Candidates need a well-planned, streamlined approach to prepare for CAT 2023. They must follow a study schedule, know the CAT exam pattern and syllabus in detail, refer to the most relevant resources, and solve CAT question papers and mock tests regularly.
CAT Syllabus consists of 3 sections: Qualitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
- CAT QA Syllabus: It includes topics on mathematics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and mensuration.
- CAT VARC Syllabus: It has topics related to the English language, grammar, verbal logic, reading comprehension, and more.
- CAT DILR Syllabus: This section deals with reasoning-based topics like series, patterns, relationships, tables, graphs, charts, etc.
CAT 2023 exam date is set for November 26, 2023. In the last lap of CAT preparation, they must have a more focused approach to utilize the remaining time effectively.
How to Prepare for CAT: Last-Minute Tips
Avoid New Topics: Do not take up new topics in the last days of CAT preparation. It will take up time and cause confusion. Instead, focus on the already-known topics. Brush up on areas that you are confident about. Work on your weaker areas. Keep revising the known topics to improve their retention.
Revise from Notes: Make rigorous notes during CAT preparation. Handwritten notes help in summarizing and remembering concepts better. Later, use these smaller notes to brush up on the concepts and last-minute revisions. It will save time and cover multiple topics effectively.
Refer to Online Resources: There are multiple websites and YouTube channels that provide guidance and study materials for CAT. Learn from videos to cover large topics in simpler terms and short time. These sources also suggest shortcuts and tricks to attempt questions faster and more accurately in the exam.
Solve CAT Question Papers: Now that you are prepared with the CAT syllabus, solve the previous years’ CAT question papers and sample papers as frequently as possible. This will help you familiarize yourself with the actual paper, manage time better, and build confidence.
Attempt CAT Mock Tests: CAT mock tests from various sources will provide questions of varying difficulty levels. Solving these questions in the stipulated time will better prepare you for the actual CAT exam. Evaluate your performance and work on your weaker areas.
Improve Time Management: Time management is key in CAT 2023. First attempt questions that you can solve quickly and correctly. Then move on to the lengthy questions that you can solve. Lastly, take up questions with lengthy calculations. This way you can manage time, stay confident, and avoid negative making in the exam.
Attempt Questions that You Are Sure About: According to the CAT exam pattern, you will have 2 hours to solve 66 questions and lose 1 mark for every incorrect answer in MCQs. So, it is smart to answer questions that you are confident about. Skip questions that are lengthy or difficult and use this time to answer questions that you know. Come back to the skipped questions later if time permits.
Maintain Speed and Accuracy: CAT is an aptitude test. It needs you to answer questions quickly and correctly. With extensive practice, you can improve your speed and accuracy. Learn formulae, shortcuts, and tricks to perform better.
Manage Stress Better: The long-term CAT preparation has a negative impact on your well-being. Take breaks, get enough sleep, and focus on your health. Plan better to avoid last-minute stress. Boost your confidence with regular practice and have a positive mindset.
Best Books for CAT Preparation
With CAT 2023 just around the corner, candidates should not get confused between multiple CAT preparation books. Refer to a selected few resources that are recommended by experts and toppers for more comprehensive CAT Preparation.
Best Books for CAT QA
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
Best Books for CAT VARC
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Trishna’s Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Other MBA Examinations by T.I.M.E
Best Books for CAT DILR
- How to Prepare for Data Interpreparation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
CAT exam preparation would require a lot of focused planning, effective time management, and lots of practice. Take breaks, manage your expectations, and practice extensively to improve your CAT performance.