Exam Day Tips for CAT 2024 - Key Tips to Help You Succeed
Exam Day Tips for CAT 2024 are an essential aspect of taking the CAT exam! Find out the best exam day tips for CAT 2024 right here!
Exam Day Tips for CAT 2024 include useful guidelines and advice for aspirants to help them tackle the pressure on exam day. A certain level of tension is always good as it compels you to prepare well for the exam and provides the required adrenaline rush to handle the pressure. However, too much of it can lead to a candidate being unable to give his/her best attempt. On the day of the CAT 2024 exam, candidates must maintain their composure and be aware of what is to be done and what is not. To answer lengthy questions quickly, candidates are required to review their notes, concepts, and formulas as well as memorize any shortcuts or tricks.
The CAT exam 2024 will be conducted by IIM Calcutta on November 24, 2024. It is important for candidates to familiarize themselves with all of the CAT exam guidelines so that they don't make any mistakes on exam day. In addition to revising, there are a few crucial things one needs to remember on the day of the exam. Well, it is rightly said that prevention is better than cure, and the fact that you are reading this is a good sign that you want to be ready for every scenario on the day of the examination. Being mentally prepared for CAT 2024 will help you get a good score and get admission to your preferred Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Here, we have curated some of the best exam day tips for CAT 2024 suggested by experts and CAT toppers that will help you rise over the pressure and crack the exam.
Also Read: How to Start CAT Preparation 2024 from Scratch
Exam Day Tips to Crack CAT 2024
Here are some of the best tips that will help you give your best performance on the CAT 2024 exam day.
Tip #1: Reach the Exam Centre Early and Follow the Instructions
CAT 2024 is expected to be conducted in three sessions. The first session will run from 8:30 to 10:30 in the morning, the second from 12:30 to 2:30 in the afternoon, and the third from 4:30 to 6:30 in the evening. 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam, the CAT exam centres' entry gates will close. In order to preserve physical distance, there will be staggard entry. To ensure a quick and safe entrance to the exam room, arrive at your examination center by the time specified on the admit card. Reaching early will also help you avoid crowding at the gate and be calm and composed through various checks and processes. You should also follow all instructions issued by the invigilators. Avoid getting into any arguments as that not only may cause your disqualification but may also ruin your temper to succeed.
Also Read:CAT 2024 Exam Day Instructions
Tip #2: Do Not Indulge in Last-minute Revision
Revision shouldn't be done right before the exam, in order to avoid confusion as you reach the testing center for the CAT 2024. It's a myth that studying more will help you know more. When preparing for a difficult exam like the CAT, it's crucial to spread out your preparation throughout the course of the year, not just a few days or hours before the exam. The key to excelling in the CAT 2024 exam is comprehensive, organized study.
Tip #3: Start with the Easy Questions
Does it feel like the first question itself has challenged your intelligence and you are going to solve it whatever the cost? Well, that might cost you the exam itself. Remember to skim the questions and start with the easy questions first. This can give you the required confidence boost and momentum, which might even make solving tricky questions easier.
Tip #4: Keep Your Eye on The Timer
The time you will get to solve each question in CAT 2024 is limited to 40 minutes and therefore it becomes very important to be aware of the time you have left. When too engrossed in an interesting question, it can get easy to lose a sense of time. Every second of the 120 minutes given to you is precious and if a question is taking a lot of time to solve, move on to the next and come back to it in the next pass.
Also Read:How to Approach CAT 2024 Question Paper?
Tip #5: Choose Your Battles Wisely
Whether you solve the most difficult question in the entire paper or the easiest, you are going to get 3 marks for both of them. Hence, it is better to drop any questions that seem too tricky or difficult to solve. You can always come back to them after demolishing the easy ones first.
Tip #6: Be Careful when Going for TITA Questions
TITA questions in CAT 2024 do not have any negative marking and hence they can seem quite alluring to attempt. However, you must be careful when choosing which TITA questions to answer in the exam. Again, keep a close check on the time you are taking to solve the question, and be careful when entering your answer.
