Over two lakh hopefuls take the Common Admission Test (CAT) each year to gain entry to Indian MBA programs. There were more than 3 lakh applicants in 2023. It leads to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), the highest-ranked business institution in India. It is also the most difficult entrance exam to pass. So, those who want to take the CAT in 2024 need to design a study plan that covers everything that matters for getting a 99th percentile score. The CAT is an aptitude test that measures the verbal, analytical, and logical abilities of a candidate. These abilities are crucial for a business management job.
CAT is a very challenging test. Therefore, you should begin preparing at least nine months before the event. Every candidate taking the CAT needs a comprehensive study strategy that addresses every possible question type and area on the test.
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You must devote yourself fully to the CAT exam if you intend to take it in 2024. Only then will you succeed. Six to eight hours of study time every day, with frequent review of all ideas and equations, is required to prepare for the CAT exam in 2024.
CAT Preparation Books 2024
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- "Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT" by Gautam Puri
- "Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency" by Nishit K. Sinha
- "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT" by Arun Sharma
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant
- "30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary" by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/Simon & Schuster
- "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT" by Sharma and Upadhyay
- "PSC for VA for CAT" by Nishit Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma
- "Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh K. Verma
- "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha
- "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Dinesh K. Sinha
- "Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and other MBA Entrance Examinations" by T.I.M.E.
CAT Preparation Tips
There are three parts to preparing for the CAT: studying the basics, putting in the time to "do the grind," and practicing with mock exams. Each of the three stages is crucial.
Typically, candidates should allocate a minimum of 4-5 months for CAT preparation. This timeframe allows ample opportunity to cover all study materials, solve practice questions and mock tests, and enhance proficiency in weaker areas. In case of time constraints, a crash course can also be considered.
"Practice is key for CAT preparation"
Taking regular mock tests helps you understand the exam pattern, manage time effectively, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Many coaching institutes and online platforms offer mock tests that simulate the actual CAT exam.
Pay close attention to the pertinent part of your preparation and avoid questions with extremely high degrees of difficulty in Quant. While you study for the CAT, keep your distance from online discussion groups and social media.
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CAT Preparation Schedule
There are a lot of subjects covered on the CAT, so it's helpful to have a plan. When making a timetable, students often make three mistakes.
- Be obsessive about quants. Students are ill with Quantitis and get ready to conquer the Olympiad in Combinatorics and Number Theory.
- Reading is undervalued. Make reading a daily habit. Diversify your reading material.
- Disregard DI-LR. A third of the paper is devoted to this. Typically, students devote less than ten percent of their time to this.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude
Many consider Quants to be the most challenging area to study for. If you want to do well on the CAT, you must not lose sight of the basics and focus only on improving your speed. A lot of practice will make you faster. Start your preparations on day one with faith in this funda and not hurry.
CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) portion usually contains three parts: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Reading Comprehension. Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Odd Words, Words Often Confused, Sentence Completion, and Cloze Tests are vocabulary-based. To answer these questions, you need vocabulary, reading, and reasoning. Vocabulary knowledge includes knowing a word's meaning and context. Understanding a word's context makes it easier.
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Etymology—root meanings—can help you understand a word. Understanding a Latin root, like ‘loqui,’ helps one grasp words like eloquent, loquacious, soliloquy, ventriloquize, circumlocution, grandiloquent, magniloquent, etc. Understanding roots, prefixes, and suffixes gives you good vocabulary control.
There are two ways to solve grammar-based questions: go by rules and learn the various parts of speech and their usages and the rules that apply, or practice the questions and learn the errors that lead to error detection or sentence correction questions. After learning the error categories, practice helps you cross the line.
Reading regularly helps with comprehension. Create novels, newspapers, and blogs. Reading speed should be at least 300 words per minute, depending on the text level. Diversity of reading. Consider reading outside your comfort zone.
CAT DI LR
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is weighted similarly to the other two areas in CAT exams. In CAT 2024, this section will be reasonably difficult but time-consuming. CAT DILR is difficult because it is not math and has no formula. The logic requires math and counting. Mental calculation is crucial. Use your head, not the calculator, to master DILR. Master Tables 1-20, Fractions 1/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/20, fundamental calculation, etc.
Sample Questions and Mock CATs
Sample questions and online mock examinations are crucial to CAT exam preparation. Candidates must take 40-50 CAT mock examinations throughout preparation. While October is the best time to start full-fledged CAT mocks, experts advocate solving topic-wise sample questions while studying for improved comprehension.
