CAT 2019 Preparation Tips, Study plan and Online Resources

CAT is one of the most competitive exams for admission in top B Schools in India. More than 2 lakh candidates compete for 4000 seats in 20 IIMs every year. The number of applicants increases each year. Hence the first step towards getting a good percentile is to have a comprehensive preparation strategy.

Latest: CAT Registration has started from August 7, 2019.  Apply Now

CAT 2019 will be conducted by IIM Kozhikode on 24 November 2019. With three months left for the exam aspirants should gear up their preparation. Some key questions should be kept in mind before drafting a preparation strategy:

• How much time is left for CAT 2019?
• What is the pattern, syllabus and timeline of exam? Know Detailed Exam Pattern
• Is coaching required or self study sufficient to prepare well?
• How to prepare the time table to cover the complete syllabus?
• What are the relevant books and material for CAT preparation? 
• What is the importance of Mock Test.? Check CAT 2019 Model Paper prepared by Collegedunia.

How to Prepare for CAT 2019?

Overall preparation plan can be divided into 2 phases:

Cover the CAT syllabus

• Lay the foundation for 3 sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude
• Do not ignore any section, there are sectional score weightage in selection.
• Continuously revise the weak topics.

Learn  How to prepare Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Appear for Mock Test

• Practice online mock test
• Target to practice at least 25-30 Mock Test
• Opt for sectional mock test
• Analyse the mock results and improve the mistakes
• Solve official mock test released by IIM.

Learn  How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude

When to Start Preparing for CAT?

For adequate preparation, CAT requires between 8-18 months. Bellow given time frame is required for CAT preparation. 

• Learning concepts and laying the foundation- 2- 4 months
• Practice without seriously attempting mocks tests- 3-8 months
• Giving mocks and revising the entire course-3- 6 months.

To assess oneself in each field thoroughly and master the basics of every topic takes time. Identifying ones strong and weak areas needs studying each topic as well. Therefore, you need ample time to prepare for CAT well.

Learn  How to prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

6 Steps to Prepare for CAT

1.Follow CAT 2019 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

An initial step towards CAT preparation is to get hold of the syllabus and exam pattern, analyse the type of questions asked and the nature of the exam.

 CAT is not a test of intellect but management. It tests the following skills in a candidate- Time management, Balance between speed and accuracy, Presence of mind, Focus and concentration, Ability to deliver high performance under stress. These skills can only be acquired by regular practice for an appropriate amount of time. Hence, we have curated some expert CAT Preparation Tips to help you crack the exam like a pro.

Read more  CAT Preparation Tips for Working Professionals.

2.Check Preparation Level: Take Mocks and Solve Previous year paper

• In order to develop the right strategy, candidates need to attempt mock tests at an initial level and solve previous year question papers.
• Sectional and full length mock test should be given.
• This will help to check the current preparation level and the amount of hard work required.

3.Decide the mode of preparation: Coaching or Self Study

• Depending upon the level of candidates preparation and the amount of guidance needed, the mode of preparation should be decided.
• If self study is opted, candidates have to be vigilant about the latest updates, right books and material and manage their time accordingly.
• If preparation is done with the help of Coaching, choosing the right institute is of utmost importance.
• Candidates can also opt for online coaching as a preparation tool. It is a beneficial option for working professionals who cannot find time to attend regular classes.

4.Schedule your Preparation: Make a Time Table

• There is no thumb rule in order to prepare the time table. It depends on the candidates level of preparation, strong and weak areas and time needed to prepare each section.
• The time table should keep on evolving depending on the time left for the main exam.
• Some basic elements should be a part of your schedule-weekly and monthly mock test and revision.
• Check the exclusive time table for CAT 2019 preparation provided down below.

Check  CAT 2019 Expected Cut Off

5.Break down the preparation: Section and Topic Wise

• Smart way to prepare for CAT is to adopt a section wise strategy.
• There are sectional scores cut offs, hence it is necessary to score well in all 3 sections.
• Detailed section wise preparation tips are given down below.

