CAT exam is one of the important exams for management aspirants who dream of getting into the IIMs.This CAT exam (The Common Admission Test) is conducted once a year. The CAT score is mandatory for admission to India’s premier B-schools and IIMs. CAT 2022 will be held on the last Sunday of November 2022. The CAT Exam question paper is divided into three sections namely, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The syllabus of the CAT Exam comprises various topics from the above-mentioned sections.
The IIMs do not provide a standard syllabus for the CAT exam. If candidates have only a finite amount of time before the exam, it is recommended that they concentrate solely on the CAT preparation. They can also start their preparation with the help of a CAT Coaching program. To crack this national-level competitive exam, rigorous preparation and sheer determination are required.
What is the Syllabus for the CAT Exam?
As previously stated, the IIMs have not issued the CAT Exam syllabus. The topics covered on the CAT 2022 syllabus being comprehensive requires problem-solving skills and verbal ability skills from high school. Listed below are some of the important topics from which questions are asked in the CAT Exam:
| CAT Exam Sections | CAT Syllabus |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Line Chart, Tables & Graphs, Data Charts, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Calendar |
| Quantitative Ability | Number System, Series & Sequence, Averages, Simplification, Simple Interest, Time & Distance, Time & Work, Inequalities, Permutation & Combination, Mensuration |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Odd Sentences, Para-Summary, Para Jumbles, Reading Comprehension Passages, Idioms & Phrases, Inferences |
Importance of CAT Coaching
CAT Exam is the premier exam that has its registration numbers increasing every year. There has been an increase in CAT registrations every year. In 2020 & 2021, the number of CAT registrations exceeded 2.15 Lakh despite the threat of the ongoing pandemic. The increase in registrations indicates an increasing level of competition. Most of the Top MBA colleges in India accept the CAT Scores. It is undeniable that consistent practice and focused preparation is essential to match the difficulty level of the exam. Self-preparation has numerous benefits, but with a little amount of time left for the exam, proper guidance and coaching from mentors will lessen the pressure upon the candidates.
Benefits of CAT Coaching vs Benefits of Self-study
| Coaching for CAT Exam | Self-Study for CAT Exam |
| Students do better when they are in a competitive environment. | Lack of peer groups and expert guidance in self-preparation can put out the competitive spirit, which can also be isolating. |
| The time spent attending classes and sessions leaves little time for studying. | Saves a lot of time, commuting hours, and allows flexibility in the study. |
| Doubts can be cleared up more easily. | Exploring for and resolving doubts on one’s own requires time. |
| Mock tests and practice papers aid candidates in gauging their preparation level. Mentors provide analysis to help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses. | Although there are many Mock tests available on the internet, analysis of the tests taken may not be productive, and it is time-consuming. |
With limited preparation time, candidates are advised to select their preparation mode carefully. Speed and precision are crucial factors in achieving a high percentile. It is advisable that candidates practise previous years’ question papers, in addition to getting help from mentors or experts, in order to get themselves acquainted with the exam pattern.
