It's time to follow an exam centric CAT preparation strategy. Know which section has highest weightage in CAT 2023 to optimise performance in the exam.
CAT preparation 2022
CAT 2023 preparation is entering the final phase now so it is time to modify the strategy. By now, most of the candidates must have completed the CAT syllabus or about to complete it. Next step is to assess sectional preparation level. Candidates need to be fully aware of their control over Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). It is important to know the weightage of the subjects of CAT exam so that you can focus on maximizing the score in CAT 2023. Moreover, you should know which section has the highest weightage in CAT, to make a better strategy.
Sectional cut off is crucial to score high percentile and get selected in a top B-school thus candidates need to prepare equally well for every section. In CAT exam, VARC has the maximum weightage, i.e. 24 questions and 72 marks. Next to VARC, QA has a weightage of 22 questions and 66 marks. DILR section has the minimum weightage in CAT, i.e. 20 questions and 60 marks. Let’s look at the weightage of sub topics in these CAT sections.
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CAT 2022: Know which section has highest weightage?
In the following tables you can see which section has highest weightage, sub topics, question type and level of difficulty. These table carry CAT 2022 data, but can be seen are a reference for CAT 2023 weightage is usually the same every year.
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to prepare for CAT?
Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers.
- Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts.
- Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy.
- Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
CAT 2023: VARC Weightage
VARC has the maximum weightage in CAT and it is also the first section of the CAT question paper that candidates have to solve within 40 minutes. Within the VARC section of CAT, reading comprehension has maximum weightage. So, candidates need to focus on RCs during the preparation.
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| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Question Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
| Parajumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Easy |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Moderate |
| Overall |
24 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2023: DILR Weightage
In the DILR section of CAT 2023, Logical Reasoning has more weightage than Data Interpretation. CAT DILR is usually on the tougher side by carries 60 marks, so candidates need to prepare well for it. They must target at least 12-15 questions in the DILR section with 100 per cent accuracy, to score well.
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Question Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 |
3 MCQ, 1 TITA |
Easy |
|
| 6 |
4 MCQ, 2 TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
| Data Interpretation |
4 |
3 MCQ, 1 TITA |
Easy to moderate |
| Logical Reasoning |
6 |
4 MCQ, 2 TITA |
Easy to moderate |
| Overall |
20 |
-- |
Moderate |
CAT 2023: Quantitative Aptitude Weightage
The weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT is 66 marks. This section of the CAT has traditionally been calculation intensive thus, there is no way out but to practice, practice and practice more. Within the section, Arithmetic has maximum weightage. Check the table below for CAT Quantitative Aptitude weightage.
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Q: Why is CAT considered a difficult MBA entrance exam?
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: Can I prepare for CAT within 3 months?
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Question Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
10 |
MCQ |
Moderate |
| Algebra |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate |
| Geometry |
3 |
MCQ |
Moderate |
| Modern Maths |
4 |
MCQ |
Moderate |
| Overall |
22 |
-- |
Moderate |
CAT 2023 aspirants must keep in mind that in this exam, it doesn’t matter how many questions they have solved, but what matters is how many questions they have solved correctly because for each incorrect answer one mark is deducted. So, focus on the questions that you can solve accurately. With two months to go for the CAT exam 2022, follow a study plan which will help you improve your speed and accuracy in all the DILR, VARC and Quantitative Aptitude.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
No, CAT is not compulsory to get into PGDM course of ISMS Pune. The institute accept other national-level exam scores for selection as well. Aspirants with a valid score of CMAT/MAH CET can also apply for admission. The institute may accept scores of other entrance exams as well. Apart from this, it
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It depends on your goals and the requirements of PSIT (Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology) for their MBA program. Here are some factors to consider:
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Bhavan's Royal Institute of Management provides admission based on merit and entrance. However, candidates are required to qualify graduation and secure a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Apart from this, candidates must secure valid scores in entrance exams such as CAT, CMAT, KMAT etc. If the
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Another option for those scoring low in CAT exam is applying to non-IIM. Many B-Schools like SPJIMR, IIM DELHI, lal bahadur sastri institute of management accept CAT score between 80-90 percentile. these institutes rank above some of the IIM in the NIRF - MHRF's ranking list.
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GNIOT CAT cutoff 2024 is yet to be released. However, in 2023, MBA cutoff for the unreserved category stood at 25. Over the period of three years, the CAT cutoff remained constant. Candidates can refer to the table given below to check out CAT percentile till 2023:
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Beginner-Level 2
Is CAT compulsory to get into PGDM course of ISMS Pune?