CAT Preparation 2024 - How to Prepare, Month-wise Study Plan & Materials

CAT Preparation Strategy: Key Approaches for Success

For someone looking at a successful career, an MBA is the only option to enhance your growth scope; for that you should know about how crucial it can be in their professional journey, involving everything from packages worth 18LPA+ to getting a personal holistic development.

To achieve this, one must take entrance tests like CAT, XAT, NMAT, and many more, which are the gateway to top B-schools in India. 

And to get into your dream B-school, you must change your preparation strategy, and get your hands on the latest copies of preparation material including mock tests. However, the syllabus and question paper styles are likely to remain on similar grounds as of the previous year. For this, one should create a structured study plan by setting monthly goals for each section of the CAT exam. These milestones will help you stay motivated and on track during your CAT preparation.

• Familiarize yourself with the syllabus: Gain an in-depth understanding of the syllabus by reviewing the content included in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. 
• Focus on your strong and weak points: Once you have reviewed the entire CAT 2024 syllabus, begin the division of topics into your strong and weak areas to dedicate preparation time accordingly. 
• Prioritize the most important topics: Almost every year CAT throws surprise questions, but the basics remain the same every year. RC covers approx. 70% of the VARC section, while DILR has questions fairly distributed between data interpretation and logical reasoning. The quant section largely contains questions of algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. So, it is imperative to prioritize these topics to crack the CAT 2024. 
• Mock tests for the right preparation: The most important step for CAT exam preparation is attempting and analyzing mock tests. After completing the syllabus, you should take mock tests to improve your test-taking ability within a specified time of two hours.

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CAT Preparation Tips: Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Owing to the pandemic, the CAT exam has seen various changes in the exam pattern. Thus, the initial step toward cracking CAT 2024 is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. CAT 2024 is expected to be on the same lines as CAT 2023. The number of questions has remained consistent for the past two years, and so has the duration of the exam. So, it is imperative to analyze the pattern and syllabus to attempt to complete the paper accurately.

The exam pattern and syllabus are given below for guidance.

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CAT 2024 Preparation Plan And Study Tips

Gear up your CAT preparation at a fast pace keeping in mind the cruciality of time. Let's start with some CAT preparation tips from our top CAT mentors and IIM Alumni to get the right solution to "How to Prepare for CAT"

• Make a monthly and weekly schedule and have the curriculum ready.
• Make certain that all subjects and ideas are covered on time and that they are reviewed at regular intervals.
• Write practice tests regularly, then analyze the results to identify and improve weak areas.
• Make no assumptions when answering questions in CAT, as each incorrect response will cost you a negative mark of 1.

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CAT Preparation Strategy: Create Your Own Study Plan

Aspiring candidates should carefully consider their needs and goals when deciding how to prepare for the CAT exam. Success in the CAT exam preparation requires dedication, perseverance, and self-discipline to secure a high percentile and gain admission to a prestigious IIM.

Candidates must solidify their foundational knowledge, maintain a consistent study routine, utilize reliable study materials, and participate in regular mock exams. Excelling in CAT preparation is a challenging endeavor that requires honing one's abilities through independent study or professional guidance.

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CAT Preparation Strategy: Online Coaching Programs

There is no specific time period for CAT exam preparation, and it totally depends on the caliber of the candidate; however, it usually spans 9 to 10 months. There are candidates who have cracked CAT in just one month of preparation. In such cases, CAT online coaching can be beneficial, even for candidates with limited time, as it aids in accelerating the preparation process and reach the desired proficiency level.

• Studying at a coaching institute can reinstate confidence in the candidate, help polish existing skills, and establish the remaining ones.
• Candidates will also garner guidance on the best ways to attempt the CAT exam and the number of questions to attempt.
• Based on the previous paper analysis, coaching institutes also outline the most important topics, the possible paper pattern, and the best ways for each candidate to get the best percentile.
• Candidates will also have direct access to the best coaching material in the form of books, teachers, and videos, as well as mock tests.

All in all, a coaching institute can make it easy for candidates to study and prepare in the right direction. All the focus of the candidate can be on preparations without worrying about the best resources or updates regarding the exam.

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CAT Preparation 2024: Self-Study Approach

Preparing for the CAT exam independently provides candidates with a significant amount of freedom. They can tailor their strategies and timelines to align with their individual needs. CAT self-paced preparation is centered on personal requirements when studying individually.

