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CAT Coaching programs

If you are thinking of enrolling in CAT programs, programs, Career Launcher is the name you should trust. Our promise is backed by our experience in not just CAT coaching but also in mentoring students for various exams since 1995. But you don't have to take our word for it. Instead, talk to our 600+ 99+%ilers across India in CAT 2023 (results under audit).

Career Launcher is a pioneer in online preparation as well as classroom coaching with over 100 centers across India. With our blended coaching classes (Classroom + Online), we have built a formidable reputation over the years. We ensure that our students get the best preparation experience irrespective of the mode of preparation that they choose. 7 out of 12 CL Students have decided to entrust their preparation to our online coaching programs with great results so far, while our classroom coaching programs have helped us build up to what we are now.

Whatever may be your CAT exam preparation stage, whichever may be your preferred learning delivery mode, wherever you may be located, Career Launcher has got you covered. Choose from the below bouquet of CAT programs, depending on your preferred style and stage:

CAT 2023 Analysis

Overall, CAT 2023 had a higher level of difficulty as compared to CAT 2022. In addition, there was only a marginal difference in the level of difficulty among the three slots. CAT 2023 followed the same exam pattern as that of CAT 2022, with 66 questions to be answered in 120 minutes. The distribution of questions across the sections also remained the same with VARC having 24 questions, DILR having 20 questions and QA having 22 questions. Each section had to be attempted in 40 minutes. The overall level of difficulty of CAT 2023 was moderate-difficult and aspirants could aim for 99 %ile with a score of 80-82.

CAT Study Plans

A good coaching experience should provide you with a detailed study plan that helps you chart out your path towards your goal. If you do not take up coaching at a coaching institute like Career Launcher, it becomes even more imperative for you to have that CAT study plan in order to prepare for CAT independently.

Therefore, we bring the recipe for our students' success- our CAT Study Plans. These are the study plans that have stood the test of time. They have been used by many students who either took our programs or chose to study themselves.

Writing CAT for the 1st time?

Download the MBA Beginner's Guide

CAT Preparation without Coaching

Prepare by Yourself

Top MBA Colleges in India

Once you have decided to pursue MBA and appear for CAT, you should research and shortlist your target B-schools by understanding their selection procedure and ranking.

We have observed that students pursuing coaching are often unaware of the B-schools until the GD-PI season. Therefore, it is important for a student like you, who is aiming to ace CAT, to know about the various B-schools right from the start.

Over the years, Career Launcher has compiled a detailed repository of B-school related information that will boost your CAT preparation and coaching. Explore this repository and increase your awareness about the B-schools.

Tools for your CAT Preparation

Here are some of the tools widely used by students of our CAT programs over the years. Some of these are Career Launcher's AI-driven tools that have shaped the way students think about their CAT preparation. For example, the IIM Profilizer is a tool that maps your profile across the eligibility criteria of the IIMs and tells you which IIMs you can get into and at what percentile.

The CAT IQ Test is another tool that gives you an idea of your CAT readiness. Many students across various CAT classes in India, even those in CAT Classroom coaching programs, come online to utilize our tools. Why don't you try out some of these tools and see how they can help you alongside your coaching?

Our CAT Faculty

Our faculty base is one of the strongest in the CAT Preparation Industry, with several alumni from IIMs joining our team. This is one of the reasons that our CAT programs are renowned amongst CAT aspirants. The competence of our faculty base, combined with their enthusiasm for teaching, makes the experience of our CAT classes enriching for both the faculty as well as the student.

The details of some of our preeminent faculty are given below. Please have a look at them and make an informed decision regarding your CAT Coaching.

Articles for CAT Preparation

CL experts bring you some pearls of wisdom in these articles to help you while you are preparing for CAT, if you are preparing for CAT, these articles will give you a perspective, direction and a lot of motivation during your CAT preparation.

CAT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

While you are going for coaching classes, you need to stay updated regarding various MBA entrance exams in India. Thus, we have collated important information about the MBA entrance exams to help you understand each exam better during your CAT coaching.

Get detailed information related to the different MBA entrance exams held every year. Learn about the MBA exam dates, pattern, application form, result, admit cards, syllabus and selection procedure.

