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Cracking CAT in 6 Months – it’s a marathon Not a Sprint
June 04 2024

Last year 2.88 lakhs appeared for the India’s Biggest MBA exam, also touted as one of the most difficult exam in the world for getting admission into 21 IIM s and Tier 1 B schools like FMS, SPJIMR, MDI Gurgaon. The clock is ticking, and with 180 days until the big exam, the pressure might be starting to build. But fear not, future IIM graduates, we had a one-on-one conversation with CEO CATKing Educare. 

Start Your IIM Journey with CAT Online Courses

Would IIM Calcutta be the CAT conducting Authority?

It’s not sure but looking at the past trends, every year one of the old IIMS takes charge of conducting CAT, looking at the past trends this time it’s highly likely that IIM Calcutta would hold the torch. 

Year

Governing Body

2007

IIM Bangalore

2009

IIM Ahmedabad

2010

IIM Lucknow

2011

IIM Calcutta

2012

IIM Kozhikode

2013

IIM Indore

2014

IIM Indore

2015

IIM Ahmedabad

2016

IIM Bangalore

2017

IIM Lucknow

2018

IIM Calcutta

2019

IIM Kozhikode

2020

IIM Indore

2021

IIM Ahmedabad

2022

IIM Bangalore

2023

IIM Lucknow 

Also Read: CAT Exam Pattern

 

Secret 1: Is CAT a difficult exam? 

Yes and NO. The CAT is a standard exam, meaning it follows a consistent format. In the past 10 years if you can get 50 % marks you would be among the top 1 Percentile students. Post Covid trend has changed, last year 81 marks / 198 Total Marks was a surely a 99 %le plus and safe to get a prestigious IIM call from Old IIMs. 

There are 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, divided across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Each section gets 40 minutes, and a targeted approach is key. Consistency is crucial - aim for at least two hours of daily study, dedicating 40 minutes to each section. Remember, scoring just 10 questions correctly in each section can propel you towards a coveted 99+%lie.

 

Section

Number of Questions

Time Allotted

VARC

24 Questions

40 mins

DILR

20 Questions

40 mins

QA

22 Questions

40 mins

Tips to crack Quant for Cat

Secret 2: Take one section to the moon!! 

"Everyone feels the fear," goes the saying, and that's certainly true with the CAT. But don't let anxiety derail your dreams. CAT has three sections, always aim to take one section, and prepare well for that. Example of a student who has got a VARC: 99. 66 %ile, QA: 88 % ile, DILR: 99.5 %ile has fetched an IIM Lucknow interview call and later on a convert. He emphasized the importance of identifying your strengths and weaknesses while focusing on your strengths and tailoring strategies that could take your strengths to the moon.

 

Secret 3: Does CAT Repeat itself? 

This age-old adage holds immense value in CAT prep. Before diving headfirst into practice, take a step back and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Struggling with specific quantitative concepts? Don't despair!  Leverage your strengths in VARC and DILR to compensate. The key is a balanced approach – don't get bogged down in one section at the expense of the others.

Secret 4: Pace Yourself for the Marathon

The CAT is not a quick sprint; it's a test of endurance. Consistency and discipline throughout your preparation journey are paramount. Save the sprints for the later stages of your prep when mock tests become your training ground. Consistent effort will build the stamina you need to excel on exam day.

 

Secret 5: A Roadmap to Success

Here's a breakdown of a winning 180-day plan:

Level Up Your Skills (May-June)

Focus on building a strong foundation in all three sections. Dedicate these initial three months to grasping core concepts and completing Level 1 of our study materials. By the end of this phase, strive to achieve a targeted 99+%ile score in at least one section. This accomplishment will boost your confidence and highlight areas needing further refinement.

Refine and Revise (July-August)

Use these months to solidify your understanding by revising the completed syllabus (Level 1). Address any shortcomings identified earlier.


How to prepare for CAT Section-Wise?  

Mock, Analyze, Conquer (October-November)

This is where the magic happens. Start taking full-length mock tests under timed conditions, replicating the actual exam experience. Analyze and Adapt: Dissect your performance after each mock test. Identify areas for improvement, refine your time management skills, and adjust your test-taking strategies.

The CAT may seem daunting, but with the right approach and unwavering dedication, you can transform these 180 days into a springboard for success. At CATKing, we're here to guide you every step of the way. So, take a deep breath, believe in yourself, and get ready to conquer the CAT!

 

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Author
Anisha Mukhija

 

 

 

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