CAT Exam Preparation Tips 2024 - How to Prepare for CAT 2024, Important Tips and Tricks, Study Plan

How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is expected to conduct the CAT 2024 on November 24, 2024. The Common Admission Test will be conducted for admissions to IIMs and top B-schools offering MBA and PGDM programmes. Candidates can crack the CAT exam with the right CAT exam preparation 2024 strategy covering the CAT exam syllabus, notes, CAT sample questions and mocks, CAT preparation material, and strategies for CAT exam day. Read the complete article to know how to prepare for CAT 2024.

How to Prepare for CAT 2024 Exam

Before knowing how to prepare for CAT, it is better to know what is CAT exam. IIM CAT has a lot of topics so it always helps to have a clear schedule. To make a CAT 2024 strategy, it is very important to understand the CAT exam syllabus before jumping straight into your CAT 2024 preparation. After that, analyze the paper pattern by referring CAT previous year papers. This analysis will help you identify your weak and strong areas. Using this information, you will understand which part of your page will require the most effort.

Important Topics for CAT 2024 Preparation

When it comes to the CAT exam preparation, you must be aware of the most important CAT preparation topics. Through this, you will be able to secure a good portion of the CAT exam syllabus within a limited time. Now let us discuss a few important CAT preparation topics that can enhance your CAT preparation and ensure you secure more CAT marks.

Quantitative Aptitude Topics

The candidates are advised to emphasize on these CAT quantitative aptitude topics more to enhance their CAT exam preparation.

Number System: Ensure that you are clear with the basic concepts of this topic.

● Arithmetic: Though Arithmetic has a vast number of sub-topics, in the last 3 years, only

a couple of questions have featured from this topic.

● Algebra: Considering this has been one of the most dominant topics in CAT in the last

three years, it makes a lot of sense to place extra emphasis on this topic.

● Geometry: Another topic which has featured quite a lot in the last 3 years.

● Permutation & Combination/Probability: This is another topic that contributes around 1 to 2 questions to the exam.

● Miscellaneous Topics: This includes Set Theory, Trigonometry and Logarithms

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Topics

A few topics that you must cover in DI section and that you must prepare, are given below:

1. Bar Graph

2. Data Sufficiency

3. Pie Chart

4. Caselets

5. Line Graph, etc

Logical Reasoning

• Blood Relations

• Family Tree

• Assumptions

• Sets

• Binary Logics

• Statements

• Match

• Prepositions

• Order and Ranking
• Puzzle
• Seating arrangement

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Topics

The candidates are suggested to practice the following CAT VARC topics to improve their CAT percentile scores.

• Para jumbles

• Grammar

• Sentence corrections

• Vocabulary

• Para corrections

Know About CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The most frequently asked question by CAT aspirants during the last leg of the CAT exam is "Can I prepare for CAT in 2 months?". The answer to this question is yes. The CAT exam will be conducted tentatively on November 24, 2024. With the right CAT exam preparation tips and guidance along with a planned strategy, one can ace the CAT 2024 exam with a good percentile.

Before starting the CAT preparation for MBA, candidates should go through the exam pattern and syllabus to make themselves familiar with the test scheme and the types of questions and structure of the examination. The CAT 2024 exam pattern is what can be called the layout/structure of the exam. It gives details about the duration of the CAT exam, the total number of questions to be asked, the mode of the test, the marking scheme, the number of sections, etc.

There might be some changes in the CAT exam syllabus and pattern however, it is expected to be much more similar to last year's exam pattern. Candidates preparing for CAT 2024 are advised to go through the exam pattern and CAT syllabus as this will help to know what and how much they should study.

Know about the Best Online Platform for CAT Preparation

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

See Also:

• CAT Preparation strategy by Experts
• How 99 Percentilers Prepared for CAT Exam
• Toppers' Tips for GD-PI-WAT

Get Most Important Section Wise CAT Exam MCQs

Changes to the CAT exam pattern over the years

CAT Syllabus 2024

Candidates can check the details of the CAT exam syllabus 2024 below.

