CAT Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation sections are often of the higher difficulty level and require extra time. However, since there is sectional-time limit, one cannot spend more time on any question. Thus the challenge. Read below time management tips to solve these two sections with optimum result as CAT 2024 approaches.
CAT is quite different from other MBA entrance exams. Thus, it is necessary to study accordingly. A definite strategy for attempting the CAT 2024 is must. The preparation strategies are not planned overnight or implemented directly in the exam. Strategies are to be tested before adopting one. The best one is to be applied in the CAT exam. Try to experiment with a few strategies and finalise one ahead of the CAT 2024 exam day. This will help you discover your weak areas and strong areas. Thus, you can calculate how much time to devote on each section of CAT exam. And this is the time to work on a strategy that is both possible and beneficial.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.CAT exam has two calculation intensive sections - Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation. The latter is a subpart of DILR section so overall there are 10 questions of DI in the CAT question paper. Quantitative Aptitude has questions from Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Geometry, Numbers and Modern Math. But one need not worry about it. Since last few years, the CAT exam pattern has evolved in many ways. The difficulty level of CAT exam was toned down and last year the number of questions were reduced. Chances are that this year too, the difficulty level of Quantitative Aptitude and DI will be moderate. When you are preparing for CAT 2024, don’t worry or think too much about the changes in CAT 2024. The changes are for everyone. The thing you have to take care is to cover the CAT syllabus and make a perfect plan.
Q: What is the CAT 2024 exam date?
The CAT exam is always conducted on the last Sunday of November every year so the CAT 2024 exam is expected to be conducted on Nov 24, 2024. Official announcement of the CAT 2024 exam date will be made by the convening IIM on Jul 30, 2024. The announcement will be made at the iimcat.ac.in website as well as in all the national dailies across India. We at Shiksha also notify the aspirants through our communication channels. Registrations cum application process for CAT 2024 will begin from the first week of August and end in the third week of September 2024.
Check below CAT exam dates for last five years:
- CAT 2023: November 26
- CAT 2022: November 27
- CAT 2021: November 28
- CAT 2020: November 29
- CAT 2019: November 24
Q: Will CAT exam 2024 also be conducted in three shifts?
Yes, the CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing guidelines for COVID-19. Since the COVID-9 pandemic appropriate behaviour had to be followed at public places and gatherings, the examination authorities increased the number of exam slots to ensure a limited number of candidates can be accommodated at any exam centre in a given exam slot by following social distancing and seating arrangement with gap. Since then, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2024 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order. The CAT exam slot timings will be - 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Q: What are the CAT exam slot timings?
Also read: Time management strategies for LR & VA
Below, we have listed a few tips and strategies to score high in Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation sections of CAT exam. Refer to the following points so that you can explore your best strategy:
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Best Preparation Strategy for CAT Quant and DI
1.Refer to NCERT class 9 and 10 Maths book for conceptual clarity of Geometry, Algebra, trigonometry, Mensuration fundamentals.
2. Study one topic at a time. Never study more than one topic together. First complete a topic and then start the second one.
3. After completing a topic, attempt a few questions on it to know how well you have understood the concept and its application on different types of questions.
4. Start solving CAT mock tests series and sample paper series only after completing all the topics of the subject.
Q: What are the facilities for PwD candidates in CAT exam?
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Q: What are the dos and don'ts for CAT exam day?
Q: Which IIM will conduct CAT 2024 exam?
The top 6 Indian Institute of Management are given the responsibility to conduct the Common Admission Test exam. Each of the top Indian Institutes of Management conducts the exam rotation-wise after a gap of five years. The responsibility to conduct the CAT 2023 was given to IIM Lucknow. Professor Sanjeet Singh had been appointed as the CAT convener. For CAT 2024, IIM Calcutta will be the exam convening institute. IIM Calcutta will be responsible for preparation and conduct of the exam without glitches, in collaboration with TCS for test labs and centres. The institute will design the question papers, exam pattern and guidelines, as well as manage the conduct of exam and preparation of admit card, answer key and result.
