Popular Branches
MBA
B.Tech
BBA
BSc
Popular Colleges by Branches
No Result Found
Home > News & Articles > Strategies for CAT Preparation to get Good Percentile - Check Tips, Ideal Attempts, and Resources
Kasturi Talukdar
Updated on 13th September, 2024 , 6 min read
Strategies for CAT Preparation to get Good Percentile - Check Tips, Ideal Attempts, and Resources
Every Year, the CAT examination is scheduled in November, and specifically the first Sunday of November. With just a few months remaining for the examination, the candidates at this point are winding up their CAT Preparations. The best approach to crack this pre-eminent examination is by studying smartly rather than studying too much. A smarter approach to cracking an entrance examination is more appropriate than studying for months and hours and not getting a good result. The strategies based on apt perspectives would surely help the CAT aspirants score a substantial percentile in the upcoming examination.
Related Articles: CAT Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
.webp)
Strategies to Score Good Percentile in CAT 2024
Right Time to Start
Make sure that you start your CAT Preparation at the right time. Prepare a timetable and divide the entire syllabus according to the remaining days or months. Don't leave any topic or section unprepared. There would be surely a few topics where you would be quite confident and a few others which you rarely want to touch. Don't run away from such topics rather try to clear the concepts and you may find them easier. Formulate a timetable keeping the mentioned aspect in mind and follow it religiously.
People Also Read: CAT Preparation Tips for Non-engineers
Time Management
Whether it is CAT Preparation or writing the CAT examination, time management plays a key role in your performance. Manage your time in such a way that you spend ample time in Preparation. Organize yourself and work on your weaker areas. You can always take a short break of 10-15 minutes after every 2-3 hours of studying. Talk to your friends and family during these breaks and then start again with a fresher energy. Always remember that these 70 days before CAT 2024 examination will never come back and it's better to utilize these days to the fullest.
Must Read: CAT Preparation - Topper Strategies
Plan Differently
Numerous aspirants follow the plan set by others such as their seniors, friends, mentors, teachers, and many others. Try to think differently and plan according to your strategies. There might be some strategies that you would have used in your past examinations and have turned fruitful. Add those strategies to your current plan. Don't follow another person's success story, rather mend your own story.
Check Out: Best Preparation Books for CAT
Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests
While solving Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests, you will get an idea about what kind of strategies will work for the different types of questions. Take a Mock Test or the Previous Year' Paper daily and try to finish it in the given time. Gradually, you will develop the skills to complete the paper efficiently in the given time. Also, analyze your performance in these Tests and work on the areas where you are facing problems. Take guidance from your mentor or seniors and try to eradicate such issues.
Analyze Yourself
Analyze yourself regularly like whether you are following the timetable or whether you can complete the tests in a given time and plan your further strategies accordingly. For example, check whether you have been able to cover the topics according to your plan or not. If you are not able to do so, then plan your further steps accordingly. Make the necessary alterations and follow them.
Handy Notes
Make short notes on separate papers for formulae, tables, squares, etc., and keep them handy. This will enable you to have a glance while being occupied with other things. Handy notes will also help you during revisions and will save you time.
CAT Preparation - Quick Links | |
Master Your Strengths
As mentioned earlier, everyone has some strong areas and some weaker areas. Master your strong areas in such a way that you don't miss even a single mark there. Practice and enhance your strength which will help in evolving your interest into a good score.
Every year nearly 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT examination and thousands of them secure positions in the Indian Institutes of Management and top B-Schools. This year, you might be one of them. Trust yourself and act smartly towards your goal.
Also Read: Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score
CAT Exam Preparation - Ideal Attempts
To score a good percentile in CAT, say about 95 and above, candidates must score and attempt at least 40 questions correctly out of 66. Candidates should also focus on the fact that the CAT exam has a negative marking and every minute counts. Keeping this in mind, we have curated and charted out the ideal number of attempts that a candidate should make in each section, to get a good percentile. Refer to this analysis below.
Target Percentile Score | Ideal Attempts in VARC | Ideal Attempts in DILR | Ideal Attempts in Quant | Total Ideal Attempts |
90+ percentile | 10 | 6 | 7 | 23 |
95+ percentile | 12 | 8 | 8 | 28 |
99+ percentile | 15 | 10 | 12 | 37 |
100 percentile | 17 | 11 | 13 | 41 |
CAT Preparation - Online Resources
Preparing for the CAT exam can be overwhelming for some, and students may find it tough to select the right resources. We have curated below the best online resources that will help you prepare for CAT.
