CAT Preparation 2022: Expert Tips and Strategy for IIM CAT Exam

The first and very important step in the preparation, which students generally tend to ignore, is knowing the CAT 2022 syllabus and objectively looking at each of the topics. This will help in understanding which all topics require more time for preparation so that you can plan accordingly. The syllabus, pattern of the exam, and essential topics related to the exam should be scrutinized very carefully.

The CAT 2022 exam preparation strategy involves focusing on the three sections mentioned below:

• Quantitative Ability
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

The CAT syllabus 2022 is divided into categories, and each of the three categories consists of different topics. To make the work easy, prepare a chart that includes the topics from each of the sections, and accordingly, approach the syllabus. This will help in dividing time between topics that require more dedication and topics that you are familiar with.

If one puts effort with dedication and wholeheartedly, one can master all the concepts within 4 months. Here are the CAT preparation strategies that include important tips, study material, plan-wise study, and other aspects of preparation. You must also check strategies to crack CAT 2022 in the first attempt. Your CAT exam preparation aim should be to score 100 Percentile in CAT 2022 and get admission to the best college. 

CAT 2022 preparation is possible through self-study also. Just make sure you are regular enough with your studies. Procrastination is a big challenge when it comes to studying on your own and CAT online preparation. Here are a few tips you should follow in case you decide to study on your own:-

• Go for the best study material
• Join selected one or max two excellent online study groups on social networking sites like Facebook, Telegram, etc.
• Buy a good CAT exam mock test series. 
• Note all the Important Topics for the CAT 2022 exam

Break Down Your CAT 2022 Preparation

Since there is a sectional CAT cut off, therefore it gets all the more important to score well in all three sections. Keeping that purpose in mind, break your preparation down; section wise and topic-wise and invest your time accordingly. It’s like working on the small chunks and perfecting each of these small chunks.

• Identify the sections you are facing challenges in and identify the very topic within that section that is the cause of your concern.
• More often than not, people claim that QA is their weakness whereas what turns out is; it is just two topics in QA they are facing problems in. So be very specific, when it comes to your shortcomings!

Also, check Tips on How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?

Devise A Workable Study Plan for CAT 2022

The next step is to prepare a study plan because it will help you to keep a track of the CAT 2022 syllabus and your progress. 

1. Follow CAT Preparation Timetable

• It is essential to follow a timetable while preparing for CAT 2022.
• CAT 2022 preparation requires dedicated hours of concentrated studying. Though, make sure not to set unrealistic goals and deadlines as the same can get demotivating when not achieved.

Check experts advice on CAT preparation at home

2. CAT 2022 Section-wise preparation

• It is necessary to prepare section-wise as it helps in breaking all sections individually and focusing on each of the topics. This helps in learning the concepts and their application. Breaking down the sections and individual topics helps in analyzing the area that requires more focus.

3. Shortcuts and Tricks

• The shortcuts and tricks are the primary components of the preparation process.
• Many shortcut technique is being taught in the Aptitude and Quantitative part using which a problem can be solved in lesser time.

4. Clear Your Concept

• Start from the very basics such as fast calculation techniques, and applying tricks to solve the questions in less time.

5. Practice makes a man perfect

• Rigorous practice is required so that you are well of the types of questions you may be asked. Also, you become well acquainted with your strengths and weaknesses.
• A SWOT analysis is a must for each section.
• You must also regularly practice CAT exam mock tests to identify your mistakes and improve accordingly. 

Be Regular & Punctual in Your Studies 

Regularity is the key to success. It is one of the fundamental attributes which a student should inculcate. Being regular with anything accelerates efficiency and accuracy, and both are much needed in your CAT Exam.

We must choose books that have authentic sources from credible Authors. Since CAT has three sections following are some of the best books for CAT preparation 2022

Since, VARC section consists of questions from Reading comprehension and Verbal ability, vocabulary, and Grammar. Verbal ability can be tackled by solving the previous year's papers and attempting mock tests. Exam experts have compiled a very detailed and comprehensive strategy on how to score better and prepare for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section for CAT 2022 

CAT Preparation Plan for VARC | How To Prepare for VARC

The VARC Syllabus of CAT 2022 has 3 broad categories:

• Reading Comprehension
• Para Jumbles
• Para Summary

For scoring better in Reading comprehension one needs to start early i.e one should develop a reading habit. The more you read the better you will be at scanning the passages and understanding the words. Go through the most important books to crack reading comprehension for CAT 2022

For DILR the concepts need to be clear. The student needs to constantly practice the questions. The aspirant needs to practice questions on Tables, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Bar Charts, Mixed Charts, etc. As per the past trend, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are usually of moderate difficulty level. The DILR portion is intended to assess applicants' abilities to solve logic-based questions and comprehend data sets.

Go through the CAT DILR Preparation plan designed by exam experts to ensure that you don't miss out on a question and simultaneously improve your overall score. 

This is one of the tough sections of the CAT exam. This section includes questions from Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Mensuration, Number System. The concepts need to be clear. Formulas and theorems should be clear. And again this section requires a lot of practice by attempting the previous year's papers and mock tests. Go through the CAT Preparation Plan For Quantitative Aptitude to ensure that you are fully prepared for the upcoming exam. 

Also, check CAT 2022 preparation tips for Quant 

An ample amount of study material is available in the market. A lot of books, question banks, preparatory books, and sample question papers are available online and offline. Selecting the right material is very important for systematic studies. Make use of sample question papers and practice papers to understand your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Solving authentic PYQPs (Previous years Questions Papers) of the last 10-15 years can give you clear ideas about concepts & a variety of questions that have been asked in CAT of past years.

Practice CAT Previous Year Papers

Your preparation doesn’t stand complete until you practice past years’ CAT question papers in a real-time situation. That is when you know where you actually stand and how much is yet to be done. This will also boost your confidence. Download CAT Question Papers or practice CAT Question Papers online to improve the level of your exam preparation. For basic concepts of QA refer to any good book with good practice questions. For topic-wise online practice, you can Attempt CAT Exam Daily Quizzes here.

Make sure you attempt CAT 2022 Mock tests regularly followed by thorough analysis. Also, go for a sectional quiz for sectional revision.

• Taking mocks religiously is very crucial.
• Rectifying the errors is a must. Analyze the areas where you need extra practice.
• Understand the pattern of mistakes you do.
• Also, try to take notes if you find a different type while attempting mocks or sectional quizzes.
• This will get you another set of question banks which you may want to revise again.

CAT Preparation Time Management

• The best strategy is to work on better time management skills.
• This is important for preparing for CAT 2022 and also while taking it.
• After attempting a mock test, it becomes easy to analyze the areas you are getting stuck in and the areas which are comfortable to you. Lack of time management is one of the reasons many candidates fail to clear the cut-off despite solid preparation.
• Divide each of the sections and time you want to dedicate to solving each question.
• Do not waste time on a question if you are not able to solve it in a stipulated time; sometimes not solving a question can be a great strategy, too.