CAT

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive national-level entrance

examination conducted annually in India for admission to postgraduate management
programs, primarily at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business
schools.

Key Details About CAT:

1. Eligibility:

A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD
candidates).

Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.

2. Purpose:

CAT is used to assess a candidate’s suitability for MBA or PGDM programs by evaluating
skills in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and data interpretation.

3. Structure:

The exam is divided into three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

The test is conducted online, with a duration of 2 hours, and each section is timed
separately

4. Scoring:

Each correct answer gets +3 points.

A wrong answer results in a penalty of -1 point (for MCQs only).

Non-MCQ (type-in-the-answer) questions do not have negative marking.

5. Frequency and Format:

Conducted once a year, usually in November/December.

Online computer-based test.

6. Difficulty Level:

Known for its high difficulty, particularly in Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation.

7. Registration and Fees:

Candidates register online through the official CAT website.

The application fee is around ₹2400 for general candidates and ₹1200 for reserved
categories.

8. Colleges Accepting CAT:

Apart from the IIMs, many reputed management institutions such as FMS (Delhi), SPJIMR
(Mumbai), MDI (Gurgaon), and IITs’ management departments accept CAT scores.

9. Preparation:

Strong focus on mathematical concepts (up to 10 th-grade level), reasoning skills, and
English proficiency.

Common preparation materials include books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and mock
tests from institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher.
 CAT Preparation Roadmap

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

Topics: Reading Comprehension, Para jumbles, Sentence Completion, Grammar, and

Vocabulary.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

Topics: Data Tables, Charts, Graphs, Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, and Caselets.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA):

Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Permutations & Combinations,

and Probability.

Time: 2 hours (40 minutes per section).

Scoring: +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong MCQs, no negative marking for non-MCQs.

2. Set a Timeline

Total Preparation Time: 6–12 months, depending on your starting point.

Weekly Study Hours: 20–30 hours, divided among sections.

3. Preparation Phases

Phase 1: Basics (2–3 months)

Focus on understanding core concepts.

Study resources:

Quantitative Ability: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.

VARC: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, RC 99 by Aristotle Prep.

DILR: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha.

Daily Routine:

2 hours QA

1.5 hours VARC

1.5 hours DILR

30 minutes reading newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) for vocabulary and RC.

Phase 2: Practice and Accuracy (2–3 months)

Start solving moderate-level problems and sectional tests.

Resources:

Coaching institute material or mocks (TIME, IMS, Career Launcher).

Routine:

Alternate days for Mocks and Topic-Specific Practice.

Analyze your mock scores to identify weak areas.

Phase 3: Mock Tests and Time Management (2–3 months)

Start full-length mocks weekly, then increase frequency closer to the exam.

Focus on time allocation: 40 minutes per section.

Build strategies like:

Skipping tough questions early.

Maximizing attempts on easy and medium-level questions.

4. Weekly Planner (Sample for Beginners)

 5. Top Tips for CAT Preparation

Consistency: Daily practice is crucial. Even 2 focused hours a day can lead to success.

Mock Analysis: Spend more time analyzing than taking mocks. Understand why you got a
question wrong.

Time Management: Learn to skip time-consuming questions.

Reading Habit: Build a habit of reading complex topics from editorials, business
magazines, etc.

6. Best Resources

Books:

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and
Meenakshi Upadhyay.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha.

Mocks:

TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher.

Apps:

Word Power Made Easy, Gradeup, Unacademy.

7. Checklist

Daily Reading: Articles, newspapers, RC practice.

Weekly Mock Tests: Start after 1–2 months of preparation.

Revision: Revise formulas and concepts weekly.

 MAT
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardized national-level entrance exam
conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to postgraduate
management programs like MBA and PGDM at various B-schools across India.

Key Details About MAT:

1. Eligibility:

A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible to apply.

There is no minimum percentage requirement to appear for MAT, but individual colleges
may have their own eligibility criteria.

2. Purpose:

MAT is used to evaluate a candidate's aptitude in various areas such as quantitative skills,
reasoning, language comprehension, and data interpretation for admission into
management programs.

3. Structure: The MAT exam is divided into five sections, each with 40 questions:

Language Comprehension

Mathematical Skills

Data Analysis and Sufficiency

Intelligence and Critical Reasoning

Indian and Global Environment (General Knowledge)

Total: 200 questions

Duration: 2.5 hours (150 minutes)

4. Scoring:

Each question carries one mark, and there is a penalty of -0.25 for every incorrect answer.

