Optimal CAT Preparation Timeline for Non-maths Students

Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) from a non-maths background requires dedication and an understanding of the necessary strategies to ace the exam. This article provides a structured timeline and detailed section-wise strategy to help you convert good B-schools.

Why Start Early?

For non-maths students, a satisfactory CAT preparation plan should be initiated 6 months before the exam. Starting your preparation in June can significantly enhance your performance and give you the confidence to crack the exam. If you start in November or December, you might find it challenging to thoroughly cover all sections in a limited timeframe.

Section-wise Strategy

VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

The VARC section demands a keen focus on daily reading for at least one hour, which aids in developing critical thinking and understanding of various issues. Watching concept videos and practicing Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, and Reading Skills (RCS) systematically is essential.

Be mindful that not all questions need the direct reading of passages. Many questions, particularly in the VA section, require the reader to infer the information from the passages. Focus on sentence elimination and paragraph jumbles, which test your ability to spot coherent ideas. Paragraph summaries often depend on the aspirant's ability to comprehend and condense the passage.

Recommended Books:

Norman Lewis' Word Power Made Easy CAT 2020 Toppers Recommend - GMAT Official Guide, Manhattan Verbal How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/Simon Schuster PSC for VA for CAT by Nishit Sinha

DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)

The DILR section requires spending about 1-2 hours a day on Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) topics. Start with solving two sets daily and expand your knowledge of fundamental concepts. Regular practice is crucial to mastering these topics.

Books like How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw Hill) and How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw Hill) can be incredibly helpful.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

For the QA section, start by refreshing your understanding of the quantitative basics. Many aspirants skip the basics and move straight to problem-solving, which can lead to conceptual confusion. Practice regularly and solve two to four examples after each concept revision.

A strong foundation in mathematics is key. Recommended books include Arun Sharma’s How to prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT (Tata McGraw Hill), Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill), and Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha (Pearson).

Alternative Strategies

Besides books and coaching classes, you can leverage YouTube channels, live sessions, and other online resources to enhance your preparation. Engaging with regular crosswords and word puzzles can also improve your verbal and logical reasoning skills.

Conclusion

The key to success in the CAT, especially for non-maths students, lies in an organized and consistent preparation plan. By prioritizing section-wise strategies and utilizing a variety of resources, you can overcome the challenges and secure a high score in the exam.