How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home?

How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home? CAT exam 2023 preparation can be done in the comfort of home only if candidates are serious about the exam. Each year candidates who decide to appear for the exam wonder how to prepare for CAT 2023 exam at home.

Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam, only candidates who clearly understand the exam can score high marks. With the percentile touching 100, the competition is cut-throat. 

How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home?

While some opt for coaching, some choose to build their base and work on their own. Both ways have proven successful over the years. Therefore, let us see how to prepare for the CAT exam at home.

1. Get Acquainted with the Exam 

The primary way to get familiar with any exam is to know the exact details of the exam. IIMs conduct CAT rotationally. Each year one specific IIM conducts the exam. 

The exam is divided into three sections. The CAT scores are accepted by leading B-Schools and IIMs.

2. Focus on Time Management

Time is a very big factor when it comes to the CAT exam. Sixty-six questions need to be answered in 120 minutes. Therefore, the speed game must be accurate. Besides, candidates preparing at home must have a definite timetable, including studying, revision, mock tests, practice papers, and breaks. Healthy and balance time management is required while preparing from home for CAT. 

Furthermore, sticking to the timetable is very necessary. Candidates must not lose focus while preparing for the exam.

3. Check the Syllabus

Verbal & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude are the main topic of the CAT 2023 syllabus. The syllabus constitutes sub-topics. Candidates must be aware of the detailed syllabus before jumping into the preparation. The DILR and QA syllabus is broadly discussed in the links below. 

However, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) are as follows: 

• Para Jumbles
• Summary, Sentence Completion
• Odd Sentence Out
• Antonyms & Synonyms
• Error Detection
• Reading Comprehension
• Verbal Ability

4. Detect Strength and Weaknesses

It is one of the challenging tasks, detecting strengths and weaknesses. There will be topics which are easy and some that are difficult. Therefore, candidates must try to cover the areas they are struggling with more time. Hence, candidates must cover the strong areas and dedicate the rest of the time to focusing on the weaknesses. 

5. Take Guidance from Previous Year’s CAT Question Papers

The CAT previous year question papers aid in a positive way. After following the question papers, candidates can better prepare themselves for the CAT 2023 exam. The question papers will display the sectional division of marks, repeated questions, and the areas of high weightage.

Further, candidates can start answering the questions from the previous year's papers to monitor their progress. Additionally, it will also enhance their time management skills.

6. Prepare for Mock Tests

Another source of preparation for the CAT exam at home is applying for mock tests. There are plenty of options for online mock tests. Candidates must appear for the test to know their knowledge. Moreover, the CAT mock tests will enhance their skills and prepare them for the exam. 

7. Look up to the Internet

Another best option of how to prepare for CAT exam at home is looking upto the internet. To tackle such a vast and tricky syllabus, a candidate must resort to every form and kind of preparation possible. Only leaning towards the books and mock tests will not be enough. Therefore, looking up the internet is advised. Various youtube videos are available that describe topics. 

Additionally, candidates can take notes from the online videos and study them.  

8. Form Study Group

One of the tried and tested ways to how to prepare for CAT exam at home is to opt for group study. Candidates who are appearing for the CAT 2023 exam at home can gather and try to discuss all the topics. It will boost their confidence, and the dubious topics will be cleared. 

Furthermore, it will also act as a mock preparation for the GD round. Some candidates find a few topics tough, while others are easy. With enough practice and hard work, candidates can achieve their ambition.

Best Books for CAT Exam at Home

Candidates preparing for the exam at home must make CAT books with their best friends. Therefore, the best books for the CAT exam 2023 while preparing at home are listed below.