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Is it possible to score 90 percentile in CAT with 4 months preperation?
Yes, it’s possible. If your basics are clear 4 months of preparation is more than enough to score 90 percentile in CAT.
- First, take a previous year's mock test. Evaluate which areas need more focus while preparing.
- Be consistent with your preparation. Don’t leave your preparation for a few days at a stretch.
- Take regular mocks to analyze your position and make the required changes in your strategy.
While preparing, stay motivated and don’t let the zeal fade away.
Why is CAT considered a tough test?
CAT examination itself isn’t tough. The competition and the hype created for the examination is the reason people perceive the examination as difficult. CAT syllabus is pretty straightforward. The examination has basic Maths and English questions. It usually has old-fashioned MCQ questions for the most part.
The competition part does make matters a bit complicated. Around 2 lakh people take CAT each year. Only around 40% of the students taking the test, prepare seriously for it.
Including the top 25 B-schools of India, there are around 10,000 decent seats.
So around 80,000 students or so compete for around 10,000 seats. So, the chance of securing a seat is 1 in 8.
What would be your top 3 suggestions for a candidate aiming to make it to IIM A/ B/ C with a year and half until the CAT exam?
Here are a few tips that you mind find useful if you are preparing for CAT.
- Focus on your academics, if you have time to improve your profile. If you don’t forget about it and concentrate on CAT preparation.
- Preparing with a group can be fun. You can evaluate and compare your progress with others. It is also easier to stay motivated.
- Learn the best approach and method to solve all types of problems that come in CAT. Give ample number of tests. Analyze the tests thoroughly. Keep tabs on the common mistakes you make and try not to repeat them.
Last but not the least, stay motivated throughout your CAT journey.
How can I calculate 451/ 586 on the CAT exam where time management is critical?
Calculating 451/586 on the CAT exam where time management is critical, is quite simple, and does not take much time. It is roughly 450/600=3/4.
Now, reducing 600 to 586 results in a slightly higher ratio, such as 0.78. Examine options that are a multiple of and slightly higher than 3/4=6/8=9/12=12/16=15/20. Discard options 15/18 & 5/8 in this manner. Always use approximation when calculating such small sums.
In the preceding example, you get 45/59 by rounding them to two digits. It's now fairly simple to calculate. In CAT, a virtual calculator is available at the top of the computer screen for performing such calculations.
What is the process of applying for the CAT exam?
Here is how you can apply for CAT.
- When the registration starts, go to the website. You will find the option to apply online.
- Fill in your personal details. They will ask for a passport size photograph and a scanned copy of your signature.
- Fill in your 10th, 12th, and graduation marks. You will also need to upload your transcripts.
- You will also need to fill in your work experience.
- Select the IIMs and the programs that you want to apply to. Don’t skip any of the programs that you are interested in. For any program, the shortlist is only sent to those, who applied for it.
- Once you complete the application, pay the required fee.
After a few days, they will issue admit card.
How do I prepare myself for CAT?
A friend of mine prepared for CAT by himself in 6 months. He followed the set of four books authored by Arun Sharma (one each for VARC, DI, LR, and QA) and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. He was weak in Verbal. So, he started reading as much as he could. It eventually paid off well, since a large part of CAT Verbal is Reading Comprehension. DILR is all about practice. He practiced as many questions as he could to feel confident in this part. He had one month left to prepare for quant. He started giving mocks along with his preparation. Although he couldn’t cover the whole Quants section, he scored around 98.89% and was selected for IIMA.
So, you need to evaluate the time you have and formulate a strategy that will serve you well.
How should I prepare for CAT to secure a seat in the IIMs?
Preparing for the CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of securing a seat in one of the IIMs. Here are some tips to help you prepare for CAT:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: CAT is a computer-based test that assesses your verbal ability, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude skills. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus can help you focus your preparation and create a study plan.
- Develop a study plan: A well-structured study plan is essential to cover the entire syllabus and manage time effectively. Divide your preparation time into different phases and allocate time for each topic based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice mock tests: Taking mock tests can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, improve your time management skills, and build your confidence. It's essential to analyze your performance in each mock test and focus on improving your weak areas.
- Read newspapers and books: Reading newspapers and books can help you improve your reading comprehension and verbal ability skills. It's important to read a variety of topics, including business, economics, politics, and social issues.
- Solve previous years' question papers: Solving previous years' question papers can help you understand the exam pattern, identify the important topics, and develop strategies to solve the questions quickly.
- Stay motivated and focused: Preparing for CAT can be challenging and requires discipline and focus. It's important to stay motivated, maintain a positive attitude, and keep practicing consistently.
Remember, securing a seat in the IIMs requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Keep practicing, stay focused, and believe in yourself.
How many months does one require to prepare for the CAT?
If you are planning to take CAT to get admission to IIMs and other top B-schools in India, you may be wondering how much time you should set aside to prepare for it. Here are some factors to consider:
- Academic background: If you have a strong foundation in math and English, you may require less time to prepare for CAT than someone who is weaker in these areas.
- Work experience: If you have been working in a field that requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, you may already have some of the skills needed for the CAT. However, if you have been out of school for a long time or have not been working in a related field, you may require more time to prepare.
- Target score: CAT is a highly competitive exam, and the top B-schools in India have very high cut-offs. If you are aiming for a score in the 99th percentile or above, you will likely need to dedicate more time to prepare.
- Study schedule: The amount of time you have available to study each day and each week will also affect how much time you need to prepare. Someone who can study for several hours each day may be able to prepare in a shorter period of time than someone who can only study for an hour or two each day.
Based on these factors, the amount of time required to prepare for the CAT can vary widely. Some students may require several months of intensive study, while others may be able to prepare in a shorter period of time. However, as a general guideline, most students should plan to dedicate at least 3-6 months of focused study to prepare for the CAT. During this time, you will need to review and practice a wide range of concepts and skills, including:
- Quantitative Aptitude: This section tests your math skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. You will need to review these concepts and practice solving a variety of problems.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: This section tests your English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. You will need to read and analyze a variety of texts and practice answering different types of questions.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data, and your logical reasoning skills. You will need to practice solving a variety of puzzles and problems and develop strategies for quickly identifying the most efficient approach.
In addition to reviewing these concepts, you may also want to consider enrolling in a CAT coaching program or using online study resources to help you prepare. By dedicating enough time and effort to your preparation, you can increase your chances of achieving a high score on the CAT and securing admission to a top B-school in India.
What was the cut off for the previous two years for XIMB - BM/ HRM (through CAT) and IIFT?
XIMB Cutoff (through CAT) for BM/HRM, stays around 90-92 percentile. And XIMB doesn’t accept IIFT scores for admission. Below is a list of CAT cutoffs for the last few years.
| Academic Year | Cutoff by Percentile (General category) |
| 2022 | 92 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2020 | 91 |
A CAT score of around 91+ should get you shortlisted by XIMB.
What are some tips to stay calm during the entire 3 hours of the final CAT exam and ensure that my performance isn’t affected?
Here are some tips that can help you stay calm while taking CAT.
- Get enough sleep before the examination, you don’t want to be sleep deprived during the examination. Eat healthily.
- Don't study new difficult topics, right before examination.
- Keep your admit card, ID proof, and other required documents organized.
- You can try meditating, it will help you stay calm.
- During the examination, start with the questions that you are sure about.
- Don’t start with difficult questions and don’t spend too much time on a particular question.
Try not to panic, if the paper is difficult. In that case, the paper will be tough for almost everyone. Concentrate on giving your best.
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