It's only 10 days to go for CAT 2022. Are you fully prepared for India's biggest MBA entrance exam? Follow these tips in the remaining days before CAT exam to optimise your performance.
CAT 2022 is scheduled for November 27. With only 10 days to go for the national level MBA entrance test, it is time for the final push to your preparation. The hard work you’ve put in for months may not be entirely fruitful if you overlook some key aspects of exam day preparation ahead of the big day.
This year, the CAT exam will have the same pattern as last year, so those who appeared for the test will be well versed with the format but those who will be attempting the CAT exam may be feeling the jitters. There is no need worry, practice the official mock test at iimcat.ac.in website and gain confidence for the exam day.
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Challenges of CAT 2022
1. Loosen up
In the last few days before CAT 2022, loosen up and stick to revision only. Do no try to overdo anything or put pressure on yourself. Whatever you’ve prepared so far, capitalise on it.
Also Read: Must know formulae for CAT
CAT is a speed based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
2. Stick to revision
For QA, revise all the Mathematics formulae and theorems every day. For DILR, go through the shortcuts and tricks discovered during CAT preparation phase and for VARC, go through all the grammar concepts and examples.
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3. Finalise approach
It is natural to feel nervous before CAT exam, but that’s the challenge you need to overcome. If you are still not sure about your CAT preparation, take a couple of mock tests. Analyse your performance and note down the type of questions that you still find challenging. Skip such questions in the exam.
4. Follow routine
This year, CAT exam timings have changed. There will be three shifts and one will be an early morning shift beginning at 8:30 AM. If you have been allotted that exam slot, you'll have to reach the exam centre by 7:30 AM. Practice a daily routine accordingly so that on November 27 your mind is alert and able to concentrate during the exam.
Also Read: Changes in CAT exam pattern
5. Prepare for exam day
For freshers, CAT exam will be a new experience and that might lead to nervousness. Go through the official CAT mock test and exam-day guide video to understand the exam day flow. It is better to be aware of CAT exam day rules and regulation beforehand as it will save time.
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6. Develop stamina for two-hour exam
There will be no bio-break in CAT 2022, until there is a medical emergency or unless a candidate has been granted permission due to certain health condition. Develop strength and endurance for two hours of non-stop problem solving on a computer screen.
7. Focus on mental calculation
One of the main challenges in speed-based tests such as CAT is saving time on calculation. Memorise tables, squares, square roots, cubes and other mathematical values for quick calculation. Mental calculation is key to time management.
8. COVID-19: Don’t worry, be cautious
This year also, CAT exam will be conducted amid COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 related safety guidelines will be followed at every CAT test centre. Go through these guidelines to familiarise yourself with dos and don’ts at the exam centre so that you can focus on the exam better. Also Read: COVID-19 related guidelines for CAT candidates
9. It is time to relax
The days before CAT 2022 should not be spent in worry but in relaxation. By now, you know your preparation level and the numerous mock test attempts have already given you an idea about how much you are likely to score. Do not worry now. It often turns out that one performs better on the exam day than mock tests.
Also Read: CAT 2022 admit card and self-declaration available for download
10. Don’t get exhausted
Do not exhaust yourself with over revision. Spend only about two to three hours in revision daily. This should include revision of concepts, theorems, formulae and short cut tricks. Talk to friends and mentor to stay motivated. After all, CAT is just an exam.
All the Best!
Read More:
- CAT preparation: 10 popular myths busted
- Types of Reading Comprehension questions
- Common Pitfalls to avoid while solving RC questions in CAT
- How many questions to attempt in CAT to score 99+ percentile
Try this CAT Mock Test, Powered by IMS, to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.
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Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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Student Forum
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In CAT 2025, 26 candidates scored 99.99 percentile. 14 are from engineering background and 12 are from non engineering background. And among them 4 are female candidates.
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Contributor-Level 6
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In CAT 2025, the number of 100 percentilers was 12. Maximum toppers were from Delhi (3). IIM Kozhikode had released the state wise toppers data along with CAT 2025 result on December 24, 2025.
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Contributor-Level 6
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In CAT 2025, two female candidates have scored 100 percentile in CAT 2025. Number of 99.99 percentile scorer females in 4 and the number of 99.98 percentile scorer females in 5.
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Contributor-Level 6
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GIBS Business School's Admissions Policy emphasizes fairness, equity, and merit throughout the admissions process. Accordingly, GIBS Business School does not maintain an official reservation policy based on a candidate's entrance examination score (CAT, MAT, etc.) when allocating seats for its vario
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Contributor-Level 9
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Yes, there is a 10% scholarship for those who have scored 80 percentile and above in the CAT exam. Scholarship based on CAT is offered based on document verification once you join the program. There are limited scholarship seats which are offered on first-cum-first-serve basis. This scholarship is v
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
In 2024, the CAT cutoff percentile for the Shiv Nadar University Chennai was 60 for the students belonging to the General AI quota. The is the overall sectional cutoff. More details are below:
| Section | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Overall | 60 |
| Quants | 40 |
| VA-RC | 40 |
| DI-LR | 40 |
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
| Exam | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| CAT (percentile) | 88 | 88 |
| XAT (percentile) | 85 | 85 |
With these cut off details, students can decide the kind of preparation they will have to do.
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Answered 3 days ago
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Beginner-Level 5
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