When and How to Start Preparing for the CAT 2023 Exam

The Importance of Timing and Personal Ability for CAT Preparation

Timing is Everything - There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should start preparing for the CAT exam. The amount of time you need to dedicate to your preparation depends largely on your personal capabilities and current knowledge. If you are new to the CAT exam and feel average in all three sections (Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), starting 10 months before the exam can be a strategic move. For those who are already strong across all sections and have attempted CAT before, a more focused 5-month preparation period, dedicating 3 hours daily, could yield excellent results.

Beyond the CAT: A Comprehensive Admission Strategy for Top B-Schools

Integrating CAT with Comprehensive Preparation - Getting into top B-Schools requires more than just cracking the CAT. Positioning yourself with a solid front in Written Ability Test (WAT) and Personal Interview (PI) is crucial. Beyond just CAT preparation, consider dedicating time to these critical areas. Starting early and aligning your CAT preparation with WAT and PI preparation will give you an edge.

Breaking Down the CAT Sections for Efficient Preparation

Quantitative Aptitude - Ensure you cover all the essential areas for Quantitative Aptitude. This includes:

Arithmetic - Focus on 10 questions average per paper Number Systems - Focus on 4 questions per paper Algebra - Focus on 5 questions per paper Geometry - Focus on 4 questions per paper Permutations and Combinations / Probability - Focus on 2-3 questions per paper

The majority of questions in the real CAT paper are from these key areas. With diligent preparation, you can score a 95th percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude section.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - Develop a strong foundation in this section through regular practice:

Reading Comprehension (RCs) Editorial Readings Para Jumbles Summaries - These are often TITA (Type In The Answer) questions

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI LR) - This section focuses on:

Basic fundamentals of all DI and LR concepts Practicing at least 10 previous years' papers

Maximizing Your Preparation with Mocks and Additional Resources

Mock Tests - Giving and analyzing mock tests is one of the most important parts of your preparation. Aim to complete at least 20-25 mocks to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Interview Preparation - For interviews, staying updated on key events and current affairs is essential. Additionally, maintaining knowledge about government schemes and policies can be highly beneficial. Begin your preparation 8 months prior to the interview, keeping an eye on major events since July of the previous year.

Wishing you all the best as you embark on your journey to ace the CAT and secure your admission to a top B-School!