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CAT is a highly competitive exam and mistakes can dent your performance. The CAT 2024 exam is set to be conducted on November 24, 2024 so read this article to know mistakes to avoid on CAT exam day.
Why one should have a CAT exam day strategy? So that, silly mistakes don't hurt the performance. The most important reason to be well prepared for the CAT 2024 exam day beforehand is to be able to handle the test pressure well. Many candidates get nervous during the CAT exam and make silly mistakes. Making silly mistakes can cost you dearly as the competition is high. You will be competing against over 3 lakh candidates.
One the most common mistakes that CAT test takers make is not reading the questions properly. It is important to understand that CAT is a speed-based test. Candidates will have to take quick decisions during the CAT exam 2024. They will have to solve questions from three diverse subjects and maintain speed and accuracy throughout two hours.
Another common mistake that CAT aspirants make is not knowing the exam day process and guidelines. Many candidates forget to read the guidelines related to reporting time, dresscode, documents, etc. because of which they face problem at the time of entry. This can affect the focus of mind.
Apart from that, candidates also need to not study too much or till the last moment. It can cloud their mind and they may forget even those points that they had memorised properly. In this article, we have shared some common mistakes that CAT 2024 test takers need to avoid.
CAT 2024: Mistakes to Avoid on CAT Exam Day
No mugging-up before the exam
On the night before the CAT exam, spend an hour revising important formulae, theorems and shortcuts. Do not start a new chapter or solve a CAT mock test or try to mug up a new topic. CAT is an aptitude test and if your concepts are clear, you will be able to crack it.
Also Read: Most important formulas for CAT 2024
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Don’t reach the exam centre late
To avoid last minute rush, start for the CAT exam centre from home early. The process of candidate identification is elaborate thus, it is important to reach the exam centre before time. Check the reporting time for CAT 2024 below:
| CAT exam slot |
Exam timing |
Reporting time |
Latest entry allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 |
8:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
7:00 AM |
8:15 AM |
| Slot 2 |
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM |
11:00 AM |
12:15 PM |
| Slot 3 |
4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
3:00 PM |
4:15 PM |
Carry important documents
Do not forget to carry two copies of your CAT admit card 2024 and a valid photo ID such as Aadhar card, Voter ID card, passport or driving license. Candidates belonging to to PwD category must carry PwD and scribe certificates. Those who have changed their names, should carry the name change certificate also. CAT 2024 candidates must adhere to guidelines viz. the documents as they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall if they do not produce the correct documents, under any circumstance. Digital copy of any of the document will not be accepted.
Also read: Things to carry and not carry on the CAT exam day 2024
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Do not rush through CAT questions
Once you settle down at your designated seat, wait for the invigilator to announce the start of exam. First of all, read the instructions thoroughly. Make sure you don’t miss even a single point of exam related instructions. Then move to the first section of CAT 2024 exam. Read each question properly and then solve it. Try to solve the easier questions first. Although there is sectional-time limit in CAT due to which one can’t choose the order of sections to solve questions but one can certainly choose to solve easier questions within the section.
Don’t spend more than one minute on a question
CAT 2024 will be of 120 minutes and the total number of questions will be 66. VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 20 questions and QA will have 22 questions. You will have to solve each section within 40 minutes. Thus, time-management is very important. Do not aim to solve all the questions. Choose easier ones first. If any question is taking more than one minute to solve, skip it and move to the next question. You can come back to it later but within the time limit. Once 40 minutes are over for a section, the screen will automatically move to the next section. You will not get the option to go back to imcomplete questions.
Also read: CAT exam pattern 2024
Don’t guess the answer
CAT exam has negative marking of -1 for each wrong attempt, so avoid guess work. It is better to leave the question unanswered than mark the wrong option. Also, choose the questions wisely. While practicing CAT mock tests you would have developed the skill of identifying questions from your areas of strength. This is the time to apply that skill.
Also Read: How many questions to solve in CAT 2024 to score 99+ percentile
Follow the dress code
CAT 2024 exam authorities have prescribed some dos and don’ts viz. clothing and items. Candidates are not allowed to carry any electronic, stationary or food items. They are also not supposed to wear metal jewellery, metal accessory, closed footwear, jackets, belts and clothes with pockets. Any candidate violating the rules related to dress code will barred from entering the exam hall.
Also read: CAT 2024 Exam Day Tips – Dress Code and Key Dos & Don’ts
Don’t Panic
The most important thing to remember on CAT exam day is – not to panic. No matter what the situation is, stay calm. Solve only those questions which you know you can answer accurately. The CAT 2024 question paper may have some questions which will appear tricky or confusing. Take a deep breath, read the question twice and then try to solve it. If you can’t, move on. Do not take the pressure of the on-screen timer. Don’t look at it too often. Take CAT as any other exam. Do not give in to the pressure.
Don’t worry if you don’t think you have performed well in CAT 2024. It’s not the end. You can take another shot at CAT the next year or can take other MBA entrance exams.
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