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Solve at least three practice problems while learning a topic. The first try will help you comprehend the question and its logic, the second will help you solve it accurately, and the third will help you solve it faster. Start online CAT mock exams once you finish the syllabus to avoid getting stuck on a topic. You should practice CAT mock examinations to improve your speed and accuracy on a 2-hour question paper. To survive the three-hour exam without tiring, build stamina.
After each CAT mock test or sample paper, evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement. Only solve one sample paper per day. Your mind needs relaxation after a hard session. Continue to identify deficiencies and work on them if the initial result is disappointing. You can only win CAT or other MBA admission exams by passing practice examinations. Sectional sample examinations are necessary to learn and manage time on the CAT exam.
Best CAT Preparation Institutes in Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, & Hyderabad
Applicants to top B-schools often seek expert help. In this endeavor, various coaching institutes, across the nation, have been recognized for their excellent tutoring methods and proven track records. We include the top CAT coaching centers in Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to help students get into top business schools.
CAT Preparation Institutes in Bangalore
iQuanta
With an innovative online teaching platform, iQuanta is a top Bangalore CAT coaching center. The institute has skilled instructors who provide interactive live classes, making learning fun.
T.I.M.E.
The Triumphant Institute Of Management Education (TIME) is known for MBA coaching in Bangalore. They provide extensive study material, sample tests, and innovative video tutorials to help you master each subject.
Career Launcher
Career Launcher, a popular Bangalore CAT coaching institute, teaches differently. Their program uses offline and online resources and performance tracking to ensure progress.
CAT Institutes in New Delhi (2024)
iQuanta
CAT coaching pioneer iQuanta is in Delhi. A novel approach to online learning, iQuanta's interactive live lectures, rigorous problem-solving sessions, and insightful mock exam analysis empower CAT students. Personal mentorship enhances its appeal. If you want flexible and effective CAT tutoring, try iQuanta.
MBA Guru
MBA Guru, known for high-quality CAT prep, adapts to students' learning patterns with Adaptive Prep. This technique and expert coaching from IIM alumni and seasoned professionals enrich learning. MBA Guru's unique teaching style and focus on continual improvement make it a top Delhi MBA coaching provider.
Career Launcher
Career Launcher is one of Delhi's best CAT coaching centers due to its high success rate. CAT candidates benefit from Career Launcher's classroom sessions, substantial test series, and well-structured study material. Their tech-driven training and personalized doubt-solving sessions are unmatched.
CAT Coaching Institutes in Mumbai
QDS PRO
A top test prep firm in Mumbai, QDS Pro offers unmatched test preparation services for all Indian MBA Entrance Exams, including the CAT, MAH-CET, BBA Entrance Exams, NMAT, SNAP, XAT, CMAT, and others, as well as all international entrance exams, including the GMAT, GRE, SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL. Their broad service line comprises Live Online Tutoring, Offline Coaching Centers in Mumbai, Video Lectures (Self-Prep Courses), Doubt Solving, Mock Test Programs, and Home Tutoring.
VPROV
VPROV is India's leading CAT coaching center, founded and directed by esteemed educator Prof. Rajesh (2006 CAT Topper, B.E, MBA, LLB, PhD). VPROV, with 76 learning centers in India, 9 abroad, and qualified staff, has sent thousands of students to IIMS and other TOP B schools. Additionally, they offer GRE, GMAT, CLAT, SAT, IPMAT, and NRA-CET training.
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Classes with BYJU's
A unique CAT Coaching Institute in Mumbai, Byju's is well-positioned to help students maximize their potential. Due to its vast study materials, intimate class sizes, rigorous testing preparation, and excellent personnel, Byju's has a great IIM call record.
CAT Preparation Institutes in Hyderabad
Crack IIM
Crack IIM is another excellent Hyderabad CAT coaching institute. This ISB alumni-founded institute provides high-quality CAT tutoring and advising for top business schools. Crack IIM is a trusted choice for CAT applicants due to its experienced mentorship, standardized teaching technique, and current study material.
Mythri's Academy
Hyderabad's Mythri's Academy is a popular CAT tutoring center for management admission exams. Mythri's Academy helps students succeed with comprehensive CAT coaching in a digital classroom and expert professors. Their dedication to quality instruction has made them popular with Hyderabad CAT hopefuls.
IMS
India's foremost test-prep institute, IMS, offers CAT coaching in Hyderabad. For over 30 years, Hyderabad-based IMS has prepared students for competitive exams. Their comprehensive classroom programs, skilled staff, and abundant study material make them a top Hyderabad CAT coaching center.
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