Tip #7: Read the Questions Carefully and Do Not Make Silly Mistakes
Do not rush when reading the questions. Make sure you go through every detail carefully and re-read the question if you are unable to understand it in the first go. This will help you avoid a lot of silly mistakes caused by hurrying unnecessarily.
Tip #8: Focus on Maintaining Accuracy
While the proper answer to the speed vs accuracy debate is always 'balance', when you have to choose between them, it is better to go for accuracy. Quality matters a lot when it comes to success in CAT 2024. As per our analysis, the sweet spot lies in maintaining 80 - 90% accuracy.
Also Read:How Many Questions to Attempt in CAT 2024 for a 99 Percentile Score
Tip #9: Stay Focused on Your Work
No matter how fast you are, time is in short supply when attempting CAT 2024. Hence, it is better to keep a razor-sharp focus on your work and avoid glancing anywhere else. This will not only save time but also prevent you from being accused of cheating or using unfair means.
Tip #10: Use On-Screen Calculator
CAT 2024 provides students with an on-screen calculator and it is the only MBA entrance exam in India to do so. Hence, it is better to make good use of this calculator. However, one should be judicious when using the calculator as it can often take more time than doing mental calculations or simply using effective tricks to reduce calculations when solving questions. Hence, along with the guide to using the on-screen calculator in CAT 2024, we are also including some of the articles that will help you improve your calculations in CAT 2024.
Also Read: How to Use Calculator in CAT 2024
Tip #11: Revise Where You Have the Luxury
If you have any time remaining after completing a section, make sure you spend all of it revising and double-checking your answers. This can not only help you find potential mistakes but also ensure that you have not made any silly mistakes such as erroneously selecting the wrong option or maybe even failing to save after selecting an option.
Tip #12: Carry the Required Photo ID Along with CAT Admit Card 2024
Candidates must have a photo ID with them in addition to their CAT admit card 2024. They may carry both the original and a photocopy of any of the following IDs:
Aadhar card
Voter ID
Passport
College/University ID
Driver's license
- Or any other identity proof issued by the Government of India
Also Read: How to Download CAT 2024 Admit Card Online?
Tip #13: Do Not Bring Prohibited Items to the CAT Exam Center
Inside the CAT 2024 exam centre, it is forbidden to bring items like bags, purses, pencil boxes, beepers, watches, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless or Bluetooth transmission, or any other similar communication devices. Any applicant caught in possession of one of the aforementioned objects will be disqualified from the CAT 2024 exam. Only the CAT 2024 admit card and relevant ID proof/certificates will be permitted inside the examination hall. For rough work, the authorities will provide a pen or pencil and paper. It is mandatory for the candidates to verify the following information on their CAT 2024 admit card beforehand:
Name of the candidate
PwD Status
Date and Day of Test
Registration Number
Reporting/ Entry time at Centre
Gate Closing Time of Centre
Test Center address
Test City
Time and Session of CAT 2024
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Tip #14: Maintain the CAT Dress Code
There are some items that are prohibited, including mehendi on the hands, shoes, metal jewelry, coats, and clothing with pockets. In order to enter the exam room, candidates must remove their shoes. You may wear socks indoors. Since they will need to remove them during the security check, female candidates should take care not to wear metal hairclips or jewelry. In order to ensure proper biometric attendance, they must not have henna on their palms.
Tip #15: Comply with the COVID-19 Related Guidelines
At the student verification corner, present a COVID-19 declaration that is properly filled out and signed.
Continue to keep a physical distance.
Arrive at the exam center at the time of reporting.
Permit the examiners to use a thermometer to measure your body temperature.
Put on a facemask before entering the exam center and keep it on until you leave the building.
Use a transparent bottle to carry drinking water.
Keep a transparent bottle of hand sanitizer with you, and wash your hands frequently.