CAT Conducting Indian Institute of Management Over the Years:
- 2023: IIM Lucknow
- 2022: IIM Bangalore
- 2021: IIM Ahmedabad
- 2020: IIM Indore
- 2019: IIM Kozhikode
- 2018: IIM Calcutta
- 2017: IIM Lucknow
- 2016: IIM Bangalore
- 2015: IIM Ahmedabad
- 2014: IIM Indore
- 2013: IIM Indore
- 2012: IIM Kozhikode
- 2011: IIM Calcutta
- 2010: IIM Lucknow
- 2009: IIM Ahmedabad
For more information, you may visit the Shiksha Common Admission Test page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam). I hope this will help you.
5. Mock tests play a crucial role in improving speed and accuracy of solving the questions. Remember CAT is a speed based test and you get only limited time to solve the questions.
6. After solving a mock test, assess your performance viz. each topic. Analyse which are the topics you solved easily and which are the topics that tested your ability.
7. Memorise Tables upto 20, square, square roots, cube, cube roots and other mathematical values that can help you in quick mental calculation.
Best Exam Day Strategy for CAT Quant and DI
1. Read the CAT question paper thoroughly and mark the questions you know you can solve accurately.
2. Your strategy in CAT exam should to score high. For this, don’t aim to attempt all the questions. Rather focus on accuracy of questions you attempt.
3. Start with easy questions first. Questions that have easy calculation and can be solved within a minute should be attempted first to optimise scoring.
4. Once you are done with all the questions, revise the section before moving on. Revising will help you estimate your accuracy level.
5. Try to maintain maximum accuracy level. Do not rush to attempt questions but take care of what you attempt.
Download Previous Years' CAT Question Papers
6. Do not attempt a Quant or DI question that will suck your time, if it is taking more than one minute to calculate or solve the question, move on.
7. Do not leave any question for later. Due to sectional time-limit in CAT, you cannot go back to previous section to solve questions.
If you are clear about the logic and basic concepts, the questions become easy. When you are doubtful about any aspect, then the question becomes tough. Carelessness during the exam may deter your chances of scoring well. So, be cautious during the exam. Remember, accuracy is paramount in CAT exam. So just maintain that.
| Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice | Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice | Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice |
Also read:
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Tips from Toppers
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 Months
- Best Book for CAT 2024 Preparation
- CAT Preparation Plan for LRDI
- CAT Preparation Plan for QA
- CAT Preparation Plan for VARC
CAT Mock Tests
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
FAQs on CAT Preparation
Q: What is the best way to prepare for CAT?
A: Candidates must make a CAT preparation plan that suits their capability. The CAT preparation plan must include books, practice questions, sample papers, mock tests, revision, study groups, preparation videos and apps.
Q: What is the syllabus of CAT Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation section?
A: The syllabus of CAT Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation includes Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Tables, Graphs, Data Caselets, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism.
Q: Which books are best for CAT Quantitative Ability preparation?
A: NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10), How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha, Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma, Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha and Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal are some of the recommended CAT books for Quantitative Ability.
Q: Which books are best for CAT Data Interpretation preparation?
A: How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT book by Arun Sharma, Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha and CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri are some of the recommended books for CAT Data Interpretation.
Q: How many mock tests to practice for 99 percentile in CAT?
A: It is recommended to solve at least 35-40 full length CAT mock tests to score 99 plus percentile in CAT. However, candidates must practice mock tests as per their preparation level. If 99 percentile is achieved in less than 35 mock tests then you must stop practicing. Don’t over do it. Practice one mock test in the last week before exam.
Q: When to start practicing CAT mock tests?
A: Aspirants must start practicing CAT mock tests only after completing the CAT syllabus. The aspirants must be thorough with every topic to be able to perform well in mock tests and gain confidence of solving the CAT paper within the time limit.
Q: Can I prepare for CAT exam only by solving sample papers?