• Candidates can choose the best timetable suited for them and personalize their preparation strategy based on their weaknesses and strengths.
• The focus of the preparation is often open to various study materials and resources from all across the internet.
• There is no commitment for the candidate towards any fixed classes. However, it is recommended that the candidate remains consistent. Timings are often flexible based on present circumstances.
• When working by themself, the candidate can understand and identify the areas that require more work and identify the strengths.

Thus, if a candidate chooses to self-study, they can practice by themself without any pressure of competing with others. However, studying without coaching classes will require the candidate to do all the analysis, review and implement plans by themselves. So to save time the aspirants can consider opting for a blend of self-study and coaching programs.

Also Read: Prepare for CAT 2024 Without Coaching

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CAT Preparation Strategy: Section-Specific Approach To Ace CAT 2024

For CAT exam preparation, it's essential to adopt distinct approaches for each section, considering their respective weightage. Here are some tips for section-specific CAT preparation:

Section-wise CAT Preparation: VARC

CAT 2024 is expected to have 24 questions in the VARC section, with 16 focusing on Reading Comprehension and 8 on Verbal Ability. The Reading Comprehension part will likely include 4 passages with 4 questions each, while Verbal Ability may have questions on para jumbles, para completion, odd one out, or para summary. Strong English skills, including grammar and vocabulary, are crucial for excelling in this section. Here are some tips for VARC preparation:

Learn some smart techniques to crack the VARC section of CAT 2024, provided by top CAT mentors to address your query on how to prepare VARC section for CAT 2024, as follows:

• Improve your grammar and vocabulary: Get into the habit of reading regularly, be it magazines, novels, or newspapers. It will allow you to expand your vocabulary and help improve your reading speed. Thus, your skills in both the RC and VA sections will be improved.
• Learn to understand the underlying meaning: CAT requires speed and accuracy to score well. So, instead of carefully reading each passage of RC, practice briefly reading the passage and identifying the gist.
• Earmark one mock every week: It is advisable to earmark one topic-wise mock for verbal ability and one VARC sectional mock every week to give substance to your preparation and revise the concepts consistently.
• Choosing the right study material: It is essential to select the appropriate reading material that would enlighten you with the basics of the VA section. As VA is highly influenced by grammar and verbal reasoning, you would need the material that would be a culmination of these two major segments, and that also contains detailed explanatory answers for every question.
• Practice for 4-5 RC questions per day: It is all about taking on challenges and successfully testing your power to extract the correct meaning from passages. Practicing a good number of RC questions every day will strengthen your command of the section and boost your confidence in the main CAT examination.

Section-Wise CAT Preparation: DILR

CAT 2024 is expected to have a similar pattern to CAT 2023. This section consists of 20 questions divided into 4 sets of 5 questions each. Understanding the syllabus is essential for DILR preparation, as it typically includes questions on various topics such as linear and matrix arrangements, blood relations, family trees, directions, coding-decoding, sequence and series, syllogisms, and analogies. Here are some steps to help you prepare for DILR:

In order to make your work easier, we have curated some expert tips and strategies that have helped others pass the CAT with flying colors and that will address your question of “How to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT,” as given below:

• Identify the Easiest Sets: On reaching the DILR section, spend 5-7 minutes reviewing the sets and identifying the easiest set and the most difficult set. Leave the difficult set and begin answering the remaining sets in increasing order of difficulty.
• Do Not Attempt the Entire DILR Section: The focus of DILR is not to attempt the entire section but to answer at least 2 out of the 4 given sets with a high level of accuracy to get into the 99%ile. So, candidates can focus on answering the easiest sets first.
• Practice Mock Tests: Candidates should practice mock tests regularly to evaluate their speed and accuracy in attempting the DILR section, So, similar to the VARC section, candidates should attempt one topic-wise mock for DILR at least once a week.
• Build your Strategy for DILR: When picking the easiest sets from the section, there is no guarantee that the questions of the set will also be easy. So, know where to leave questions and move to the next set. The reverse is also true, i.e. if you select a difficult set, answer the easiest questions.
• Work on Speed and Accuracy: DILR is a section that relies on your speed at answering questions and also the accuracy with which you respond. Practice questions and revise the syllabus regularly to improve speed and accuracy. The analysis of your mock tests will also help you identify your weaknesses and strengths.

