CAT 2022 is approaching in a few months! Have you made your preparation plan? Are you following a study schedule?

Well, you must keep certain things in mind while preparing for CAT exam. So, here we present you with the best tips recommended by experts.

CAT 2022

CAT is a national-level entrance exam devised to check the aptitude and management skills of the candidates.It is regarded as one of the toughesttests to crack. Conducted in the month of November, CAT is the primary criterion for admission to thousands of B-schools across India. Lakhs of aspirantstake CAT every year, hoping to get into one of the prestigious management institutes like IIMs, FMS, MDI, etc.

CAT 2022 – Preparation Plan

Here is the step-by-step guide to acing CAT with a high score:

1. Learn about the Exam Structure

CAT is a computer-based test, composed of three major sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), andQuantitative Aptitude (QA).All sections feature subjective and objective questions. The following table displays the complete details of CAT 2022 Exam Pattern and marking scheme:

As shown above, each correct answer carries three marks. But there is also a negative marking of one mark for every incorrectly answered MCQ. In the case of Non-MCQs (TITA), no marks are deducted for wrong answers.

2. Know about the Syllabus

While there is no standard syllabus specified for CAT, there are certain question types that make appearance in the exam every year.Based on the analysis of past year papers, we have jotted down the important topics for various sections of CAT 2022:

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension forms the major part of VARC, taking up 70% of the total weightage in the section. There are 4-5 RC passages in CAT. Other key topics include Paragraph Summary, Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Sentence Correction,and Critical Reasoning.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

DILR consists of 4-6 sets on graphs, charts, tables, and common reasoning-based topics. Each set has 4-5 questions, and the weightage of DI and LR in the section is more or less the same. Reasoning questions are mostly from Arrangements, Number/ Letter Series, Syllogism, Blood Relations, etc. This section is perceived as the lengthiest of all.

Quantitative Aptitude

A tricky section of CAT exam, Quant relies heavily on arithmetic-based topics. Other crucial areas are algebra and geometry. The conceptual basis of these topics is quite fundamental in nature, but the related questions are complex to solve. In order to nail the Quant section, you must have a strong grasp over the following topics:

Percentages; Averages; Ratio and Proportion; Number Systems; Profit, Loss and Discount; Speed, Time and Distance; Simple and Compound Interest; Mixtures and Alligations; Time and Work; Quadratic Equations; Linear Equations; Binomial Theorem; Sequences and Series; Surds and Indices; Inequalities; Probability; Permutation and Combination; Set Theory; Functions; Geometry; Coordinate Geometry; Trigonometry; and Menstruation.

3. Work on the Basics

Once you are well aware of the CAT exam structure and syllabus, the next step is to learn the basics. Although the areas of CAT syllabus are the same as those you have studied in school, it is important to go through them again. This way, you will not only gain conceptual clarity, but also get to know about the shortcut formulas for difficult questions.

Further, in the case of verbal ability section, you should learn about the standard grammar rules and conventions of English language. Alongside, you must develop a habit of reading from a wide range of quality sources like magazines, newspapers, websites, etc.

4. Practice & Evaluate

No preparation is complete without adequate practice. To begin with, you can start practising topic-wise tests and then proceed to sectional tests. Remember to make use of shortcut techniques and tricks while solving the questions. Finally, try the full-length CAT mock tests and keep track of your progress with every test. Also, you can refer to previous year CAT papers to get a feel of the actual exam questions.

The simulated CAT mocks/ sample tests familiarise you with the real-exam environment and let you know your strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

Generally, CAT aspirants spend 3-6 months in preparation, as per their daily schedule and expertise in different areas. Experts suggest that the last 1-2 months should be devoted to regular practice and evaluation of your performance. Accordingly, you can come up with a strategy depending on your weak and strong areas.

Eventually, as Alexander Graham Bellremarked,“Preparation is the key to success.”