The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2023 exam is just around the corner for MBA aspirants. Every MBA aspirant dreams of securing a spot in the most prestigious MBA institutes such as IIMs, FMS Delhi, SPJIMR, or IIT Bombay. CAT is the gateway to these prestigious institutions. Achieving a high percentile, like 99 or above, opens the door to top-tier B-Schools. However, scoring a 99 percentile or higher in just a few days requires more than sheer hard work. If you've recently started or haven't begun your preparation, don't fret! This article provides guidance and tips to ensure your journey to a 99 percentile in the CAT 2023 exam.
The first step toward success in CAT 2023 is to familiarize yourself with the CAT examination structure. The CAT 2023 exam pattern will be the same as last year. It will be a computer-based test (CBT) of 120 minutes, divided into three sections:
The marking scheme for the 2023 CAT exam is as follows:
Scoring in the 99th percentile is about maintaining a balance between the number of questions you attempt and the accuracy of your answers. On average, aiming for around 30-35 questions with a high accuracy rate should be your goal. This may vary based on the difficulty level of the exam. It's essential to remember that there's a penalty for wrong answers.
Please refer to the table below, which displays the count of successful attempts out of the total number of questions in the CAT exam paper. This table corresponds to the CAT 2022 question paper
| CAT Exam Sections | Total Questions | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | 18 |
| DILR | 20 | 13 |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
22 | 16 |
| Total | 66 | 47 |
a. VARC: This section tests your comprehension and language skills. To excel in VARC, read the question paper thoroughly, solve previous year papers, and practice a variety of questions. Time management is key, as it is the longest section. Aim to spend around 40 minutes here, distributing time wisely between reading and answering.
b. DILR: Logical reasoning and data interpretation are most important here. Regular practice and exposure to different types of puzzles and data sets will help you to get good marks in this section. Focus on accuracy and aim for 30-35 minutes in this section.
c. QA: Quantitative Ability is all about speed and accuracy. Revise mathematical concepts, solve complex problems, and practice within a time limit. Allocate approximately 45-50 minutes for this section.
Achieving a high score heavily relies on precision. Attempting questions without ensuring accuracy can lead to negative outcomes. To enhance your accuracy, it's essential to keep the following tips in mind:
Establish a Solid Foundation: Prior to the success of your preparation journey, start by strengthening your fundamental concepts in crucial subjects. Practice these foundational topics until you've mastered them.
Address Weak Areas: To maximize your score, prioritize strong areas and subsequently address your weak points. Identify topics where you need improvement and gather relevant study materials to boost your understanding.
Time Management: With a sectional time limit of 40 minutes allotted for each section, mastering time management is vital. Set targets for solving a specific number of questions within the allocated time frame, typically aiming for 8-10 questions.
Use a Stopwatch: When solving questions, an effective way to gauge your performance is to use a stopwatch to measure the time it takes to complete individual questions.
Practice with Mock Tests: Once you've built your confidence, begin solving CAT 2023 mock tests. This practice will help you with the types of questions asked in previous years, allowing you to refine your strategies.
Evaluate your performance: While attempting mock tests, challenge yourself by setting a stopwatch to complete a section's questions within a specified time limit. Evaluate your performance based on the scoring scheme to monitor your progress.
PlanEdu Consultants & Learning Solutions, a platform dedicated to MBA aspirants, can provide comprehensive support and guidance, making your journey to success smoother.
CAT preparation is undoubtedly challenging, these key tips, based on both statistics and expert advice, can significantly improve your chances of achieving the 99 percentile. A holistic approach that encompasses mental and physical well-being, continuous learning, and a supportive network can make the journey more manageable and rewarding. Remember, achieving a 99 percentile in CAT 2023 is not just about hard work; it's also about working smart and maintaining a positive, balanced approach to your preparation.
PlanEdu wishes you all the very best for your upcoming CAT Exam 2023.
I hope this article will help you in preparation for CAT 2023 Exam, For more such kinds of informative articles and blogs visit the PlanEdu Website.
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