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Updated on 13th September, 2024 , 6 min read
CAT Preparation Tips for Non-Engineers: As a non-engineer preparing for CAT, it requires a smart approach that leverages your unique strengths and skills. Non-engineers have different perspectives and abilities which can work in your favour for CAT. Almost 2.3 lakh students appear for the CAT exam every year from several academic backgrounds, out of which 40% are non-engineers. However somehow, with engineers cracking the CAT exam more easily a myth has been created that the CAT exam is only for Engineers. This is not true. IIMs have continuously emphasized the fact that the exam is not only for engineers, but a student from any background, be it Non-engineering, Arts, or Commerce, can apply and crack the CAT exam.
Non-engineers can do well in CAT if they focus on important things like time management, knowing the exam pattern, and improving their math and analytical skills. In this article, we will give you a foolproof preparation strategy that a Non-Engineering Candidate should follow for CAT 2024.
Read About the CAT Full Form
The CAT exam, which stands for the Common Admission Test, is a tough test in India that opens doors to respected management programs. It has three parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). While people often think it is more important for engineering students, it is important for non-engineers too.
The syllabus for the CAT exam is nothing more than what you have studied in class tenth. Since there is no specific syllabus for the exam, it does not matter from which board or medium you have studied. Ultimately, we all have learned the same fundamentals of Mathematics.
The only difference between an engineering student attempting CAT, and a non-engineering student attempting CAT is that a non-engineering student without Mathematics in class twelfth is a bit out of practice. keeping that aside, there is not much difference. Educational background indeed does not play any role in the CAT exam. Students from any stream, any field, and any medium of education can take the CAT exam.
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CAT is a must for anyone who wants to get into the top management institutes of India like IIMs and other top b-schools. Engineering students have a strong foundation in quantitative skills, but non-engineering students can also crack CAT with the right strategy. Here are some tips to help non-engineering students to succeed in CAT.
Read About the CAT Exam Pattern
The major point of discussion here is how to overcome the mathematics or the quantitative aptitude section in the CAT exam as a non-engineer. The quant section in CAT has 22 questions and 40 minutes to solve each question. Below are a few key tips to help you sail through this section as a non-engineer without mathematics in class twelfth.
An important point to note here is, that in the CAT exam, no question has ever been repeated. So what may come, do not try to cram a problem or a solution, since it will be a futile effort. Now, the main part - how to solve questions. In the CAT exam, no calculations are lengthy and are designed in such a way that they can be solved in a minute or two. This means, that you have only 2 minutes to solve a particular problem. Read the problem carefully, and then use the maximum logic and common sense to decode the problem. Do not try to focus on the theory or analytics of the question. With logic, you will be able to solve the problem easily.
Time management is yet another important skill to have for the CAT exam. Since each section has a 40-minute time limit, you hardly have 1 minute and 43 seconds to analyze the problem, see through it, and come up with a solution. The best trick here is that you learn the shortcuts and some clever maths hacks or tips so that you can solve the questions easily. The Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions, Verbal Ability has 24, and Data Interpretation has 20 questions.
You have 120 minutes to solve 66 questions, and hardly 1 minute to answer each question. So learn the short tips and tricks as they can be pretty useful in the CAT exam.
The key to acing the exam is to practice and revise the basics regularly. Solve the previous year's question papers, mock tests, and sample papers to understand the questions that can be asked, and also remember that you should skip a question in case you are unable to solve it because there is a negative marking in the CAT exam. Do not panic and do not try to attempt all the questions in the exam. In case you are stuck somewhere, you should leave it as it is.
When preparing for the CAT exam, avoid these common mistakes to do well. Here’s what to avoid:
By prioritizing the mastery of arithmetic fundamentals, following a systematic preparation plan, leveraging online resources, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can unlock your full potential and excel in the CAT exam. As a fact, an engineer with mathematics as a subject in high school is habitual of using the formulas and theories that they have learned in their school years and often find it difficult to unlearn those concepts and learn new concepts for the Quant section. Whereas, a non-engineer with no maths background finds it easier to learn these concepts since they have nothing learned from their schooling years.
So, in totality, with proper dedication and hardwork put in, there is no reason why a non-engineering student cannot ace the CAT exam. If required, they can also approach a coaching center, but self-study is more than enough.
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By - Prachi Bhatia 2024-08-06 05:58:13 , 6 min readThe Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prestigious entrance exam in India for admission into top management programs, including those at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
CAT provides non-engineers with an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and perspectives, making them competitive candidates for top management programs.
Non-engineers should focus on revising basic math concepts from the 10th standard, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Consistent practice is crucial for mastering quantitative skills.
Mock tests help in understanding the exam pattern, improving time management, and identifying areas that need further improvement.
Common mistakes include lacking a good study plan, not taking regular mock tests, neglecting soft skills, failing to have alternative plans, ignoring exam instructions, and comparing oneself with others.
Practice solving questions within a set time to improve time management. Focus on accuracy to minimize negative marking.