10 Tips to Crack CAT Exam in 2023

One of India’s most challenging and demanding business entrance tests is the Common Admission Test (CAT). The CAT exam demands a lot of effort and commitment to pass. The CAT 2023 exam is anticipated to take place on November 26, 2023, thus hopeful candidates must get a head start on studying.

Aspirants must be fully aware of the exam format, course material, and recommended approach in order to be successful in CAT 2023. Let’s see What is CAT? and What is asked in CAT Exam?

What is Asked in CAT Exam?

It’s very important to comprehend the exam’s syllabus and format if you’re prepared for the CAT exam. Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) are the three components of the CAT exam. Each component of the CAT is equally significant and affects your final score.

• Quantitative Aptitude: This section assesses your skills for numbers and mathematical concepts and includes questions on various mathematical and statistical aspects. To do well in this test, you must have a strong background in mathematics and practice frequently. There are 22 questions in this section.
  
• Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability: This portion evaluates your language and comprehension abilities. It includes quizzes on grammar, sentence construction, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. You should read frequently and work on your vocabulary and grammar if you want to do well on this portion. This section has 24 questions to attempt.
  
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: This section puts your analytical and reasoning abilities to the test. It offers puzzles and questions on logical reasoning, data sufficiency, and data interpretation. You must constantly practice and develop your problem-solving abilities if you want to perform well in this area of the test. There are 20 questions in this section.

Let’s see how to crack the CAT exam in the first attempt, along with preparation advice, imperative techniques, and exam-day blunders to watch out for.

• Exam Pattern Modifications: The CAT exam pattern has changed in recent years. The number of questions in each part has decreased from 34 to 24 in VARC, and the exam’s duration is 120 minutes. To be well-prepared, it’s necessary to stay informed on exam changes. Each section is 40 min and the number of question in each section are different. The overall percentile is calculated on the basis of scores in each of these sections. Also, there is a sectional cut-off based on the category you belong to.
  
• TITA Questions included: The CAT exam now contains non-MCQ questions in addition to multiple-choice questions which count for TITA questions. Candidates have to enter their responses on the computer because there are no options for these questions.
  
• Modifications to the Marking Scheme: The CAT exam’s marking scheme has also experienced certain alterations. Although there is still a 3-mark maximum for each right response, non-MCQ questions are now non-negative questions. 
  
• Calculator Implementation: Beginning with the 2020 exam, candidates may use an on-screen calculator. Comparing this to prior years, when candidates were not permitted to use calculators, is a big improvement. To maximize your time during the exam, it’s crucial to practice utilizing the on-screen calculator.

Best Strategies and Tips to Crack CAT 2023 in First Attempt

If you aspire to take the CAT exam, you must start studying thoroughly in ahead. In order to succeed on the extremely competitive CAT exam, you must adopt a planned strategy. The following are the best strategies and tips to crack the CAT exam in India for beginners:

1. Create a Strategy For Your Studying

After you have a firm grasp of the exam format, create a strategy for your study time. Establish a study timetable and allow enough time for each section. Pay attention to where you need improvement and work on it. You should regularly practice the subjects that you find challenging. Additionally, it’s critical to go over the subjects you are comfortable with again to make sure you don’t forget them.

2. Finish Mock Tests

It’s critical to finish mock tests on a frequent basis. To better comprehend the exam format and to determine your strengths and weaknesses, take as many practice exams as you can. You can gauge your degree of preparation and improve your time management skills by taking practice exams.

3. Evaluate the Mocks

Evaluating your mocks to analyze your mistakes is very important as it will help you know your weaknesses and know where you need to improve. After you finish half of your CAT syllabus you should start solving mocks and analyze each and every mock seriously.

4. Read Consistently

Reading is a crucial component of the CAT exam. To increase your reading comprehension, read books, periodicals, and newspapers. Reading enhances your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence-building abilities. Additionally, it is a good way to remain current on news.

5. Get Time Management Practice

Managing your time well is essential when taking the CAT exam. For better accuracy and speed, practice answering questions in the allocated time. To make sure you can complete all of the exam’s questions in the allotted time, you must plan your approach to the exam.

6. Keep Up the Motivation

Keeping up the motivation to prepare is very important. To succeed in passing the CAT exam, always remind yourself of your objectives. People who will encourage and support you should be in your immediate vicinity. You will successfully pass the CAT exam in 2023 if you remain dedicated to your studies and focused.

7. Maintaining a Peaceful Mindset

When you’re immersed in preparing for the CAT exam, don’t forget to take care of yourself as soon as you feel bogged down or overburdened. Taking care of yourself is equally important as it is to study. Keeping your mental and emotional well-being above everything can assist you in lowering your level of anxiety and maintaining an optimistic perspective.

8. Take Regular Breaks

During your preparation, there might be some hard times in which you feel low and demotivated but you should always remember that taking regular breaks can help you refuel and prevent burnout. You might think that taking breaks will waste your time but believe us it’s necessary.

9. Make Friends and Groups

Making groups that study together and speaking with friends, family, or a therapist can help you cope with stress and worry. Making others aware of your ideas and feelings might give you emotional support and make you feel less alone.

10. Make Sleep a Priority

You can not study all the time it becomes necessary to prioritize your mental health as it ensures your good mental and physical health. To feel optimistic, fresh, and energized, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 

It’s imperative to approach your preparation in a disciplined way if you want to score well on the CAT exam. Prioritize your weak areas and make a study schedule that allows appropriate time for each section. Practice mock exams frequently, then evaluate your performance to determine your strengths and shortcomings.

Conclusion

Revising and practicing can help you achieve your goal. Revising what you study at regular intervals to avoid the problem of forgetting can help ease your anxiety and push you beyond your own barriers. To pass the CAT exam, you must be committed and make regular efforts. Above mentioned tips were the Best Tips to crack the CAT exam for beginners. Keep yourself inspired, centered, and confident. Take care of yourself to maintain a positive mindset while lowering stress. If you adopt the right plan and mindset, you can succeed in passing the CAT exam in 2023 and achieving your goals.