Common Aptitude Test, commonly known as CAT is conducted for admission to post graduate courses in management in various colleges. The examination is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management.

Examination Pattern

The examination pattern is subjected to change from year to year. It is not a fully standardized test. The number of questions and marks allotted to each section can change. Basically the exam contains questions from the following areas:

• Quantitative Ability
• Data Interpretation/ Data Sufficiency
• Verbal Ability
• Preparation Strategy

To successfully clear the CAT exam, candidates should have a good preparation strategy in place. Since the question pattern is not fixed, the candidates should be ready for surprises and prepare accordingly.

The aim of the candidate should be to achieve a very high score. The first thing that the candidate can do is check previous year cut off score for admission to leading colleges offering MBA. Candidates can also check the cut off score of different IIMs.

Accordingly, the candidate can decide on the approximate number of questions to be answered. Candidates are required to clear each section with the prescribed minimum cut off to qualify for the exam.

The candidate should give equal attention to all sections. Preparing for one section and omitting the other will not help in meeting the cut offs. But the overall score can be improved if they become expert in one section.

The best method of preparation is to practice mock question papers. This would help the candidate to identify weak and strong areas.

With practice, the candidate will also be able to have a better understanding of the difficult questions and easy questions. This will allow the candidates to answer easy questions first in the minimum time possible. Candidates can leave the difficult questions to be attempted later.

Time management is what should be given primary importance. The preparation should focus on this aspect. Candidates should have a strategy for answering maximum questions in minimum time. The question paper contains certain difficult questions that require much time to answer. These questions are known as speed breakers. Such questions should be avoided. Practicing mock papers is essential for candidates to identify such questions.

Candidates are also required to read extensively on general topics as part of preparation. But this should not be done mindlessly. Reading can also improve English which can help in better comprehension. The examination can feature questions with long sentences. Reading can help the candidate to grasp the meaning with speed and accuracy.

Candidates should also be mentally and emotionally prepared to answer the questions. The candidates should have realistic aspirations.