MBA is a dream job for many. The most popular MBA entrance exam is the Common Admission Test, better known as CAT. Students throughout the country work hard to score well in CAT entrance exams to get into the top IIMs and Business schools. CAT is a highly competitive exam and students often get stuck on the right strategy for CAT Exam preparation. Here, we discuss how to prepare for the CAT exam to get the desired score.
About CAT
CAT is a computer-based entrance exam held every year to grant admissions into IITs, IIMs and other business schools. CAT entrance exam examines the students on three main domains which are Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. It is important to concentrate on each sphere to boost your overall score. A good CAT score is essential to get into prestigious management institutes.
How to Prepare for CAT Exam
We have compiled a list of CAT preparation tips to help you map out a study plan. Some of the vital things that need attention while CAT exam preparation are:
- Strengthen your basics
- Find out the best books and resource material to study
- Time-management
- Practice and solve previous year’s sample papers, mock tests, and other relevant practice questions
- Follow a strict disciplined study plan
- Work on your problem-solving abilities
- Give equal focus and attention to each section of the CAT entrance exam
- Set SMART Goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
- Avoid distractions
- Take regular breaks to relax your mind.
- Indulge in activities and practice meditation
- Eat a healthy diet
- Take good sleep
Section-wise CAT Preparation Tips
As we know, the CAT entrance exam is divided into three main sections namely, Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Students must prepare well for each section in order to acquire a good collective score in the CAT exam.
Given below are CAT self-preparation tips to follow for Quantitative Ability:
- Understand the syllabus well and develop a study plan
- Focus on time efficiency and accuracy
- Try to find out quick solutions
Given below are CAT self-preparation tips to follow for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:
- Do lots of practice in mathematics subject
- Don’t waste time on complex and tricky questions
- Train yourself for time management while answering questions
- In the case of logical reasoning, avoid assuming things and read questions carefully
- Come up with valid conclusions
- Make sure you pay attention to negative prefixes to avoid confusion
- Read and comprehend the questions carefully, think properly, and then come up with accurate solutions
Given below are CAT self-preparation tips to follow for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:
- Read the paragraphs carefully
- Prepare well for vocabulary and grammar-based questions
- Pay attention to negative prefixes
Best Books for CAT Preparation
- Use NCERT Class 10th and 12th books
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension For The CAT by Nishit Sinha
It is suggested to use CAT books written by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and RS Aggarwal as these are considered the best CAT preparation books for the Exam.
How to Prepare for CAT Exam?
Candidates have both options for CAT preparation:
Join a Coaching Institute
CAT Self-preparation
In addition to this, candidates practice the previous year’s question paper to get a hold of the CAT exam pattern, type of questions and marking scheme.
Using Mock Test for CAT Preparation
Candidates are advised to regularly practice mock tests right from the start as it helps:
- to improve speed and accuracy
- to manage sectional time-bounds
- to know about and work on your weak areas
- to develop strategies to attempt the CAT entrance exam
- to avoid the impact of pressure during the exam.
We hope this article gave you insights into how to prepare for the CAT Exam. Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest updates and information related to the CAT Exam by visiting and registering on CollegeSearch, an educational platform that connects students, colleges, and alumni.
