Dreaming of getting into an IIM or top MBA college?

Then clearing the CAT exam is your first big step.

Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete in the Common Admission Test, conducted by the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into MBA/PGDM programs.

But here’s the reality:

👉 CAT is not about studying more books
👉 It’s about understanding the pattern + syllabus + mock test strategy

Many students waste months studying randomly without a proper plan.

That’s why we created this complete beginner-to-advanced guide for aspirants of eliveclass.com, where we provide CAT mock tests, practice papers, and exam-focused preparation resources.

In this article, you’ll learn:

✅ Latest CAT exam pattern
✅ Detailed syllabus section-wise
✅ Weightage & difficulty
✅ Smart preparation strategy
✅ Mock test plan (month-wise)
✅ Tips to score 95–99+ percentile

Let’s break it down step-by-step.

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What is CAT Exam?

CAT (Common Admission Test) is a national-level MBA entrance exam used for admission to:

• IIMs

• Top B-schools

• Government MBA colleges

• Private management institutes

It tests:

• Aptitude

• Logical reasoning

• English comprehension

• Problem-solving skills

• Speed & accuracy

Unlike board exams, CAT focuses more on application and thinking ability, not memorization.

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CAT Exam Pattern (Latest Structure)

Understanding the pattern is the first step to smart preparation.

Mode:

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Duration:

120 minutes (2 hours)

Sections:

3 sections (fixed order)

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Section-wise Pattern

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Marking Scheme

• +3 for correct answer

• -1 for wrong MCQ

• No negative for TITA (non-MCQ)

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Important Rules

✔ Sectional time limit (can’t switch early)
✔ No calculator allowed (on-screen basic calculator only)
✔ Mixed difficulty level

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CAT Syllabus (Section-Wise Detailed Guide)

Unlike many exams, CAT has no officially defined syllabus, but based on trends, here’s what you must prepare.

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VARC – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

This section tests reading speed and comprehension.

Topics:

Reading Comprehension (Major portion)

• Passages (history, economics, philosophy, business, science)

• Inference-based questions

• Tone & idea-based questions

Verbal Ability

• Para jumbles

• Odd sentence out

• Summary questions

• Sentence rearrangement

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Preparation Tips:

✔ Read newspapers daily
✔ Practice RC passages
✔ Improve vocabulary naturally
✔ Focus on understanding, not memorizing

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DILR – Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

This is considered the most unpredictable section.

Topics:

Data Interpretation

• Tables

• Graphs

• Charts

• Caselets

Logical Reasoning

• Seating arrangement

• Puzzles

• Blood relations

• Scheduling

• Games & tournaments

• Venn diagrams

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Preparation Tips:

✔ Practice different puzzle types
✔ Improve calculation speed
✔ Focus on logic
✔ Solve previous year sets

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QA – Quantitative Aptitude

Maths-based section focusing on concepts till class 10–12 level.

Topics:

Arithmetic (Highest weightage)

• Percentage

• Profit & Loss

• Ratio

• Time & Work

• Speed, Time & Distance

• Averages

Algebra

• Equations

• Inequalities

• Functions

• Logs

Geometry

• Triangles

• Circles

• Mensuration

Modern Maths

• Permutation & Combination

• Probability

• Set theory

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Preparation Tips:

✔ Clear basics first
✔ Practice daily
✔ Learn shortcuts
✔ Avoid guesswork

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How to Prepare for CAT Smartly?

Now comes the important question:

👉 “How should I study?”

Follow this 3-stage approach.

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Stage 1: Concept Building (Months 1–3)

Goal: Strong foundation

Daily:

• QA – 2 hrs

• VARC – 1 hr

• DILR – 1 hr

Focus on:
✔ Basics
✔ Topic-wise questions
✔ Accuracy

Mocks: 1–2 per month only

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Stage 2: Practice & Speed (Months 4–6)

Goal: Apply concepts

Daily:

• Mixed questions

• Sectional tests

• PYQs

Mocks: 1–2 per week

Focus on:
✔ Time management
✔ Weak areas
✔ Speed

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Stage 3: Mock Test Intensive Phase (Last 3 Months)

Goal: Exam simulation

Mocks: 2–3 per week

Treat mocks like real CAT:
✔ Same time slot
✔ No distractions
✔ Full focus

Analyze every test deeply.

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Mock Test Plan (Month-Wise Strategy)

Here’s the ideal mock plan:

This is the sweet spot for most toppers.

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How to Analyze Mock Tests Properly

Analysis is more important than giving tests.

After every mock:

Step 1

Check accuracy

Step 2

Find weak topics

Step 3

See time wastage

Step 4

Revise mistakes

Spend 2–3 hours analyzing one mock.

That’s where improvement happens.

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Common Mistakes CAT Aspirants Make

Avoid these:

❌ Ignoring VARC
❌ Fear of DILR
❌ Not giving mocks
❌ Only studying theory
❌ Too many books
❌ No revision
❌ No time management

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Why Mock Tests are Game Changers

Mocks help you:

✔ Build stamina for 2-hour exam
✔ Learn which questions to skip
✔ Improve accuracy
✔ Reduce stress
✔ Increase confidence

Without mocks, CAT feels very tough.

With mocks, it becomes predictable.

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How eliveclass.com Helps CAT Aspirants

At eliveclass.com, we support CAT aspirants with:

✅ Full-length CAT mock tests
✅ Section-wise tests
✅ Real exam difficulty
✅ Detailed performance reports
✅ Time analysis
✅ Affordable practice platform

So you can prepare smarter, not harder.

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Final Words

CAT is not about genius-level maths or English.

It’s about:

✔ Strategy
✔ Speed
✔ Accuracy
✔ Smart mock practice

If you understand the pattern, cover the syllabus, and follow a proper mock plan, cracking CAT with 95–99+ percentile is completely achievable.

Start early. Stay consistent. Practice daily.

And prepare confidently with eliveclass.com to turn your MBA dream into reality 🚀