Which is better: CAT Online Coaching vs. CAT Classroom learning

Before we get into this comparison of CAT Online Coaching vs CAT Classroom learning just to make sure everyone is on the same page, here are some details about CAT 2020 for the uninitiated.

Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most widely used national management entrance exam. It is administered by the Indian Institute of Management to allow admission to more than 100 B-schools in India and 20 IIMs. Every year, CAT is attended by approximately 2.5 million MBA candidates. CAT is a three-hour test that includes 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), and non-MCQ questions. There are three sections with timed sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension(VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).

Each participating institute of CAT will conduct its own admissions process. However, the CAT 2020 Cutoff would determine the criteria for shortlisting. Candidates will be invited for additional rounds: Group Discussion (GD), Writing Ability Test (WAT), or both, and Personal Interview (PI).

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE CAT 2020 COACHING?

If taken seriously, CAT coaching will add great value to your preparation for 2020. However, it is important to make the right choice from many online/offline preparation centers across the country. In the past decade, there have been many coaching centers in the country. The decision to choose a learning center that is good for you is as simple as choosing which school to attend.

The decision between CAT Online Coaching and CAT Classroom Learning

Online and offline learning centers are available. Online coaching is more traditional and requires the participant to travel to the centers. However, the online coaching system is convenient and easy to use.

Many top preparation centers have gone online or added online coaching to CAT 2020 preparation. This is because thousands of candidates prefer online preparation over the traditional method. Here is a comparison of both methods of coaching

 

The choice between CAT Online Coaching vs CAT Classroom learning

Learning centres could be either online or offline. The offline coaching is the traditional classroom one while the online system is innovative, convenient, easy to approach and computer-based, wherein the aspirant doesn’t require to commute to the coaching centres and enables to take the class at convenience.

A number of top preparation centres have either gone online or have added online coaching for CAT 2020 preparation as thousands of candidates now prefer online preparation to the offline conventional method. The following are the comparison between both the methods of coaching:

Comparison between Online and Offline CAT 2020 Coaching

 

