The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams for admission into India’s top business schools, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). If you’re planning to take this exam and need guidance on how to start your preparation from scratch, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know about CAT, its format, and some of the best coaching classes in Pune to aid your preparation.
About CAT
The CAT exam is conducted annually by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and it tests the analytical, logical, and verbal reasoning skills of candidates. It is an online computer-based exam and is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The exam has a total of 100 questions and is divided into 3 sections, with the following time distribution:
- VARC: 40 minutes
- DILR: 40 minutes
- QA: 40 minutes
The CAT exam has a total time limit of 2 hours (120 minutes). The questions are of varying difficulty levels, with a mix of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. The difficulty of CAT generally increases year after year, so thorough preparation is crucial.
In terms of marking:
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect answer: -1 mark (for MCQs)
- No negative marking for non-MCQs
How to Start CAT Preparation
Starting CAT preparation from scratch can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process easier. To help you get started, here’s a structured approach to begin your preparation:
- Understand the CAT Syllabus
Before jumping into preparation, understand the CAT syllabus. The sections covered are:- Quantitative Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Mathematics
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Data Interpretation, and Critical Reasoning
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, and Grammar
- Create a Study Plan
Start by making a study plan. Divide your time into months, weeks, and days, focusing on different sections. Start with the fundamentals and gradually move on to advanced topics. Allocate time for revision and mock tests to evaluate your progress. - Start with Basics
For someone starting from scratch, focus on building a strong foundation in mathematics, reasoning, and English language skills. Don’t rush through difficult topics, as understanding the basics is crucial to solving more complex problems later. - Practice Regularly
Consistency is key to success in CAT preparation. Solve questions every day to build speed and accuracy. Start with easier questions and slowly progress to harder ones. Practice from CAT prep books, previous year papers, and online resources. - Mock Tests and Time Management
Taking regular mock tests is essential for tracking your progress and improving time management. Simulate exam conditions, attempt full-length mock exams, and analyze your performance after each test. Recognize your areas of weakness and work on strengthening them. - Focus on Accuracy
While speed is important, accuracy is even more crucial in CAT. Avoid guessing answers, as the negative marking can hurt your score. Practice question-solving strategies that help you improve accuracy while maintaining speed.
CAT Preparation Tips
- Work on Speed and Accuracy
It’s important to practice speed and accuracy simultaneously. A good approach is to begin with slower problem-solving to ensure you understand the concepts, then gradually work on improving your speed. - Strong Conceptual Clarity
Understand the underlying concepts thoroughly. Rote learning may help in the short term, but conceptual clarity will help you in the long run, especially for tricky problems. - Improve Vocabulary
For the Verbal Ability section, improving your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills is key. Read newspapers, novels, and articles to improve your word power and reading skills. - Stay Calm and Confident
The CAT exam can be stressful, so it’s important to stay calm and confident. Meditate or practice deep breathing to manage anxiety. - Join a Coaching Class (Optional)
While self-study is effective for some candidates, enrolling in a coaching class can help provide structure and guidance. Coaching classes can also offer expert advice, study materials, and mock tests that can accelerate your preparation.
CAT Coaching Classes in Pune
Pune has a wide array of coaching institutes that can help you in your CAT preparation. Several top coaching institutes in Pune are among the best options for CAT preparations are:
- Career Launcher FC Road
Career Launcher, located on FC Road in Pune, is one of the most renowned coaching centers for CAT preparation. It offers a comprehensive curriculum with experienced faculty members who specialize in all three sections of the CAT exam. The institute focuses on personalized mentoring, regular mock tests, and detailed analysis of each mock test to help students identify their weaknesses. Career Launcher also offers a unique blend of offline and online resources, ensuring flexibility and convenience for students. Their coaching programs are designed to cater to the needs of both beginners and advanced aspirants. - Genesis Mentors
Genesis Mentors is another popular choice for CAT aspirants in Pune. They offer a well-structured curriculum with a focus on conceptual clarity. The faculty at Genesis Mentors is experienced and provides one-on-one attention to each student. They also conduct regular mock tests to evaluate student progress and offer feedback. - Tarkashastra
Tarkashastra is a growing name in the coaching industry, focusing on personalized learning and advanced strategies. Their innovative teaching methods and rigorous training are designed to prepare students for the challenges of CAT. They also provide guidance on time management, which is crucial for acing the exam. - EQL Classes
EQL Classes is known for its interactive teaching methods and in-depth explanation of complex topics. They offer both online and offline classes to cater to students’ preferences. With experienced faculty and personalized mentoring, EQL Classes helps students focus on areas where they need improvement. - T.I.M.E.
T.I.M.E. is one of the oldest and most reputed CAT coaching centers in India. In Pune, their centers provide structured courses with mock tests, analysis, and excellent study material. T.I.M.E. is known for its comprehensive preparation strategy, helping students prepare for CAT and other competitive exams. - SPARK Institute of Management Studies
SPARK Institute is known for its result-oriented approach and focused guidance. They offer both online and offline coaching, with personalized mentorship, doubt-solving sessions, and regular assessments. The coaching style is designed to help students achieve their best score in CAT. - IMS
IMS has been a pioneer in coaching for CAT for decades. With experienced faculty members and an excellent track record of success, IMS offers a well-structured program that covers all aspects of CAT preparation. They also provide access to a variety of practice materials and mock tests to help students excel.
Conclusion
Preparing for CAT from scratch requires dedication, smart work, and the right approach. With the right study plan, resources, and guidance, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Coaching institutes in Pune, like Career Launcher FC Road, offer excellent support to help you along your preparation journey. Choose a coaching center that aligns with your learning style, and stay consistent with your efforts. Best of luck with your CAT preparation!
