How To Prepare For CAT Exam 2024? CAT Preparation Timetable, Guidance, Tips, And More!

The registrations for the CAT exam 2024 are just around the corner. And we're sure most of you are already working hard towards cracking CAT and making it to the B-School of your choice. Preparing for CAT and consequently cracking it is like running a marathon. Because just like a marathon, prepping for CAT requires persistent effort, calculated preparation, and a solid approach. So in this article of our CAT preparation series, we will guide you in charting out the perfect preparation schedule/ timetable to nail this competitive exam, and thus land a spot in a top B-School.

With about five months leading up to CAT 2024, you must begin by assessing where you stand and put your best foot forward in preparation for CAT. It is important to analyze the exam pattern and syllabus and lay the proper groundwork before moving forward.

If you don't know how to proceed or what is the best approach for you, it's nothing to worry about. We are with you every step of the way and will offer the best preparation guidance in this article. So read on!

CAT Preparation Tips 2024: Lay The Groundwork

This year IIM Lucknow is conducting CAT and will also be announcing the results of the same. Every year the conducting IIM uses a normalization formula to scale the raw score and convert them into percentiles.

Last year, IIM Bangalore did the same. Even though the formula is not known to all, we can perform an analysis of last year's result and estimate the score corresponding to different percentiles. Making this estimation is an important part of the groundwork in preparation for CAT. We'll explain this further, but first, let's have a look at the table below that shows the CAT percentile and corresponding raw score, as per CAT experts: 

The table shows that your target score should be between 91-101 if you want to get the 99+ percentile. This base plan can play a major role in helping you formulate a winning strategy. All you have to do is build a solid CAT preparation strategy with a fixed target score in mind. This target score can work as your north star, and all your efforts must be aimed at reaching it.

Now let's proceed to answer your burning questions like- how to get those scores, how many hours you need to study, how to manage your time, etc.

CAT 2024- Preparation With Coaching Institutes

Once you have an idea about the target score, the step is to decide if you want to take coaching for CAT preparation (either online classes or offline coaching classes). Or forgo CAT coaching (online classes, or offline) and prepare on your own.

Many students do take coaching for CAT, but that does not mean there is no need for further self-study. If you want to ace the exam, you will need to maintain discipline and chart out a suitable timetable for your CAT preparation journey. This will enable you to make the most of the time you have left till the exam day. This timetable will naturally vary from person to person. For example, it will be different for a beginner, a CAT repeater, a student, a working person, etc. So plan accordingly.

CAT 2024- Preparation Without Coaching Institutes

Many aspirants either can not or do not want to attend regular coaching classes, for various reasons. If you too are one such individual, know that it is entirely possible to prepare for CAT without coaching. Over the years, there have been many CAT toppers who have landed the top percentile without taking any coaching for CAT. But one thing that is common for such top scorers is- they manage their time extremely well and dedicate themselves to this journey.

There are ample study materials and online resources you can exploit when preparing for CAT through self-study. You can also go for a blended mode of preparation- with a mix of self-studying and classroom coaching for CAT. Irrespective of which mode of preparation you choose, the article ahead will guide you in charting out a planned preparation strategy to help you win the race.

CAT Preparation Tips 2024: Timeline & How To Best Manage Your Time

The timeline for CAT varies every year but the exam usually takes place in late November or early December. This year IIM Lucknow will be conducting the exam. The tentative CAT 2024 - exam date is 26th November 2024 (trends indicate the exam is usually conducted on the last Sunday of November). The notification for the CAT 2024 - exam date will most likely release in the last week of July 2024. You can check the notification for the CAT 2024 - exam date and other details on the official IIM CAT website. 

The admit cards will be available in the last week of October 2024 and the institute may release a mock test somewhere at the end of October as well. This gives a broad CAT timeline for 2024. 

Given the exam date, it is best if you complete all your prep before the end of October and focus on taking mock tests and carrying on revisions in November. The best way to proceed is to divide the time you have left and set milestones for each timeframe. For example, if you have 100 days left to the exam then you can divide your days as follows-

• First 45 days- Work on understanding different concepts/ major topics in all sections, their applications, and the techniques to solve the questions. Gain clarity on all the basics and advanced concepts and get ready to solve question banks. However, take on advanced topics only after you're confident about the basic concepts. After you've studied the concepts, you can start solving some practice questions or take sectional mocks if you feel that's the right way forward for you.
• Next 30 days- Once you are through with most of the conceptual preparation you'll also get a solid idea of the type of questions asked in different CAT sections and how to solve them. This is the perfect time to go about solving past year's CAT test papers or taking mock tests to better understand the exam pattern.
• Last 25 days- These are the last few days you have before appearing for the actual CAT exam. It is best to do the final revisions in this time frame and take the prime mock tests.

