Learn Exam Coaching with Free Lessons & Tips

Many CAT aspirants realize certain key insights only after taking the exam. Here are some things you might learn after appearing for CAT:

1. Time Management is the Real Game-Changer

• Even if you know the concepts, managing time effectively is the biggest challenge.
• Many aspirants run out of time, especially in DILR and VARC sections.
• It's not about solving all questions—it’s about picking the right ones.

2. Reading Comprehension (RC) is Tougher Than Expected

• Many think RCs are easy, but the passages are dense, tricky, and time-consuming.
• Options can be very close, making elimination difficult.
• Practicing RCs from diverse sources (economics, philosophy, psychology, science) is crucial.

3. DILR is the Ultimate Deal Breaker

• The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section can be unpredictable.
• Sometimes, sets are too tough, and the best strategy is skipping difficult ones early.
• Mock tests are the only way to develop a good question-selection strategy.

4. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is More About Smart Work

• Not all questions need solving—some can be answered by elimination or approximation.
• Strong basics in arithmetic (ratios, percentages, averages) matter more than advanced topics.
• Mental calculations and shortcuts help save crucial seconds.

5. Mocks & Analysis Are More Important Than Just Studying

• Taking mock tests isn’t enough—analyzing mistakes is more important.
• Understanding where you lost marks (silly mistakes, speed issues, etc.) is key.
• Adapting strategy based on mock performance is a game-changer.

Final Takeaway: CAT is About Smart Strategy, Not Just Hard Work!

• Mocks + Analysis + Time Management = Success
• Selection of Questions > Attempting All
• Be ready for surprises and keep calm under pressure

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

The main reasons why aspirants fail to qualify or score well in the CAT exam are:

Lack of Proper Time Management

🔸 Not finishing the paper on time due to poor time allocation.
🔸 Spending too much time on a single question and losing marks in other sections.
🔸 Ignoring sectional time limits (each section has a fixed time).

🛠 Solution: Practice mock tests with strict time constraints and use skipping strategies for tough questions.

Weak Conceptual Understanding

🔸 Many students jump to shortcuts without understanding the basics.
🔸 Poor grasp of Quantitative Aptitude (QA) formulas or Logical Reasoning (DILR) tricks.
🔸 Over-reliance on guesswork instead of solid preparation.

🛠 Solution: First build a strong foundation (NCERT, Arun Sharma books) before moving to advanced problems.

Not Enough Mock Tests & Analysis

🔸 Many aspirants only study theory and avoid mock tests.
🔸 They don’t analyze their weak areas after each mock.
🔸 Facing exam pressure for the first time leads to panic.

🛠 Solution: Take weekly mocks, analyze mistakes, and create a strategy to improve weak areas.