The score is based on the first four sections (800 marks), while the Indian and Global
Environment section is scored separately and not counted for the composite score.

5. Frequency:

MAT is conducted four times a year (February, May, September, December).

Candidates can choose to appear in any session or multiple sessions to improve their
score.

6. Mode of Examination:

Computer-Based Test (CBT): Online mode

Paper-Based Test (PBT): Offline mode

Internet-Based Test (IBT): From home using a secure internet connection

7. Registration and Fees:

The registration fee is approximately ₹1900 for one mode (PBT/CBT/IBT) and ₹3050 for two
modes (e.g., CBT + PBT).

8. Colleges Accepting MAT:

Over 600+ business schools in India accept MAT scores, such as Christ University
(Bangalore), Jaipuria Institute of Management, and Amity University.

9. Difficulty Level:

The MAT exam is considered easier compared to CAT. It focuses on speed and accuracy
rather than advanced problem-solving skills.
10. Preparation:

Recommended books: MAT by Arun Sharma, MAT Guide by Disha Experts.

Online test series and coaching materials are also helpful.

MAT Preparation Roadmap

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Sections:

1. Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar,

Synonyms/Antonyms.

2. Mathematical Skills: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry.

3. Data Analysis and Sufficiency: Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, Data Sufficiency

4. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning: Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles, Analogy.

5. Indian and Global Environment (GK): Current Affairs, Business, Sports, Politics.

Time: 2.5 hours (150 minutes).

Scoring:

1 mark per correct answer.

0.25 negative marks for incorrect answers.

GK section is scored separately.

 2. Set a Timeline

Total Preparation Time: 3–6 months.

Weekly Study Hours: 15–20 hours, depending on starting point.

3. Preparation Phases

Phase 1: Basics (1–2 months)

Build a foundation in all sections, especially Quantitative and Reasoning.

Study resources:

Quantitative: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma.

Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.

Language: Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.

GK: Read newspapers and GK capsules.

Daily Routine:

2 hours Quantitative.

1 hour Logical Reasoning.

1 hour Language/GK.

Phase 2: Practice and Speed Building (1–2 months)

Solve previous year papers and moderate-level mock tests.

Learn time-saving techniques for Quantitative.

GK Preparation:

Use apps like GKToday, Daily Current Affairs, or Manorama Yearbook.

Read newspapers like The Hindu or Economic Times.

Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks and Strategy (1–2 months)

Weekly mocks and section-wise timed tests.

Focus on:

Speed: Target 150 questions in 150 minutes.

Accuracy: Avoid guesswork to minimize negative marking.

Analyze performance after every test.

4. Weekly Planner (Sample)

 5. Top Tips for MAT Preparation

Speed over Depth: Unlike CAT, MAT focuses more on solving questions quickly than on
conceptual depth.

GK Mastery:

Focus on business-related and national/international current affairs.

Use monthly GK compendiums for quick updates.

Quant Shortcuts:

Practice Vedic math techniques for fast calculations.

Accuracy: Avoid guesswork; negative marking can lower scores.

6. Best Resources

Books:

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma.

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.

MAT Solved Papers by Disha Experts.

Mocks:

AIMA’s official mock tests.

Test series by TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher.

Apps:

GKToday, Testbook, Oliveboard.

 7. Checklist

Daily GK Reading: News, business updates, and current affairs.

Weekly Practice: Section-wise and full-length mock tests.

Revision: Review formulas, vocabulary, and reasoning tricks.

Key Differences Between MAT and CAT:

Daily Routine for MBA Preparation

Morning

7:00 AM – Wake Up

Start the day with light stretching or yoga to energize.

Drink a glass of water and eat a healthy breakfast.

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM – Motivation Time

Listen to a motivational podcast or watch a short video about MBA success stories.

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Quantitative Aptitude

Focus on foundational topics like Arithmetic or Algebra. Use interactive apps like BYJU’s or
Khan Academy for a fun learning experience.
Mid-Morning

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Break

Relax or do something she enjoys, like listening to music or scrolling social media.

9:15 AM – 10:15 AM – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Practice RC passages or vocabulary-building using apps like Word Power Made Easy or
Vocabulary.com.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Tea Break

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Logical Reasoning

Solve puzzles, Sudoku, or reasoning questions. Use books like Arun Sharma’s Logical
Reasoning for CAT.