CAT 2019: Preparation tips for Beginners

1. Focus on Graduation Marks

• Candidates who start their preparation during graduation days , often compromise on their graduation marks.
• Graduation scores are important parameters to get a call for WAT/GD/PI from IIMs and top B-Schools.
• Try to improve graduation marks, it will help you in the long run.

2.Track the important dates

• Keep a track of CAT 2019 registration and application process.
• Schedule your preparation based on CAT timeline and your graduation exams.

CAT 2019 Exclusive Study Plan

Time Required for Each Subject

The given time table can be modified and accommodated as per a candidate’s day to day schedule. One needs to invest a minimum of 3-4 hours daily for CAT 2019 preparation.

CAT 2019 Preparation Strategy

1. The first step is to collect all the relevant study material. Join a coaching center, as they can help immensely. Also, enroll in some test series.
2. Start by learning the concepts of each topic. CAT syllabus includes Class X and XII level mathematics, logical reasoning, and English.
3. Practice with a timer and do not use a calculator, especially while practicing Data Interpretation. 
4. Practice each topic properly. This will help in assessing your strengths and weakness.
5. Instead of solving 20 questions of one type, solve 4 questions of 5 types from each topic.
6. Make a list of your strong and weak areas. In the initial stage, emphasize strengthening your weak areas.
7. Start taking mocks as early as possible. Don’t be disheartened if you are scoreless. Mocks are for you to recognize the areas you need to put more efforts in.
8. Analyze each mock you take. The more mocks you take, the better the strategy you will be able to form. It is recommended to take a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 mocks in a week.
9. Once you finish the entire syllabus, focus primarily on mocks and sectional tests.
10. In the final 2 months, do not prepare for any new topics. Work on strengthening the ones you are good at.
11. Attempt previous years’ CAT question papers. Question papers from 1990-2008 are readily available for the purpose.
12. Take adequate breaks, and get enough sleep while preparing for CAT.

CAT 2019 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Ability

Quantitative Ability covers the following areas of mathematics:

• Algebra
• Arithmetic
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Mensuration
• Modern Mathematics

While preparing for QA, you can follow the tips mentioned below:

1. Lay the foundation and brush up the concepts. If you don’t know the basics of any topic, you cannot solve for complex questions.
2. Learn time-saving techniques like tables till 40, squares up to 30, cubes up to 20 and percentage equivalent of fractions till 25.
3. Maintain a formula book. Note down all the essential and direct formulas and go through them regularly.
4. Practice solving questions within 2 minutes. This is the average time you get to spend on each question in Quant.
5. When you attempt QA in mocks, break the entire section into three parts as per the difficulty level of the question- easy, moderate, and difficult.
6. You need to solve more questions in less time. It is better to solve 3 easy questions than 1 difficult question.
7. Lastly, practice a lot. Only practice can help you master this section.

Check  QA Paper Analysis of CAT 

CAT 2019 Preparation Tips for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

For the past two years, DI/LR has proved to be the most difficult of three sections. Absence of a set syllabus makes preparing for this section difficult. Practice is the only way to ace this section. You can follow the tips mentioned below:

1. Get familiar with all kinds of graphs and charts in DI and puzzles in LR.
2. Practice quick calculation. Learn the percentage equivalent of fractions. They are a big time saver
3. Learn to compare fractions in DI. This will help in your massive calculations
4. Solve puzzles like Sudoku and crossword to sharpen your grey cells.
5. Attempt 20 questions or 4 sets each of DI and LR daily. Each set usually takes 10-15 minutes to solve. Try to solve them within 8-12 minutes.

