CAT preparation strategy in 6 months PDF Download

It is highly likely that the CAT exam will take place on November 26, 2023, with over two lakh candidates taking the exam annually. To ensure ample preparation time, it is advisable to begin studying for the CAT at least six months prior. The first step is to decide whether to pursue coaching or self-study for the exam, followed by creating a six-month strategy for CAT preparation.
Managing time during the CAT exam is relatively straightforward as the exam consists of 66 questions to be completed within a total of 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated for each section. Candidates can prepare and plan their studies according to their strengths and weaknesses, taking into account the CAT syllabus and the weightage assigned to each topic. It is not necessary to answer all the questions on the exam.

CAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2023

To create an effective study plan, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the CAT syllabus, pattern, and marking scheme. The best way to gain insight into these aspects is by analyzing previous years' CAT question papers. Reviewing CAT question papers from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 can help you identify trends and develop a more informed approach to exam preparation.

CAT Preparation tips for 6 months

• Get familiar with the CAT syllabus, pattern, and selection criteria of colleges.
• Start with basic math topics and then progress to more advanced/difficult questions.
• Master time management by setting actionable goals and sticking to a fixed timetable.
• Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers to improve general awareness and vocabulary.
• Learn tricks to solve questions quickly after understanding the basics.
• Take regular mock tests, including sectional tests, and analyze your performance to identify weaknesses.
• Focus on improving performance in weaker areas and taking timed tests to become comfortable with the actual exam.
• Aptitude has a time validity, so regular practice is essential.
• Preparing for CAT in 6 months is achievable with a smart and efficient approach.

How to prepare for CAT in 6 months

Month – 1: Lay the groundwork

• Build a strong foundation by revising basic arithmetic skills, number systems, geometry, and mensuration.
• Familiarize yourself with probability concepts.
• Read The Hindu editorial section daily to improve your verbal skills.
• Start practicing logical reasoning with clock and calendar problems, analogies, and arrangements.

Month – 2: Build on the basics

• Expand your quantitative aptitud skills with topics like time and work, percentage, profit and loss, and set theory.
• Enhance your verbal skills by practicing synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.
• Build your reading comprehension and paragraph completion skills.
• Continue practicing logical reasoning with syllogism and direction problems.

Month – 3: Focus on quantitative aptitude

• Master the concepts of simple and compound interests, progression, logarithms, permutation and combination, inequalities, equations, and functions.
• Practice logical reasoning with blood relations and quantitative reasoning.
• Improve your verbal ability with cube and dice and grammar.

Month – 4: Enhance logical reasoning skills

• Build on your logical reasoning skills with coding & decoding, series, and puzzles.
• Refine your verbal skills with fill in the blanks, critical reasoning, logical deduction, and sentence correction.

Month – 5: Strengthen data interpretation skills

• Practice interpreting data using tables, pie charts, line charts, bar charts, caselets, and data sufficiency questions.

Month 6: Review and refine

• Start revision of all the concepts.
• Solve past papers to understand the exam pattern.
• Memorize math formulae.
• Attempt one EduRev mock test every two days to track your progress.
• Analyze your performance in each test to identify areas for improvement.
• Focus on improving your score in each test by refining your skills in all areas, including quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and data interpretation.

How to prepare for CAT with EduRev Infinity?

EduRev Infinity Package for CAT includes:

• Subject-wise Courses: Courses for all the 3 subjects: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Aptitude & Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI). Each course offers topic-wise video lectures, detailed notes & online tests for each topic.
• Mock Test Series for CAT Preparation: Mock Test Series for CAT Preparation course on EduRev offers section-wise & complete mock tests.
• Level-wise Tests for CAT Preparation: This course offers level-wise tests for each topic to help you prepare exhaustively for the CAT exam.
• Previous Year Question Papers & Archives: EduRev also offer previous year question papers & topic-wise questions for each topic, which have appeared in different CAT exams in the last 5-10 years.
• 100 RCs for CAT Preparation: This course offers 100+ RCs to help you prepare & master in RCs, which will give you an edge in the CAT exam and move a step closer to your IIM dream.
• Shortcut Techniques, Formulas, CAT Crash Course & Others: Along with the above courses, you also get shortcut techniques, formulas & others in various courses of EduRev.
• Mock Test Series for Other MBA Exams: You also get Mock Test Series for other MBA Exams like SNAP, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, TISS-NET & others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT preparation strategy in 6 months

When should I start preparing for the CAT exam?

It is advisable to start your preparation at least six months prior to the exam. This will give you ample time to cover the syllabus, practice mock tests, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Should I join a coaching institute for CAT preparation?

It depends on your individual needs and learning style. Joining a coaching institute can provide you with structured guidance, access to experienced faculty, and a competitive environment. However, if you prefer self-study or have time constraints, you can also prepare on your own, by making use of online sources like EduRev.

What topics should I focus on in the initial months of preparation?

In the first month, focus on building your basic skills in Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. In the second and third month, cover more advanced topics in these sections as well as Verbal Ability. In the fourth and fifth month, focus on practicing past papers and mock tests to identify your weaknesses and improve your test-taking strategy. In the final month, revise all the concepts and practice more mock tests.

How many mock tests should I attempt during CAT preparation?

It is recommended to attempt at least one mock test every two days in the final months of your preparation. This will help you get accustomed to the exam pattern and time management, and also identify your strengths and weaknesses. EduRev offers a variety of mock tests for CAT preparation that you can practice online.

How can I improve my speed and accuracy in the CAT exam?

You can improve your speed and accuracy by practicing regularly and focusing on your weak areas. Use shortcut techniques and formulas to solve questions quickly, but also ensure that you understand the underlying concepts. Analyze your mock test performances and identify your time-consuming areas, and practice more questions on those topics. EduRev provides CAT preparation courses and resources that can help you improve your speed and accuracy.

What are some tips for last-minute CAT preparation?

 In the last few days before the exam, focus on revising the important concepts and formulae. Solve as many past papers and mock tests as possible to build your confidence and identify your weaknesses. Take proper rest, eat healthy, and avoid stress. EduRev provides last-minute preparation tips and resources for CAT aspirants.