Afternoon

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM – Lunch Break

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Rest or Nap

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – General Awareness (for MAT)

Read a newspaper like The Hindu or Economic Times. Watch current affairs videos or use
apps like Inshorts.
Mid-Afternoon

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Break/Leisure

Let her engage in a fun activity she loves, like music or art.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Focus on Weak Areas

Dedicate this hour to topics she finds challenging. Encourage her to use YouTube for
additional explanations.

Evening

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Mock Tests/Practice Questions

Attempt 10-15 practice questions. Review incorrect answers and understand the solutions.

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Walk/Exercise

Light outdoor activity or exercise to refresh the mind.

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Tea Break

Night

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Group Discussion or Video Learning

Watch case studies or TED Talks on leadership and project management.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Dinner Break

8:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Relaxation

Journaling, reading a novel, or watching something lighthearted.

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Revision

Revise what she learned during the day.

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Plan Tomorrow

Plan the next day’s tasks to maintain consistency.

10:30 PM – Sleep

Ensure she gets at least 7-8 hours of sleep.

Personalized Study Plan For CAT
General Strategy
Phase 1 (Foundation): Build conceptual clarity in weak areas (Math,
Logic, and Aptitude).

Phase 2 (Practice & Improvement): Focus on solving problems,

learning shortcuts, and identifying patterns.

Phase 3 (Mock Tests & Analysis): Take full-length mock tests,

analyze performance, and improve speed and accuracy.

Daily Study Plan

Duration: 5-6 hours/day
Weekly Split: 6 study days + 1 review/relax day

Morning (2.5 hours)

1. Quantitative Aptitude (1.5 hours)
Topics: Arithmetic (Ratios, Percentages, Profit-Loss), Algebra,
Geometry, Number Systems
Start with beginner-level books, progressing to intermediate
problems.

Resource: Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT.

Use YouTube for concept clarity (e.g., MathonGo).

Solve 15-20 questions per day, focusing on accuracy.

2. Reading Comprehension (1 hour)

Read 2-3 passages daily. Analyze answers and focus on

comprehension.

Resources: Word Power Made Easy (Vocabulary), The Hindu

editorial, Aeon essays for practice.
Afternoon (2 hours)

1. Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) (1.5 hours)

Topics: Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts,

Tables

Practice different types of questions.

Resource: Arun Sharma’s Logical Reasoning for CAT.

Solve 2-3 sets daily (LR and DI).

2. Break (0.5 hours)

Short walk or light physical activity to recharge.

Evening (2 hours)

1. Verbal Ability & Grammar (1 hour)

Topics: Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Para Summary

Solve exercises and understand grammar rules.

Resources: High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin.

Practice 10-15 questions daily.

2. Mock Test Practice (1 hour)

Attempt topic-specific quizzes or sectional mocks.

Analyze mistakes to identify weak areas.

Weekly Plan

Monday to Saturday: Follow the daily schedule.

Sunday:

Take a full-length mock test.

Spend the day analyzing mistakes and revising weak areas.

Relax for 1-2 hours to avoid burnout.

Phases of Preparation

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-4)

Focus: Concept clarity, building basics.
Resources: Beginner-level materials.

Goal: Complete all topics in Quant, LRDI, and Verbal with basic
problem-solving speed.
Phase 2: Practice & Speed (Months 5-8)

Focus: Practice intermediate to advanced questions.

Resources: Move to tougher sections in Arun Sharma books, take

sectional tests.

Goal: Solve questions faster with improved accuracy.

Phase 3: Mock Tests & Revision (Months 9-12)

Focus: Regular full-length mocks, analyzing results, and fine-tuning

strategies.

Resources: Test series (TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher).

Goal: Consistently score 95+ percentile in mocks.

Recommended Resources

Quantitative Aptitude

Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

YouTube Channels: MathonGo, Unacademy CAT Prep

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Arun Sharma’s Logical Reasoning for CAT

Practice Sets: TIME/IMS study material

Verbal Ability
Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis)
High School English Grammar (Wren & Martin)
Editorials: The Hindu, The Economist
Mock Tests

Test Series: TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher

Topic-wise mocks: Oliveboard, Cracku

Motivation & Productivity Tips

1. Break Goals into Milestones: Divide the syllabus into monthly

targets.
2. Track Progress: Use a planner to log daily accomplishments.
3. Incorporate Breaks: Use the Pomodoro technique (25 mins study
+ 5 mins break).
4. Visualize Success: Remind yourself of the end goal (a great MBA
program).
5. Celebrate Wins: Reward yourself for completing weekly goals
(watch a movie, eat out).
Personalized Study Plan for MAT Preparation

MAT (Management Aptitude Test) is comparatively less

challenging than CAT but requires focused
preparation. This plan is tailored for MAT with 5-6
hours of daily study, ensuring steady progress.

