Strategies for CAT Preparation to get Good Percentile - Check Tips, Ideal Attempts, and Resources

Every Year, the CAT examination is scheduled in November, and specifically the first Sunday of November. With just a few months remaining for the examination, the candidates at this point are winding up their CAT Preparations. The best approach to crack this pre-eminent examination is by studying smartly rather than studying too much. A smarter approach to cracking an entrance examination is more appropriate than studying for months and hours and not getting a good result. The strategies based on apt perspectives would surely help the CAT aspirants score a substantial percentile in the upcoming examination.

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Strategies to Score Good Percentile in CAT 2024

Right Time to Start

Make sure that you start your CAT Preparation at the right time. Prepare a timetable and divide the entire syllabus according to the remaining days or months. Don't leave any topic or section unprepared. There would be surely a few topics where you would be quite confident and a few others which you rarely want to touch. Don't run away from such topics rather try to clear the concepts and you may find them easier. Formulate a timetable keeping the mentioned aspect in mind and follow it religiously.

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Time Management

Whether it is CAT Preparation or writing the CAT examination, time management plays a key role in your performance. Manage your time in such a way that you spend ample time in Preparation. Organize yourself and work on your weaker areas. You can always take a short break of 10-15 minutes after every 2-3 hours of studying. Talk to your friends and family during these breaks and then start again with a fresher energy. Always remember that these 70 days before CAT 2024 examination will never come back and it's better to utilize these days to the fullest.

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Plan Differently

Numerous aspirants follow the plan set by others such as their seniors, friends, mentors, teachers, and many others. Try to think differently and plan according to your strategies. There might be some strategies that you would have used in your past examinations and have turned fruitful. Add those strategies to your current plan. Don't follow another person's success story, rather mend your own story.

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Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests

While solving Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests, you will get an idea about what kind of strategies will work for the different types of questions. Take a Mock Test or the Previous Year' Paper daily and try to finish it in the given time. Gradually, you will develop the skills to complete the paper efficiently in the given time. Also, analyze your performance in these Tests and work on the areas where you are facing problems. Take guidance from your mentor or seniors and try to eradicate such issues.

Analyze Yourself

Analyze yourself regularly like whether you are following the timetable or whether you can complete the tests in a given time and plan your further strategies accordingly. For example, check whether you have been able to cover the topics according to your plan or not. If you are not able to do so, then plan your further steps accordingly. Make the necessary alterations and follow them.

Handy Notes

Make short notes on separate papers for formulae, tables, squares, etc., and keep them handy. This will enable you to have a glance while being occupied with other things. Handy notes will also help you during revisions and will save you time.

Master Your Strengths

As mentioned earlier, everyone has some strong areas and some weaker areas. Master your strong areas in such a way that you don't miss even a single mark there. Practice and enhance your strength which will help in evolving your interest into a good score.

Every year nearly 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT examination and thousands of them secure positions in the Indian Institutes of Management and top B-Schools. This year, you might be one of them. Trust yourself and act smartly towards your goal. 

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CAT Exam Preparation - Ideal Attempts

To score a good percentile in CAT, say about 95 and above, candidates must score and attempt at least 40 questions correctly out of 66. Candidates should also focus on the fact that the CAT exam has a negative marking and every minute counts. Keeping this in mind, we have curated and charted out the ideal number of attempts that a candidate should make in each section, to get a good percentile. Refer to this analysis below.

CAT Preparation - Online Resources

Preparing for the CAT exam can be overwhelming for some, and students may find it tough to select the right resources. We have curated below the best online resources that will help you prepare for CAT.

CAT Online Coaching Institutes

However, it is to be noted that some students may not want to join a coaching institute. In that case, it is best advised to refer to the best online reading resources. Check these sources below.

CAT Online Reading Resources

CAT Online Coaching Vs Offline Coaching

Choosing the right kind of CAT preparation strategy is imperative for the students and aspirants. Some may want to opt for online coaching, while some may think to join offline coaching owing to the personal interaction that they get there. However, each type has its flaws and benefits. Tabulated below are a few key differences between both the coaching styles. Students are advised to go through it, and then decide accordingly what they wish to pursue.

CAT Preparation - A Brief Study Plan

We have curated below a mini CAT study plan starting from August that can help you in planning your preparation strategy effectively, and can help you devise a strategy that is most suited for you. Check this plan below.