What is CAT?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test. CAT exams 2021 is an entrance examination for MBA in IIM and various other colleges in India. It is a computer-based examination that is highly competitive. It is conducted yearly by IIMs. There are many IIMs in the country & only the older IIMs conduct CAT exams based on a rotation policy every year. It is amongst the top graduate national-level management entrance exam.
It is one of the toughest entrance exams. A candidate who cracks IIM with high scores gets admission to IIM for an MBA degree along with other colleges. Admission to different colleges is dependent on the marks that a candidate scores. The different colleges have a different cut off list for CAT scores.
Check out JEE Advanced preparation strategies.
CAT 2021 Exam Pattern
The CAT exams pattern changes every year. For instance, in 2018, the mock test was supplied. CAT exams consist of 3 sections. Till 2019, the paper consisted of 100 questions for 3 hours. There are three positive marks for a correct answer and one negative mark for a wrong answer. If a question is left unanswered, there is no negative marking for that.
As per the CAT exams 2021 pattern, the CAT exam 2021 will be for 2 hours. Each section will have 40 minutes to solve. As per last year, CAT exams 2021 will also have 76 questions only. The questions will have 54 MCQs and 22 Non-MCQs. The total mark will be 228. Just like 2020, CAT exams 2021 are also likely to be conducted in three sessions which are the Morning session (8:30 am – 10:30 pm), the Afternoon session (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm), and the Evening session (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm). The marking pattern remains the same.
A new thing for CAT exams 2021 is that PWD students will be given 53 minutes and 20 seconds to complete a specific section of CAT 2021. This rule is live since 2020. Also, according to the CAT 2021 exams, the candidates can switch between questions within the sections.
Preparation Strategy for CAT
CAT exams require some strict preparation strategies by the candidates to crack.
- The first thing to do is have full knowledge of the CAT exams pattern of the current year.
- Have the entire syllabus in front of you from Day 1.
- Start preparing a timetable and list down the easiest and toughest sections.
- Once you have segregated between the sections, now is the time to allow time for those subjects. You need to decide how much time you want to dedicate to a particular subject daily.
- Be clear about wanting to join a coaching or going for self-study.
- Joining coaching is very effective in preparation. They give you the entire course materials, conduct detailed classes, have weekly tests, etc.
- Even after you join the coaching, you will have to study by yourself enough. CAT exams require hours of studying.
- If you are choosing self-study, make sure to gather all the course materials online and offline beforehand. It helps in not wasting your time later when you start preparing.
- When you have three months left, make sure to work on the weak areas as much as you can.
- Start solving the sample papers when its only three months left.
- In a month, start cracking the mocks. It is the best time for it.
- Do not touch any new topic when there are only 30 days left.
- Keep sticky notes in your sight so that you remember the things that you tend to easily forget.
- One week before the exam, take a break and chill your mind. Do normal revisions but make it very light.
- Do not burden yourself on the day of the exam. Make sure you are confident.
Best Institute for CAT
There are a lot of institutes in India that are famous for CAT exams preparations. But, TIME institutes have always been the most favourite for the CAT aspirants. They have to build a strong rapport over the years for training the students and making them capable to crack the CAT exams with the best scores.