Education

Start Your CAT Preparation with CAT Syllabus

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway to India’s most prestigious business schools like (IIMs). To do well on the CAT, you need to start your CAT preparation and fully understand the CAT Syllabus. This article is a complete guide for candidates who want to take the CAT 2024.

It covers all the important topics and gives great advice on both. CAT exam is expected to be conducted on 24th November 2024.

Clarifying the CAT 2024 Syllabus

While the official CAT syllabus for 2024 hasn’t been released yet, based on past trends and official announcements, we can expect the following sections:

CAT Syllabus 2024 – QA

The QA part of the CAT allows forty minutes for completion. This section is very thorough. The QA Syllabus covers important topics. Below are a few main topics:

Main Topic	Sub-Topics
Modern Math	Probability, Permutation, Set Theory and Combination
Number System	Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices, Unit Digit and Divisibility
Geometry & Mensuration	Triangles, Lines and Angles, Polygons, Solids (3D Geometry), Circles, Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
Arithmetic	TSD (Time, Speed, Distance), Averages, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, and Simple and Compound Interest.
Algebra	Inequalities, Linear Equations, Functions, Logarithm, Quadratic Equations and Complex Numbers

CAT Syllabus 2024 – VARC

Also, in the VARC section forty minutes are given. The important section of CAT is Reading Comprehension. This section contributes to approximately 67% of the total section score. The Multiple parts make up the VARC section.

Reading Comprehension
Odd Sentence
Para Completion
Para Jumbles
Para Summary

If you want to do better on the VARC part of your examination, you need to work on three main things: your Vocabulary, your Grammar, and your Reading Comprehension. Consistent practice can help you do much better on examination. It can also help you prepare if you know about important ideas like Prepositions and Modifiers, Subject-Verb Agreement, and Articles.

CAT Syllabus 2024 – DILR

Forty minutes are given for the DILR section and in this section both areas have an even distribution of questions. Some of these are challenging and require more time to complete due to their multiple sub-sections.

Tables
Caselets
Syllogisms
Bar graphs
Cubes
Clocks
Binary Logic
Logical Sequence
Pie charts
Venn diagrams
Logical Connectives
Column graphs
Line charts
Seating Arrangements
Number And Letter Series
Calendars
Blood Relations

Understanding the CAT Exam Pattern:

Particulars	Details
Sectional Time-limit	40 Minutes
CAT 2024 Exam Mode	Computer-Based Mode (CBT)
Marking Scheme of CAT	● Plus 3 will be provided for every correct answer. ● Minus 1 will be provided for each incorrect answer ● There are no negative marks for TITA (Type In The Answers) questions
CAT Total Marks	198 marks
Total Questions	66 Questions
CAT Exam Time Duration	2 Hours
CAT Exam Time Duration	1st Slot – 8:30 to 10:30 am 2nd Slot – 12:30 to 2:30 pm 3rd Slot – 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Name of the Section	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
CAT Official Website	https://iimcat.ac.in

The CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) with the following key features:

Duration: 2 Hours
Sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
Number of Questions: 66 (24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, 22 in QA)
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers (except for Type In The Answer (TITA) questions, which have no negative marking)

Creating a Successful CAT Preparation Plan:

Conquering the CAT requires a well-structured and personalized approach to preparation. Here are some key steps to guide you:

Start Early and Be Consistent:

Starting to study early gives you plenty of time to understand ideas, practice solving problems, and improve how you take tests. Being consistent is very important, so set aside time each week to study and stick to your plan.

Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus:

Understanding the syllabus is important for the exam because you know about the topics which cover the questions in the exam. So make sure that you can easily understand each and every topic in the syllabus.

Build a Strong Foundation:

Focus on building a strong foundation in the fundamentals of each section. This includes mastering basic Grammar rules, Vocabulary-building exercises, and revisiting elementary Mathematical concepts.

Develop Your Reading Comprehension Skills:

Reading extensively from various sources like newspapers, journals, and fiction builds your comprehension skills and exposes you to diverse writing styles. Practice identifying the main arguments, evaluating evidence, and answering questions based on the passage.

Sharpen Your Logical Reasoning Abilities:

Practice different types of logical reasoning questions like Syllogisms, Arrangements, and Puzzles. This helps develop your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Hone Your Quantitative Aptitude Skills:

Practice solving problems from various Mathematical topics covered in the syllabus. Use practice tests and CAT questions from past years to get used to the types of questions and levels of difficulty that will be on the real test.

Enroll in Coaching or Online Resources:

While self-study is essential, consider enrolling in coaching classes or subscribing to online resources. These can provide structured learning materials, mock tests, and expert guidance, enhancing your preparation.

Take Mock Tests Regularly:

Taking regular mock tests is crucial for evaluating your progress, identifying weak areas, and understanding time management. Analyze your performance after each test, work on your shortcomings, and refine your approach to answer questions efficiently.

Develop Effective Time Management Skills:

Time management is critical in the CAT as each section has a strict time limit. Practice completing sections within the allotted time during mock tests and develop strategies like prioritizing questions and skipping less-confident attempts.

Maintain a Positive Attitude and Manage Stress:

The CAT can be a challenging exam. Maintaining a positive attitude and managing stress levels are crucial for optimal performance. Practice relaxation techniques, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek support from friends and family when needed.

Conclusion

To ace the CAT, you need to do two things: understand the CAT syllabus and use effective CAT preparation methods. This guide has given you both of these things. We looked at the expected CAT syllabus and talked about the main points of each of the three parts. We also explained the format of the exam, including how long it would last, how it would be graded, and how much time you had. We also gave you specific steps you can follow to make a good CAT preparation plan, with a focus on building a strong base, learning specific skills, and using tools like practice tests. Remember that if you want to pass the CAT and get into MBA programs, you need to put in constant effort, stick to the CAT syllabus, and make your own personalized study plan. With this information, you should be able to get into the best management schools in India.

Yugli Mehta