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The CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted for a total of 198 marks.

Breakdown of CAT Exam Marking Scheme:

• Total Sections: 3
  1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 66 marks
  2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 66 marks
  3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – 66 marks
• Total Questions: Around 66 (varies slightly)
• Each Correct Answer: +3 marks
• Each Wrong Answer (MCQs only): -1 mark (Negative marking)
• No Negative Marking: For non-MCQ (TITA) questions

Exam Duration:

• 120 minutes (2 hours) total
• 40 minutes per section (strict time limit for each section)

Let me know if you need a strategy guide to score high in CAT!

Cracking the Common Admission Test (CAT) requires a combination of smart preparation, consistency, and exam strategy. Here’s the most effective way to ace it:

🔥 1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

CAT consists of three sections:
✅ Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
✅ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
✅ Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Each section has time limits, so you must be strong in time management.

📅 2. Create a Study Plan

A well-structured timetable ensures consistent progress.
✔ 6-9 months: Ideal prep duration
✔ Daily study hours: 3-4 hours minimum
✔ Break it into concept learning, practice, and mocks

Example:

• Morning (QA) – 1.5 hours
• Afternoon (VARC) – 1 hour
• Evening (DILR) – 1.5 hours
• Mock Tests – 1 per week (increase frequency closer to CAT)

If you're preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), having a strong vocabulary is essential for the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Below is a categorized list of important English vocabulary words that frequently appear in CAT exams:

1. High-Frequency Words

• Aberration – Deviation from the norm
• Acrimonious – Bitter in words or manner
• Belligerent – Hostile, aggressive
• Cacophony – Harsh, jarring sound
• Capricious – Unpredictable, impulsive
• Debilitate – Weaken
• Enigma – Mystery
• Evanescent – Fleeting, short-lived
• Fortuitous – Happening by chance, lucky
• Juxtaposition – Placing two things side by side for comparison

2. Words Related to Tone & Attitude (For RC & Para Jumbles)

• Euphemistic – Using mild words to replace harsh ones
• Didactic – Intended to teach
• Derisive – Mocking, contemptuous
• Sanguine – Optimistic
• Laconic – Using very few words
• Pernicious – Harmful in a subtle way
• Supercilious – Arrogant, looking down on others

3. Commonly Confused Words

• Affect (verb) vs. Effect (noun) – Influence vs. Result
• Elicit (verb) vs. Illicit (adj.) – Draw out vs. Illegal
• Compliment (noun/verb) vs. Complement (noun/verb) – Praise vs. Complete/match
• Disinterested (adj.) vs. Uninterested (adj.) – Impartial vs. Not interested
• Flout (verb) vs. Flaunt (verb) – Disregard rules vs. Show off

How to Improve Vocabulary for CAT?

1. Read daily – The Hindu, The Economist, The Guardian, NY Times
2. Use Flashcards – Apps like Anki, Quizlet
3. Practice Word Roots – E.g., bene- (good) → Benevolent, Beneficiary
4. Solve CAT RC & Vocabulary Questions
5. Revise & Apply Words in Writing & Speaking