Tip #16: Go Through the CAT Exam Instructions Thoroughly
One of the most crucial pieces of advice for the CAT exam day is this. Read the exam-related instructions attentively in order to comprehend the CAT question bank, marking system, and other rules and guidelines. It is quite dangerous to miss even one point; it could have negative effects at any moment during the exam. One can also use the official CAT tutorials on the IIMCAT website to get a better understanding of the CAT 2024 exam. Your familiarisation with the actual CAT exam atmosphere and any associated dos and don'ts will be aided by the official CAT tutorial.
Tip #17: Observe the order of the CAT Question Papers
Only the CAT allows candidates to select whatever section they want to address first when taking the MBA admission exam. Candidates must finish the first section, known as VARC, before proceeding to the second section. Each section has a 40-minute time limit, and candidates must finish it in that time frame because the screen will automatically go on to the next section after the 40 minutes are over. There is no option to switch between sections in between. Candidates must be aware that they can only lock responses using the computer mouse and not the keyboard. The moment they touch the keyboard, the display will freeze.
If technical issues or disruptions occur during the exam, stay calm. Alert the invigilators and follow their instructions. Once the exam is over, don't dwell on it. Relax and unwind. Avoid discussing questions with others, as it may affect your post-exam mindset. If you have been shortlisted for further rounds like GD and PI, start preparing for them immediately. Research the participating colleges and topics.
Along with a good knowledge of the subjects and having a proper understanding of how to prepare for CAT 2024, candidates must also take into account all of the factors important on exam day. Simple acts such as keeping all of the documents required with the CAT 2024 admit card can help take the pressure off on the day of the examination. Candidates should check the following information to ensure that they are ready to crack the CAT 2024.
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FAQs
Should I attempt the easy questions in CAT first or save them for later?
The approach to attempting questions in CAT varies from person to person. Some candidates prefer starting with easy questions to build confidence and secure marks. Others choose to skim through the paper first, attempting easier questions initially and leaving the tougher ones for later. Experiment with different approaches during mock tests to find what works best for you.
Should I attempt all the questions in CAT, even if unsure?
It is generally advised not to attempt questions in CAT that you are completely unsure about as there is negative marking in CAT. Make educated guesses only when you can eliminate some answer options. Use your time wisely and focus on questions you have a higher chance of answering correctly.
What should I do after completing the CAT exam?
After completing the CAT exam, do not dwell on the questions you answered. Relax and shift your focus to the next steps, such as preparing for the next phase of the selection process (like GD/PI) or applying to other colleges. Reflect on your performance to identify areas of improvement for future exams.
Can I take breaks during the CAT exam?
CAT typically does not have scheduled breaks. However, if you feel the need to take a short break, inform the invigilator and follow their instructions. Keep in mind that the overall exam duration remains the same, and any break you take will eat into your available time.
What should I do if I face technical issues during the CAT exam?
In case of any technical issues during the CAT exam, inform the invigilator immediately. They will guide you on the necessary steps to resolve the problem. Ensure you remain calm and composed while the issue is being addressed.
Is there a specific order to attempt the CAT sections?
CAT allows candidates to choose the order of sections. You can opt for the order that suits you best. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses in each section and select an order that allows you to maximize your performance. Remember to practice different section orders during your preparation to adapt to different scenarios.
How can I manage my time effectively during the CAT exam?
Time management is crucial during the CAT exam. Divide your time wisely among different sections and allocate more time to areas where you are stronger. Set targets for each section and try to stick to them. Don't spend too much time on a single question. Move on if you're stuck and return to it later if time permits.
What should be my approach for the CAT exam day?
Maintain a disciplined approach throughout the CAT exam day. Follow the instructions given by the invigilators. Read the questions carefully and manage your time wisely. Stay focused and avoid getting stuck on difficult questions. Maintain a steady pace throughout the exam.
What items should I carry on the CAT exam day?
On the CAT exam day, you must carry your admit card, a valid photo ID proof, and any other documents specified by the conducting authority. It's also advisable to carry a water bottle, a watch, and necessary writing materials like pens or pencils.
How should I prepare for the CAT exam day?
To prepare for the CAT exam day, make sure you have a good night's sleep the day before. Review important concepts but avoid cramming. Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, syllabus, and instructions. Stay calm and maintain a positive mindset.