The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most sought-after entrance exam for MBA programs, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It serves as a gateway to prestigious business schools across India, including IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, and more. If you are aspiring to ace the CAT exam, this guide will help you understand its structure, syllabus, and the best strategies to crack it.
CAT Exam Overview
- Conducting Body: Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Exam Frequency: Once a year (usually in November)
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Number of Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
- Question Types: MCQs & Non-MCQs
- Marking Scheme:
- +3 for each correct answer
- -1 for each incorrect MCQ (no negative marking for Non-MCQs)
- Official Website
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD).
- Final Year Students: Eligible to apply.
- No Age Limit.
CAT Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | ~24 | 40 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | ~20 | 40 |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | ~22 | 40 |
| Total | 66 | 120 |
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
1️⃣ Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Key Topics:
- ✔ Reading Comprehension (RC)
- ✔ Para Jumbles
- ✔ Para Summary
- ✔ Odd One Out
Preparation Tips:
- Read newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express regularly.
- Solve previous year CAT reading comprehension passages.
- Practice Para Jumbles and Odd One Out questions daily.
Sample Question: A paragraph is given with a missing sentence. You have to find the correct sentence that logically fits in.
Would you like RC practice passages? Let us know in the comments!
2️⃣ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Key Topics:
- ✔ Seating Arrangements
- ✔ Puzzles
- ✔ Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, and Tables
- ✔ Caselets & Logical Conditions
Preparation Tips:
- Practice 4-5 sets daily from past CAT exams.
- Focus on understanding data patterns and logical connections.
- Improve speed with sectional mocks and time-bound practice.
Sample Question: 5 people—A, B, C, D, and E—are sitting in a row. C is sitting left of D but right of A. Who is sitting at the extreme left?
Want DILR set-based questions? Stay tuned for our next article!
3️⃣ Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Key Topics:
- ✔ Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss)
- ✔ Algebra (Equations, Functions, Logarithms)
- ✔ Geometry & Mensuration
- ✔ Number System & Probability
Preparation Tips:
- Solve 15-20 questions daily from different topics.
- Revise important formulas and shortcut tricks.
- Attempt sectional mocks and analyze mistakes.
Sample Question: If the sum of two numbers is 24 and their product is 143, what are the numbers?
Need QA practice sets? Let us know in the comments!
Mock Tests & Full-Length Papers
To maximize your CAT score, practicing with mock tests is essential. We provide: 📌 CAT Previous Year Papers with Solutions 📌 Sectional Mocks (VARC, DILR, QA) 📌 Full-Length CAT Mock Tests
Mock tests help in understanding the exam pattern, managing time effectively, and improving accuracy. Always analyze your mistakes and work on weak areas.
Conclusion
Cracking CAT requires consistent effort, time management, and a well-structured strategy. By focusing on concept clarity, regular practice, and mock tests, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a top score. Stay tuned to Exam Mentor for more CAT preparation tips, practice sets, and expert insights!
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