Introduction
It is a dream of a large number of students to pursue MBA and grab a seat in top Business School. In the process to do so one appears for different management entrance exams and CAT i.e.Common Admission Test is considered the mother of all.
CA T is conducted by IIMs for the purpose of selecting the most suitable students for its Post Graduate Programmes. CAT is national level computer based test which aims at checking the competency, aptitude and analytical skills of the candidates. CAT is significant exam because it is the milestone that is mandatory to be achieved in order to be part of Indian Institute of Management. Moreover, CAT is not just limited to IIMs; several other prestigious management institutes in India, such as the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Management Development Institute (MDI), and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) also accept CAT scores for admissions.
The exam is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. In the year 2022, 2.55 lakh candidates had registered for the exam and 2.22 lakh had taken CAT 2022. There arises a lot of questions in the minds of beginners about the syllabus, exam date, pattern of the examination and much more. We are going to answer such frequently asked questions hereby.
Significance of CAT
As CAT scores are used as a primary screening tool by most elite management institutes in India. A high score in the exam can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of being shortlisted for the further rounds of the selection process, which may include group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. It carries significant weightage in the final selection process. Thus, scoring well in a highly competitive exam like CAT becomes crucial for admission into top management institutes in India.
The exam assesses the aptitude, comprehension and analytical skills which are essential for making career in Business Administration. The commencement of the test dates back to 1984, prior to this each IIM used to conduct their separate tests. CAT is the first step to be taken in order to be a good corporate person. During the preparation, one learns crucial soft skills required to excel in career. The test prepares one for the upcoming roles and goals.
CAT Syllabus and Pattern
The syllabus for the exam is considered vast and time taking for preparation.
It comprises of three sections, Verbal Ability (VA), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Before 2020, test duration was 3 hours with 1 hour alotted to each section. Since 2020 the test’s duration is reduced to 2 hours with 40 minutes given for each section.
The questions in CAT comprise of 70% – 75% MCQs, rest are TITA questions i.e. Non-MCQs.
For the Non-MCQs, answer is typed in the space given on the screen. For each correct answer 3 marks are awarded and for wrong MCQ you get -1 (negative 1). There is no minus marking in case of TITA questions.
| CAT 2023 Expected Pattern | |||
| Sections | Time Duration | Number of Questions | Marks |
| VA | 40 mins | 24 | 72 |
| DILR | 40 mins | 20 | 60 |
| QA | 40 mins | 22 | 66 |
| 120 mins(2 hrs) | 66 | 198 |
Strategy to score in CAT
The most common question asked is – how can one score good marks and what is the best strategy that should be followed?
There doesn’t exist any single hardcore algorithm instead there exists a set of many small tricks and methods out of which an individual can form one’s own strategy that fits in the best according to the whole preparation scenario.These are just few pointers that one can keep in mind to draft their most suitable strategy for CAT preparation journey.
As we know the test is constituted of three sections and so each section need some different methodology to prepare for.
- VA (Verbal Ability): Verbal Ability or Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension(VARC) mainly comprises of some unseen passages followed by a set of questions related to the given passage and a number of verbal ability questions in the form of para jumbles, odd one out, para summary and so on. According to experts, Verbal Ability section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) majorly checks ones reading ability and the level of comprehension. It is advised to read articles related to Business, Economics, Environment, Philosophy, Burning issues etc. as much as possible everyday. While reading an article one needs to focus on drawing the subject, tone and message of the article/passage. These three combined together becomes the central idea of the article. While taking the test knowing the central idea of a passage helps a lot in answeringthe questions accurately.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section of the test is time taking to prepare for. Practice is the key for excelling in the subject. There are questions related to data interpretation, analytical reasoning, syllogism, conditional reasoning, games and tournaments and much more. Drinking of data is the foremost step i.e. clearly and totally understanding the data given in the question. Next step is forming an algorithm in mind that is going to be used in solving the given problem. Should take topic tests for preparing each topic thoroughly and one should keep in mind the right approach that is going to help you further solving similar problems in CAT and in other entrance exams also.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): QA’s syllabus is comparatively vast and have a lot of things to be covered. Starting from the basics one should gradually move on to solving more challenging problems. Learn each topic step by step and don’t try to run away from problematic questions, work on it and move ahead towards consolidating your quantitative skills. Level of questions in the QA section varies from easy to moderate and can be tackled with proper practice of solving the problems. QA section of the CAT mainly revolves around Geometry & Mensuration, Algebra, Modern Math, Arithmetic, Number Theory etc. A test series with at least 20 FLTs should be taken atleast once before the actual exam. Analysis of each mock test helps one in knowing the weaker areas and one get a chance to rectify mistakes and clarify the related doubts.