CAT Exam Syllabus 2024: Section-Wise Details

How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Sectional Strategy

Candidates who are interested in taking CAT exam 2024 usually come up with questions like "Can I prepare for CAT in 3 months?" during the last few months before the exam. To prepare for CAT in 3 months candidates must follow a structured study plan, attempt a number of mocks, CAT previous year paper and analyse their performance. They should start the preparation in sync with the CAT 2024 exam pattern and syllabus.

Preparing with the CAT exam syllabus in mind becomes easy and more effective. This way, students can cover more topics in less time as they precisely know what to study and what not. Moreover, instead of having a single strategy for the entire CAT syllabus, make a separate strategy for every section to complete CAT Quantitative Aptitude. Section-wise CAT preparation strategy provided below will be of great help to candidates.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Focus on enhancing your basics of mathematics.
• Learn topics like profit and loss, number systems, and geometry as they will form key questions in CAT 2024.

• Practice as much as you can and go for mock tests.

Topics for Quantitative Ability Section

Quick Link- How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading as much as possible is the best way to crack this section and score good marks. This way you will understand how to prepare for CAT VARC section.
• Go through newspapers, journals, blogs, articles, etc. to enhance your reading skills.

• Try solving questions based on comprehension, inferences, and para jumbles. Candidates can join any private tuition or take CAT coaching and prepare from the foundational booklets provided to them.

Topics for VARC

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR)

• Considered to be one of the toughest sections in the CAT exam 2024, needs a lot of hard work to be done from the candidate’s side.
• Check the CAT previous year question paper and try to re-attempt those questions.

• Try to study basic topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, etc to grip hands on this section. Do not use a calculator while solving questions.

Topics for DILR

Quick Link - How to prepare for CAT DI & LR

Know the Best Books for CAT Exam Preparation 2024

Candidates are advised to choose and buy CAT study material for exam preparation wisely. A list of best CAT 2024 preparation books for each section has been provided in the tabular form below.

CAT 2024 Preparation Books for QA Section

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Books for CAT 2024

CAT 2024 Books for VARC

CAT 2024 Preparation: Common Tips for All Sections

Common Admission Test is the speed test of your knowledge, which means it is not a good idea to study more and more. Instead, focus on speed improvement, time management, and mock practice. Apart from sectional preparation, here are some other yet most important tips for aspirants to follow for CAT preparation. Some basic and easy-to-go strategies are -

Basic Guidelines

Also Check:

• CAT Mock Test Series
• CAT Exam: When and how to start preparation

Time Management

With 40 minutes of time allotted to each section, candidates must devise their strategy so they can answer all questions. Managing their time will help candidates turn their efforts into fruitful results. Divide your 24 hours in such a way that you practice each section daily. Speaking about time management, Rounak Tikmani, CAT topper told us that he considered time management as the fourth section apart from the other three provided by IIM. For candidates appearing in the CAT for the first time, time management will provide them with the following benefits at the time of CAT preparation-

• Enhance your efficiency
• Increase your productivity
• Lower stress level

Sharing his personal experience CAT topper Nishakar Kumar said, “I believe time management is much easier when you are passionate about what you are doing, so simply realizing that makes a lot of difference”.

Quick Links:

• How to do Time Management for CAT?
• Sectional Time Management Tips for CAT
  

Analyze and Understand

Before making any kind of strategy on how to prepare for CAT 2024, it is advisable that candidates first check the exam pattern of CAT 2024. Analyze no. of sections, topics and sub-topics asked in previous years' exams along with the difficulty levels. Candidates must also decide how they want to prepare for the CAT exam, whether is it better to prepare for CAT online or offline. For CAT preparation online or offline, candidates must do thorough research on the institutes providing coaching for CAT exam if they are opting for offline mode considering all the factors like fees, travelling expenses, timings, etc.

Opting for online CAT preparation is more convenient and cost-effective where the candidate must maintain their discipline while preparing for CAT exam. Before taking any kind of tests, analyze these points and try to figure out what your major areas are, which subjects require improvement, etc. The analysis is not only done prior to your CAT 2024 preparation but can be in between and at the end of your CAT preparation. CAT topper Suvam Debnath worked hard relentlessly, analyzed his mistakes, and overcame them by scoring 99.52 percentile.

