How to Prepare for CAT Exam: A Comprehensive Guide for CAT 2023 Preparation

The CAT acts as a gateway to India's most prestigious business schools, offering a realm of opportunities for aspiring management professionals. In this all-encompassing guide, we delve into proven techniques designed to empower you with excellence in CAT Quantitative Aptitude, thereby ensuring a triumphant CAT 2023 preparation.

CAT Preparation 2023: Overview

1. CAT 2023 will be administered in an online format, spread across three sessions: morning, afternoon, and evening.
2. The duration of the exam will be 120 minutes.
3. The question paper will include both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Type in the Answer (TITA) formats.
4. Each question carries a weight of 3 marks.
5. An incorrect response leads to a deduction of 1 mark, while TITA questions do not carry negative marking.

CAT Preparation Tips 2023: Exam Pattern and Syllabus

CAT Preparation Tips 2023: Know the Timeline

• CAT 2023 is scheduled for November 26, 2023.
• The official CAT 2023 notification was issued on July 30, 2023.
• Registration is available from August 2 to September 13, 2023.
• Tentatively, CAT 2023 results will be announced in the first week of January 2024.
• College interviews are planned to take place between February and March 2024.

CAT Preparation Tips 2023: Choose Your Plan

Also Read: Best Books for CAT Preparation 2023

CAT Preparation Strategy: Coaching Programs

1. Boosted Confidence: Studying at a coaching institute can instill confidence, refine existing skills, and cultivate latent abilities.
2. Strategic Guidance: Candidates receive expert insights into the optimal approach for attempting the CAT exam, including the number of questions to tackle.
3. Focused Preparation: Drawing from past paper analysis, coaching centers outline critical topics, possible question patterns, and tailored strategies for each aspirant.
4. Access to Resources: Coaching institutes provide direct access to quality study materials, including books, teachers, videos, and mock tests.
5. Streamlined Focus: By relying on coaching programs, candidates can channel their focus solely into preparation without concerns about resource acquisition or exam updates.

CAT Preparation Strategy: Self-Studying

1. Personalized Schedule: Candidates can design a study timetable that suits their rhythm, accommodating strengths and weaknesses.
2. Open Resources: Self-study offers access to a diverse range of study materials available online, allowing candidates to explore a variety of resources.
3. Flexible Timings: No fixed classes are required, providing flexibility in study timings. However, consistent effort is advised.
4. Adaptive Learning: Candidates can identify areas requiring improvement and accentuate strengths based on their individual assessment.
5. Self-Driven: Self-study fosters autonomy in preparation but demands candidates to independently handle analysis, reviews, and implementation of study plans.

Also Read: Best CAT study materials 2023

CAT Preparation Strategy: Sectional Composition

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 24 Questions
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 20 Questions
• Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation: 22 Questions
• Total: 66 Questions

Ultimate Mantra to Achieve 99 Percentile in CAT

• Strategize Your Approach: Crafting a well-defined approach tailored to your comfort and style is crucial for success. Familiarity during the exam enhances accuracy.
• Master All Sections: The three sections are the pillars of CAT. Conquering them is essential for a remarkable performance.
• Regular Mock Tests: Attempting at least one mock test every week in the final months is beneficial. Careful analysis of mock performance surpasses the time spent in attempting them.

CAT Preparation: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

CAT Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability:

• Regular Practice: Gain fluency in the contextual usage of grammar and vocabulary through consistent practice.
• Non-MCQ Format: Recognize that some questions are non-MCQ, devoid of negative marking.
• Focus on Para Summary & Para Jumble: These could occupy a significant portion of the section.
• Decode Crossword Puzzles: Enhance jumbled sentence-solving skills by solving crossword puzzles.

CAT Preparation Tips for Reading Comprehension:

• Enhance Reading Speed: Efficient reading speed ensures comprehension and quick answering.
• Effective Time Management: Skim and scan passages, eliminating irrelevant portions for improved time management.
• Daily Newspaper Reading: Maintain the habit of reading newspapers throughout your preparation journey.
• Online RC Practice: Familiarize yourself with online reading comprehension formats.

CAT Preparation: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

• Accelerate Calculation Speed: Familiarity with calculations reduces reliance on calculators, boosting efficiency.
• Focus on Arrangements and Puzzles: Logic identification aids arrangement and puzzle-solving.
• Smart Question Selection: Opt for questions wisely, prioritizing those aligned with your strengths.
• Emphasize Accuracy: Maintain a balance between question attempts and precision.
• Begin with Difficult Questions: Dedicate focused time for challenging questions.
• Thorough Scanning: Carefully analyze DI questions, looking beyond initial intimidation.

CAT Preparation: Quantitative Ability

• Enhance Mental Calculations: Reduce reliance on calculators by improving mental math skills.
• Formula Memorization: Compile formulas on flashcards for easy reference.
• Strategic Approach: Determine the number of questions to attempt and their priority based on strengths.
• Mathematical Thinking: Develop pattern recognition and formula application skills through regular practice.
• Problem-Solving Speed: Time your question attempts for incremental improvement.
• Utilize Sectional Mocks: Weekly sectional mocks provide focused practice.

CAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

1. Grasp the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

2. Choose Your Study Approach

3. Develop a Study Plan

4. Enhance Speed and Accuracy

5. Select Appropriate Study Resources

6. Embrace Mock Exams

CAT Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

1. Maintain Your Job

2. Efficient Time Management

3. Ensure Convenience

How to Prepare for CAT Exam FAQs