CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy: Common Admissions Test (CAT) is one of the most admired entrance tests for Master of Business Administration (MBA) aspirants in India. It is a gateway to 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as more than 1200 other business schools of the country. The exam is conducted by one of the IIMs every year on a rotational basis. To crack CAT with high score, candidates must have best CAT 2020 preparation strategy
The notification for CAT 2020 will be released in the month of July 2020 on the official website i.e., iimcat.ac.in. The exam will be conducted in the month of November in around 136 cities throughout the country.
While framing your CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy; following questions should pop in your mind:
Know Detailed CAT 2020 Exam Pattern
The most important aspect of getting a good score in the entrance exam is time management and accuracy. Accuracy is also important because of negative marking in the exam. When building CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy, candidates must be familiar with the syllabus and exam pattern. The following table gives you an idea of that:
Total Number of Questions | 100 |
Number of Sections | 3 |
Questions with Negative Marking | 70-75 |
Questions without Negative Marking | 25-30 |
Marking Pattern | +3 for Correct Responses +1 for an Incorrect Response |
Section | Number of questions | Duration |
---|---|---|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 34 | 60 Minutes |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI/ LR) | 34 | 60 Minutes |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 32 | 60 Minutes |
There are some tips specifically catering to groom the students who are preparing for CAT while studying in college. If these tips are taken into consideration in CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy, then you can score better.
College students stop focusing on graduation marks when they start preparing for entrance exams. Graduation marks play a very important role and should be given the exact amount of weightage.
Topics | Days |
---|---|
English Grammar; Sentence Correction; Fill in the Blanks | 5 |
Para Completion; Jumbled Paragraph; Odd Sentence Out; Para Summary | 10 |
Verbal Reasoning; Critical Reasoning; Reading Comprehension | 4 |
Topics | Days |
---|---|
Network and Routes; | 3 |
Combinations; Data Sufficiency; Venn Diagrams | 4 |
Set Theory; Games and Tournaments; DI Based Reasoning; Tables; Caselets | 5 |
Selections and Ordering | 7 |
Arrangements | 8 |
Charts | 9 |
Graphs | 12 |
Topics | Days |
---|---|
Time and Work; Mixtures and Allegations; Ratio and Proportion; Linear Equations; Inequalities; Logarithms; Surds and Indices; Coordinate Geometry | 2 |
Functions; Progressions; Simple and Compound Interest; Percentages; | 3 |
Averages; Profit, Loss and Discount; TSD; Quadratic Equations; Probability | 4 |
Mensuration; P&C | 5 |
Number System and Geometry | 10 |
MBA aspirants should make it a habit to revise all the things again and again as revision increases our mind’s capacity to retain data. Thus, before beginning with new topics, revise the topics studied on the previous day. This will also help you to realise how much information you have actually retained.
Books play a major role while preparing for any of the exams. Major exams like CAT require highly standardised books to brush up the concepts you need to learn before appearing in the exam. Some of the recommended books for CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy include:
Book Name | Author |
---|---|
How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Quantum for CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exam Tips, Techniques, Short-cut Methods | Abhijit Guha |
NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8,9,10,11 and 12 | - |
Book Name | Author |
---|---|
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri |
How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Name | Author |
---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma |
Wren and Martin English Grammar | - |
Business English and Communication | Clark Zimmer |
NOTE - This is not an exhaustive list, and the students can consult a number of other books too.
Another important aspect of preparation is to attempt as many mock tests as possible. After going through all the topics, you should start attempting online mock tests. This will also prepare you for managing time in the final exam and give you a fair idea of the pattern of questions.
Solve the sample papers given online. Several online websites provide mock sample tests. This will help in understanding the level of questions that are asked in the exam. Giving mock tests also helps you to judge yourself and your preparation and improve upon it. Carefully notice your mistakes and work on them and try not to repeat them.
Some coaching institutes like Mindworkzz also provide distance learning or online classes. Some other helpful websites which offer study material for CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy include TCY Online, Learn Hub, Indiabix, Simply Learnt, Handa ka Funda, PaGaLGuY, Career Launcher and Education Observer.
There are a number of coaching institutes throughout the country. Most of the institutes start with fresh batches in January 2020. However, new batches keep on starting at regular intervals throughout the year until the exam is conducted in November. Some of the well- known coaching institutes in Delhi are:
The conducting agency usually announces results in January of next year. However, CAT results are not the only important factor for admission to IIMs. It is only the first factor. The IIMs release a list of shortlisted students based on CAT score, and then a Writing Ability Test (WAT), as well as a Personal Interview (PI), is conducted by the IIMs. All the factors are taken into account before releasing the final list of the selected students. Students are advised to give their best in the CAT exam as it is the stepping stone for the next levels of testing and admissions.
There are some tips given by the top scorers that will help you with your CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy better.
It is important to stay focused and have a positive attitude throughout the period of preparation as well as on the day of the exam. Staying relaxed and having a good sleep is the key to a positive mind. Thus, students are advised to give their best without stressing much about the result. Stay calm and confident. Good Luck!
Ques. How to prepare for CAT 2020?
Ans. Start your preparations early. Gather all the books and materials. Frame CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy. Take Mock Tests.
Ques. How many months should I study for CAT 2020?
Ans. You should start your preparations at least 3 months before your exams.
Ques. How many Mock Tests should I give as a part of CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy?
Ans. Solve at least 35-40 Mock Papers. Try to strictly adhere to time restrictions while giving Mock Tests.
Ques. Is it fine if I start my CAT 2020 Preparation Strategy?
Ans. Yes, the sooner you start, the better it will be for you to understand each topic better.
Ques. Can I give CAT exams more than one time?
Ans. Yes, you can.