Focus on strengths & Goal Accomplishment

Rahul Manglik, CAT topper says, “Play your strengths and work on your weaknesses”. After analyzing which are your strong areas make them stronger by regular practice. Devise proper strategies for overcoming and correcting your areas of improvement. Whereas for CAT topper Ronit, “candidates must develop a concrete idea of their strengths as well as weaknesses”. In order to achieve good scores, candidates must capitalize on their strengths first and then move towards the less strong areas.

CAT topper Aditya Devalla said that his calm attitude and focused only on what was necessary. Cracking the CAT exam with a good percentile is no less than a challenge but everything is possible if you focus your mind on what you wish to achieve. CAT 2024 will be no different than previous exams.

Attempt Mock Test

CAT toppers accept that their success was somewhat dependent on the mock test they appeared for the CAT exam. One of the best strategies for how to prepare for CAT 2024 is giving the CAT Mock test as it gives candidates a simulated environment of the exam. Benefits of the mock test include self-assessment, time management, accuracy in answering the questions, and understanding the exam day nervousness level.

Quick Links:

Practice everything you studied

Experts in CAT advise candidates to practice what they preach. Regularly practicing what you know will help you access what more is required at the time of CAT preparation. Study each topic and then practice it on a weekly basis to keep it fresh in your mind. For CAT topper Abhilasha Balakrishnan, “Regular practice and a lot of mock tests helped him achieve his goals”. Know what other CAT toppers have to say about preparation.

Reverse Action

While solving the CAT mock test or the actual CAT exam if you find yourself surrounded with questions getting a little difficult, you may choose the reverse action and scan the answers given first. Many times, it happens that answers contain imperative clues that can help you solve the questions more accurately.

How to prepare for CAT exam 2024 by self-study at home?

With the availability of abundant CAT preparation resources available online, the candidates can prepare for the CAT exam in the comfort of their homes at their own pace. CAT preparation at home is practised by a lot of candidates and it have significantly improved the exam preparation of the candidates. Now let us discuss a few CAT preparation at home tips and tricks to help you structure your CAT exam preparation and bring the most out of it.

Understanding the Examination

Know the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CAT syllabus, which includes parts on Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

Understand the test Pattern: Be familiar with the test structure, including the number of questions, time limits, and marking scheme.

Study Materials

Standard books: Use well-known books, such as Arun Sharma's QA, Nishit K. Sinha's DILR, and Norman Lewis' Lexicon.

Online Resources: Use online resources for video lectures and practice problems.

Previous Year Papers: Solve past years' CAT papers to better understand the question patterns and difficulty level.

Time Management

Create a study schedule: Create a daily and weekly study schedule that ensures you cover all areas regularly.

Breakdown Topics: Divide topics into smaller, more digestible chunks and establish precise goals for each study session.

Practice and Revision.

Daily Practice: Set aside time each day to practice questions from all three areas.

Mock examinations: Take full-length mock examinations on a regular basis to practice for exams and measure your progress.

Analyze performance: After each fake test, go over your answers, identify your shortcomings, and work on improving those areas.

Focus on the fundamentals.

Clear basics: Ensure that your basics are absolutely clear, particularly in QA and DILR.

Reading Comprehension: To improve your VARC score, read newspapers, journals, and novels on a regular basis.

Time-Bounded Practice

Timed Sessions: Practice questions within a set time restriction to improve speed and accuracy.

Section Tests: Use timed section tests to focus on certain portions and enhance your performance.

Stay updated.

Current Affairs: Stay up to speed on current events and general knowledge, since they might be useful in the VARC section and interview rounds.

Group Study: If feasible, join online study groups or forums to discuss tough issues and share study strategies.

Health & Motivation

Stay healthy: To keep your mind and body in condition, eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.

Stay motivated: Set short-term and long-term goals, reward yourself for completing them, and maintain a positive outlook.

CAT Preparation for Non-Engineers

Preparing for the CAT exam as a non-engineer can seem challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right approach. Focus on strengthening your basics in math and logical reasoning, even if these are not your strong areas. Make a study plan that includes regular practice and revision. Use mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve your speed and accuracy. Don't neglect the verbal ability section; reading regularly can help. With consistent effort and the right resources, you can succeed in the CAT exam.

CAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

If you are a beginner and are wondering how to prepare for CAT exam, let us understand a few CAT preparation tips for beginners and tricks on how to start your CAT preparation and ensure a great CAT score.

