How to Prepare for IIFT Exam Along with CAT Exam

Almost all the MBA aspirants must have a query on how to manage and prepare for IIFT exam along with the CAT exam. There is no uphill battle in preparing for both the exams simultaneously as both have quite a similar syllabus. There is an extra section i.e. General Knowledge section in IIFT that must be taken care of while preparing for IIFT. The cornerstone for both the exams is the same, you only need to work upon the key differences between IIFT and CAT exam. Like the CAT exam has a sectional time limit whereas IIFT does not. So, there are little nuances that candidates need to be cautious of while preparing for IIFT and CAT.

Sectional-wise Preparation for IIFT along with CAT Exam

Here, we’ll guide you how to prepare for IIFT along with the CAT exam. Just go through the points mentioned below on how to prepare sectional-wise for both the exams.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

If we talk about the Verbal section in both the exams, there is hardly any difference in the syllabus of IIFT and CAT. Both have the same difficult level in the exams. The only difference is that IIFT focuses more on the vocabulary section making it a little more difficult than CAT.

If we move on to the RC section, then RCs in CAT are a blend of both inference and fact based types whereas RCs in IIFT are mostly fact based. Although RC passages in IIFT are lengthy, about 1500-2000 words, the IIFT passages are much easier than CAT. So, preparing this section for both the exams is quite similar, only you need to focus upon the vocabulary, a little more for IIFT exam. The others are the same i.e. focus on grammar, read daily newspapers/articles, practice daily questions of a particular topic and work on vocab section.

Quantitative Aptitude

The syllabus in IIFT and CAT is more or less the same. The only difference is in the difficulty level of the questions. Over the past few trends, it has been seen that there is a decrease in the level of the CAT exam whereas in IIFT the quality of the questions is getting improved. If we talk about the important topics, both carry similar weightage. Difficulty lies in the level of the topics like Data Interpretation in IIFT carries highly complex calculations as compared to the CAT. In terms of complex calculations, IIFT involves more kinds of questions rather than CAT. So, this makes it a little more tough challenge for MBA aspirants to clear the IIFT exam.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

The main difference in both the exams is that IIFT involves long Reasoning Caselets as compared to the CAT. Candidates need to be really quick in solving the questions in IIFT as it involves intensive calculations that need to be solved in a short span of time. The difficulty level in both the exams is quite similar so you don’t need to spend extra time for IIFT preparation. Remember that the DILR section in CAT is lengthy as compared to the IIFT, so be prepared according to it. Focus on the fundamental concepts of Reasoning and practice questions along with the tricks in order to save time.

General Knowledge and Awareness

This is the only section that differs CAT from IIFT exam. CAT does not include the General Knowledge section. So, the aspirants preparing for IIFT need to focus on this section. This section can be taken in two ways: either for maximizing the score in no time or just clearing the cut-off. If you only want to clear the cut-off, then prepare static GK like books and authors, Noble Awards, Capital and Currencies, Lakes and Rivers and many more, and also be regular with the Current Affairs. If you have keen interest in GA, then consider this section as a scoring section that can maximize your score and would help you to clear the IIFT exam.

Mock Strategy for IIFT as well as CAT Exams

There is hardly any difference between the preparation strategy of CAT and IIFT. The only need is to have good calculation skills for the IIFT exam. You can solve 2 mock tests of IIFT and 3 mock tests of CAT exam once a week. This will balance your preparation for both the exams and also, you would be able to analyse the difference of the pattern in both the exams. If you prepare in such a manner, then, you will be able to manage for IIFT along with CAT preparation. The more you solve mock tests, the better you will be in your preparation for CAT as well as IIFT. So, try to follow this mock strategy in your disciplined life.

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FAQs

Does the CAT exam not have a GK section?

Yes, the CAT does not include the GK section. It only has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section (DI-LR).

Is the total number of questions different in both IIFT and CAT exams?

Yes, IIFT and CAT both have different exam patterns. In IIFT, candidates need to solve 110 questions in 120 minutes whereas in CAT, they need to solve 76 questions in 120 minutes.

Which MBA institutes accept IIFT scores for MBA/PGDM admission?

IIFT scores are taken into consideration by all the three campuses of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) - IIFT Kolkata, IIFT Kakinada and IIFT Delhi.

Is there any difference in the eligibility criteria of IIFT and CAT?