Check CAT 2023 preparation tips for beginners: The candidates who are appearing for CAT as a beginner must be very strategic in their preparation. The CAT Exam is a national-level MBA exam conducted by IIMs on a rotational basis in the month of November. However, the candidates who are appearing in CAT 2023 for the first time may now be aware of how to start preparation and score 99+ percentile to get selected in IIMs.

Read the article below to know How a Beginner can Prepare for CAT 2023. The candidates must know and study all the exam sections very efficiently to kick-start their CAT preparation in an effective way.

CAT 2023 Preparation Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips that your can follow to prepare for CAT 2023.

  • Know the exam pattern and test structure first
  • Check the CAT syllabus and other important topics
  • Prepare as per the expert’s recommendations and toppers tips to crack CAT in First attempt.
  • Do not forget to solve sample papers and last year’s question papers to track your preparation level.

Check the Paper Pattern and Syllabus

The candidates must be aware of the latest CAT exam pattern and syllabus to plan a study strategy. Note all the important facts about CAT including the sectional weightage and marks distribution and divide your time equally for the chapters. Additionally, knowing the paper pattern also helps to understand the marking scheme.

Make A Study Strategy

The candidates should make a study plan as per their capability of completing the chapters. Ensure that you are keeping track of your preparation and solving last year’s CAT question paper to know the question types and level of difficulty.

Work on your Speed And Accuracy

Note one thing, there is sectional timing in CAT Exam. The candidates have to complete each of the exam sections within 40 minutes as there will be no extra time for them (exceptions for PwD candidates). So, it should be your first priority to work on your time management skills to enhance your solving speed.

It is always suggested that solve the easy questions first and then proceed with the difficult ones. It will save your time and you can accurately answer the questions.

Attempt Mock Questions

Try to attempt 2-3 CAT Mock Tests in a week. It will help you to know the exam structure. Click here to know how CAT Mocks are helpful for your exam preparation.

Stay Updated with Current Events

Read news articles on a daily basis and note all the important events in your diary. Revise it in your free time, as staying up-to-date is very important to crack IIM Interview round.

Apart from this, reading newspapers daily will also improve your communication and comprehensive skills.

How a Beginner Can Prepare for CAT – Mistakes to be Avoided

Below we have listed some most important mistakes which you need to avoid to prepare for CAT.

Inadequate Exam Practice

Try to distinguish between active and passive learning. It is true that passive learning through online video lectures and lessons is important. But the candidates must not neglect the active learning phase to prepare for CAT 2023. Because without solving chapter-wise exercises and mock questions, it is impossible to grab conceptual clarity about the chapters.

Sluggish Start

The candidates must start their preparation as soon as possible and not start anything new before the exam date. Experts say that CAT VARC can be prepared in 2-3 months if you are dedicated and focused in your preparation. Enhance your mental calculation skills to score a good rank in CAT QA.

Make a Balance Between Your Strengths and Weakness

It is very easy and simple to answer the questions from the chapters in which you have good conceptual clarity. But you must prepare well for those chapters also in which you do not the proper clarity to achieve the long-term objectives to score well in the exam. So, spend time with those chapters that you are struggling with.

No Awareness of Exam Structure and Current Affairs

Aspiring candidates must be aware of the latest test structure, as it is the most important thing to understand. Try to avoid spending time on abstract ideas because RC passages in Verbal Ability need a first understanding of the topics. Additionally, do not neglect reading the newspapers on a daily basis.

CAT Study Plan for Beginners

Here, we have tabulated a study plan for the candidates who are appearing for CAT 2023 as a beginner. Basically, a scheduled study plan is extremely important to crack CAT with a good rank.

Components

Details

CAT Preparation – Ideal Time

6 – 8 Months

Daily Investment in Preparation

Minimum 6 – 7 hours of dedicated study

Topics to be covered in a week

At least 5 – 6 chapters. Solve chapter-wise exercises also to gain better conceptual clarity

Mock Tests to be Attempted in a Week

Try to complete 2-5 mocks tests and track your preparation level

Daily Routine

  • Start your day by reading newspapers and the latest headlines
  • Choose important chapters from the syllabus
  • Start solving the easy questions first and then move ahead to the difficult questions
  • Solve 2 – 5 sample papers before the exams before the exam date
  • Solve 2 – 5 RC passages daily to enhance your speed.
  • Revise all the important formulas as well as the concepts that you have learned.

The CAT exam is one of the most popular MBA exams in India. Every year more than 2 lakhs of aspirants appear for this exam but out of which 60 – 70 % of candidates appear as beginners. Additionally, preparing for CAT is a little challenging as there is no official syllabus for this exam. Join BYJU’S CAT Online Coaching and complete your preparation from your comfort zone.

Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Preparation Tips for Beginners

Q1

How a Beginner Can Prepare for CAT 2023?

The candidates who are appearing for CAT 2023 as a beginner must follow a planned exam preparation strategy. They should know the exam pattern and syllabus first to get a clear idea of question types, difficulty level, sectional weightage, timings and marks distributions.

Q2

Can a beginner crack CAT on the first attempt?

Yes, a beginner can easily crack CAT on the first attempt. They need to be focused on their study by following the experts’ suggested study tips.

Q3

How a Beginner Can Prepare for CAT at Home?

If you are thinking to prepare for CAT at home, then your first preference should be to join an online class for CAT 2023. You can join BYJU’S CAT online classes to prepare for CAT at home.

Q4

Can a beginner get 99 percentile in CAT?

Yes, beginner candidates easily get the 99 percentile in CAT. They must be focused on their time management skills and accuracy during preparation.