Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most prestigious entrance exam for admission into the top business schools in the country, including IIMs. Scoring in the 99.9 percentile in CAT opens doors to the most coveted MBA programs and lucrative career opportunities.
The CAT exam tests a candidate’s quantitative ability, logical reasoning, data interpretation, reading comprehension, and verbal skills. With over 2 lakh aspirants taking the exam each year for around 2000 seats in the IIMs, competition is intense. Achieving the 99.9 percentile requires thorough preparation, rigorous practice, and a strategic testing approach.
In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the key strategies and preparation tips to help CAT aspirants score in the top 0.1%. The sections below cover critical areas like starting early, taking mock tests, building quantitative skills, strengthening logical reasoning, developing verbal ability, taking care of health, attempting mock CATs, and staying confident during the exam.
Start Preparing Early
It is crucial to start preparing for CAT at least 6-12 months in advance. As per experts on platforms like Unacademy, Quora and CATKing, begin studying for CAT with 6-7 months of dedicated preparation, spending 3-4 hours daily, in order to score above the 90th percentile (Source). Candidates should dedicate at least 4-5 months to prepare thoroughly across all sections of the exam (Source). The ideal time to commence preparation is around January for the November exam date, as reinforced by coaching institutes like CATKing (Source).
Once you decide on the preparation timeframe, develop a comprehensive schedule and routine. Dedicate proper time for self-study, coaching classes if enrolled, mock tests and revision. Follow the schedule diligently to optimize your chances of scoring 99.9 percentile in CAT.
Take Mock Tests Regularly
Taking mock tests regularly is one of the most important strategies for scoring high on the CAT exam. Mock tests simulate the actual CAT exam environment and format, helping you get comfortable with the test interface and pattern. According to experts at IIM Skills, “Mock tests help reduce exam fear. All the psychological factors that negatively affect your CAT performance are dealt with by giving mock tests.”
It is recommended that CAT aspirants take at least 20-30 mock tests before the final exam. With each mock test, carefully analyze your score and identify areas of weakness. As shared on Quora, “Taking multiple CAT mocks offers several benefits to candidates preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT).” The key is to focus your practice on those topics and sections where you need the most improvement.
An article in Times of India suggests having a strategy to maximize the benefits of each mock test: “CAT mock tests provide you with an opportunity to assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and develop test-taking strategies.” Mocks are the best way to benchmark your progress and boost your percentile score.
Master Quantitative Techniques
To get a 99.9 percentile in CAT, you need to master quantitative techniques, especially arithmetic, algebra, numbers and quantitative reasoning. As per source, the major areas of Quantitative Aptitude tested in CAT are Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Advanced/Modern Mathematics. You need to practice a lot of questions from these topics to build speed and accuracy.
Watch video lectures like this Quantitative Aptitude playlist to build your conceptual clarity in arithmetic, algebra, numbers and other quant topics. As you learn concepts, simultaneously solve topic-wise practice questions. This will help to apply concepts and develop quantitative reasoning ability.
CAT tests your ability to solve questions accurately in a limited time. So timed practice is very important. Initially your speed may be low, but with regular practice you can improve your speed and accuracy. Stay persistent and don’t lose heart. With smart work and consistent effort, you can master quantitative techniques for CAT.
Strengthen Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning is a critical section of the CAT that tests your ability to think critically and analytically. To do well in this section, you need to build up your logical and deductive reasoning skills.
Practice solving logic puzzles and brain teasers every day. Work through logical reasoning books and focus on understanding the core concepts and strategies to solve questions quickly and accurately. Some key topics to master are syllogisms, logical connectives, statements and conclusions, cause and effect, inferences, etc.
Set aside time each day for focused practice by solving logic puzzles from reputable CAT prep books like Arun Sharma. Try to strengthen your logical reasoning by solving puzzles of increasing difficulty.
Learn shortcuts and strategies to increase your speed and accuracy. For instance, look for key logical words like “all”, “no”, “only” to identify the type of reasoning involved. With regular practice, you can master logical reasoning.
Build Verbal Ability
Building a strong verbal ability is crucial for scoring well in CAT. You need to focus on expanding your vocabulary, practicing reading comprehension passages, and mastering para jumbles. Here are some tips:
Expand your vocabulary by learning at least 5 new words every day. Refer to vocabulary books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 1. Make flashcards and keep revising them periodically.
Practice reading comprehension passages from various topics like science, history, art etc. Start with shorter passages and then move on to longer ones. Underline important points and learn how to summarize key ideas 2.
Para jumbles can be tricky. But you can master them by understanding the central theme and flow of the passage. Practice re-arranging the paragraphs logically 3. Also pay attention to transition words between paragraphs.
The more you practice, the faster you will be able to comprehend passages and arrange jumbled paragraphs. Aim for accuracy first and speed will follow.
Take Care of Your Health
It’s important to take care of your physical and mental health while preparing for CAT. This will help you stay focused, energetic and better handle the stress of the exam period. Here are some tips:
Exercise
Make time for exercise in your schedule, even just 30 minutes a day. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can improve thinking and concentration (source). Try to walk, run, swim or do yoga regularly.
Eat Nutritious Foods
Fuel your body and brain with nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats. Avoid junk and processed foods which can cause crashes. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water (source).
Get Enough Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep negatively affects thinking, concentration and memory. Have a regular sleep schedule and limit screen time before bed.
Manage Stress
Use relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing and yoga. Take regular breaks during study. Talk to friends and family for support. Stay organized and make time for hobbies you enjoy.
Attempt Mock CATs
Taking full-length mock CATs under simulated exam conditions is crucial. Treat each mock test seriously and attempt them in one go without any breaks, like the actual CAT exam. This will help you get comfortable with the test format and build focus and stamina.
Analyzing your mock test performance is equally important. As per experts, you should spend at least 2-3 hours analyzing each mock test. Review your sectional and overall test scores. Analyze the questions you got right and wrong. Identify your strong and weak areas. This will give you insights on improving your test-taking strategy and preparation approach.
Maintain a mock test analysis spreadsheet to track your progress across mocks. Note down errors, topics/concepts to focus on, and strategies to try. Each mock analysis should inform your preparation and help refine your skills and approach for achieving a high CAT percentile.
Stay Confident
Believing in yourself and your preparation is key to performing well on exam day. Visualize yourself succeeding and remaining calm under pressure. Affirmations can help you manifest the results you want. According to research by Affirmatica, repeating positive phrases like “I am prepared and ready to excel” can reduce exam fear and instill confidence.
Stay optimistic and adopt a positive mindset. Don’t dwell on past mistakes or compare yourself to others. Have faith in your abilities and preparation. Meditation and deep breathing before the exam can calm nerves. Picture yourself acing difficult questions with ease. You’ve put in the hard work, now it’s time to reap the rewards of your efforts.
Conclusion
Scoring 99.9 percentile in CAT requires a focused, strategic approach over several months. To recap the main points:
Start preparing 6-12 months in advance to master all sections of the exam. Take mock tests regularly to identify weak areas and improve speed and accuracy. Build exceptional quant skills through regular practice of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, etc. Hone your logical reasoning through solving puzzles, critical reasoning and analytical thinking questions. Expand your vocabulary and strengthen your verbal ability via reading comprehensions and para jumbles. Maintain your physical and mental health through proper rest, nutrition and mindfulness practices. Ramp up difficulty with mock CATs in the final weeks. Stay confident in your preparation and ability to succeed. With an intense, dedicated effort over many months, a 99.9 percentile CAT score is within reach.