General Strategy for MAT

Phase 1 (Foundation): Build strong basics in

Mathematics, Logical Reasoning, and Data
Interpretation.

Phase 2 (Practice & Speed): Solve a variety of

questions and improve time management.

Phase 3 (Mock Tests & Analysis): Attempt full-length

mock tests regularly to get accustomed to the exam
pattern
Daily Study Plan

Duration: 5-6 hours/day

Weekly Split: 6 study days + 1 review day

Morning (2.5 hours)

1. Quantitative Aptitude (1.5 hours)

Topics: Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time-Speed-

Distance, Probability, Geometry

Resource: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh

Verma

Solve beginner-level questions and gradually move to

intermediate problems.
2. Language Comprehension (1 hour)
Practice 2-3 Reading Comprehension passages daily.
Work on Sentence Completion, Synonyms, and
Antonyms.
Resources: Word Power Made Easy, editorials from
The Hindu.

Afternoon (2 hours)
1. Logical Reasoning (1 hour)

Topics: Blood Relations, Series Completion, Coding-

Decoding, Puzzles

Solve 15-20 questions daily.

Resource: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by

R.S. Aggarwal.
2. Data Interpretation (1 hour)

Topics: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts

Practice quick calculations and approximations.

Resource: Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma.

Evening (1.5 hours)

1. General Awareness (1 hour)

Topics: Current Affairs, Business Awareness, Static GK
(Indian History, Sports, Geography)
Resources:
Apps: Inshorts, GK Today
Books: Manorama Yearbook, Lucent’s GK
Watch videos on current affairs for MAT.
2. Mock Test/Sectional Test (30 minutes)

Attempt one sectional test daily.

Focus on speed and accuracy.

Weekly Plan

Monday to Saturday: Follow the daily schedule.

Sunday:

Take a full-length MAT mock test.

Analyze performance, noting weak areas and common

errors.

Revise the week’s topics.

Phases of Preparation

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)

Focus: Build basics across all sections (Quant, LR,

Verbal, DI).

Goal: Familiarize yourself with question types and

solve easy to moderate problems.

Phase 2: Practice & Time Management (Months 4-6)

Focus: Start practicing sectional tests and increase

the difficulty of problems.

Goal: Improve speed and accuracy, especially in weak

areas.
Phase 3: Mock Tests & Strategy (Months 7-12)

Focus: Attempt 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly.

Goal: Develop test-taking strategies, manage time

effectively, and build confidence.

Section-wise Strategy

Quantitative Aptitude

Key Topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Probability

Tips:
Learn quick calculation techniques (Vedic Math).

Use flashcards for formulas and shortcuts.

Logical Reasoning

Key Topics: Puzzles, Directions, Input-Output, Series

Tips:

Solve puzzles daily to build logical thinking.

Use online quizzes for varied practice.

Data Interpretation
Key Topics: Graph Analysis, Data Tables, Charts

Tips:
Focus on interpreting data quickly.
Practice questions with varying levels of difficulty.
Language Comprehension

Key Topics: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary,

Grammar

Tips:

Read daily to improve comprehension skills.

Maintain a vocabulary journal.

General Awareness
Key Topics: Current Affairs, Business, Economics

Tips:
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading newspapers and
magazines.
Use mobile apps to stay updated.
Recommended Resources

Books
1. Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma

2. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S.

Aggarwal

3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

4. Lucent’s GK

5. Manorama Yearbook
Mock Tests

TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher test series

Online portals like Oliveboard or Testbook

Apps and Websites

Inshorts, GK Today for current affairs

BYJU’s, Unacademy for MAT-specific content

Motivation & Tips to Stay Consistent

1. Set Goals: Break down topics into weekly

milestones.

2. Track Progress: Keep a journal of topics covered and

test scores.

3. Reward Yourself: Treat yourself after reaching key

milestones.

4. Stay Active: Incorporate light exercise to boost

energy.

5. Visualize Success: Remind yourself of the goal (MBA

admission).