CAT 2 Months Strategy: Study Plan & Important Topics
CAT EXAM 2024
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India's most difficult management admission tests, with over 2 lakh candidates competing for seats at the famous Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. With only two months left to prepare for the CAT 2024, it's important to create a productive study schedule that will enable you to get the best possible score. This article will provide an overview of a thorough two-month plan emphasising key subjects, a crash course schedule, and final lap practice to guarantee good exam preparation.
Exam Structure
The CAT exam consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section evaluates language proficiency and comprehension skills through passages and various question types.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests analytical skills using data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning questions.
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Focuses on mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems.
Format
- Mode: Computer-based test (CBT).
- Duration: The total exam duration is 120 minutes, with each section allotted 40 minutes.
- Number of Questions: A total of 66 questions comprising Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA) questions
Important Topics for CAT 2024
Key topics to focus on:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Reading Comprehension (7080% of the section)
- Para jumbles
- Sentence correction
- Summary questions
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Graphs (bar, line, pie, etc.)
- Tables and case lets
- Puzzles (seating arrangements, blood relations)
- Venn diagrams
- Logical reasoning sets
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Arithmetic (percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, averages)
- Algebra (quadratic equations, inequalities)
- Geometry (triangles, circles, mensuration)
- Number Systems
- Modern Mathematics (probability, permutations & combinations)
CAT 2 Months Strategy
Week 1: Foundation Building
- Syllabus Familiarization: Understand the structure and format of the CAT exam.
- Initial Mock Test: Take a mock test to assess your current level and identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Resource Gathering: Collect study materials for all three sections.
Week 2: Focus on High-Weightage Topics
- Quantitative Ability:
- Key topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry.
- Allocate time for intensive practice sessions (3-hour marathons for each topic).
-
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:
- Focus on various types of data sets and logical puzzles.
-
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:
- Practice reading comprehension passages and vocabulary exercises.
Weeks 3 to 6: Intensive Practice and Mock Tests
- Regular Mock Tests: Start taking two full-length mocks per week. Analyze results to identify areas needing improvement.
- Sectional Mocks: After completing a topic, attempt sectional mocks to reinforce learning.
- Time Management Drills: Practice solving questions under timed conditions to enhance speed and accuracy.
Week 7: Past Papers and Revision
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve 3-4 past CAT papers to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern.
- Review Mistakes: Analyze errors from mock tests and past papers to avoid repeating them.
Week 8: Final Revision and Relaxation
- Final Mock Test: Take one last full-length mock test followed by a thorough analysis.
- Revision Sessions: Focus on revising formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts.
- Rest Before Exam Day: Take a break of 2-3 days before the exam to ensure you are mentally refreshed
CAT 2 Month Crash Course Schedule
| Week |
Focus Area |
Schedule |
| 1 |
Foundation Building |
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Take a mock test to assess strengths and weaknesses.
- Revise basic concepts in QA: Arithmetic, Ratios, and Percentages.
|
| 2 |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
- Focus on reading comprehension techniques.
- Practice grammar, sentence correction, and vocabulary building.
- Engage with diverse reading materials daily.
|
| 3 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
- Study tables, bar graphs, and line graphs.
- Solve logical reasoning puzzles and practice data interpretation questions.
- Dedicate time to understanding different question types.
|
| 4 |
Advanced Quantitative Topics |
- Dive into advanced topics: Algebra, Geometry, and Mensuration.
- Solve practice problems to enhance problem-solving speed.
- Take one full-length mock test at the end of the week.
|
| 5 |
Advanced VARC Techniques |
- Tackle critical reasoning, para jumbles, and reading comprehension passages.
- Increase reading speed through timed exercises.
- Start taking sectional tests to identify weak areas.
|
| 6 |
Advanced DILR Topics |
- Work on puzzles, Venn diagrams, and caselets.
- Solve mixed sets of data interpretation questions under timed conditions.
- Analyze performance in sectional tests.
|
| 7 |
Mock Tests & Revision |
- Take two full-length mock tests this week.
- Analyze results to identify areas for improvement.
- Revise weak areas based on mock test performance.
|
| 8 |
Final Revision & Strategy Planning |
- Focus on revising all sections; practice previous years’ CAT papers.
- Take one final mock test before the exam day.
- Plan strategies for exam day, including time management techniques.
|
Last Lap Session Schedule
In the final two weeks, shift to short sessions focusing on quick revisions and solving high-priority questions. Here’s a proposed plan:
- Day 1-4: Revise Quant topics, and focus on problem-solving shortcuts.
- Day 5-7: Practice DILR sets, solve puzzles, and work on interpretation.
- Day 8-10: Focus on VARC. Read articles, solve new RCs, and review previous ones.
- Day 11-14: Take mock tests daily, revise key formulas, and focus on confidence-building.
CAT Preparation 2024: Final Tips
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is key during this period. Stick to your plan.
- Analyze Mock Tests: Don’t just attempt mock tests—analyze them thoroughly.
- Balance Accuracy and Speed: Focus on getting more correct answers while managing time.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Don’t let stress affect your performance in the final weeks.
Preparing for CAT 2024 in just two months may seem intimidating, but with a well-structured study plan, consistent effort, and the right mindset, success is attainable. You can significantly improve your performance by creating a strong foundation, increasing your speed and accuracy, practising mock exams frequently, and fixing your weak areas. Remaining calm and fine-tuning your plan is crucial for the last lap. Remember that succeeding in CAT requires not only knowledge but also precise timing and efficient time management. Adhere to your schedule and have faith in your study. With commitment and thoughtful planning, you'll be prepared to take on CAT 2024 and get the score you want.
