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CAT 2021 preparation: Here’s how you can crack the code to success

SOURCE: MANJUNATH KIRAN/AFP
Here’s how you can ace the CAT 2021 and secure your seat in one of India’s top business schools.

May 12 | 1 minute read |

By U2B Staff 

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If you’re planning on enrolling in an Indian graduate school or getting an MBA in India in 2021, you probably know that the Common Admission Test (CAT) is your first hurdle to overcome. 

For the uninitiated, the CAT is a competitive admissions test in India that will help you get into one of India’s 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), located all over the country.

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IIMs comprise India’s best institutes that primarily offer postgraduate, doctoral and executive education programmes. 

The computer-based exam is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).  

The CAT 2021 is expected to be held on November 28.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for the exam, here are some tips from students who have taken the exam:

CAT 2021 preparation tips

Exam structure 

You’ll first want to familiarise yourself with the exam and its structure. One of the best ways to do this is by going through mock papers. 

Self study or find a coach?

Students who lack confidence or prefer to have guidance might want to consider getting a coach or joining an institute who can assist you with study materials, and guide you through tough questions and sections so that you’ll feel more confident on test day.

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Develop a study routine

InsideIIM.com notes that some students attempt the exam five times before finally making it to their dream IIMs. Suffice to say the exam can be challenging, which makes it essential that you develop a consistent study routine around your work and personal life to ensure you remain confident in the days leading up to the exam.

So don’t wait until the last minute before the test — start practising as early as you can, so you can determine which questions you struggle in solving and can spend more time on them. 

Practice, practice, practice

There are multiple learning resources to help you prepare for the exam, so use them well to bolster your preparedness for the exam. You can also find study groups on social media or use YouTube videos to reinforce your learning and improve your weak areas.

  
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