10 Days to Go: Challenges of CAT 2022

Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

Updated on Nov 18, 2022 14:32 IST

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.

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.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?

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 advanced-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.

Hope it was helpful!!!

Q: Why is CAT considered a difficult MBA entrance exam?

The CAT is conducted as a difficult MBA entrance exam because it is the main national level test for MBA Admission in India. Over 2 Lacs candidates appear for it every year. Thus, the competition is high. The question paper is set by the IIM. Even though the score is accepted by over 1300 colleges the top colleges accept above 90 percentile. The Iims have cut offs above 95 percentile. It has been seen that out of the total number of test takers which is usually around 2 Lacs, only about 20 candidates are able to score 99-100 percentile. The difficulty level of CAT is the highest among all the MBA entrance exams in India. It is conducted for 2 hours and has 66 questions in total to solve. However, the difficulty level of all the questions from VARC DILR and Quantitative Aptitude is high. The VARC has tough and long Reading Comprehension passages. The Data Interpretation tables and charts are dense and calculation intensive. Logical Reasoning questions are also on the tougher side. Moreover, there is sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section. Candidates have to complete a section in the given time limit only.

Q: Can I prepare for CAT within 3 months?

Hi Swaleha, 3 months are not enough for CAT as there many students with brilliant mind applying for CAT, you have to compete with them. So, at least, you have to start preparing for CAT before 6 months of exam. Rest of the information is given below. Exam preparation tips for CAT: Rather than focusing on all the topics, students need to try and select those topics with which they are more comfortable. Even on the exam day, with the question sheet in hand, students shouldn't try to solve each and every question and waste their energy, they should rather spend 5 minutes in scanning a section and selecting questions from their area of expertise and skill. In order to ace CAT, students should look at questions from the previous year's CAT paper and understand its syllabus. They should assess whether they are proficient, average or need improvement in each of the areas. The areas that fall in the third category should be focused on first followed by the second and third. CAT aspirants should always start early in preparing for the exams as an early start would benefit them in gaining knowledge about the kind of questions to be asked. Another advantage to it can be spending time in developing extra reading habits and increasing vocabulary. The best way to go on with the CAT preparations is to evaluate oneself in every 10-15 days, which is done by mock tests. But one thing that students should be careful about is to not to repeat the mistakes made by them in either the mock CAT or while practising at home or the whole purpose of taking mock tests would be lost. While preparing for the CAT question paper, one must keep in mind that management schools seek to test understanding of basic concepts that the student possesses. So, students should stop looking for the toughest material to practice and realize that their understanding of concepts is not as good as they think it is. Some things which CAT aspirants must do on an everyday basis are- Minimum 10 hours study everyday, especially before the 6 months of CAT exams. Preparation of minimum 10,000 words to enhance Vocabulary, study of newspapers and editorials for 2 hour's everyday and reading at least two magazines and one novel each week. Time management is an essential ingredient to crack the CAT exam and make it to your favorite college. Managing one's time includes balancing speed with accuracy, handling the pressure and you.

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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.

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.

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!

Try this CAT Mock Test, Powered by IMS, to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.

Free CAT Mock Test 1

Try second CAT Mock Test, Powered by IMS, to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.

Free CAT Mock Test 2

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About the Author

Vipra Shrivastava

Senior Manager - Content

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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