A: Many candidates do prepare for CAT exam only by solving sample papers but then they are already well versed with every topic of CAT syllabus. However, it is advisable to not depend on sample papers only for CAT preparation.
Q: What is CAT 2024 exam date?
A: CAT 2024 exam will be held on November 24, 2024 in three slots. The exam will be conducted at various exam centres in 156 cities. The exam will be of two hours with section time-limit of 40 minutes. Official announcement of the CAT 2024 exam date will be made soon.
Q: How many questions are asked from Data Interpretation in CAT?
A: In CAT, there are about 10 Data Interpretation questions. The DILR section has 20 questions in total and rest of the 10 questions are based on Logical Reasoning. In CAT 2024, it is unlikely that the DI questions will be reduced.
Q: What is the CAT exam pattern?
A: CAT has three sections - VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability. VARC has 24 questions, DILR has 20 questions and Quantitative Ability has 22 questions. Each question carries three marks for correct attempt and minus one mark for wrong attempt. The questions are in MCQ and non-MCQ format.
Q: What is the difficulty level of CAT?
A: CAT exam is of moderate to high difficulty level. The VARC and DI questions are often lengthy and tricky. The LR questions are usually tough. The Quantitative Ability section is relatively easier, but still of higher difficulty level.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 14 hours ago
No, SKILL-CAT exam is not compulsory to get into MBA at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University. Candidates can also apply with a valid score of national-level examinations. The accepted entrance exams are CAT/MAT/SNAP/GMAT, etc. After shortlisting candidates based on exam scores, the universit
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
GIBS Bangalore offers a PGDM program, often considered equivalent to an MBA. It's designed to be industry-focused, with an emphasis on practical learning and entrepreneurial skills. The curriculum includes case studies, industry projects, and a focus on developing soft skills alongside core manageme
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
LEAD college og management ofers admissions based on entrance and merit. The institute offers courses such as MBA AND MCA for duration 2 year full timemode.
Candidates must have minimum marks of 50% in graduation from a recognised university or college. Apart from this, candidates must obtained vali
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Hi Sanjana,
MDI Gurgaon primarily accepts CAT scores for admission to its PGDM programs. For Indian students, a valid CAT score is required. However, for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Nationals, and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), a GMAT score is accepted.
The last date to apply for the PGDM,
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Dear Sayandip,
Achieving a 60 percentile in the CAT exam may not meet the typical cutoff requirements for admission to the KIIT School of Management (KSOM). Based on available information, KSOM generally considers candidates with higher CAT percentiles for admission.
Typical Cutoff Percentiles for KS
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Yes, Mangalmay Institute of Management and Technology accepts the CAT exam for admission to MBA and MBA+. Further, the college accepts other entrance exam for admission to MBA, such as MAT, XAT, CAT, CMAT Additionally, the college has some basic eligibility criteria that differ from course to course
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Contributor-Level 6
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No, CAT score is not required to secure MBA admission at The Neotia University. The university provides merit-based admissions to eligible applicants. Candidates who fulfil the course-specific eligibility criteria can visit the university's official website to apply. They must upload all the require
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Manipal University offers admission to several MBA courses via its affiliated college called TAPMI Manipal. The institute accepts several national-level entrance exams, such as CAT/ XAT/ CMAT, and NMAT, for admission to the MBA/PGDM courses. During the TAPMI Manipal MBA cutoff 2023, the CAT cutoff p
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, freshers can apply for the MBA program at the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM). For admission, NIFM considers scores from various entrance exams, including CAT, CMAT, XAT, MAT, and GMAT.
With a CAT percentile of 76.41, you have a good chance of securing admission at NIFM, as th
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Yes, Mody University of Science and Technology accepts the CAT exam for admission to MBA. Further, university also accepts various other entrance exam for admission, such as XAT/NMAT/CMAT/MAT/ATMA/GMAT. Additionally, the university has some basic eligibility criteria that differ from course to cours
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Contributor-Level 6
Is SKILL-CAT compulsory for MBA at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University?