The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive exams for admission into the top management institutes in India, like the IIMs. If you’re stuck around the 80 percentile mark and aiming to break into the 90 percentile zone, it’s essential to re-evaluate your preparation strategy and make some focused adjustments. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you move from 80 to 90 percentile in CAT:
1. Analyze Your Current Performance
The first step in improving your CAT percentile is to thoroughly analyze your previous mock test performances. Identify your strengths and weaknesses across the three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Understanding where you lose marks — whether due to conceptual gaps, time management issues, or silly mistakes — will allow you to target those areas effectively.
Action Points:
- Review mock tests thoroughly.
- Break down your performance section-wise.
- Note common mistakes (conceptual errors, timing, over-attempting questions).
2. Strengthen Your Conceptual Foundation
Many candidates at the 80 percentile level have a basic understanding of concepts but may struggle with advanced questions. This is where focused conceptual revision can make a huge difference. Take time to revisit and strengthen your understanding of fundamental concepts in each section, especially in areas where you have consistently performed poorly.
Action Points:
- Revisit important topics in Quant (e.g., Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic).
- Strengthen your reasoning and interpretation skills in DILR.
- Focus on improving comprehension speed and accuracy in VARC.
3. Work on Time Management
Time management plays a crucial role in determining your CAT score. You may know the answers but fail to attempt enough questions due to time constraints. Improving your speed and accuracy will help you maximize your score without compromising on quality.
Action Points:
- Practice timed question sets for each section.
- Develop strategies to identify and attempt easier questions first.
- Aim to leave buffer time for reviewing flagged questions.
4. Strategize Your Mock Tests
Mock tests are essential to cracking CAT. However, just taking them won’t guarantee improvement. Analyze each mock test to understand your mistakes, time management, and question selection. By doing this regularly, you will develop the ability to identify high-scoring questions and avoid time-wasters.
Action Points:
- Take at least 1–2 mock tests per week.
- Analyze test results and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Focus on accuracy over quantity when attempting questions.
5. Focus on High-Weightage Areas
Each CAT section has certain high-weightage topics. Focusing on these can give you an edge as they are more likely to appear in the exam. In Quant, for example, Arithmetic and Geometry tend to have a significant number of questions. Similarly, improving your ability to solve LR sets quickly can make a big difference in your DILR score.
Action Points:
- Prioritize high-weightage topics in each section.
- Practice extensively on these topics to improve accuracy.
6. Improve Test-Taking Strategy
Scoring above 90 percentile is not just about solving questions but also about having a sound test-taking strategy. Learn to manage your attempts by balancing accuracy and speed. It’s essential to avoid spending too much time on difficult questions and focus on the ones you can solve quickly and accurately.
Action Points:
- Set a question selection strategy for each section.
- Skip tricky questions early and return to them later.
- Practice test-day simulation by timing each section strictly.
7. Refine Your VARC Strategy
Many students struggle in the VARC section due to over-complication of passages or misunderstanding of questions. Improving reading comprehension and practicing regular RC sets can help you significantly improve your VARC score. Focus on grasping the central idea of passages and answering confidently.
Action Points:
- Read editorials, articles, and non-fiction to improve comprehension.
- Practice identifying the main idea of a passage quickly.
- Focus on improving accuracy in VA questions like para jumbles.
8. Revise Regularly
Consistent revision is key to remembering formulas, shortcut methods, and solving strategies. Without regular revision, you risk forgetting important techniques on exam day.
Action Points:
- Keep a revision schedule for key topics.
- Maintain a notebook for important formulas and concepts.
- Revise DILR strategies, such as diagramming or logical sequences.
9. Maintain Mental and Physical Health
Lastly, preparing for CAT can be mentally exhausting, especially when aiming for a big leap in percentile. Managing stress and staying healthy is vital to ensure you’re in the best mental and physical condition for the exam.
Action Points:
- Take short breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout.
- Practice meditation or relaxation techniques to stay focused.
- Ensure proper sleep and a balanced diet.
Breaking into the 90-percentile range in CAT is challenging but achievable with a structured plan. By strengthening your conceptual foundation, improving your time management, and refining your test-taking strategy, you can boost your score and improve your chances of getting into top B-schools. Remember, consistent practice and detailed analysis are your best tools for success.
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