CAT Preparation Plans

Knowing how to crack CAT is the first step to clearing CAT. However, with over 2 lakh aspirants giving CAT each year, getting through is not an easy feat. We at Career Launcher understand this fundamental fact and try to extend a helping hand to all CAT aspirants. So, we have compiled several articles that can help you through the CAT Preparation stage and crack CAT with flying colours.

The ultimate goal of every CAT aspirant is to get into the best B-Schools in India. Thus, the candidate needs to clear the GD-PI round, which almost all top colleges hold. Preparing for the GD-PI is quite different from preparing for CAT. The GD-PI for every college is mostly personality based with some component of knowledge. Here, we have compiled a list of articles which can be useful to the candidate while preparing for the GD-PI rounds.

CAT

GD-PI

CAT 2022: Testimonials

When it comes to Career Launcher's CAT Coaching programs, our student's success is the testimony of the quality of our programs. When selecting a CAT program, it is essential to hear from the student who has been a part of the program.

CAT 2021 Achievers

CAT FAQs

Here we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our CAT coaching. These include the fees and time, the syllabus of CAT and other small and big things regarding our programs.

The purpose of the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is to evaluate the aspirants' business acumen based on topics like Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability (VA), Reading Comprehension (RC), Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR). The exam is conducted by the IIMs for admission into their business management programs. A computer-based test, CAT, is held once every year in November.

Depending on the key features and duration of the course provided, the fees vary. Right from INR 8,000 for courses like the ones that provide recorded classes, it can go up to around INR 70,000 for comprehensive long-term classroom courses. However, there are always discounts available on the payment of fees. Both long-term and short-term classes are provided in all the best coaching centres.

Generally, the duration of CAT coaching should be anywhere between 10 to 12 months. The preparation can be done through different types of courses such as the classroom program, live online classes, or recorded classes. Some students also prefer to do a self-study by taking up the Books & Materials.

It is advisable to begin preparations for the CAT exam 10-12 months before the exam. However, you can still crack the CAT if you prepare fiercely in a shorter amount of time. CAT draws the highest number of test-takers in Indian management entrance exams; hence, the competition is very stiff. Since every aspirant will be preparing their best; therefore it is important to start early to stay ahead.

Here are the five ways to kickstart your CAT preparation without coaching:

  • Familiarise yourself with the paper pattern, syllabus, etc.
  • Get your basics right - work on solidifying the fundamental concepts
  • Write consistent online mock tests in the proctored format from day 1.
  • Iron out any areas of weakness with revision and practice
  • Maintain your perseverance, confidence and motivation

The required CAT score varies as per the category of the student. If you are a General Category candidate, you will require a 96%ile to secure a call from at least one IIM. If you are an OBC candidate, you would require around 92%ile to get at least one IIM call. For an SC/ST candidate, this goes down to as low as 77%ile to get an IIM call.

Apart from that, each IIM has a certain shortlisting criterion that takes into consideration your past academic scores (10th/12th/Graduation), CAT Score, Work Experience and Diversity. These scores are combined to calculate a composite score for shortlisting the students for the WAT-PI round.

In the simplest of words, the CAT syllabus comprises nothing beyond the 10th Std. To get a thorough understanding of the syllabus, the best way is to go through the previous year's papers. The official CAT 2022 syllabus has not been released, yet based on previous years it could comprise three sections:

Sections

Main Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Number Systems, Geometry, Logarithm, Averages, Complex Numbers, Probability, Surds and Indices

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Tables, Graphs, Logical Sequence, Pie Chart

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Jumbled Paragraphs, Verbal Reasoning, Summary Questions, Facts-Inferences-Judgements, Reading Comprehensions

To be eligible for CAT, candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA. There is a 5% mark relaxation for reserved categories belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC) and Persons with Disability (PWD) or Differently Abled (DA).

Students appearing for their final year of graduation/waiting for the results are also eligible to sit for the exam. However, on getting selected, they must submit a certificate from the Principal or Registrar acknowledging the same.

CAT doesn't have a 'syllabus', per se. It's a very generalized pattern that tests you on Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Yet, despite the absence of an official syllabus, the pattern has remained the same over the years.