Section-Wise CAT Preparation: QA

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section emphasizes Mathematics, demanding extensive practice of questions and memorization of fundamental equations. With reference to CAT 2023, this section encompasses topics like the number system, percentages, profit and loss, probability, and mensuration. Anticipating CAT 2024, this section is projected to feature 22 questions predominantly focused on algebra and arithmetic, complemented by questions from geometry, the number system, and other areas. Here's how you can excel in the CAT 2024 QA section:

Here are some tips collected from top CAT mentors on how you can increase your score and performance in CAT 2024 with effective preparation strategies for solving questions on "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT," as follows:

• Strengthen your Base: As the section is focused on the mathematical capabilities of the candidate, the focus should be on memorizing the equations and mathematical formulas that are relevant to the QA syllabus. A strong foundation of equations and formulae will allow you to work through the section more easily.
• Work on Shortcuts: Identifying and memorizing shortcuts to conclude the final answer will help faster calculations and allow you to move quickly from one question to the other. Shortcut techniques will also ensure accuracy in the shortest time possible.
• Time your Sectional Responses: To build speed in the section, while practicing questions, you should note the time you take to solve the questions and consistently work towards reducing the time. Time can be reduced with more practice and also by applying shorter methods and strategies.
• Practice with Mock Tests: While giving mock tests, analyze the number of questions you can answer, the accuracy of your response and your weak areas. The mock tests will allow you to improve your performance by focusing on the weaker sections and the places that require more focus.
• Study from QA-focussed Study Materials: To establish proficiency and practice for the section, you can take up accurate study materials that will prepare you with a focus on the most recent exam pattern. It will allow you to familiarise yourself with the pattern of the section and the focus on various topics in the section.

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CAT Preparation Strategy: Month-Wise CAT Study Plan

Breaking down the preparation strategy month-wise will allow you to focus on the syllabus at hand and help cover the CAT syllabus systematically. It will also function as a milestone to observe and mark your progress throughout the months leading to CAT.

CAT Preparation from February to May

The first leg of the journey is identifying the syllabus and marking the most important topics frequently asked in the exam. You can start with your weak areas and build the foundation for the basics. Devote time to each section throughout the week.

• In QA, clear your fundamental concepts for algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and trigonometry. You can start by studying from the NCERT Books of class 10. Practice is key to reinforcing and revising the formulae.
• For VARC, the focus in the initial months should be on getting into the habit of reading. Start by reading newspaper articles, editorials, novels, and magazines. It will help polish your comprehension skills, improve your reading speed, and expand your vocabulary.
• DILR is a section that proves to be a challenge for many. Understand the basics of percentages, ratios, tables, squares, cubes, and reciprocals. Start practicing by solving puzzles in magazines, newspapers, etc. Also, attempt the questions from the previous year and mocks.

CAT Preparation in June and July

For candidates just beginning their CAT preparation or looking to strengthen it, the months of June and July will focus on going over the basic concepts of each section and identifying weak areas.

You will attempt and analyze one full-length mock which will help you work better on the areas that require improvement. Overall, you should divide the days into section-based revisions and preparation. Ensure that you dedicate individual time to each section every week.

CAT Preparation in August and September

The objective in these two months would be to gain complete familiarity with the areas, topics, concepts, and types of questions in CAT. This can be achieved through a simple method called C.A.T Funda i.e. Concepts, Application & Tests

• Concepts: Learn all the basic concepts and formulae for each topic and subject
• Application: Solve exercises to apply the concepts learned during the preparation
• Tests: Take topic-wise tests to assess your speed and strategy. Also, begin attempting mocks more regularly.

CAT Preparation in October

There are 3 basic things that one needs to do in October:

• Work on your strategy: This is the time to identify and experiment with your exam strategy and its effectiveness
• Revise your concepts: For a second revision, take topic-wise tests and section-wise tests
• Continue taking CAT mocks: Use them to hone your strategy and revise the concepts according to CAT

CAT Preparation in November

The last few days before CAT should be used for the final assessment of the CAT exam preparation. Here one has to take up selective revision, take additional sectional tests, write original CAT papers, and finalize the exam strategy.

After every mock, a thorough analysis of each of the sections, zeroing in on the problem areas, working towards eliminating these problem areas, and most importantly, strengthening the mental ability to crack this exam would be the main requirements in November.

Brief Month-wise CAT Preparation Plan

How to prepare for CAT in one month CAT 2-month preparation plan How to prepare for CAT in 90 Days

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Books for CAT 2024 Preparation

Books are the most reliable source for preparing for any exam. A plethora of books are available in the market for CAT preparation 2024. There are no specific books suggested by any supreme authority conducting CAT; however, many coaching centers and authors also publish various preparatory materials for the CAT exam, including:

• Question paper guides and sample questions;
• Model question papers; and
• Instructional materials and exercises for each of the sections that the CAT 2024 exam contains.

In addition to these, we have suggested the best books for CAT preparation that will make your CAT preparation journey easier.

