CAT Preparation 2024: Your Love for Reading Can Get You Desired Result

The only way to perform well in Reading Comprehension section of CAT exam by developing the habit of reading. But you need to start early. Check out the benefits of reading books, novels and newspapers and how it will help you in CAT preparation 2024.

Common Admission Test or CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India. Every year, over two lakh candidates appear for it. The exam is a gateway to over 1,300 B-schools across India and is conducted in November.  If you are planning to appear for CAT 2024, it is time to plan your CAT preparation strategy. While most of you have already pressed the start button of preparations, some of you may still be strategising– For how many hours to study? How many sample papers to solve? How to divide the day? How to practice Quantitative Aptitude? Which tricks to apply in Logical Reasoning? And how to manage Reading Comprehension?

Yes, for many CAT aspirants the biggest worry happens to be – How to tackle CAT RC (Reading and Comprehension) in the stipulated time?

Given the structure of CAT exam and time limit, it is impossible to read the paragraph word-by-word before answering the questions. And maximum questions in CAT VARC are based on RC passages so there's no escape from it. Though the aspirants get ample tips and training on how to handle Reading Comprehension by experts in coaching institutes, one thing that an aspirant can do to strengthen their command on the dreaded section, is to READ.

If you are a voracious reader you are sorted, but if you are not, you can develop the habit well in advance. So, start now.

What to Read for CAT 2024 Preparation?

To prepare for CAT 2024 exam, one can study a variety of books. From novels to short stories, newspapers and journals to essays, you can read almost everything under the sun. Reading regularly will not only help to build your vocabulary and introduce you to foreign words and idioms, it will also help in developing the ability to focus on minute details in the passage, something which is of crucial importance for tackling CAT's RC section.

Also Read: CAT Preparation 2024 - Books, Study Material, Expert Tips & Strategy

If you don't like reading novels then read short stories or articles, blogs and essays. They are short and concise. Not only will they help you build the habit of reading but will also add to your knowledge of current affairs, economy, politics and international events.  

When to Start Reading for CAT Exam?

Ideally, each one of us should start reading books and novels in childhood. However, it's never too late to develop this habit.

Having said that, for a CAT aspirant it is but mandatory to start reading at least six to nine months in advance, for the simple reason that if you start reading keeping a deadline (CAT exam date) in mind, you will be under pressure and will not get the desired result. In fact will be a futile effort. Moreover, the earlier you start the better it will be for you. It will not only enhance your language but will also improve your knowledge in GK and current affairs.

Also Read:

• What is The Best Time To Start CAT Preparation

• How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 months

• How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 3 months

CAT Exam Preparation: Benefits of Reading

Reading Improves Vocabulary

The biggest benefit of reading is that it improves vocabulary. Since rich vocabulary and strong grammar are the two main weapons against VARC section, developing the habit of reading will be an advantage. Moreover, at the time of GD and PI you don't want to be left tongue tied for the need of 'the right word' or 'the right expression' while presenting your argument.

Secondly, reading helps you handle all the problems you are likely to face in RC section. Strong English is the first and foremost priority for tackling Reading Comprehension as well as Verbal Ability as the questions asked in the section of CAT are nowhere close to the language we use in our everyday lives. It is quite likely that you would have never come across, words, idioms, expressions etc. asked in CAT.

Moreover, in essay writing or during GD/PI it is only words and their correct usage, that you've got to impress the panelists. Remember, having a great idea is not enough. How you put it across makes the difference.

Also Read:

• Know past years' WAT/GD topics at top B-Schools
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Reading Enhances Your Speed

We all know, CAT is all about time management. So, how do you plan to read long paragraphs, remember important points and answer related questions, all within a few seconds? In this scenario, nothing but the ability to read fast without missing important points, can help. Those who are avid readers, need not worry. Those who don't read, must start now.

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Reading Helps in Strengthening Comprehension Skills

Both Reading Comprehension passages and Parajumble questions need a good command over English comprehension. The CAT RC passages are inference based and often dense. One needs to understand hidden meanings and unsaid expression in passages to decipher the correct answer. This is possible only if one has a good comprehension skills. It is not only about reading fast, but also understanding well. 

Reading Improves General Knowledge

Reading newspaper and current affairs magazines will increase your general knowledge, thereby taking some pressure off you of preparing for the subject. By reading newspapers and journals regularly you'd be aware of the events and happenings and when it's time to prepare for CAT, all you'd need to do is to revise instead of cramming GK books in the last few days.

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You Gain Knowledge of Various Topics

An MBA aspirant must opt for reading over any other leisure activity, for the battle doesn't end with CAT. In order to make it to a top college every aspirant has to pass the litmus test of essay writing and GD/PI. This is where reading helps in a significant way. A well-read candidate is much more capable of holding his/her own in face-to-face interactions. A confident candidate gets noticed by the interviewers, as much as a fumbling candidate. If you want to flaunt knowledge, first gain it. And there's no other source of knowledge greater than books

Reading Helps in Relieving Stress

Several research studies say that reading can reduce stress by up to 68 per cent. In fact, even six minutes of reading can reduce stress level by more than two thirds. It works better than other relaxation methods because it takes you into a world away from your daily life and issues related to it. And stress is the last thing you want while preparing for CAT or any competitive exam.

Read More:

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• Subject Verb Agreement with exercises
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