Most CAT questions are based on Mathematics and English topics from the middle school level. While knowing the detailed structure of the syllabus is important, a general overview of the syllabus is equally important as well. CAT 2022 syllabus is expected to have the following section division:

Sections Main Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Number Systems, Geometry, Logarithm, Averages, Complex Numbers, Probability, Surds and Indices

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogism, Tables, Graphs, Logical Sequence, Pie Chart

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Jumbled Paragraphs, Verbal Reasoning, Summary Questions, Facts-Inferences-Judgements, Reading Comprehensions

6-8 months of preparation is enough for your CAT preparation if you devote a few hours to your preparation every day. If your fundamentals are weak, you should spend the first 4 weeks solidifying your basics. Here are a few steps to help fuel your 6 months CAT preparation plan:

  • Get a strong grip on the Quantitative topics; solve all of your CL Funda books within 30-50 days.
  • As a beginner, make it a habit of solving a minimum of 2 RC questions a day. You can gradually increase the number of questions over time.
  • Solve LR and DI on a regular basis. If it’s your first time preparing for CAT, prepare question-type-wise.
  • Start taking mock tests from the first day of your preparation itself. This will help you benchmark your preparation right from the start.
  • Make sure to analyse your mocks in detail.
  • Keep a positive mindset, be your own inspiration and never give up.

While CAT is necessary if you wish to get into the IIMs and other premier B-Schools, CAT is not the only entrance exam to get into a B-school. Apart from CAT, some of the other MBA entrance exams are:

The CAT exam is held once a year, usually in the last week of November.

The fee of all the 20 IIMs is as given below in the table

IIM Ahmedabad

INR 23 Lakhs

IIM Calcutta

INR 20 Lakhs

IIM Bangalore

INR 27 Lakhs

IIM Lucknow

INR 19.25 Lakhs

IIM Indore

INR 21.06 Lakhs

IIM Kozhikode

INR 20.5 Lakhs

IIM Shillong

INR 14.6 Lakhs

IIM Ranchi

INR 16 Lakhs

IIM Trichy

INR 16.5 Lakhs

IIM Rohtak

INR 16.1 Lakhs

IIM Raipur

INR 14.20 Lakhs

IIM Kashipur

INR 15.42 Lakhs

IIM Udaipur

INR 19.05 Lakhs

IIM Vizag

INR  16.59 Lakhs

IIM Nagpur

INR 18 Lakhs

IIM Amritsar

INR 13.20 Lakhs

IIM Sirmaur

INR 13.20 Lakhs

IIM Sambalpur

INR 13.03 Lakhs

IIM Jammu

INR 15.56 Lakhs

IIM Bodh Gaya

INR 12.95 Lakhs

Though there is no stated age limit, a lower age limit of 20 years might be expected, owing to the graduation requirement. The basic eligibility standards for the CAT exam by the IIMs are:

  • Candidates should hold a graduation degree certificate with 50% marks.
  • Candidates in the final year of graduation/awaiting results are eligible to apply.
  • Candidates outside India but fulfilling CAT Eligibility Criteria are eligible to apply.

Physical calculators are not allowed in the exam hall while writing the exam. However, an on-screen calculator will be provided.

Why CAT Coaching?

CAT is one of the most important milestones (if not the most important) for every serious MBA aspirant. There are several success stories of people who have cleared CAT without any coaching. This influences several aspirants to think about tackling CAT without assistance (especially if someone close to them has done the same). However, these aspirants overlook that these stories are the exception rather than the rule. There are several benefits of signing up for a coaching program as listed below:

These are some of the benefits that make coaching classes a must for most candidates. While there may be exceptions to the rule, the majority of the candidates require the guidance that coaching can provide.

How to choose the best CAT Coaching for you?

Students thinking about preparing for CAT and the other MBA entrance exams often find it tough in the beginning to choose a CAT program that is best for them. This problem happens at multiple levels. Firstly, students are often confused about whether to take an online coaching program or an offline coaching program.

Here are a few guidelines to help you evaluate the CAT coaching programs.

