Study Material for CAT Syllabus

CAT Exam preparation at EduRev

1. CAT exam: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to prestigious management programs. It is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is highly competitive. The CAT exam assesses candidates' quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and general awareness skills. Candidates must prepare thoroughly and practice regularly to excel in this exam and secure a good rank.

2. CAT preparation: CAT preparation requires a systematic and comprehensive approach. Aspirants should start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. They should then create a study plan and allocate sufficient time to each section. Solving previous year papers and taking mock tests regularly helps in assessing strengths and weaknesses. Candidates should also focus on improving their time management skills and practicing effective problem-solving techniques. Regular revision and staying updated with current affairs are essential for a successful CAT preparation.

3. CAT syllabus: The CAT syllabus covers various topics to assess candidates' aptitude and skills. It includes sections like Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. The syllabus is vast and covers topics such as algebra, geometry, vocabulary, grammar, data analysis, and critical reasoning. Candidates should thoroughly understand the CAT syllabus and focus on mastering each section to perform well in the exam.

4. CAT eligibility: To be eligible for the CAT exam, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PWD). There is no age limit for appearing in CAT. The eligibility criteria may vary slightly depending on the participating institutes, and candidates are advised to check the official notification for specific requirements. It is important to fulfill the eligibility criteria before registering for the CAT exam.

5. CAT registration: CAT registration is done online through the official website. Candidates need to provide personal and academic details, upload scanned documents, and pay the registration fee. The registration process usually starts in August and closes in September. It is important to complete the registration within the specified time frame and pay the fee to successfully apply for the CAT exam.

6. CAT exam pattern: The CAT exam follows a computer-based format. It consists of three sections, namely Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes, with 60 minutes allotted to each section. The pattern may vary slightly each year, and candidates should be familiar with the latest exam pattern to prepare effectively.

7. CAT mock tests: Mock tests play a crucial role in CAT preparation. They help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, manage time effectively, and identify areas of improvement. Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and provide an opportunity to practice different question types. Regularly taking mock tests and analyzing the performance helps in identifying strengths and weaknesses, enabling candidates to strategize their preparation accordingly.

8. CAT study material: Comprehensive and reliable study material is essential for CAT preparation. It includes books, online resources, study guides, and practice papers. Reputed coaching institutes and online platforms provide study material specifically designed for CAT preparation. It is important to choose study material that covers the entire syllabus, includes practice questions, and offers explanations for better understanding.

9. CAT coaching: CAT coaching institutes offer structured guidance and expert faculty to help candidates prepare for the exam. They provide a comprehensive curriculum, study material, and regular mock tests. Coaching institutes also conduct doubt-solving sessions, offer personalized guidance, and provide strategies to tackle the exam effectively. Joining a coaching institute can be beneficial for candidates seeking additional support and guidance during their CAT preparation.

10. CAT tips and tricks: Along with rigorous preparation, knowing certain tips and tricks can enhance performance in the CAT exam. Time management is crucial, so candidates should practice solving questions within the stipulated time. Developing shortcuts and techniques for problem-solving can save time during the exam. Regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and novels improves vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Staying calm and focused during the exam helps in maintaining accuracy and avoiding unnecessary mistakes.

11. CAT previous year papers: Solving previous year papers is an essential part of CAT preparation. It helps in understanding the exam pattern, types of questions, and difficulty level. By practicing with previous year papers, candidates can improve their speed, accuracy, and time management skills. Analyzing the solutions and identifying patterns and trends helps in identifying important topics and preparing accordingly.

12. CAT result: The CAT result is usually declared in January. It is available on the official website, and candidates can download their scorecards by logging in with their credentials. The result includes the overall percentile and sectional percentile. Based on the result, candidates are shortlisted for further rounds of the selection process by various participating institutes.

13. CAT cutoff: CAT cutoff refers to the minimum percentile or score required to qualify for the next round of the selection process. Each participating institute sets its own cutoff based on factors like the number of applicants, available seats, and difficulty level of the exam. Candidates who meet the cutoff criteria are shortlisted for group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests.

14. CAT percentile: CAT percentile indicates a candidate's performance relative to other test takers. It represents the percentage of candidates who scored equal to or lower than a particular candidate. For example, a percentile of 90 means the candidate scored higher than 90% of the test takers. CAT percentile is used by institutes for shortlisting candidates for further rounds of the selection process.

15. CAT admission process: The CAT admission process involves multiple stages. After the declaration of results, shortlisted candidates are called for group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. Institutes assign weightage to different stages of the selection process, including CAT scores, academic performance, work experience, and performance in further rounds. Based on the overall evaluation, final admission offers are made to successful candidates.