Lastly, no matter what subject you are preparing for consistency, hard work and your dedication is what matters the most. Taking Full Length Tests (FLTs) is must to get in the flow with the exam pattern and knowhow of the online exam scenario. A test series with atleast 20 FLTs should be taken atleast once before the actual exam. Analysis of each mock test helps one in knowing the weaker areas and one get a chance to rectify mistakes and clarify the related doubts.
Exam Date and Registration
The registration process for CAT generally starts in the month of August and lasts till mid September followed by the notification uploaded by the IIM which conducts the test. Registration charges for the application form in the year 2022 are as follows:
| Application Fee | Category |
| Rs.2200/- | General Category |
| Rs.1100/- | SC/ST/PWD Category |
Some of the important timelines for CAT 2023 are as follows:
| CAT EXAM 2023 | Tentative time |
| Exam notification | July 2023 |
| Registration Date | Aug 2023 |
| Correction Window | Sep 2023 |
| Admit Card | Oct 2023 |
| Exam Date | Nov 2023 |
| Score Card | Dec 2023 |
For the CAT 2023 aspirants, It is important to know where do you stand at present and then only you will be able to work on yourself effectively. Test yourself after certain intervals so that you can analyze your preparation at every stage. Do practice Quant and DILR regularly and remember that reading is the ultimate mantra for Verbal Ability section of the CAT as there doesn’t exist any short cut for practice. Cracking a dream exam like CAT can become a reality with constant efforts and appropriate strategy.
Introduction
It is a dream of a large number of students to pursue MBA and grab a seat in top Business School. In the process to do so one appears for different management entrance exams and CAT i.e. Common Admission Test is considered the mother of all.
CAT is conducted by IIMs for the purpose of selecting the most suitable students for its Post Graduate Programmes. CAT is national level computer based test which aims at checking the competency, aptitude and analytical skills of the candidates. CAT is significant exam because it is the milestone that is mandatory to be achieved in order to be part of Indian Institute of Management. Moreover, CAT is not just limited to IIMs; several other prestigious management institutes in India, such as the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Management Development Institute (MDI), and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) also accept CAT scores for admissions.
The exam is conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis. In the year 2022, 2.55 lakh candidates had registered for the exam and 2.22 lakh had taken CAT 2022. There arises a lot of questions in the minds of beginners about the syllabus, exam date, pattern of the examination and much more. We are going to answer such frequently asked questions hereby.
Significance of CAT
As CAT scores are used as a primary screening tool by most elite management institutes in India. A high score in the exam can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of being shortlisted for the further rounds of the selection process, which may include group discussions, personal interviews, and written ability tests. It carries significant weightage in the final selection process. Thus, scoring well in a highly competitive exam like CAT becomes crucial for admission into top management institutes in India.
The exam assesses the aptitude, comprehension and analytical skills which are essential for making career in Business Administration. The commencement of the test dates back to 1984, prior to this each IIM used to conduct their separate tests. CAT is the first step to be taken in order to be a good corporate person. During the preparation, one learns crucial soft skills required to excel in career. The test prepares one for the upcoming roles and goals.
CAT Syllabus and Pattern
The syllabus for the exam is considered vast and time taking for preparation.
It comprises of three sections, Verbal Ability (VA), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Before 2020, test duration was 3 hours with 1 hour alotted to each section. Since 2020 the test’s duration is reduced to 2 hours with 40 minutes given for each section.
The questions in CAT comprise of 70% – 75% MCQs, rest are TITA questions i.e. Non-MCQs.