1. Past Results

If a CAT coaching program has consistently produced exceptional results, you can be sure that you are at the right place.
However, you should be cautious when you are looking at such claims. Always enquire and ensure that the results presented are audited by a trusted third-party audit firm. All claims made by CL are audited by such firms.

2. Faculty

This is one aspect that, if ignored, can make all the difference. Here you need to ensure that most of the faculty in the CAT Coaching program that you choose is from the best of the B-Schools such as IIMs, MDI and XLRI.
But that is not where the search ends. Is the faculty taking CAT themselves year on year? Because if not, then you are likely to encounter faculty that are good but not relevant.
It is also important for the faculty to be approachable. The faculty at the CAT Coaching centres is always ready to help you understand concepts and practice relevant questions for CAT. You can also get your doubts cleared by the CAT experts in your CAT Coaching.

3. Mode of Study (Online vs. Offline)

Various programs are available for CAT Coaching in offline as well as online modes. Those living near the centre and can attend weekday/weekend classes during the day should opt for a classroom program while working professionals or those who cannot travel and attend classes during the day should opt for online programs.

4. Fees

The fees of various coaching programs vary between INR 20,000 - 65,000/-. You should pick a program that compliments your needs and the price of the program should not be a deterrence or hindrance to your CAT Coaching as the returns would be higher.

5. Your Comfort Level

Finally, ensure that the CAT Coaching program suits your comfort level. It should be at an easy travel distance. You must visit the center and take a demo class to get a feel of the pedagogy and faculty at the CAT coaching center.

Choose the Best CAT Coaching

An MBA degree gives you the knowledge, skills and perspective that is difficult, if not impossible, to get with work experience alone.

No wonder if there is one educational qualification that is the most common among all CXOs, it is some sort of management degree.

Invest in your future by starting your MBA exam preparation today. Don't let the lack of formal management education be a barrier in your professional career!

Career Launcher's CAT Coaching programs are amongst the finest in the industry. Since 1995, Career Launcher has successfully launched and managed CAT coaching programs to satiate the needs of all aspirants striving to crack CAT and other MBA entrance exams.

CL's CAT coaching programs and training modules, designed and developed over these years, have led us to great results year on year. Our pedagogy focuses on conceptual clarity. Hence, strengthening the students' core knowledge and, most importantly, their aptitude. Beyond this, our programs are the best guides for the students during the subsequent stages of the B-school admissions process, i.e. Group Discussions and Interviews.

CL offers an expansive array of CAT coaching programs to suit the needs of every category of MBA aspirants. Whether they are the CAT Coaching Classes or the online learning program, the programs are a complete and comprehensive package.

The Classroom Program not only prepares the student for CAT; but also for other MBA entrance exams, such as XAT, SNAP, etc. Besides strengthening problem-solving skills and logic, our CAT coaching programs also prepare the candidate to showcase his talent during placements, interviews and GD-PIs, thereby helping him move closer to his career goals. The top advantage of any classroom CAT coaching program is the personal mentorship of an able faculty. Additionally, the program comes with our MBA Books and Materials, rated as one of the most The CAT Online Classes Program is our latest pursuit in imparting guidance to the aspirants who cannot visit a CL centre due to any personal or professional reason. The program is driven by the best faculty comprising legendary CL Gurus and other top mentors from India, including Gautam Puri, Shivku and Arks. This CAT coaching program is available during the day (7 to 9 a.m.) and night (9:30 to 11:30 p.m.) batches, so you can prepare at a convenient time from the comfort of your home.

Additionally, our CAT Test Series and Non-CAT Test Series provide an extremely conducive environment for an aspirant to test their CAT preparation and practice at their own pace.

CL's Test Series is considered the closest mock to the actual CAT paper. Both CAT and Non-CAT Test Series provide a sufficient number of practice tests for each exam. Each CL student is equipped with online exam resources as part of our Career Launcher, including Word of the Day and GK Updates. Our mobile apps allow you to take your learning with you, wherever you are.

It is our pursuit to keep you updated about everything happening in the world of MBA exam preparation. Thus we suggest that you visit our website, GPkaFunda and the CL Exam Blog regularly.

At Career Launcher, our focus is only on you. The success of our students over the years is a testimony of the same.

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