CAT Exam Strategy explained like never before

 The CAT is the most well-known and most difficult of all management entrance exams. You will need to have a certain set of skills to pass the exam and get into top-ranked schools. You will devise a smart strategy to prepare for the CAT once you have identified these traits. This article shows a direct correlation between skills needed to excel in the CAT exam and those required for managerial excellence.

CAT Strategy: Key Components

We have divided the CAT Challenge into three parts:

• Test Anatomy
• Physical Dimensions
• Take a test

Let's look at each one concerning the management skills that are assessed for each dimension.

CHECK OUT ANATOMY

The test's overall fabric is called anatomy. It is designed to bring out the manager in you. The test is divided into four categories: Quantitative Ability (data interpretation), Logical Reasoning (logical reasoning), and Verbal Ability.

• The quantitative ability part can be further divided into four modules: Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Modern Math. Each module reflects the managerial quotient. Arithmetic focuses on numbers and tries to find patterns and symmetry. Algebra focuses on algebra, which measures the candidate's ability to understand variables and connect them into meaningful relationships. Geometry focuses on understanding space and how to conceptualize the market space. Modern Math tests a candidate for lateral thinking, one of the most powerful tools in the business to generate ideas and innovation.
• Data InterpretationThis test evaluates the candidate's data processing and comprehension skills. Questions will typically be based on line graphs, bar graphs, and data tables. Pie charts are also common. Managers analyze large amounts of data daily and base their decisions on these data bits. This is the management angle. It has been observed that Data Interpretation questions are often grouped into separate blocks. Each block contains multiple questions (3-5 or more) based on the same piece, allowing for the application of economies of scale. This is in addition to critical discrimination and speculation, two of the key management skills needed to excel in this area.
• Logical reasoning questions in the CAT test apply logic in various situations such as arrangements, coding-decoding, and decision trees. These questions are a sign of a higher logical quotient, which can be a great facilitator for managing management challenges.
• Verbal ability questions from reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and misfits are included. The VARC section has seen a significant increase in reading comprehension over the past. These passages are from different areas and of different lengths. The VARC section tests the aspirant's ability to read. This section also tries the power of the reader to focus on more than one thing. It is important to note that the VARC section did not contain grammar, vocabulary, and sentence completion questions. As questions may be asked in other major MBA entrance exams, students should still learn grammar, vocabulary, and sentence completion. It is important to remember that vocabulary can help with understanding the passage. When a candidate comes across terms such as summary, assumption, and inference, it is a sign of his analytical skills. Para jumble questions are a new problem for CAT applicants. Here, time management skills and reasoning skills are tested.

Also read : Best CAT coaching

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

This component presents a challenge in terms of three variables: number of questions, length of sections, and time allotted. CAT has experimented with various combinations of these variables, creating a constant amount of variation for test-takers! If the number of sections is reduced to two instead of the traditional three, test-taking challenges change. Test takers now have to show competence in three groups of questions rather than two. This affects the whole test-taking equilibrium. It is crucial that the test taker can think on their feet and react positively to change to succeed in the CAT. This analogy can be applied to business by pointing out that change-management skills in managers are better suited to work in dynamic environments.

TAKE A TEST:

This section measures test takers on a variety of managerial skills. The main ones are -

• PrioritizationThis is because you can assign sections to be attempted and questions to be answered in each area. Sectional priority is relevant when test-taking instructions allow the user to navigate between sections  rather than a predetermined order. This skill expresses how managers create their "things to do" list daily, where certain areas are more important than others to complete a task successfully.
• The tradeoff of -This allows you to choose how much time should be spent on each question. To minimize the opportunity cost, you must know the exit point. This is especially true for test-takers who become emotionally attached to questions. The spillover effects the entire time equation and puts the test takers under increased stress. Managers need to be able to focus on the important tasks at hand. Putting effort into useless tasks can reduce managerial efficiency.
• Stress Management -- This test is known for its stress factor. The stress level is increased when CAT test takers are subject to multiple expectations. A candidate's ability to remain calm and balanced in stressful situations is a key indicator of their ability to manage poise and composure.
• Time management is demonstrated by the way you divide time among sections & questions (as applicable), which shows your managerial ability to reach organizational goals using limited resources. Time is the most precious resource.

It can be concluded that the various aspects of the CAT do not measure managerial ability. A higher level of competence in the CAT is a sign of stronger administrative acumen.

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