How to crack CAT exam in first attempt? Expert Tips And Study Plan

Summary: If you are wondering how to crack CAT exam in first attempt? Here help! Ace the CAT exam in your first attempt with a well-structured study plan, recommended books, and effective time management for success in prestigious management institutes.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most challenging and competitive entrance exams for admission to prestigious management institutes (IIMs) in India. 

Cracking CAT in the first attempt requires diligent preparation, a well-structured study plan, and effective time management. 

In this article, we will explore essential strategies and tips to crack CAT in first attempt. Here's how to crack CAT exam in first attempt?

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2023 by SuperGrads

Importance of Cracking CAT in the First Attempt

Cracking CAT in the first attempt holds significant advantages for aspirants. 

• Firstly, it saves valuable time and resources that would otherwise be spent on multiple attempts.
• A successful first attempt opens doors to top B-schools and increases the chances of securing admission to preferred institutes. 
• Additionally, it boosts confidence and provides a strong foundation for future career prospects.

Check: CAT Exam 2023 syllabus 

Is it possible to crack CAT in first attempt?

Yes! Continue reading to learn about strategies to crack CAT in first attempt!

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt?: Study Plan with TimeTable

The study plan and timetable are listed below.

This plan is designed for 3 months, assuming you'll spend approximately 3 hours each day studying.

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

Here's how to crack CAT exam in first attempt? for VARC:

Week 1 - Week 4:

• Sentence Correction: Spend the first week mastering the rules of grammar and punctuation.
• Reading Comprehension: Practice reading articles from diverse fields and summarise them. Start with 2 articles per day and increase the number as you get comfortable.
• Vocabulary: Learn 20 new words each day with their meanings, usage, synonyms, and antonyms.
• Para Jumble: Start practising para jumble questions.
• Critical Reasoning: Start practising with low-difficulty level questions, gradually increasing the difficulty level.

Week 5 - Week 8:

• Continue with Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary building.
• Increase the level of difficulty for Para Jumble and Critical Reasoning questions.
• Start taking section tests and analyse your weak and strong areas.
• Focus on improving the weak areas.

Check: CAT Exam Cut Off 2023

Week 9 - Week 12:

• Practice full-length VARC tests.
• Revise all the concepts, especially your weak areas.
• Continue Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary building.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt? for DILR section:

Week 1 - Week 4:

• Basic Arithmetic and Algebra: Brush up your basics of Percentages, Ratios, Averages and Proportions.
• Basic Data Interpretation: Start with simple DI sets, including tables, graphs, and charts.
• Basic Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles, arrangements, and sequencing.

Check: CAT Exam Subjects 2023

Week 5 - Week 8:

How to clear CAT in first attempt?

• Advanced Data Interpretation: Practice with complex DI sets and data sufficiency problems.
• Advanced Logical Reasoning: Practice logical deductions, binary logic, and logical connectives.
• Mocks: Start taking section wise mock tests and analyse your weak and strong areas.

Week 9 - Week 12:

• Practice full-length DILR tests.
• Revise all the concepts, especially your weak areas.

Check: CAT Exam Top Colleges 2023

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt? for QA section:

Week 1 - Week 4:

• Basics of Arithmetic: Brush up your basics of Number Systems, Percentages, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, and Ratios.
• Basic Geometry and Algebra: Cover basic geometry figures, equations, and inequalities.

Week 5 - Week 8:

• Advanced Arithmetic: Cover topics like Profit and Loss, Speed, Distance and Time, and Work and Time.
• Advanced Geometry and Algebra: Cover topics like Mensuration, Trigonometry, Quadratic Equations, and Logarithms.
• Start taking section tests and analyse your weak and strong areas.

Check: CAT Exam Pattern

Week 9 - Week 12:

• Practice full-length QA tests.
• Revise all the concepts, especially your weak areas.

4. Mock Tests (for all sections):

• Start taking full-length cat mock tests from the beginning of Week 9.
• Analyse your performance after each test. Understand your mistakes and work on them.
• In the last week, practice at least two full-length mock tests.

Remember, consistency is the key. Keep practising, especially your weak areas, and review your progress regularly.

Check: CAT Exam Marking Scheme 2023

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt?: Recommended Books

Choosing the right study material is crucial for CAT preparation.

Here are some recommended books:

DILR 

• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma 
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha 
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Pearson 

VA

• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay 
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Nishit K Sinha 
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin 

QA 

• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma 
• Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha 
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma 

Check: List of Best Books for CAT Exam

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt?: Important Topics

Understanding the types of questions in CAT is essential for effective preparation:

Quantitative Ability

• Focus on concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number theory.
• Practice solving questions on topics like time and distance, percentages, and ratio proportions.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

• Improve your vocabulary and reading speed.
• Practice comprehension passages and work on grammar and sentence correction.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

• Develop analytical and reasoning skills.
• Practice solving various types of DI and LR sets to improve speed and accuracy.

Check: CAT Exam Centres 2023

How to crack CAT exam in first attempt?: Time management

• Divide time wisely among sections.
• Do not get stuck on challenging questions; move on and come back later if time permits.
• Stay calm and composed to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
• Join Any Coaching Classes for cat preparation, get advice from the experts, and learn from peers, which helps you stay connected with like-minded people and boost your preparation level.

Last-Minute Revision Tips

As the CAT exam date approaches, focus on efficient revision:

• Review important formulas and concepts.
• Take mock tests and analyse your performance.
• Identify and work on your weaknesses.
• Avoid attempting new topics at the last moment.

Check: CAT Exam Jobs

Conclusion

Cracking the CAT exam in the first attempt requires dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach. A well-structured study plan, recommended books, and an understanding of the types of questions are essential elements of successful preparation. Regular practice, self-assessment, and effective time management during the exam are crucial to achieving a high percentile. Remember, with determination and hard work, cracking CAT in the first attempt is not only achievable but also a stepping stone to a promising career in management.