• Create your study strategy: It is very important that you begin your CAT preparation 2024 by creating a study schedule which is conducive to you. You must understand your strengths and weaknesses and spend most of your time tackling the challenges.

• Always be updated: The pattern of the CAT exam is susceptible to frequent changes and the candidates should always be aware of those. You must constantly check the official website for frequent updates regarding the CAT examination.

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern: Before you venture into any exam preparation. It is essential to understand the exam pattern. You must understand the CAT exam pattern beforehand and study each topic carefully.

CAT Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

While it may seem hectic for the candidates to prepare for the CAT examination while staying ahead of their work, cracking the CAT exam with effective preparation is always possible. You must ensure that there is a good balance between your work and CAT exam preparation. Working professionals should always take extra care while preparing for the CAT exam so that they would not feel overwhelmed.

• Enrol for CAT exam coaching: While self-study is appreciated, the working candidates have a provision to attend the CAT coaching sessions online at night. This can be very helpful and help them to stay motivated.

• Set your priorities: This is very important because the candidates at times may feel overburdened by both work and studies. Hence, you must set clear boundaries and stick to them constantly.

• Create an effective study plan: This is one of the most important tips for a working professional. The study plan for a working professional must be both flexible and yet efficient. Working professionals can use the weekends and holidays to study more. They should also find an effective peer group of like-minded people with whom they can discuss their preparation and structure their CAT preparation.

CAT 2024 GDPI Preparation

Scoring a very good percentile in the CAT examination cannot always secure the candidate’s Bschool dreams. They must prepare themselves and ace the CAT GDPI round to secure their admissions in the top B-schools in the country. Now let us discuss a few GDPI tips and tricks. The candidates must also be aware of the various common CAT GDPI mistakes to avoid.

Group Discussion (GD) Preparation:

Preparing for the Group Discussion (GD) part of the CAT 2024 involves building strong communication skills and staying informed about current events. Start by regularly reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals to stay updated on national and international issues. Practice discussing these topics with friends or in study groups to develop your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely. Work on your listening skills to ensure you can respond thoughtfully to others' points of view. Also, enhance your body language and maintain a confident demeanour during discussions. Participating in mock GD sessions can be particularly helpful, as they simulate the actual experience and allow you to receive constructive feedback.

15 Important topics for CAT Group Discussion (GD) preparation

Aspirants who are preparing for CAT 2024 can refer the following GD topics:

• CLIMATE CHANGE
• INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH PROGRAM
• POPULATION RISE IN INDIA
• AI BOON OR BANE?
• RECENT DRAMA ON INDIA AND CANADA RELATIONS
• 70 HOURS WORKING A WEEK. PROS AND CONS
• EXPANSION OF BRICS
• ISRAEL VS HAMAS
• TEAM CONFLICT RESOLUTION
• BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION
• CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AND RESISTANCE
• REMOTE TEAM MANAGEMENT
• PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
• FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE LAST IMPRESSION
• HARD WORK vs. SMART WORK

Personal Interview (PI) Preparation:

For the Personal Interview (PI) stage, focus on building a strong understanding of your personal background, academic achievements, and career goals. Prepare answers for common interview questions, such as your strengths and weaknesses, long-term objectives, and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Reflect on your experiences and be ready to discuss them in detail, highlighting your skills and learnings. Stay updated on industry trends relevant to your career aspirations. Practice mock interviews with friends, mentors, or through online platforms to gain confidence and improve your responses. Also, work on your presentation skills, including maintaining good eye contact, speaking clearly, and exuding confidence during the interview.

CAT Mock Exams for 2024 Preparation

Taking CAT mock tests is a crucial part of your exam preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions you'll face. By practising with mock tests, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement. They also help you manage your time better during the actual exam. Regularly taking these tests builds your confidence and improves your speed and accuracy. Make sure to analyze your performance after each test to learn from your mistakes and track your progress.

The candidates are strongly advised to practice the CAT free mock test designed by Careers360. This mock test is designed after careful analysis of the latest CAT exam pattern set by IIMs. In the end, a detailed analysis of the candidate’s section-wise performance is given, providing the candidate an opportunity to introspect their preparation and perfro

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