This time division will form the backbone of your preparation schedule. A planned preparation strategy for CAT is likely to improve your chances of attaining a high score and getting into your dream B-School. 

Weekly Timetable for CAT Preparation

The next step after setting broad targets is to manage the weekly timetable and set individual time limits for each section. Following a weekly schedule rigorously will give you an extra boost of discipline.

Begin by dividing the available time for the three CAT sections and prioritize them according to your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if your QA section is the weakest, try giving more time to QA topics. Gather all the material for preparation and get right to it. Check this sample of a weekly timetable:

Once you have allotted hours to every CAT section, narrow it down to topics. Focus on the current topics according to the CAT syllabus, which you think need more attention. Check out all the details about the current CAT exam pattern and entrance exam syllabus 2024.

Now that you have a fair idea about how to manage your time in the best possible way, let's move on to discussing how to make a section-wise preparation plan to get an optimal sectional score in the actual CAT exam.

How To Prepare for CAT 2024: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is often considered to be the trickiest of the three CAT sections and may require some of you to put in some extra effort. As the name suggests, this section is logic-based and tests applicants' analytical skills. Logical reasoning does not rely on formulas like the ones used in mathematics, but instead, focuses on candidates acquiring and applying logical reasoning skills/ knowledge. It also tests the ability to make mental calculations rather than remembering the study material as is or rote learning. Topics such as Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, analyzing arguments, syllogisms, etc. are covered under logical reasoning for CAT. Thus, the best way to prepare for this section is by practice. Remember the statement- practice makes perfect. 

The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section usually has 20 questions. The current CAT syllabus estimates suggest that both the sub-segments in this section include 10-11 questions each. It's important to give equal weightage to both sub-sections and chart out your preparation path accordingly.

While practicing, take note of the sectional time limit allotted to this section (40 minutes). Sectional time limit is an important factor in preparation strategy for CAT for all sections. Thus, try solving the exercise questions while meeting this time limit. Logical reasoning questions may be a little more difficult to solve at first, but with consistent efforts and practice, you'll be able to build a general strategy on how to go about cracking these types of questions with ease. Plus once you get the hang of tricky questions, this section may very well become an overall score booster for you.

How To Prepare For CAT 2024: Quantitative Ability/ Aptitude (QA)

The QA section can be broadly divided into a few major topics including arithmetics, algebra, geometry & mensuration, and number system & modern maths. The ideal way to go about preparing for this section is to prepare a study plan and go through all the concepts and memorize the theories/ fundamentals. This section will comprise 22 questions spread across topics. Note that this section is also calculation heavy and it is better to rely on mental calculations to save time. 

Once you are done memorizing the formulas and theories, the next step of the preparation process is to tackle as many replica CAT exam questions for this section as possible. Solving last past CAT papers and mock tests plays a crucial role in amping up the level of preparation for QA. The difficulty level of questions in this section may be high, so regular practice will also help solidify your understanding of the concepts and theories, and help you tackle even the toughest of questions quickly. 

How To Prepare For CAT 2024: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section is divided into two sections- verbal ability and reading comprehension. The first part of this can further be divided into grammar and vocabulary. Some common topics in this section are- jumbled paragraphs, sentence completion, analogies, odd words, and more. This segment requires both- vocabulary knowledge, and an understanding of all grammar rules of the English language. For this, you need to start studying basic concepts and then solve practice questions side-by-side. Also, make sure to attempt sample tests. 

The other part of the section is- comprehension passages/ reading comprehension (RC). The general pattern for this subsection is that you will get a reading passage which will be followed by 5-6 questions to be solved based on your comprehension of the passage. For RC preparation you need to cultivate strong reading habits and increase your speed as well as absorption ability. RC preparation is all about improving your ability to understand the written word in a short period of time. 

Start by reading about current affairs in the newspaper and go through diverse blogs. As part of your RC preparation, you may even take up a novel or two. It is best to read diverse topics since it will make you habitual in reading and comprehending a wider range of topics. For RC preparation, it's also important to read on a daily basis and develop a reading habit, as well as solve a variety of RC passages from past papers and/or sample tests. 

According to the current CAT pattern estimates, this section will include a total of 24 questions - there will be 6-8 questions in the verbal ability section and the remaining 16-18 questions in the reading comprehension passages section. Of these- MCQ-type of questions carry negative marking, so prepare accordingly.

CAT Exam Preparation Tools: Sample Papers & Mock Series

The most important factor in preparation strategy for any entrance exam is practice and the same holds true for CAT. It is important for every aspirant to solve as many CAT exam papers as possible. There are numerous sample tests available across platforms. Most CAT toppers will agree that solving actual CAT-level questions help inculcate accuracy in CAT preparation and give you a much-needed boost of confidence. 

