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CAT Preparation Strategy

In this article, we have shared a detailed CAT Preparation Strategy that you can follow to score well in the upcoming exam. Following the trends, CAT 2023 is likely to be conducted on 26 November 2023 across the country. It will be a nationwide competition to get an opportunity to study MBA in top-most B-schools in India like IIMs, FMS and more.

With a proper and scheduled CAT preparation strategy, aspirants can not only prepare for the CAT entrance exam in a more effective way but can also handle any question in the exam more accurately. So, to help the aspirants to ace the exam with a good score, we have shared some important and effective CAT preparation strategy 2023 in the section below.

CAT Preparation Strategy – Why Does It Matter?

CAT is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management as a shortlisting criterion for their different programmes. The CAT exam is taken by over a quarter of a million MBA aspirants every year, and only those candidates who are in the top few percentiles get calls from the IIMs. This makes the exam extremely competitive and thus, a proper CAT preparation strategy is required to be in that top percentile segment.

How do I Make a Planned CAT Preparation Strategy 2023?

First of all the candidates must check the latest CAT Exam Pattern and syllabus to make a preparation strategy for CAT. It is seen that the CAT pattern has not been revised in the past few years, but checking the pattern, sectional weightage should be on your priority list after checking the official notification for CAT.

Here, in the table below we have shared the latest pattern, test structure and sectional weightage for CAT, that you can expect in the upcoming exam.

Sections CAT Total Questions MCQs TITA Maximum Marks
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 21 3 72
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 20 14 6 60
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 22 14 8 66
Total 66 49 17 198

Preparation Strategy for CAT 2023 – Expert’s Recommended

The whole CAT preparation strategy can be divided into three phases, as listed below:

  • Information Gathering Strategy
  • Preparation Strategy
  • Exam-Taking Strategy

These strategies, if followed properly, can help CAT aspirants to have excellent preparation and help them to ace the CAT 2023 easily. All these strategies are discussed below in a comprehensive way.

Information Gathering Strategy

Before starting the preparation, individuals are required to be completely acquainted with the CAT exam and its relevant details. Details related to the syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility and registration should be thoroughly checked at the very beginning. At this point, it is also important to decide whether to go for self-study or coaching. Check out the articles below to know all the relevant details about the exam.

Important Links:

CAT Syllabus CAT Eligibility
How To Prepare For Cat Exam at Home CAT Online Preparation
CAT Preparation Books CAT Study Materials

It is also important to have proper study materials and books for CAT. The articles that are linked above outline some of the best preparation books for all the sections that can be used for CAT preparation.

Section-Wise CAT Preparation Strategy

Now comes the preparation phase, which is the most crucial for a CAT aspirant. At this point, it is important to strategise a preparation plan and stick to it. Take a mock test and analyse the weak and strong topics which will help to create a schedule, accordingly. It is suggested to cover all the syllabus topics and also includes time for revision and mock tests in the schedule.

Once the schedule is made, it is important to practice a lot of questions from each section. By practising different variations of questions, aspirants can easily develop their problem-solving skills and can tackle any question in the exam more efficiently and accurately. Also, solve several sample papers and question papers to understand the exam better.

During the preparation, it is extremely crucial to take several mock tests and then analyse them closely. Mock tests not only help to analyse the current preparation level but also help to develop personal test-taking and time-management strategies. At this time, it is also important to revise periodically to be able to retain all the concepts and formulas longer.

Important Links:

CAT Preparation CAT Sample Papers
CAT Question Papers CAT Mock Test
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions CAT Shortcut Techniques

It is suggested to be focused and dedicated throughout the preparation and avoid skipping any topic. With proper preparation, aspirants develop their confidence to tackle CAT questions with speed, which helps a lot during the exam.

Exam-Taking Strategy

With correct exam-taking strategies, candidates will be able to solve the most number of questions accurately and increase their chances of getting into the top percentile segment. For CAT, it is extremely important to manage time and avoid getting a penalty for incorrect answers. So, time management and avoiding negative marking is considered to be of utmost importance for the exam.

One of the strategies to attempt CAT questions is to start with the easy ones and then move to the difficult and tricky questions. This way, one can easily attempt more questions accurately. It is very important to understand that in the CAT exam, accuracy is more important than attempting more questions.

Important Links:

Tips to Reduce Negative Marking in CAT Exam Top-Exam Day Strategies for CAT Examination
Things to Remember Inside CAT Exam Center Tips to be Mentally Prepared for the CAT Exam

Watch the below Video for 60 Days CAT Preparation Strategy

Correct Time to Start CAT 2023 Preparation

Candidates must attentively review the CAT 2023 syllabus after analysing the exam’s format. Allocate time in accordance with the syllabus’s contents. The question exam will be organised into three main areas, including Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability, in accordance with the CAT syllabus 2023.

In the table below, we have shared a short month-wise CAT Preparation Strategies, so that you can manage the time accordingly.

Time Management Focal Areas for CAT preparation strategy
First 6 Months
  • Divide the syllabus and try to give equal time for all the exam section
  • Join CAT Coaching to get instant support from the experts
Next 3 Months
  • Work on weak areas and also solve sample papers to maintain track of your preparation.
Last 1 Month
  • Attempt mock tests at least 3-4 in a week, including both sectional and full-length exams

These were the best CAT Preparation Strategies 2023 which can help the candidates to prepare for CAT more effectively and help them to ace it easily. CAT aspirants are also suggested to register at BYJU’S and download the app to get complete assistance for the exam.