CAT 2014 and IIFT 2015: Strategy to tackle back-to-back exams

Second slot of CAT 2014 will be held on November 22, 2014, whereas IIFT 2015 exam is scheduled to be held on November 23, 2014. Candidates aspiring to take both the exams have been left with various dilemmas such as how to handle the logistics of reaching the exam centre or how to adapt the different exam preparation strategies simultaneously and so on.

Here’s a quick look at both the exams: CAT 2014 will be held for 170 minutes whereas IIFT 2015 for 120 minutes. As far as marking goes, both the exams have negative marking: CAT 2014 will deduct 1 mark for every wrong answer, whereas IIFT 2015 will deduct 1/3^rd of the mark allotted to the question.

Both the exams have a similar exam syllabus, except for general awareness. CAT and IIFT have questions related to verbal ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation and quantitative ability. IIFT exam has an additional section of general knowledge.

Here a few key points that candidates need to keep in mind while attempting both the exams:

Logistics Issue

Okay, first and foremost, solve the logistics and transport-related issues. For candidates taking CAT and IIFT exams on two consecutive days, i.e., November 22 (Saturday) for CAT and November 23 (Sunday) for IIFT, reaching the exam venue on time is important.

So, the ideal thing to do is to visit your test centres beforehand, figure out how long it takes to reach the individual centres. Accordingly, develop a plan to reach the exam centre on time. Also keep a back up plan B (in case plan A goes awry). Some aspirants have received different cities for both the exams.  It is all the more important for them to figure out how to reach IIFT test centre venue on time after taking CAT 2014 just a day before.

Time management & Selection of Questions

Remember, both the exams are about time management and choosing the right question. With negative marking and time boundaries, candidates must move over to the next question as soon as possible. The main crux of both the exams is speed. Increase speed, select right questions, and answer them correctly. That’s your only funda here.

Preparation Strategy

Both the exams have similar syllabus and exam sections. So, while preparing in these last few weeks, adopt a singular strategy that covers up every common topic. The only difference between the two exams is GK. So, while preparing for GK, go through top news stories. Revise the static general awareness topics and read as much as you can. That’s all!

5 last month revision tips for IIFT 2015

Take it easy

And finally, don’t stress.  Just go through your revision strategy. Revise your topics in a systematic way and consolidate your preparation. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop ways to tackle any surprises in the tests.

All the best!