In CAT, candidates need to attempt 100 questions in 180 minutes. There are a total of three sections (Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal and Reading Comprehension) and 60 minutes is allotted to each section.
Moreover, Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) are now focusing one gender and academic diversity. As a result, quite a few parameters will now come into play while seeking admission to the top MBA colleges of the country.
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So what mistakes should a candidate avoid while preparing for CAT? How can they improve CAT exam preparation strategy?
Shiksha.com spoke to a few experts and this what they had to say:
1. Speed and Time Management
Time management is one of the most crucial part of CAT. This time, 100 questions need to be solved in 180 minutes. So, 34 questions in QA and VRC need to be attempted in 60 minutes and 32 questions in DILR to be attempted in 60 minutes.
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So speed is an important part of exam strategy. Candidates should focus on building up speed. Avoid spending too much time on a single question. Maintaining a tempo and being wise with time is vital in CAT.
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2. Selection of Questions
Selection of right questions will be the game changer in CAT exam. Attempt just 10 questions in a section. But make sure you solve all those questions correctly. Since, a certain time is allotted to each section, candidates can choose to attempt only a few questions to score above the cut-off marks. This strategy is useful for the weaker sections. Never forget about negative marking.
3. Answering Strategy
It’s a good idea to first read all the questions and quickly attempt a few easy questions on the way. “Generally, CAT exam has at least 20% easy questions. This takes care of 20 easy questions and you are left with 80 problems. Mind you, some one-liners look easy but can be quite difficult. Don’t waste your time on it. Quickly move on,” says MBA expert Tarun Malik.
Next, attempt questions with medium difficulty level and finally look at the hard questions. Repeat the process for all the three sections.
“Ultimately, CAT strategy should be based on the candidate’s strengths and weakness. There is no hard-core strategy for everyone. The trick is not to get demoralized during the paper. With stressful mind, it’s hard to attempt difficult questions will affect towards the end,” says Malik.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
Dear reader,
Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a great substitute for Delhi University, which offers a good and prestigious platform for management education. With an industry-aligned curriculum, broad global exposure, and an exceptional track record of high-package placements with top interna
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Dear reader,
Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a great substitute for Virohan: Vivekananda Global University, which offers a good platform for specialised study. With an industry-focused curriculum, extensive international exposure, and an exceptional track record of high-package placements wi
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes. IIMB does require the CAT exam, but the rest of the top B-schools in Bangalore also take in candidates through the state-level CET, ie, the Karnataka PGCET exam, or through MAT or CMAT.
Top B-schools in Bangalore without CAT | Cutoffs Required |
|---|---|
26690 | |
29592 |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIM Calcutta has only mentioned accepting GMAT score for admission into EMBA courses.
However, CAT is commonly accepted by other similar institutes for both MBA and MBAEx courses. Thus, candidates are advised to ask admission desk for confirmation on this question.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
It is not possible to determine a candidate's admission in IIM Calcutta MBA course through CAT score alone. In Stage 1, a score 85% in CAT will be enough for a general category candidate to be selected for PI+WAT admission stage.
Final admission cutoffs are based on many factors other than CAT score.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, IIM Calcutta cannot get into MBA courses without appearing CAT first. CAT is a mandatory entrance exam and it is conducted every year for admissions into all MBA courses offered by this institute.
However, candidates who are applying for MBAEx course will be required to appear in GMAT for admissi
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
To get a seat at IFMR Chennai, students have to first appear for any one of the entrance exams accepted by the institute for the MBA/PGDM course admission. CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, Andhra Pradesh ICET, IPAMT and SAT India are the entrance exams accepted by this institute for admission to the management
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, you cannot use the CAT score for direct admission to the MBA/PGDM course at this university.
You would need to first appear for the CAT entrance exam, and then get shortlisted for the PI and or GD rounds to be considered for a seat. Since the CAT cutoff is not released publicly, the closest esti
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The Vishwakarma University CAT cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA/PGDM course for the All India quota.
For the General AI category, the estimated Vishwakarma University MBA cutoff 2025 was 50. Students who gained this percentile are then eligible to enter the second round of admission
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The National Institute of Bank Management Cutoff 2026 for General AI category in CAT exam is 80.
R
Contributor-Level 10