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Time Management Strategies for CAT Exam

authorImageAnil Solonki20 Aug, 2023
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Time Management Strategies for CAT Exam

In the CAT 2023 exam, managing your time effectively is crucial. The entire exam lasts for 120 minutes, meaning each of the three sections has a time limit of 40 minutes. To perform well, candidates should aim to answer around 42 to 48 questions accurately. For more detailed guidance on mastering time management, continue reading this article to gain valuable insights.

For those taking the CAT 2023 exam, mastering time management is key. The test consists of three sections, with each section allocated 40 minutes. It's important to note that transitioning between sections during the exam is not permitted. To excel in the CAT exam, aspiring MBA candidates need to acquire effective time management skills both before and during the test. While the number of questions may differ among sections, the allotted time remains consistent. Therefore, it's essential for candidates to understand how to address each section within the given time frame. This article will provide valuable tips on how to efficiently manage your time during the CAT exam.

Advantages of Time Management during CAT Exam 2023

Primarily, PW itself recommends dividing the CAT exam into sections, as this strategy prevents candidates from wasting time switching between them. By tackling one section at a time, there's a gradual increase in the potential for achieving higher scores in each section. Furthermore, setting aside about 7-8 minutes as a buffer for each section can help candidates save time and potentially finish the exam ahead of schedule. This approach, consistent over the past few years, offers several advantages:
  1. Focused Attention: Candidates can concentrate fully on a specific section for a set duration, enhancing their performance.
  2. Reduced Stress: With this approach, there's no need to switch between complex mathematical formulas while working through consecutive reading comprehension problems.
  3. Flexibility: Candidates can allocate a shorter time frame to sections they may find more challenging, allowing them to better manage their strengths and weaknesses.
Incorporating this exam pattern, which has been consistent in recent years, can significantly benefit CAT applicants.

CAT Exam Pattern 2023

The CAT Exam Pattern for 2023 is organized into three main sections: VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). To be considered for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), candidates need to attain strong scores in each of these sections, ensuring they meet the required sectional score cut-offs.
Criteria CAT 2023 Exam Pattern
Duration for each section
  • General: 40 minutes
  • PwD: 53.33 minutes
Total No. of Questions 66
Mode of Exam Online

Time Management for CAT VARC 2023

Candidates can follow the points listed below to create an effective preparation strategy for the CAT VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) section, which will help them attempt more questions with confidence.
Tips to increase CAT VARC Attempts What to do?
Prioritize RCs
  • Most toppers and experts suggest that aspirants should consider solving RCs first.
  • Out of the 24 questions in the CAT VARC section, 16 are RCs.
  • A major chunk of the marks is allocated to RCs.
Determine the order of the attempt
  • First, go through all the questions asked in the VARC section.
  • Second, determine how to attempt the questions.
  • Solve LRCs first, then move on to SRCs.
  • Attempt VA questions in the end.
Fix Time to Solve Each Question
  • Allocate a time limit to solve each question in the CAT exam.
  • Avoid getting stuck on one question for too long.
  • Solve an RC with six questions in 8–10 minutes.
  • Solve an RC with three questions in 4-5 minutes.
  • Spend 10–12 minutes solving VA questions.
Search for Keywords
  • The context of an RC can be determined in the first two paragraphs.
  • Identify the main theme of RC.
  • Search for keywords.
  • Answer RC questions.
Formulate an RC strategy
  • Aspirants can select the strategy that works best for them.
  • Classic Approach: Read the complete RC and then attempt questions.
  • Bottoms-up Approach: Read the questions first and then read the RC.
  • Mixed Approach: Read a bit of RC and midway through, solve questions.

Time Management for CAT Quant 2023

Candidates can follow the points listed below to create an effective preparation strategy for the CAT Quant section, which will help them attempt more questions with confidence.
Tips to Increase CAT Quant Attempts What to do?
Attempt each section in three rounds
  • First Phase – Solve questions that you find extremely easy and are completely sure about.
  • Second Phase – Opt for questions which you feel you can give a try.
  • Third Phase – Go for questions that are time-consuming and would require more head pondering.
Divide the time accordingly
  • First Phase – Solve questions that you find extremely easy and are completely sure about.
  • Second Phase – Opt for questions which you feel you can give a try.
  • Third Phase – Go for questions that are time-consuming and would require more head pondering.
Do not spend much time on one question
  • CAT exam gives 40 minutes for each section.
  • Spend a maximum of 2 minutes on one question.
  • If you are still unable to recollect go to the next question

Time Management for CAT DILR 2023

Candidates can follow the points listed below to create an effective preparation strategy for the CAT DILR section, which will help them attempt more questions with confidence.
Tips to increase CAT DILR Attempts What to do?
Attempt Non-MCQ questions first
  • Answering non-MCQ questions is not going to fetch you a negative marking.
  • Instead of not punching in wrong options in MCQs, this strategy might add up to that minute difference in marks that might matter in your end percentile.
Leave the Questions
  • Leave answers that you are doubtful of.
  • Attempting questions you are doubtful of just to complete as many answers as possible may lead to negative marking thereby lowering your entire scoring.
  • Be sensible and quick enough to recognize the difficulty level of the questions that come at you and accordingly invest time on them as and when required or simply skip them.

9 Prime Time Management Tips Before the CAT Exam 2023

Here are some simple and informative steps to enhance your CAT VARC preparation strategy, ensuring you're able to attempt more questions confidently:
  1. Create a Study Schedule: Organize your study time with a well-structured plan, dedicating specific slots for each section and sticking to your routine.
  2. Set Achievable Goals: Break your preparation into manageable tasks, setting practical goals for each study session to track your progress effectively.
  3. Take Mock Tests Regularly: Enhance your time management skills by regularly practicing full-length mock tests, which simulate the actual exam conditions.
  4. Analyze Your Performance: Evaluate your performance in mock tests to pinpoint weak areas and focus your efforts on improving those aspects.
  5. Revise Important Concepts: Keep essential formulas and concepts fresh in your mind through regular revision to ensure you're well-prepared.
  6. Practice Speed and Accuracy: Work on solving questions swiftly while maintaining accuracy, which is key to excelling in the CAT exam.
  7. Create Concise Notes: Prepare concise notes that highlight crucial points, aiding in quick revision during your study sessions.
  8. Avoid New Topics: In the final week of preparation, refrain from diving into new topics and concentrate on reinforcing what you've already learned.
  9. Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your well-being by getting adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and fostering a positive mindset for optimal performance during the exam.

Time Management Strategies for CAT Exam FAQs

Q1. How important is time management for the CAT exam? Ans : Time management is crucial for CAT. It ensures you can efficiently tackle all sections within the given timeframe, maximizing your attempts and accuracy. Q2. How can I develop effective time management skills for CAT? Ans : You can create a study schedule, take mock tests, practice solving questions quickly, and analyze your performance to improve time management. Q3. Are mock tests helpful for time management? Ans : Yes, mock tests simulate the real exam scenario, helping you practice time management and refine your pacing for each section. Q4. Should I allocate equal time to all CAT sections? Ans : It's wise to allocate more time to your strengths, but aim for a balanced approach. Creating a rough time allocation for each section can guide your pace. Q5. How can I avoid running out of time during the CAT exam? Ans : Regular practice, section-wise time allocation, and maintaining a steady pace while solving questions can help you manage time effectively and prevent running out of time.

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