For the Non-MCQs, answer is typed in the space given on the screen. For each correct answer 3 marks are awarded and for wrong MCQ you get -1 (negative 1). There is no minus marking in case of TITA questions.
| CAT 2023 Expected Pattern | |||
| Sections | Time Duration | Number of Questions | Marks |
| VA | 40 mins | 24 | 72 |
| DILR | 40 mins | 20 | 60 |
| QA | 40 mins | 22 | 66 |
| 120 mins(2 hrs) | 66 | 198 |
Strategy to score in CAT
The most common question asked is – how can one score good marks and what is the best strategy that should be followed?
There doesn’t exist any single hardcore algorithm instead there exists a set of many small tricks and methods out of which an individual can form one’s own strategy that fits in the best according to the whole preparation scenario.These are just few pointers that one can keep in mind to draft their most suitable strategy for CAT preparation journey.
As we know the test is constituted of three sections and so each section need some different methodology to prepare for.
- VA (Verbal Ability): Verbal Ability or Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension(VARC) mainly comprises of some unseen passages followed by a set of questions related to the given passage and a number of verbal ability questions in the form of para jumbles, odd one out, para summary and so on. According to experts, Verbal Ability section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) majorly checks ones reading ability and the level of comprehension. It is advised to read articles related to Business, Economics, Environment, Philosophy, Burning issues etc. as much as possible everyday. While reading an article one needs to focus on drawing the subject, tone and message of the article/passage. These three combined together becomes the central idea of the article. While taking the test knowing the central idea of a passage helps a lot in answeringthe questions accurately.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section of the test is time taking to prepare for. Practice is the key for excelling in the subject. There are questions related to data interpretation, analytical reasoning, syllogism, conditional reasoning, games and tournaments and much more. Drinking of data is the foremost step i.e. clearly and totally understanding the data given in the question. Next step is forming an algorithm in mind that is going to be used in solving the given problem. Should take topic tests for preparing each topic thoroughly and one should keep in mind the right approach that is going to help you further solving similar problems in CAT and in other entrance exams also.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): QA’s syllabus is comparatively vast and have a lot of things to be covered. Starting from the basics one should gradually move on to solving more challenging problems. Learn each topic step by step and don’t try to run away from problematic questions, work on it and move ahead towards consolidating your quantitative skills. Level of questions in the QA section varies from easy to moderate and can be tackled with proper practice of solving the problems. QA section of the CAT mainly revolves around Geometry & Mensuration, Algebra, Modern Math, Arithmetic, Number Theory etc. A test series with atleast 20 FLTs should be taken atleast once before the actual exam. Analysis of each mock test helps one in knowing the weaker areas and one get a chance to rectify mistakes and clarify the related doubts.
Lastly, no matter what subject you are preparing for consistency, hard work and your dedication is what matters the most. Taking Full Length Tests (FLTs) is must to get in the flow with the exam pattern and knowhow of the online exam scenario. A test series with atleast 20 FLTs should be taken atleast once before the actual exam. Analysis of each mock test helps one in knowing the weaker areas and one get a chance to rectify mistakes and clarify the related doubts.
Exam Date and Registration
The registration process for CAT generally starts in the month of August and lasts till mid September followed by the notification uploaded by the IIM which conducts the test. Registration charges for the application form in the year 2022 are as follows:
| Application Fee | Category |
| Rs.2200/- | General Category |
| Rs.1100/- | SC/ST/PWD Category |
Some of the important timelines for CAT 2023 are as follows:
| CAT EXAM 2023 | Tentative time |
| Exam notification | July 2023 |
| Registration Date | Aug 2023 |
| Correction Window | Sep 2023 |
| Admit Card | Oct 2023 |
| Exam Date | Nov 2023 |
| Score Card | Dec 2023 |
For the CAT 2023 aspirants, It is important to know where do you stand at present and then only you will be able to work on yourself effectively. Test yourself after certain intervals so that you can analyze your preparation at every stage. Do practice Quant and DILR regularly and remember that reading is the ultimate mantra for Verbal Ability section of the CAT as there doesn’t exist any short cut for practice. Cracking a dream exam like CAT can become a reality with constant efforts and appropriate strategy.