How To Get 99 Percentile In CAT In 5 Months [Section-wise Study Plan]

Cracking the CAT exam can be challenging, but it is not impossible. A well-defined preparation strategy is crucial for achieving success in this exam. When aspiring for admission to top MBA colleges like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIFT Delhi, FMS Delhi, etc., candidates must attain the required cutoff percentile set by each institute. Generally, the standard cutoff is around the 99+ percentile in the CAT entrance exam. Therefore, aspirants need a meticulous preparation strategy to achieve a 99 or 99+ percentile in the CAT. With the CAT exam just five months away, it is crucial to formulate a strategy targeting the 99 percentile. This article will provide a detailed section-wise strategy on how to attain a 99 percentile in CAT within this timeframe.

A correct answer in the CAT exam is rewarded with 3 marks, while an incorrect answer incurs a penalty of -1 mark. Additionally, each section may have a designated time limit of 40 minutes, and candidates are not permitted to switch between sections.

As mentioned earlier, the CAT exam is just five months away. A common question among CAT aspirants is how much time is needed to prepare for the exam. The answer to this question depends on the level of effort put into the preparation. In general, five months is considered a sufficient duration for aspirants to prepare for the CAT exam. Even an average student can achieve a percentile above 99 by following a well-defined preparation strategy over this five-month period. Let’s delve into the strategy to attain a 99 percentile in the CAT exam.

There are two ways to achieve a percentile above 99 in the CAT exam. By analyzing the scorecards of CAT 99+ percentilers, two types of patterns can be observed in terms of section-wise percentiles. In the first case, one of the sections has a percentile above 99, while the remaining sections have percentiles below 95. In the second case, any two sections have percentiles above 95, while one section falls within the percentile range of 85 to 90.

It is possible to aim for scoring more than 95 percentile in any two sections. One strategy is to target the 99 percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude section and the 95 percentile in either of the other two sections. Since the LRDI section is known to be challenging and time-consuming, it is advisable to aim for a percentile range of 85 to 90 in this section. Another target can be set for the VARC section to achieve more than 95 percentile. It is important to note that this analysis is based on various sources, and individual results may vary.

To achieve a percentile above 99 in the CAT exam, it is advisable to aim for an overall sectional score of around 100+. Now, let’s delve into the section-wise preparation strategy for CAT within a five-month timeframe. Candidates are encouraged to refer to the CAT 2023 Syllabus PDF for a comprehensive understanding of the CAT 2023 syllabus, along with reviewing CAT’s previous year’s papers and slot analysis for additional insights.

Make an effort to dedicate one hour each day to reading. This practice will aid in the development of a well-rounded perspective on various issues. In the early stages of your preparation, strive to solve at least one Reading Comprehension (RC) passage daily. Here is a suggested schedule that can be adjusted to accommodate the time you have available throughout the day and to align with your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Considering that CAT has shifted from traditional LRDI sets, it becomes crucial to focus on practicing non-traditional sets. The sets that now appear are primarily logic-based and involve relatively less data-intensive elements. Allocate approximately one hour daily to enhance your understanding of DI/LR concepts. Additionally, aim to solve two sets per day, encompassing one DI set and one LR set.

A strong foundation in Quant basics is vital for excelling in the Quantitative Ability section. It is recommended that aspirants dedicate a minimum of 1-2 months to thoroughly grasp the quant basics. Unfortunately, many candidates tend to overlook this aspect during their preparation. To aid your preparation in the Quantitative Ability section, you can follow the provided study schedule. Feel free to tailor the schedule to align with your strengths and weaknesses in this particular section.