CAT coaching institutes also give due importance to CAT question papers in practice, when defining material for CAT prep. According to most CAT preparation experts, the ideal time to start solving full mock series is once you have gone through all the topics in different sections, that is, somewhere in October. But you can still start attempting sectional mocks while studying to help facilitate the learning experience. As we all know there are countless benefits of preparation via practice.  

While solving keep taking note of your section-wise scores and performance, and use this to tweak how you proceed further. It is important to keep analyzing your performance and level of preparation, especially if you are preparing without any external expert guidance.  

Preparation For CAT: Solve Previous Years' CAT Question Papers

Another very important step in preparation for CAT is to solve past year's question papers along with mocks. There are multiple benefits of preparation via solving past CAT test papers. Many assume that both, mock tests and previous years' papers, are the same thing, but they are not. 

The purpose of mock series and sectional mocks is to help you gain a better understanding of concepts and types of questions in each section. And also to get accustomed to solving all possible types of questions within the stipulated sectional time limit. On the other hand, the purpose of past CAT question papers is to help you understand the paper pattern over the years, difficulty level, manage time,  and the specific techniques to crack questions well by analyzing past papers with answer keys. As per previous CAT test takers, it is ideal to solve past CAT question papers for at least 5 years. 

Tips On How To Prepare For CAT Exam

Here are some additional tips to help improve your preparation experience:

• • Make a CAT preparation time table as per your understanding of all major topics across sections, strengths, weaknesses, and your capacity to learn. This will differ from person to person, so do what best suits your needs and situation.

• • Revise all the topics before closing the week and take sectional tests, solve drill-level questions, and exercise difficult questions regularly. Also, conduct a thorough analysis of the papers you solve, and take lessons from that - especially take into answers to difficult questions so that you're mentally prepared to answer those during the exam. 
    
    
  • Keep a check on your sectional time limits. When attempting sample tests or past CAT test papers, ensure you have sufficient time to attempt the 20-22 questions in each section. Strategizing for sectional time limits is a key to success. 
    
    
  • It is also a good idea to go through a few quizzes in addition to solving practice questions. You will find that taking a CAT exam quiz, sectional quiz, and some math quizzes, will make the learning experience more fun. 

• It is necessary to pace up with time. This means, gradually increasing your studying hours over a period of time - as the date for the exam approaches. 

• Re-analyze your timetable every week as per your improvement.

• Give your brain a little rest every 40 mins - take a walk, dance, or grab a cup of tea. A break between long hours of study is extremely beneficial and allows people to better grasp the concepts. This does not mean that you take a break after solving every 2-3 questions but that you don't overexert yourself. 

• After completing a session or a test, reward yourself with a treat. Don’t be too hard on yourself. 
• There are multiple CAT preparation books that you must read to improve your level of preparation, like How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma or Ajay Singh's Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT. Check this list of books for preparation to help you ace the exam.

Preparation Plan- Tips By CAT Toppers

We are all familiar with the Latin proverb - 'It is best to gain wisdom from the experience of others'. So let's take note of this proverb and gain tips from the preparation experience of past CAT toppers. In the article- 'Past year CAT toppers share their hacks to ace the exam', we bring to you the CAT preparation tips from the following CAT toppers:

• Shivam Chandak- IIT Madras, 99.98 percentile, CAT Topper 2020
• Nitish P Nair, 99.67 percentile, CAT Topper 2019 | IIM Bangalore 2022
• Shivam Kumar- BITS Pilani, 99.95 percentile, CAT Topper 2020
• Avdhoot Waghmore- 99.44, CAT Topper 2019 | IIM Ahmedabad 2022
• Apeksha Gupta - 97.7 percentile, CAT Topper 2019 | IIM Lucknow 2022
• Mohit Verma- 98.85 percentile, CAT Topper 2019 | SJMSOM, IIT Bombay 

These are CAT toppers, not CAT preparation experts. And the tips these CAT toppers provide can't guarantee success - it will still depend on your level of preparation. However, these CAT toppers are former MBA aspirants and thus, these tips by toppers offer practical advice based on their own experience. 

FAQs on CAT Preparation 2024

Q. What's the CAT 2024 - Exam Date?

IIM Lucknow will be conducting the CAT 2024 exam. The tentative date for the CAT Exam 2024 is 26 November 2024, and the CAT Answer key will likely be released a week later, i.e. by the first week of December. 

Q. How much time will I have to solve the CAT entrance paper?

The total duration of the exam is 2 hours (120 minutes) with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes each. Given that there will be 20-24 questions per section, you will have 1.8 minutes per question on average. Also, note that you can't skip sections or move in between the sections once started. 

Q. Which CAT exam section is the toughest of all three?

There is no definite answer to this question. While some students find logical reasoning and data interpretation to be the hardest to grasp, others may find QA or VARC to be tough. While QA is calculation-intensive, DILR and VARC may be trickier in comparison. Thus, different people may find different exam sections to be the toughest - depending on their level of preparation and aptitude for the topic. 