Check  DILR Paper Analysis of CAT

CAT 2019 Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is the section that scares a lot of aspirants. The section is designed to test your English skills in depth. It consists of the following types of questions-

Tips for VA/RC Section

1. You need to read to get better at this section. Read fiction and non-fiction novels, newspapers, business magazines, etc.
2. Learn the basics of grammar like articles, adjectives, tenses, modifiers, etc. and practice them as well.
3. Prepare cue cards. Put down all the new words, you come across, along with its meaning. Revise these cards regularly.
4. Get in the habit of reading questions first instead of passages. Just give a glance to these questions and get an idea of the difficulty level.
5. Then sweep through the passage quickly and assess how easily you understand it.
6. Make a combination of both. Attempt the ones with more straightforward questions first.

CAT 2019 Online Preparation 

With the growth of technology in education sector, online coaching classes have grown in popularity and candidates are opting for them for various competitive exams. Though Online Coaching Centre provide smart tips and preparation strategy, no less than an offline coaching institute, the difficulty lies in choosing a good online coaching learning centre.

Best Online Exam Coaching Institute for CAT are- IMS Learning, Oliveboard, Byju’s and Unacademy Plus.

Benifits of online coaching classes:

They are cost affective- offline coaching centres demand a handsome amount of money for the classes and material they provide. Online coachings provide the same amount of money in a reasonable package. The online classes price range is between 10,000 to 25,000 depending on the course. Whereas a candidate has to invest around 50,000 in offline traditional coaching institutes.

Ease of classes- since no commutation is required for online classes, candidates can take classes as per their schedule and routine. The cost and energy invested in commutation is also saved.

No physical presence required- as classes are held in online mode, candidates are not required to visit any centre for classes.

Suitable for working professionals- online classes are popular among management aspirants who are working professional. As online classses are held in several shifts throughout the day. They can match their timings acoordingly.

Matches the candidates learning pace- candidates in online classes like in self study go through topics and classes at their own pace, depending upon their methodology and learning speed.

Know more  Free Online Resources for CAT

Books and Study Material for CAT 2019

• The best material to prepare for CAT 2019 is the one provided by coaching centers.
• These can be acquired online on sites like OLX and Quikr. They contain all the relevant and topic-focused questions for practice.
• For QA, it is recommended to prepare from Class X and XII NCERT books.
• The best source to prepare for VA/RC is your daily reading material like novels, newspapers, magazines, etc. 
• Go through the pages of the dictionary at random. This helps in learning new words.

Given below are additional reference material for each section of CAT:

Reference Books and Preparation Material for Quantitative Ability

1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Publisher- Tata Mcgraw Hill.
2. Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha, Publisher- Pearson.
3. Quantum CAT: Quantitative Aptitude Common Admission Test for Admission into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma, Publisher- Arihant
4. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination Tips, Techniques, and Short-cut Methods by Abhijit Guha.
5. NCERT Mathematics books for class 8^th, 9^th, 10^th and 10+2.

Reference Books and Preparation Material for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

1. Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Nishit Sinha, Publisher- Pearson.
2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Publisher- Tata Mcgraw Hill.
3. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Publisher- Tata Mcgraw Hill.

Reference Books and Preparation Material for Verbal and Reading Comprehension

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh, Publisher – Arihant.
2. 3o Days to More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis, Publisher- Simon & Schuster.
3. Wren and Martin English Grammar
4. Business English and Communication by Clark Zimmer, Publisher- Mcgraw Hill Ryerson.

Read  Best Books for CAT Preparation 2019

CAT Mock Test 2019

The conducting IIM releases the official mock test is an outline of the pattern of the exam. Do not rely solely on it and take mock tests from the beginning of your preparation.

• It is essential to join a good test series for mocks. They are available with coaching centers like T.I.M.E, Career Launcher, etc. as well as online on site like HundakaFunda, Pagalguy, etc.
• Mocks tests help in eliminating most of the surprise elements.
• The more mocks are attempted, the better speed and accuracy get.
• CAT Mock Test help in identifying areas of strength and weakness.
• They also help in accustoming your body to sit for a 3-hour extended test.

CAT is challenging to crack due to its level of competition. If you practice well and prepare smart, you can easily score high percentile in the test. Good luck!

Know  Management Colleges other than IIMs

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College