CAT Online Coaching Institutes
Name of the CAT Online Preparation Centre | Online CAT Preparation Programme Features |
TIME | One of the best coaching with presence across the country The students preparing for CAT get plenty of E- books and Videos Test discussion videos Regular Online classes |
Career Launcher | Study material is prepared by IIM Alumni One of the best CAT coaching institutes with a presence all over India Live/ Recorded video classes are offered to the CAT aspirants Regular class exercises with discussions of previous CAT exams. Experienced CL faculty take online classes |
Iquanta | Classes are taken online Demo classes are also available The students can discuss their doubts 24*7 They can opt for full or sectional courses as well |
Cracku | Free Mock Tests Free CAT Videos, Free Topic Tests, and previous years’ CAT exam papers. Complete Cracku CAT course material including daily online test series |
Handa Ka Funda | Video classes Doubt clearing through live sessions Reduced fee amongst other programs More than 750 video tutorials which include basic and advanced concepts |
Testfunda | Free Tests Regular Doubt classes Lowest fee Get personalized study pack for the exam |
However, it is to be noted that some students may not want to join a coaching institute. In that case, it is best advised to refer to the best online reading resources. Check these sources below.
CAT Online Reading Resources
Philosophy Websites & Sections | Economics & Business |
|---|---|
|
|
Art, Culture & Literature | Science & Technology |
|
|
CAT Online Coaching Vs Offline Coaching
Choosing the right kind of CAT preparation strategy is imperative for the students and aspirants. Some may want to opt for online coaching, while some may think to join offline coaching owing to the personal interaction that they get there. However, each type has its flaws and benefits. Tabulated below are a few key differences between both the coaching styles. Students are advised to go through it, and then decide accordingly what they wish to pursue.
Parameters of Differentiation | On-Line CAT Preparation | Off-Line CAT Coaching |
Tuition fees | Low tuition fees, also CAT preparation with more material and Tests | Cost of offline preparation is higher |
Flexibility of taking the classes | No need to travel as classes can be taken from anywhere and everywhere | Much commuting time |
Physical Presence | No Physical presence is needed while taking the classes. The students just need an internet connection | The students need to be physically present |
Access to recorded classes | The candidates can take the recorded class, if they have missed the classes | The candidates must be present in class, as the same lecture will not be repeated. |
Time | Much time saving option as it has zero commuting time. | Offline classes take more time which include travelling cost, batch attendance, late coming of teachers, etc |
Working Professionals | Online classes are perfect for working professionals as online classes can be taken in the evenings and nights as well. | Regular classroom attendance is a must and taking these classes is quite difficult for the working professionals. |
CAT Preparation - A Brief Study Plan
We have curated below a mini CAT study plan starting from August that can help you in planning your preparation strategy effectively, and can help you devise a strategy that is most suited for you. Check this plan below.
MONTHS | STUDY PLAN |
August |
|
September |
|
October |
|
November |
|
Similar Articles
How to Prepare for CAT : The Ultimate CAT Preparation Guide & Study Materials
By - Prachi Bhatia 2024-09-12 04:56:59 , 12 min readRead More
Best Books for CAT 2024 Preparation, Recommended By Toppers and Other Books
By - Chetna Verma 2024-09-16 09:24:07 , 7 min readRead More
BCom Subjects 2024: List, 1st Year, 2nd Year, General, Books
By - Prachi Bhatia 2024-08-06 05:58:13 , 6 min readRead More
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a good percentile in the CAT exam?
To get a good percentile in the CAT exam, the main focus of the candidates should be to attempt as many questions correctly as possible. One should avoid spending more than 2 minutes on any question, and the key to preparing lies in attempting the mock tests and analyzing yourself through those.
Can I crack CAT through self study, or should I join coaching?
CAT exam can be cracked through self study and one should not have to spend time and energy looking for a coaching institute. With the right approach and preparation methodology, it is possible to crack the exam without any coaching centre. Utilize the best study materials and the several free resources that are available online.
Can I crack CAT in 3 months?
With proper dedication, covering the basics, and attempting as many mock tests as possible, yes. It is possible to crack within 3 months of time. However, in these 3 months your strategy should be focused on preparing for the areas that are the strongest for you, and only attempt the questions that you are confident about to avoid negative marking. Also. you should start reading daily to improve your vocabulary and other English Language skills like Grammar and RC Passages, which are important in the exam and carry the most weightage in terms of number of questions. There are 24 questions in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT.
Should I attempt all the questions in the CAT exam?
As per experts, the best strategy to ace the exam is the one where you do not try and attempt all the questions. Since the XAT exam has negative marking, it is suggested that you should not solve a question for more than 1.5 minutes. In case you are stuck, and not getting the answer, it is likely that you have made some mistake in your calculation, and so to save time, the best strategy would be to skip the question and save the 1 mark.
Can I get 100 percentile in CAT with self study?
Yes. If yu have your concepts clear, your basics are on point, and you are confident about your tips, tricks, and strategies, you can definitely achieve a CAT 100 percentile. The only key to ace this prestigious exam is to solve as many questions as possible, and understand what are your strong and weak areas. Try to strengthen your weak parts, and attempt as many mocks as possible.