Q. Is it necessary to take coaching for CAT exam preparation? Can I prepare for CAT without coaching?

No, it is not essential to take coaching for CAT while preparing for the exam. In fact, the ideal CAT preparation strategy is the one that you think works best for you. If you feel that self-study is the way to go, then go right ahead. There is plenty of CAT exam preparation material available to help aspirants who are preparing through self-study mode. 

Q. How many past CAT question papers, mocks/ sample papers are enough to take before CAT?

Most CAT toppers suggest taking 40-50 mocks is sufficient to prepare for the actual exam. Note that it is important to work within allotted section-wise individual time limits even while practicing. It is also a good idea to solve the CAT exam papers for the past 5 years. 

Read what Yash has to say about the benefits of preparation using mock series/ online mock tests- This 22 Year Old IIT Bombay Lad Scores 99.99 Percentile in CAT 2021 on First Attempt

Q. How many questions will be asked in CAT 2024? What types of questions will come in the CAT entrance exam?

There will be 66 questions in CAT 2024, just like last year. The type of questions will be MCQ-type and non-MCQ-type. The non-MCQ type of questions is also referred to as TITA (type-in-the-answer).

Q. Is there any negative marking in the actual CAT exam?

Yes, as per the CAT exam pattern, there will be a 25% negative marking for MCQ-type questions across the three sections, i.e. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Ability. 

The maximum mark these types of questions carry is 3 and there will be a deduction of 1 mark for every wrong answer. The non-MCQ type of questions are however free of any negative marking. 

Q. Where to get CAT material for preparation?

There are many repositories of CAT preparation material online as well as offline. Check out this reading list to assist you on your CAT preparation journey. You can also refer to CAT preparation books by Arun Sharma. Such CAT books are an important CAT exam preparation tool. 

Q. How to solve the data interpretation & logical reasoning questions?

The type of questions included in the data interpretation & logical reasoning section is MCQ. The best way to go about answering them is by elimination. For both data interpretation and logical reasoning questions, begin by eliminating the options you know are wrong, and thus proceed further. The difficulty level of questions in this section may vary from moderate to high.

The only way to ace the data interpretation and logical reasoning section is by practice, so solve as many question banks as possible. Here is some much-needed guidance by CAT Expert Avik Paramanick on how to prepare for the data interpretation & logical reasoning (DILR) section. 

Q. How can I perform well in the VARC section for CAT?

The major topics in the verbal ability subsection are jumbled paragraphs, summary, and grammar, with 2-3 questions each. A look at the past CAT exam papers will help adjudge which of these topics appear most frequently, so prepare according to that. For the reading comprehension passages subsection, you need to be a quick reader, go through the passage, and then answer the 5-6 questions that follow. 

The most effective way to build on your preparation level for this section is to take up reading- current affairs publications, novels, etc. They will play a major role in helping you increase your reading speed and also improve your vocabulary. 

Q. How to prepare for the QA section in CAT?

For this section, you need to memorize all the formulas/ theories and work on improving your mental calculation skills. Many aspirants find Vedic math techniques to be helpful for performing well in this section because it enables solving questions in lesser time. 

Q. Is there a point in appearing for CAT with a low academic score?

Most top B-Schools give a fixed weightage to CAT scores and past academic performance. Aspirants with a low PAP score also have a shot at getting into top B-Schools. So don't let low academics hamper your CAT preparation journey. 

Q. Is there sufficient time to prepare for CAT now?

The exam will tentatively be conducted on 26 November 2024 and you have approximately 5 months to devise a preparation schedule. While some may consider this to be sufficient time, others may require more time. Irrespective of the time you have left, proceeding with the right study plan is an important factor in preparation strategy. 

Q. What to do after appearing for CAT?

An important factor in preparation strategy is to be prepared for the steps after giving the CAT exam. Because appearing for CAT is not the end of the journey to getting into a B-School. You will need to appear for interviews and other rounds at the institutes you get shortlisted for. So start preparing for them. To begin with, it is important to stay updated on current topics by reading the news, blogs, etc. You can also attempt mock interviews to improve your communication skills. Lastly, you can prep for interviews by looking at the top interview questions asked by top B-Schools in the past. It's important you set aside time in your preparation schedule for interview prep. 

You may also be interested in the following: 

• CAT vs XAT: Which Is A Tougher Nut to Crack?
• Tips To Score Well In Logical Reasoning And Data Interpretation (LRDI) Section
• Know the difference between CAT, MAT, and XAT
• How My Internship Gave Me An Answer To Why MBA
• Scoring 98.99 Percentile: XLRI Student Divya Shah Shares Her MBA Admission Experience