the CAT exam. Be sure to practice answering questions within the time limit so that you can do your best on the actual exam.
- Stay positive and motivated. The CAT exam can be a challenging one, but it is important to stay positive and motivated. Remember why you are taking the exam and focus on your goals.
Here is a sample study plan for the CAT exam:
Week 1: Review the basics of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Week 2: Practice answering VARC questions under timed conditions.
Week 3: Review the basics of Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Week 4: Practice answering QA questions under timed conditions.
Week 5: Review the basics of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
Week 6: Practice answering DILR questions under timed conditions.
Week 7: Take a full-length practice test.
Week 8: Review your weak areas and continue practicing.
Week 9: Take another full-length practice test.
Week 10: Relax and stay positive
Set realistic goals
It is important to set realistic goals for yourself when preparing for the CAT exam. This will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Here are some tips on how to set realistic goals for the CAT exam
- Start by assessing your strengths and weaknesses. What are your strengths in terms of Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning? What are your weaknesses? Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can start to set realistic goals.
- Consider your time and resources. How much time do you have to prepare for the CAT? How much money do you have to spend on resources? Be sure to factor these factors into your goals.
- Set incremental goals. Don’t try to achieve too much too soon. Set small, incremental goals that you can achieve one step at a time. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adjust your goals as needed. If you find that you are not making progress, don’t be afraid to change your goals.
Here are some examples of realistic goals for the CAT exam:
Score 750 in the CAT. This is a good goal for someone who has a strong foundation in all three sections of the exam.
Improve your score by 100 points. This is a good goal for someone who is already scoring well on the CAT but wants to improve their score.
Pass the CAT. This is a good goal for someone who is not sure how they will do on the exam.
Take mock exams
Taking mock exams is a great way to test your knowledge and identify your weaknesses. This will help you focus your studies on the areas where you need the most improvement.
Mock tests can help you in the following ways:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Mock tests can help you identify the areas where you are strong and the areas where you need to improve. This will help you focus your studies on the areas where you need the most help.
- Practice answering questions under timed conditions. The CAT exam is a timed exam, so it is important to practice answering questions under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pressure of the exam and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Get used to the format of the exam. The CAT exam has a specific format, so it is important to get used to it. Mock tests can help you get used to the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked.
- Build your confidence. Taking mock tests can help you build your confidence and prepare you for the actual exam. When you take a mock test and do well, it can give you a boost of confidence that will help you on the day of the exam.
Here are some tips for taking mock tests for the CAT exam:
- Take the mock test under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the pressure of the exam and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Answer all of the questions. Even if you are not sure how to answer a question, try to answer it anyway. This will help you practice your guessing skills.
- Review your answers after the test. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where you need to improve.
- Take multiple mock tests. The more mock tests you take, the better prepared you will be for the actual exam.
Manage your time effectively
Time management is essential for the CAT exam. The exam is 3 hours long, and you will need to answer 66 questions in that time. It is important to learn how to manage your time so that you can answer all of the questions in the allotted time.
Stay calm and focused
The CAT exam can be a stressful experience, but it is important to stay calm and focused. If you start to feel stressed, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you are prepared.
Get enough sleep
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. These substances can interfere with sleep.
- Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. These conditions are ideal for sleep.
- If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel tired. Don’t lie in bed awake, as this will only make it harder to fall asleep.
Eat a healthy breakfast
Eating a healthy breakfast will give you the energy you need to focus and perform your best on the day of the exam.
Here are some of the benefits of eating a healthy diet for the CAT exam:
- Improved concentration and focus: Eating a healthy diet can help improve your concentration and focus by providing your brain with the nutrients it needs.
- Increased energy levels: Eating a healthy diet can help increase your energy levels, which can help you stay focused and alert during the exam.
- Better mood: Eating a healthy diet can help improve your mood, which can help you stay calm and relaxed during the exam.
- Stronger immune system: Eating a healthy diet can help strengthen your immune system, which can help you fight off illness and stay healthy during the exam prep period and the exam day.
- Healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help improve your overall health and well-being, which can help you feel better and perform your best on the exam.
CAT Exam preparation tips FAQs
It depends on your individual circumstances and goals. However, most experts recommend starting your preparation at least 3-6 months before the exam.
The most important topics for the CAT exam are:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your ability to read and understand complex text, as well as your vocabulary and grammar skills.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section tests your ability to solve math problems, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your ability to interpret data, solve logical problems, and think critically.
There are many different resources available for preparing for the CAT exam. Some of the most popular resources include:
Official CAT past papers: These are the best way to get a feel for the format and difficulty level of the exam.
Practice tests: There are many different practice tests available, both online and in books. These can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your score.
Coaching institutes: There are many coaching institutes that offer CAT preparation courses. These courses can be helpful if you need extra help or guidance.
