How to Prepare for CAT 2018
The Common Admission Test, popularly known as CAT is going to be conducted by 25th November 2018. CAT is a computer-based test that assesses MBA Aspirants’skills in English, quantitative ability and logical reasoning. MBA aspirants are getting themselves into thorough preparation for the next 2 months for admission opportunities into their dream B-schools in India.
CAT 2018 REGISTRATION DATE HAS BEEN EXTENDED
The competition level in CAT is very high as it is the gateway to admissions into all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Besides, CAT score is also accepted by numerous top B-schools of India for the admission process. The first step to crack any competitive exam is to first understand its pattern.
Let us first understand the concept and pattern of CAT 2018.
The CAT 2018 paper comprises of 100 objective type questions and the duration of the test is 3 hours. For each right answer, the candidate will be awarded 3 marks and 1 mark will be deducted for the wrong answer. There will be no deduction or addition for unanswered questions. The test comprises of 3 sections:
1. Quantitative Ability
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
3. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Each section gets equal significance with a separate one-hour slot. So, the CAT Aspirants should know that they will not be allowed to switch among the 3 sections. Basically, the syllabi contain fundamental topics of NCERT books which require tricks and logical thinking. The MBA Aspirants should be aware that each section in the CAT exam may require a customised preparation based on your interest and understanding.
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section have 10 VA questions and 24 RC questions. A thorough practice and regular reading is the key to get succeed in this section. The Quantitative Ability section includes Arithmetic, Number System, Algebra, Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry, Higher Maths and more. The Aspirants are suggested to take mock tests, practice using a timer, and also analysing the weak areas or topics so as to practice more on the weaker areas. The students must prepare a strategy to crack CAT Exam as per their routine, efficiency, weak and strong areas.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section comprise of data representations like pie-chart, line graph, bar chart and complex combinations. Solving data quickly on these related questions is the key to crack this section.
The Aspirants need to maintain a right balance between the number of attempts and accuracy level, the time spent on each question becomes an important factor towards scoring high in the test.
The MBA Aspirant needs to maintain a proper balance between attempt and time spent on each question. But, some questions may be time taking and tricky. So, it is important for the aspirants to quickly categorize the questions in each section and allot time accordingly.
Regular practice of mock test helps a candidate to evaluate their performance and also helps him gauge his standing among his peers. Mock tests also help MBA Aspirants to get themselves familiarise with the testing environment of the CAT and develop time management skills to crack the test and join Top B-schools in India.
