The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam in India for admission into top-tier business school – the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. It is known for its challenging nature and assesses candidates on parameters like quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. CAT provides a pathway for management professionals to gain admission into top institutions and advance their careers in business management.
If you wish to pursue an MBA in India, you have to write the CAT exam. To effectively clear the CAT exam, focus on a structured study plan, regular practice, and strategic time management. This article entails the top five tricks to clear the Common Admission Test effectively.
Exam Pattern – The CAT exam consists of 03 sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
While VARC and QA are familiar regions, DILR is something completely out of the box and a challenge for almost anyone that gives the exam. The CAT is conducted in computer-based mode (CBT), where candidates have to answer questions using a computer interface.
Overall, the CAT is known to be an extremely difficult exam in the country, with the candidate requiring a supremely high level of preparation, knowledge, speed, accuracy and intelligence in order to crack it in the first attempt itself.
Top 05 Tricks to Clear CAT in First Attempt
1. Understand the Exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus: This includes the number of sections, time limits, and types of questions.
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Determine which sections and question types you excel at and which require more attention.
2. Create a Study Plan:
- Allocate time for each section: Based on your strengths and weaknesses, dedicate more time to areas that need improvement.
- Set realistic goals: Break down the syllabus into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Stick to your schedule: Consistency is key. Even short, regular study sessions are more effective than infrequent, long ones.
3. Improve Your Skills:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
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- Read extensively: Newspapers, magazines, and books will improve your vocabulary and comprehension solving skills.
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- Practice summarizing articles: This helps with understanding and retention of conceptual points.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
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- Solve diverse problems: Practice with various data sets, graphs, and logical puzzles.
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- Learn shortcuts and techniques: Improve your calculation speed and accuracy.
- Quantitative Ability (QA):
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- Focus on conceptual clarity: Understand the underlying principles rather than just memorizing formulas.
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- Practice regularly: Solve a variety of problems to build confidence and speed.
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- Learn shortcuts: Vedic math and other techniques can help with calculations.
4. Mock Tests and Analysis:
- Take mock tests regularly and in ample number: This helps you simulate exam conditions and assess your progress at regular intervals.
- Analyze your performance: Identify areas where you lose time, make mistakes, or struggle with specific question types.
- Refine your strategy: Adjust your approach based on your mock test analysis.
5. Exam Day Strategies:
- Time Management:
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- Allocate time for each section: Don’t get bogged down on difficult questions; move on and return later if time permits.
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- Prioritize accuracy: Avoid careless mistakes by carefully reading and understanding each question.
- Stay Calm and Focused:
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- Relaxation techniques: Practice mindfulness and deep breathing to manage anxiety.
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- Positive self-talk: Believe in your preparation and visualize success.
- Review and Revise:
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- Don’t introduce new topics: Focus on revising what you’ve already learned in the final days.
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- Utilize previous year’s papers: Familiarize yourself with the question patterns.
In order to clear CAT successfully, as an aspirant you must focus on staying consistent, diligent and meticulous with your preparation. It is certainly not an easy test to clear, by any means; and thus, requires immense confidence and hard work to sail through with ease. Cracking CAT without coaching is not a humongous task, as it demands consistency and effort. Clearing it on the first attempt requires not just hard work, but also smart strategies.
In case, you can manage to get correct guidance, and you can manage to structure your preparation, you can ace the CAT exam without external coaching. Following these top five tricks can be highly beneficial and make the path to succeed better. By understanding the exam details and fundamentals, and staying mentally strong, you can significantly boost your chances of securing a high percentile and earning a seat in your dream B-school.
