How to improve CAT exam preparation strategy?
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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 Yesterday
KMAT, and Karnataka PGCET are the accepted entrance examinations at Jyoti Nivas College. Students who wish to get admissions must clear all the entrance examinations for admissions.
L
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The Global Institute of Business Studies has set a moderate cut-off for its CAT exam, far lower than those of the premier IIMs.
Expected CAT Cutoffs
- Minimum Requirement - Approximately 60 Percentile
- Safe Range - Approximately 60 to 65 Percentiles
- Good Chance of Admission - Approximately 65 to 70 or grea
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
GIBS Business School situated in Bangalore acknowledges CAT, MAT, and XAT as authorized admission tests for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Approved Admission Exams
- CAT (Common Admission Test)
- MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
- XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Additionally to these Three Tests, GI
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
Jaipuria Institute of Management can get admission in PGDM programme without CAT scores. CAT is one of the accepting exams for admission. However, aspirants with MAT, XAT or CMAT scores can also get admission in PGDM provided they also meet the eligibility criteria.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, many universities and colleges take CAT exam for admission. This exam takes place only once a year and has three sections. These are Verbal Ability & RC, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, you cannot join Jindal Global Business School without an entrance exam if you want admission to the MBA course. For admission to the management courses, the institute accepts various national-level exams, like
- CAT
- MAT
- ATMA
- GMAT
- NMAT
- XAT
- CMAT
Students who attain qualifying percentiles for these exams are
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Jindal Global Business School's CAT cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA course based on the students' performance in the CAT exam. The cutoff was released for various All India categories in the form of percentiles.
For the General AI category, the required percentile was 50. Hence, s
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
If you don't meet the minimum academic criteria for MBA, you will not be selected for the WAT-PI round of any B-School. Meeting the minimum criteria of at least 50% marks in graduation (45% for reserved category candidates), is mandatory for admission.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
No, candidates cannot get admission to a full-time MBA programme at a Tier 1 B-School with only the CAT score. They need to appear for and clear the WAT-PI round for admission too.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
The minimum academic score required for IIM admission through CAT is 50 percent in Graduation. For SC/ST/PwD categories, the minimum score requirement in 45 percent.
A
Contributor-Level 7