One of India’s most challenging and demanding business entrance tests is the Common Admission Test (CAT). The CAT exam requires a lot of effort and commitment to pass. The CAT 2024 exam is anticipated to take place on November 24, 2024, thus hopeful candidates must get a head start on studying.

Aspirants must be fully aware of the exam format, course material, and recommended approach in order to be successful in CAT 2024. Let’s see What is CAT? , What is asked in CAT Exam? and How to allocate time wisely for effective CAT preparation?

What is Asked in CAT Exam?

It’s very important to comprehend the exam’s syllabus and format if you’re prepared for the CAT exam. Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) are the three components of the CAT exam. Each component of the CAT is equally significant and affects your final score.

• Quantitative Aptitude: This section assesses your skills for numbers and mathematical concepts and includes questions on various mathematical and statistical aspects. To do well in this test, you must have a strong background in mathematics and practice frequently. There are 22 questions in this section.
   
• Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability: This portion evaluates your language and comprehension abilities. It includes quizzes on grammar, sentence construction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. You should read frequently and work on your vocabulary and grammar if you want to do well on this portion. This section has 24 questions to attempt.
   
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: This section puts your analytical and reasoning abilities to the test. It offers puzzles and questions on logical reasoning, data sufficiency, and data interpretation. You must constantly practice and develop your problem-solving abilities if you want to perform well in this area of the test. There are 20 questions in this section.

Let’s see how to crack the CAT exam in the first attempt, along with preparation advice, imperative techniques, and exam-day blunders to watch out for.

• Exam Pattern Modifications: The CAT exam pattern has changed in recent years. The number of questions in each part has decreased to 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA and the exam’s duration is 120 minutes. To be well-prepared, it’s necessary to stay informed on exam changes. Each section is 40 min and the number of question in each section are different. The overall percentile is calculated on the basis of scores in each of these sections. Also, there is a sectional cut-off based on the category you belong to.
   
• TITA Questions included: The CAT exam now contains non-MCQ questions in addition to multiple-choice questions which count for TITA questions. Candidates have to enter their responses on the computer because there are no options for these questions.
   
• Modifications to the Marking Scheme: The CAT exam’s marking scheme has also experienced certain alterations. Although there is still a 3-mark maximum for each right response, non-MCQ questions are now non-negative questions. 
   
• Calculator Implementation: Beginning with the 2020 exam, candidates may use an on-screen calculator. Comparing this to prior years, when candidates were not permitted to use calculators, is a big improvement. To maximize your time during the exam, it’s crucial to practice utilizing the on-screen calculator for CAT 2024.

Best Strategies and Tips to Crack CAT 2024 in First Attempt

If you aspire to take the CAT exam, you must start studying thoroughly in ahead. In order to succeed on the extremely competitive CAT exam, you must adopt a planned strategy. The following are the best strategies and tips to crack the CAT exam in India for beginners:

1. Create a Strategy For Your Studying

After you have a firm grasp of the exam format, create a strategy for your study time. Establish a study timetable and allow enough time for each section. Pay attention to where you need improvement and work on it. You should regularly practice the subjects that you find challenging. Additionally, it’s critical to go over the subjects you are comfortable with again to make sure you don’t forget them.

2. Finish Mock Tests

It’s critical to finish mock tests on a frequent basis. To better comprehend the exam format and to determine your strengths and weaknesses, take as many practice exams as you can. You can gauge your degree of preparation and improve your time management skills by taking practice exams.

3. Evaluate the Mocks

Evaluating your mocks to analyze your mistakes is very important as it will help you know your weaknesses and know where you need to improve. After you finish half of your CAT syllabus you should start solving mocks and analyze each and every mock seriously.

4. Build Basics

Practice building foundation in quantitative, logical reasoning by exhibiting learning basic tricks and techniques in order to improve speed and accuracy.

5. Read Consistently

Reading is a crucial component of the CAT exam. To increase your reading comprehension, read books, periodicals, and newspapers. Reading enhances your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence-building abilities. Additionally, it is a good way to remain current on news.

6. Get Time Management Practice

Managing your time well is essential when taking the CAT exam. For better accuracy and speed, practice answering questions in the allocated time. To make sure you can complete all of the exam’s questions in the allotted time.

7. Keep Up the Motivation

Keeping up the motivation to prepare is very important. To succeed in passing the CAT exam, always remind yourself of your objectives. People who will encourage and support you should be in your immediate vicinity. You will successfully pass the CAT exam in 2024 if you remain dedicated to your studies and focused. Do maintain a peaceful mindset and don’t forget to take care of yourself

8. Take Regular Breaks

During your preparation, there might be some hard times in which you feel low and demotivated but you should always remember that taking regular breaks can help you refuel and prevent burnout. You might think that taking breaks will waste your time but believe us it’s necessary.

9. Make Friends and Study Groups

Making groups that study together and speaking with friends, family, or a therapist can help you cope with stress and worry. Making others aware of your ideas and feelings might give you emotional support and make you feel less alone.

10. Make Sleep a Priority

You can not study all the time it becomes necessary to prioritize your mental health as it ensures your good mental and physical health. To feel optimistic, fresh, and energized, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 

It’s imperative to approach your preparation in a disciplined way if you want to score well on the CAT exam. Prioritize your weak areas and make a study schedule that allows appropriate time for each section. Practice mock exams frequently, then evaluate your performance to determine your strengths and shortcomings.

Conclusion

Revising and practicing can help you achieve your goal. Revising what you study at regular intervals to avoid the problem of forgetting can help ease your anxiety and push you beyond your own barriers. To pass the CAT exam, you must be committed and make regular efforts. Above mentioned tips were the Best Tips to crack the CAT exam for beginners. Keep yourself inspired, centered, and confident. Take care of yourself to maintain a positive mindset while lowering stress. If you adopt the right plan and mindset, you can succeed in passing the CAT exam in 2024 and achieving your goals.

Looking for extensive CAT 2024 preparation? No need to worry about!

Get in-depth knowledge about CAT and get actual exam experience inhabiting the exam feeling, useful tips, preparation strategies, exam pattern, syllabus, best coaching and much more. Let’s explore more about CAT exam with the given articles below:

1. CAT Exam Experience
2. How To Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2024
3. Best CAT Coaching Institutes in India 2024-25

FAQ’s:

1. How many months of preparation is enough for CAT exam?

6-8 months of thorough and extensive preparation is enough to crack the CAT exam.

2. What is the exam pattern for CAT 2024?

The exam pattern for various sections for CAT 2024 are:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Duration: 40 minutes, Content: 24 questions. Basically coveres comprehension passages, grammar, and vocabulary.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):Duration: 40 minutes, Content: 20 questions. It includes data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning questions.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA): Duration: 40 minutes, Content: 22 questions Includes covering wide range of topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.

3. Is Lod 1 of Arun Sharma enough?

Yes, LOD 1 & 2 of Arun Sharma is enough to practice well for upcoming CAT 2024 exam. For most practical purposes LOD 1 and LOD 2 is sufficient to crack the CAT exam.

4. How to prepare a CAT exam at home?

To prepare CAT exam at home do follow the certain steps:

• Understand the exam pattern & syllabus and get expert suggestions & recommended books like Arun Sharma for Quant, Nishit Sinha for VARC and DILR. Utilize online resources and past papers.
• Create a full pledged study time table and practice regularly.

5. Are calculators allowed in CATs?

Yes, On- Screen calculators are allowed in CAT and any type of physical calculators are not allowed.