CAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Beginners - Preparation Plan, Exam Pattern, Best Books
Are you preparing for the CAT exam for the first time? Don't worry; go through the CAT 2024 preparation tips for beginners curated by our MBA experts to help you crack the exam easily!
CAT 2024 preparation tips for beginners is essential for first time test takers to perform well in the exam. If you are just beginning your journey of CAT 2024 preparation, you should first get well-versed with the CAT 2024 syllabus and exam pattern. Knowing the different sections and important topics in each one of them will give you a headstart and you can plan how to move forward. There is so much that goes into the preparation of the CAT 2024 exam which can be quite overwhelming to beginners. To sort things out for you, we have provided here some of the best CAT 2024 preparation tips for beginners.
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CAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Beginners
Here are the preparation tips for CAT 2024 for Beginners.
1. Check the CAT 2024 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Candidates should check the exam pattern and syllabus before starting the preparation. They should note down all the important topics that they should cover while preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern 2024 will allow the candidates to know the marking scheme and the section-wise weightage of the exam.
2. Decide your CAT 2024 Strategy
Candidates are advised to prepare their own strategy to tackle the problems in the exam. They should solve the CAT previous year papers to know what type of questions they can face in the exam. After that, they should prepare strategies to solve similar kinds of problems.
3. Improve your Speed and Accuracy
Candidates should note that the sectional limit for the CAT 2024 exam is 40 minutes per section. Since no extra time will be provided to any candidate they are advised to work on improving their speed and accuracy. Candidates can start answering the easy questions first and leave the difficult questions for later. Besides this, candidates are also advised to work on improving their calculation speed so that they can solve mathematical problems quickly.
Also Read: Exam Day Tips for CAT 2024
4. Choose the Best Books for CAT 2024 Preparation
Candidates are advised to choose the preparation books that cover all the important topics provided in the CAT 2024 syllabus. They can choose separate books for all the sections of CAT 2024. Some of the good books available for CAT 2024 preparation are Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Arihant Publication, Word Power Made Easy by NORMAN LEWIS, and Arun Sharma's How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT.
5. Solve CAT 2024 Mock Tests
Candidates are advised to solve the maximum number of mock test papers for CAT 2024 preparation. The mock test papers of CAT 2024 will allow the candidates to know the exam structure and what type of questions are asked in the exam. The duration of CAT 2024 mock test papers will be the same as the actual CAT paper.
Also Read: Importance of CAT 2024 Mock Test During Preparation
6. Read Newspapers and Magazines
Candidates are advised to read magazines and newspapers at regular intervals to improve their communication skills. It will also help you to clear the GD/ PI round of MBA admission.
CAT 2024 Preparation for Beginners: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Doing a Sluggish Start
2. No Awareness of the CAT 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
3. Absence of Proper Strategy
4. Inadequate Practice
5. Inability to Balance Between Strengths and Weaknesses
Also Read: 15+ CAT 2024 Percentage Questions
CAT 2024 Preparation Plan for Beginners
Candidates who have just completed their graduation are advised to start preparing for CAT 2024 at least 6 months before the exam. Some experts also recommend following a 1-year plan for CAT 2024 preparation. They should have a preparation plan in place so that enough time is allotted to all the sections of CAT 2024. A detailed CAT 2024 preparation plan for beginners is provided below.
Ideal Time for the CAT 2024 Preparation | 6 Months |
Total number of hours to be dedicated for CAT 2024 preparation in a Day | Minimum 5 - 6 Hours |
Minimum number of topics to be covered in a week | At least 5 |
Total number of days for last-minute preparation | 15 Days |
Total number of days to complete the syllabus of CAT 2024 | 150 Days |
Total number of sample papers/ mock test papers in a week | 4 - 5 |
Preparation Routine |
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Also Read: CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions
Section-Wise CAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Beginners
Provided below are some CAT 2024 section-wise preparation tips for Beginners
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
The VARC section covers questions from Para Completion, Reading Comprehension, Para Jumble, and Analogies. Candidates should try to solve at least 3-4 reading comprehension questions in a day.
Candidates should read different types of articles. This will help them to explore different areas of education.
Candidates are advised to focus on improving their vocabulary. Around 3-4 questions related to vocabulary are asked in CAT 2024 and other MBA entrance exams.
Also Read:How to Prepare for CAT 2024 VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
Quantitative Ability
This section tests the calculation speed of the candidates hence candidates are advised to improve their calculation skills.
They should learn shortcuts and formulas to solve mathematical problems quickly
Candidates are advised to do the calculation part mentally since it will help them to save time.
Candidates should practice at least 30-40 questions from each type of question in the Quantitative Ability section.
Candidates can start with the basic difficulty level of questions and then they can proceed to the higher difficulty level questions.
Candidates are advised to learn some commonly used square roots and trigonometry pairs
Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) 2024
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section comprises sets of 4-5 questions that need to be answered using the data provided in the question.
Candidates should try to solve at least 10-20 questions from some important topics of this section such as Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, Propositions, and Seating Arrangements.