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CAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

Preparing for any entrance exam isn’t a piece of cake and may vary from person to person. Someone aspiring for a successful career in Business Management should understand how crucial CAT preparation can be in their MBA journey, involving everything from packages worth 25LPA+ to achieving personal holistic development.

Candidates appearing for the CAT as beginners should prepare strategically. To get into IIMs, first-time CAT 2024 applicants need to know how to start preparing and score 99%ile. The following tips have been shared by some of our CAT toppers, those who have started their preparation in the final year of graduation and were beginners:

• Familiarity With CAT Syllabus: The candidates must be aware of the latest CAT syllabus 2024 to plan a study strategy.
• Check Out CAT Exam Pattern: It is crucial to focus on the CAT exam pattern 2024 before starting your preparation to have a clear idea of it. Note the CAT's sectional weighting and marks distribution, and divide your time equally among all chapters. Additionally, understanding the paper pattern helps you comprehend the marking scheme.
• Make a study strategy: Candidates should make a study plan based on their ability to complete the chapters. As part of one’s preparation, one should also solve last year’s CAT question paper to understand the type and level of questions.

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CAT Exam Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

Balancing work and preparing for the CAT exam can be quite a challenge for working professionals. However, with the right approach, cracking CAT is achievable. To start, it's important to kick off your CAT preparation early and create a study plan that fits into your work schedule.

Below are some CAT exam preparation tips for working professionals, provided by top CAT experts, on how you can manage both work and studies effectively:

• Develop a study plan: To begin your CAT preparation in a systematic format, you must create a study plan and divide your study material into manageable groups. Sticking to a routine will help you track your progress and cover the syllabus quickly.
• Enroll for Coaching: It is given that working professionals will find it difficult to prepare for CAT or attend regular coaching classes. Hence, you can opt for night classes or online coaching with recorded sessions that offer more flexibility.
• Utilize the online resources: The internet is a boon if you are an aspirant studying by yourself. You can access various preparation materials such as mock tests, practice questions, and books. These resources will supplement your study plan and provide a better understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Prioritize your tasks: Since you are working for most of the day, the time you have is limited. So it becomes essential that you divide your time across tasks based on their urgency. Focus on the areas where you need improvement the most and allocate more time to these areas.
• Study on weekends and holidays: The maximum time you might have to offer to your CAT perspiration as a working professional is probably during holidays and weekends. So take up more intensive topics and mocks on these days to catch up on missed study sessions.

Maintaining a healthy work-study-life balance is key during CAT preparation to avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Remember to take breaks, stay motivated, and pace yourself to perform at your best.

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How much time is required for CAT Preparation?

The ideal time required to prepare for CAT depends entirely on one’s capabilities. It depends on one’s ability to grasp the fundamental concepts, so there is no fixed amount of time to pass the CAT exam if one starts from scratch. 

The time frame of two to three months is enough to finish the fundamentals of three sections for aspirants starting from scratch. On average, dedicated CAT preparation takes 8-9 months. If possible, spend two hours on weekdays and six to eight hours on weekends.

To gain an in-depth understanding of what the ideal time required for CAT preparation is, read the full article by clicking here.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid During CAT Preparation

Preparing for the CAT is not easy at all because earning a seat in an elite business institution basically ensures an excellent stepping stone for anyone wanting to pursue a career in management. However, this can only happen if you do not make any of the following common mistakes during your CAT preparation.

• Not starting your CAT preparation early
• Not having a good CAT preparation strategy 
• Haven't done enough revision for CAT 2024
• Not attempting enough mocks before the actual exam

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Customize Your CAT Preparation Strategy

Ultimately, the most effective approach to CAT preparation is to devise your own strategy. While others may offer their preparation strategies, staying true to your unique strengths and approaching the exam as an assessment of aptitude rather than a traditional academic test is essential. During the final phase of your preparations, prioritize taking frequent mock exams and enhancing your performance. Have confidence in your dedication and believe in your capabilities. Trust in yourself and commence your CAT exam preparation without delay.

Also Read: How to improve your percentile in CAT mocks?

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Free Resources For CAT Preparation

Besides the CAT previous year question papers, free CAT mocks, and mini mocks, students can find additional resources for their CAT 2024 preparation. To further enhance your preparation and support your journey, we are excited to introduce Open CAT—a free resource hub where you can find ample materials to give you a head start as well as the final push you need in your CAT preparation.

These provide students with the much-needed practice for the actual CAT and ensure they don’t lose their nerves on exam day. Students can explore our CAT-free zone to access various free CAT preparation resources and boost their CAT 2024 preparation.