Here’s a comprehensive overview of the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam, including eligibility criteria, syllabus, scoring, preparation tips, and the benefits of coaching:
1. Eligibility Criteria:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (for General category) or 45% marks (for SC, ST, and PwD categories) or equivalent CGPA.
Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for the CAT exam.
2. Exam Pattern:
Sections: CAT typically consists of three sections – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Duration: The exam is conducted in a computer-based format for 2 hours (120 minutes).
Marking Scheme: Correct answers are awarded +3 marks, incorrect answers result in -1 mark (negative marking), and unanswered questions have no penalty.
3. Syllabus:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies, Antonyms and Synonyms, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Correction, etc.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Tables, Graphs, Charts, Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangement, Clocks and Calendars, etc.
Quantitative Ability (QA): Number Systems, LCM and HCF, Profit and Loss, Percentages, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Averages, Quadratic Equations, Geometry, etc.
4. Scores Required and Selection Process:
CAT scores are used by various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other management institutes for admission into their MBA and other management programs.
Each IIM and participating institute has its own cutoff scores for shortlisting candidates for the next rounds of selection, which may include Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI).
Preparation Tips for CAT:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan covering all sections and allocate time based on your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and mock tests to understand the types of questions asked and improve time management.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weaker areas by practicing more questions and seeking guidance if needed.
5. Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and practice reading comprehension regularly to improve your verbal ability.
Benefits of Coaching for CAT:
1. Structured Learning: Coaching institutes provide a structured approach to CAT preparation with comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
2. Experienced Faculty: Experienced faculty members can provide valuable insights, shortcuts, and strategies to tackle different sections of the exam effectively.
3. Mock Tests and Practice: Institutes conduct regular mock tests and practice sessions that simulate the actual exam environment, helping students gauge their preparation levels.
4. Personalized Attention: Many coaching centers offer personalized doubt-solving sessions and feedback on performance, which can help students improve their weak areas.
5. Motivation and Discipline: Being part of a coaching institute can provide the motivation and discipline needed to maintain a consistent study schedule and stay focused on your goals.
Here are some of the top CAT (Common Admission Test) coaching centers in Delhi along with brief overviews of their offerings:
IMS Learning Resources Pvt. Ltd.
Overview: IMS is a renowned coaching institute offering comprehensive CAT preparation programs.
Courses: CAT Classroom Program, CAT Online Classes, Mock Tests, GD-PI Preparation, and more.
Website: IMS India
TIME (Triumphant Institute of Management Education)
Overview: TIME is a leading CAT coaching institute with a strong track record of success.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Correspondence Courses, Test Series, Workshops.
Website: TIME4Education
Career Launcher
Overview: Career Launcher offers structured CAT coaching programs with a focus on personalized mentoring.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Online Programs, Test Series, GD-PI Preparation.
Website: Career Launcher
Byju’s Classes
Overview: Byju’s offers CAT preparation with a blend of online and offline coaching methods.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Online Learning Modules, Mock Tests.
Website: Byju’s CAT
VidyaMandir Classes
Overview: VidyaMandir Classes is known for its focused approach to CAT preparation.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Test Series, Doubt Clearing Sessions.
Website: VidyaMandir Classes
PT Education
Overview: PT Education offers CAT coaching with a comprehensive curriculum and experienced faculty.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Correspondence Courses, Mock Tests.
Website: PT Education
Endeavor Careers
Overview: Endeavor Careers provides CAT coaching with a rigorous training approach.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Mock Tests, GD-PI Preparation.
Website: Endeavor Careers
Erudite
Overview: Erudite provides CAT coaching with a personalized approach and small batch sizes.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Mock Tests, GD-PI Preparation.
Website: Erudite
MBAGuru
Overview: MBAGuru offers CAT coaching with a structured approach and experienced faculty.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Mock Tests, GD-PI Preparation.
Website: MBAGuru
IQuanta
Overview: IQuanta focuses on CAT coaching through online platforms and innovative teaching methods.
Courses: CAT Online Coaching, Mock Tests, Doubt Clearing Sessions.
Website: IQuanta
CrackVerbal
Overview: CrackVerbal offers CAT coaching with a focus on verbal and quantitative aptitude.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Online Classes, Mock Tests.
Website: CrackVerbal
Bulls Eye
Overview: Bulls Eye provides CAT coaching with a structured approach and comprehensive study materials.
Courses: CAT Classroom Coaching, Mock Tests, GD-PI Preparation.
Website: Bulls Eye
These coaching centers are well-known for their quality of teaching, study material, and track record of success in preparing students for the CAT exam.
The Common Admission Test is a computer based test for admission in a graduate management program. The test scores a candidate on the bases of Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
The advantage of CAT Exam is that the candidates appearing for CAT Exam can use their CAT Score to get into several other colleges apart from IIMs. Colleges in around 23 states in India accept CAT Score and admit students based on merit.
In order to be eligible for the CAT Exam, the candidate has to pass at least their Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% (for General Category and for candidates from the NC-OBC caste). For SC/ST and Differently Abled (DA) candidates, the percentage required is 45%.
Expert coaching is the key to achieving top ranks in CAT and selecting the right coaching institute is the best you can do. Given below is the list of Delhi’s top CAT coaching centers..