The LR section is all about understanding the logic and then answering the questions hence candidates are advised to first understand the logic behind the question and then only proceed to answer the question.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT DILR 2024
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The question paper of CAT 2024 will be divided into three sections namely Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes and candidates will be provided 40 minutes to attempt each section. Around 66 questions will be asked in CAT. The table provided below contains the exam pattern of the CAT 2024 exam.
Sections | No. of Questions | Marks Allocated |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 60 |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 22 | 66 |
Quantitative Ability | 24 | 72 |
Total | 66 | 198 |
CAT 2024 Syllabus: Section-wise Important Topics
Check out some of the most important topics from every section of CAT 2024 so that you can prepare for them well and crack the exam easily.
Quantitative Ability
QA Topics | Sub-topics |
Arithmetic | Number System, HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Percentage, Average, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Distances |
Algebra | Theory of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation & Combination, Sequence & Series |
Geometry | Angles, Lines, Triangles, Circles |
Mensuration | Areas and Volumes – Rectangles, Squares, Triangles, Circles, Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes and Cistern |
Calculus | Maxima and Minima, Function |
Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Heights, and Distances |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Fact Inference Judgment | Grammar |
Fill in the blanks | Para Completion and Inference |
Para Jumble | Sentence Completion |
Verbal Reasoning | Word Usage (Vocabulary) |
Idioms | Analogies |
Syllogisms | Reading Comprehension |
Sentence Correction | Contextual Usage |
Verbal Logic | Different Usage of the Same Word |
Antonyms | One-word Substitution |
Foreign Language Words Used in English | -- |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Section | Topics |
Data Interpretation | Bar Graph, Combination of Graphs, Caselet, Data Sufficiency, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Tables, etc. |
Logical Reasoning | Assumptions, Blood Relations, Binary Logic, Clocks and Calendars, Constraint-based puzzles, Data Arrangement, Family Trees, Matching Puzzles, Propositions, Statements, Seating Arrangement, Sets, Syllogism, Venn Diagram |
CAT 2024 Preparation Books for Beginners
Candidates are advised to choose the best books for CAT 2024 preparation with easy language. They can check the table provided below to know some of the best books available for CAT 2024 preparation.
Section | Books |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
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Quantitative Aptitude |
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Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
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CAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams conducted every year. Every year more than 2 lakh students appear for CAT out of which 70-80% of students are beginners. The entrance exam is conducted for admission to the IIMs, IITs, and many other popular top MBA colleges in India. Preparation for CAT 2024 is more challenging for fresh graduates since they are not familiar with the exam pattern. They need to go through the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme before starting the preparation.
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Candidates who want to know more preparation tips for CAT 2024 may ask their questions on the Collegedekho QnA zone. Besides this, those who want admission-related assistance may fill out our Common Application Form.
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FAQs
What is the duration of the CAT 2024 exam?
The duration of the CAT 2024 exam is 2 hours. The sectional time limit of the CAT exam is 40 minutes.
What are the CAT 2024 preparation books for beginners?
Some of the CAT 2024 preparation books for beginners are How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma, Word Power Made Easy by NORMAN LEWIS and Nishit K. Sinha's Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT.
What are the mistakes beginners should avoid during CAT 2024 preparation?
Following are the mistakes beginners should avoid during CAT 2024 preparation-
- Starting the preparation late.
- Not understanding the syllabus properly.
- Not focusing on the important topics.
- Studying haphazardly.
- Solving previous years’ question papers without studying.
- Taking mock tests before the preparation.
- Not developing a good reading habit.
- Not following a strict study schedule.
- Not eating properly and overexerting themselves.
- Taking too much stress and not feeling depressed.
Can I crack CAT 2024 exam on the first attempt?
Yes, one can crack CAT 2024 exam on the first attempt with proper preparation. Since CAT is considered the toughest MBA entrance exam, students need to leave no stone unturned during the preparation. With a strategic plan, excellent preparation, and confidence, one can easily qualify for the exam on the first attempt.
What are the best CAT 2024 preparation tips for beginners?
The best CAT 2024 preparation tips for beginners are-
- Know the syllabus and exam pattern to get an idea of what to study.
- Plan a strategy a solve questions during the actual exam.
- Work on your speed and accuracy to complete the exam on time.
- Study from the best books and materials.
- Take mock tests to analyze your preparation.
I am preparing for CAT for the first time. How should I study?
Candidates preparing for CAT for the first time can study in the following ways-
- Begin by knowing all the important topics from every section.
- Start with aby section of your choice.
- Make notes to revise important topics after completing the syllabus
- Note down important formulas and tricks to solve questions easily.
- Make a proper schedule and stick to it.
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Take mock tests.
Is qualifying for CAT more difficult for beginners?
Qualifying for CAT may not be more difficult for beginners since it depends on how well a student has prepared for the exam. Some candidates fail to crack the exam in 4-5 attempts while some crack it on the first attempt. However, if you have already appeared for the exam, you will have a better understanding of everything.