The IIM is the concerned authority which carries out the CAT entrance exam every year. The exam is held as to select qualified and brilliant candidates to various management programs all over India. Most of the A-graded institution participates in the CAT exam. The exam is very popular and is very tough as there will be a huge number of candidates appearing in the exam to grab the top spot.

The candidates who score the highest score will only be called in for the next round, which is the GD and interview by most of the top institutions.

Structure of the CAT entrance exam

The CAT exam is held in order to judge a candidate’s presence of mind and mental abilities. CAT Entrance test consists of various sections. The main topics covered in the CAT exam are Quantitative, DI and Reasoning and GK. Another main area which students need to cover is English. The exam is carried out mainly in the form of objective type. The time allotted for the exam is 2 hours. In this fixed time candidates will have to answer as many correct answers as possible. It is advisable not to attend unknown questions as it may result in minus marking.

Syllabus of the CAT entrance exam

In the CAT exam one of the main subjects which most of the students find tough is the Quantitative part. The syllabus involved in this are Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Algebra, P&L, Percentages etc. It also include Partnership, Work and time, speed and distance HCF, LCM and many more.

DI and Reasoning is another area which include subjects from reasoning, identification, arrangements, true or false, inferences etc. The DI also covers graphs and tables, puzzles, family tree and many more.

Another area which needs lot of attention from the students is the English. This includes syllabus from verbal reasoning, analogies, correction, odd man out, fill up and many more. Students will also have to give lot of importance to current affairs and GK. This will cover up almost 1/4th of the question paper.

Reference Books for CAT entrance exam

There are many reference books published for the CAT preparation. Students must select only the standard books, as it will guide throughout the entire process effectively. Some of the reference books which can be referred for the CAT exam are mentioned below.

• Quantitative ability by O.P Sinhal
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
• Verbal Ability by Wren and Marten
• CAT Solved Papers and Mock Test Papers by Pratiyogita Darpan
• CAT Solved Paper by Upkar’s
• Logical reasoning and DI section by S Chand or by Pearson Education
• Study Plan for the CAT entrance exam

CAT aspirants must plan and prepare for the exam very meticulously and effectively. It is advisable for the students to have a fixed schedule and stick onto that schedule till the exam. Start with the basics and make them very strong. Candidates will have to remember most of the maths formulas. As to score high marks in the DI practice with previous years question papers. Students can only master in DI subjects with severe practice. As for English, is very important to read a lot. Try to listen to English news and read news papers. This will help you to increase your GK and improve on language. Students should cover the entire portion and revise more than once before the exam. Get previous years question papers and carry out your own mock test. Try to join a coaching centre or practice with friends like a group study method.