Parameters		CAT Online		CAT Classroom	Remarks
Flexibility of Time		Gives good flexibility with regards to the time. Online classes offer the opportunity for flexibility. In fact, it is a class with convenience.		Consumes more time travelling to the classes, batch attendance, there is no flexibility with regard to class timings.	It is one of the most important factors impacting the decision in choice of coaching. Online Coaching requires no commutation. One can take classes from anywhere at their convenience.
Cost Effective		Another significant advantage of opting for online preparation is cost-effectiveness. Online educational resources are available at more reasonable charges and some resources are even at a free of cost. In addition to this in the online preparation format, aspirants have the choice of buying only part of study material, question papers or online videos, depending upon their specific requirements.		On the other hand, Cost of CAT preparation through offline mode or classroom training is very expensive. However, for offline classes, one might have to incur a huge amount of fees which may exceed Rs. 50,000.	In addition to this, in the online preparation format, aspirants have the choice of buying only part of study material, question papers or online videos, depending upon their specific requirements. Hence online coaching’s are considered more cost-effective.
Study Material		An aspirant is more comfortable with online study material since he can read it anywhere on the screen of his computer with a click of a button.		Many have hailed coaching institutes for preparing targeted and effective study materials that can help students crack the exams. But, if we look at this in detail the study materials are often outdated.	Study material can be effective and helpful for the preparation only if it is updated in accordance with the changing exam  pattern and syllabus. An outdated=] syllabus is often a big disadvantage of offline coaching institutes.
Self-Study Format		The biggest advantage of opting for online study resources for preparation is that it promotes and inculcates self-study techniques among the candidates. According to many experts, self-study is a best and most effective form of study format that candidates should follow, especially when it comes to such competitive examinations. Self-study helps aspirants design a strategy, also helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses.		Despite charging a premium fee for coaching institutes, they still predominantly operate in the same classroom format. Considering that, more number of students in a classroom generates more revenue, coaching institutes often compromise upon quality and teaching standards. Students do not get personal attention from the tutors and do not get to work on their strengths and weaknesses.	As one size does not fit all, so does the pace of learning. Most of the times in offline classes one is expected to match the pace of the class or of the faculty. Whereas Online CAT classes offer the CAT online preparation material with space to learn at one’s own pace, pause or repeat the lecture according to their own convenience.
Updation of Study Material		Updating the Online study material can be instant whereas the offline material will require more time, updating and getting the supplements after due printing corrections.		Every year with frequent changes in the exam pattern, style and syllabus, it is very unlikely that outdated and low-quality study materials will help aspirants.	Instant updating of materials and notification is possible only in case of online coaching institutes.
Quality Lectures		Online CAT preparation classes offer quality video lectures prepared by the best available faculty. Based on all the parameters, without paying first, the best Online Coaching for CAT can be selected.		The quality of lectures is a major concern in attending offline coaching institutes. The faculty varies from every center and even after paying a huge amount there is no assurance of quality lectures in offline coaching institutes.	A lot of classes have a huge number of students in a class and therefore the weak students generally get lost in the class which is a major drawback of offline classes. Whereas in online coaching study one can study at their convenience.
Time Management & Discipline		There would be no faculty member to gauge the CAT preparation performance, so one needs to be proactive. The CAT examination may not be a cakewalk and would require hard work and have a self- control and determination.		For aspirants, who are just starting out in the field of competitive exams, it is very difficult to manage their time and exhibit necessary discipline when it comes to studies. Joining a coaching institute would ensure that they would devote an amount of time and effort for the preparation, irrespective of their other commitments.	The CAT online preparation phase may include ups and downs. One needs to motivate himself constantly over the period to achieve high scores. One needs to be proactive in clearing doubts and maintaining a track record for his/ her own performance.
Doubt Clearing	Online classes do not offer the opportunity for one to one doubt clearing. In fact, it is a class without convenience.		In Offline Coaching, the student can approach the faculty for one to one doubt clearing which enhances the learning process.			It is one of the most important factors impacting the decision in choice of coaching. Online Coaching requires no one to one doubt clearing.One cannot ask the faculty if done through some other method by showing. Moreover, one cannot type the doubt as its time consuming.
Study Material	An aspirant is not much comfortable with online study material since constantly reading online leads to eye strain or headache.		Many have hailed coaching institutes for preparing targeted and effective study materials that can help students crack the exams. But, if we look at this in detail the study materials are often updated.			Study material can be effective and helpful for the preparation only if it is updated in accordance with the changing exam pattern and syllabus. Thus, offline coaching can be a good one as one can mark the questions or topics that he/she is through with in the study material.
Personal Mentoring	The biggest disadvantage of opting for online study resources for preparation is that it lacks constant mentoring and attention. According to many expert, personal mentoring is a best and most effective form of study format that candidates should follow, especially when it comes to such competitive examinations. Self-study does not helps aspirants design a strategy or identify their strengths and weaknesses unless the student is experienced or repeater.		Coaching institutes like Mindworkzz, help their students in giving them attention and mentoring whenever needed.Considering that, limited number of students in a classroom  helps faculty in monitoring  the performance of each and every student. Coaching institutes often take into consideration the quality and teaching standards. Students get personal attention from the tutors and get to work on their strengths and weaknesses.			Offline Cat coaching help students in getting insight about where they are lacking and what should be done to upgrade their performance. Thus, offline coaching help the students in achieving the score they tend to achieve by helping them out through constant monitoring.
Fresher or Retaker	In case the student is a retaker then it is preferential to go for online if offline is inconvenient due to job pressure.		In case the student is either retaker or fresher and needs personal guidance and attention, then it is best for him/her.			Offline Coaching for CAT 2020 is more appropriate for both retaker as well as fresher.
Quality Lectures	Online CAT preparation classes offer quality video lectures prepared by the best available faculty. Based on all the parameters, without paying first, the best Online Coaching for CAT can be selected.		The quality of lectures is same as online one. Arun Sharma books for CAT add value to the offline coaching. Moreover, if taught by the faculty himself in the institute is more like cherry on the cake.So, in this offline one is better.			A lot of classes have a limited number of students in a class and therefore the weak students generally are given more attention in the class which is a major advantage of offline classes. Whereas in online coaching study one cannot be given attention.
Time Management & Discipline	There would be no faculty member to gauge the CAT preparation performance, so one needs to be proactive. The CAT examination may not be a cakewalk and would require hard work and have a self- control and determination.		For aspirants, who are just starting out in the field of competitive exams, it is very difficult to manage their time and exhibit necessary discipline when it comes to studies. Joining a coaching institute would ensure that they would devote an amount of time and effort for the preparation, irrespective of their other commitments.			The CAT online preparation phase may include ups and downs. One needs to motivate himself constantly over the period to achieve high scores. Thus, for a student who needs constant mentoring offline coaching is a good choice.

With the betterment of technology, online training is expected to improve, but the right combination of online and classroom training is what a student should look out for based on his constraints and requirements

We hope the above article on CAT Online Coaching vs CAT Classroom learning helps you in deciding whether Offline Coaching suits you more or Online coaching suits you more. But yes, do note that at times attention span becomes lesser in online coaching and hence you need to work on that to ensure you extract the most value out of Online CAT Coaching.