Insights into Non-IITian CAT Aspirants: Trends and Preparation Strategies

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam in India, primarily for admission to management programs at various Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other business schools. The number of candidates appearing for CAT who are from non-IIT backgrounds varies each year. Recent trends indicate that a significant majority of CAT candidates are from diverse educational backgrounds, including other engineering colleges, business schools, and arts and science disciplines.

Trends in CAT Aspirants

According to recent data, around 2.5 lakh candidates registered for the CAT 2022 exam, with a substantial portion coming from non-IIT backgrounds. This trend highlights the growing acceptance and popularity of the CAT among a broader pool of aspirants.

Preparation Strategies for CAT Aspirants

Candidates seeking admission to management programs via CAT should focus on comprehensive and strategic preparation. Given that there are no published exact statistics for non-IITian participants, it is advisable to focus on your individual preparation rather than relying on such figures.

To start your preparation, it is crucial to take a diagnostic test or solve past year papers to gauge your current level in areas such as mathematics, English, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. This will help you identify your strong and weak areas, allowing you to work on them more effectively.

Maintaining an excel sheet where you document your strong and weak areas can be highly beneficial. This will provide a clear picture of your preparation progress and help you prioritize your study plan.

For core subjects like mathematics and English, I recommend using CBSE NCERT books and Arihant for logical reasoning and data interpretation. Although Arun Sharma's books are excellent for mathematics, the current trend suggests a focus on more advanced material. Therefore, it might not be necessary to use his books exclusively.

Reading and RC Skills

Strengthening your reading and comprehension skills is essential for CAT aspirants. Begin by reading Hindu Editorials, which will help improve your understanding of current affairs and the quality of your essay writing. You can subsequently move to reading The Economic Times and The New York Times to enhance your vocabulary and analytical skills.

These reading materials are particularly helpful for CAT Reading Comprehension (RC) sections, as well as for non-CAT exams that require similar skills.

Mock Tests and Coaching

Given the evolving level of the CAT, participating in mock tests is crucial. I recommend using CL (Career Launcher) for most of your mock tests, as they closely mirror the actual CAT's difficulty level. For the verbal section, SIMCATs from SimCAT can be a valuable resource.

As for CAT coaching, you may consider enrolling in Handa Ka Funda. This online platform operates on a flipped classroom model, providing complete course content for self-paced learning. The cost is around 5k-7k, depending on the package, and it offers the flexibility to finish the syllabus early without rushing through topics before the main exam.

Handling Mock Test Scores

It is important not to get disheartened by your initial mock test scores. While mock tests are crucial for assessment, remember that they are not the final measure of your preparation. Use these results to identify areas that need improvement and refine your strategies accordingly.

Overall, a balanced and structured approach to CAT preparation, along with consistent practice, will significantly enhance your chances of success.