The Indian Institute of Management administers the CAT exam, a national-level management entrance examination, to applicants for admission to 20 IIMs and more than 100 B-Schools in India. One of the senior IIMs is given the responsibility of conducting the exam each year. Every year, more than 2 million hopefuls take the CAT exam, yet only a small number are accepted into the prestigious top B-schools. The MDI in Gurgaon, IIT, SP Jain in Mumbai, IMT in Ghaziabad, FMS in Delhi, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai, Great Lakes Institute of Management in Chennai and Xavier Institute of Management in Bhubaneshwar are just a few of the reputable B-schools that accept CAT scores in addition to IIMs.

The CAT is rightfully regarded as one of the most challenging entrance exams due to the small number of available spots for admission and the enormous number of test takers. It is intended to evaluate the candidate's capacity for complicated decision-making, time management, and organizational agility. All of these characteristics indicate a candidate's readiness for management training and his aptitude for managerial roles.

The CAT exam consists of three sections:-

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Since the inclusion of TITA (Type in The Answer) questions in 2015, there has been a slight change in the test pattern of the exam. The number of TITA questions varies, but their incorrect answers are not negatively evaluated in any way. In the last few years, almost 25-33% of the questions were non-MCQ (TITA).

Each inaccurate MCQ response results in a loss of 1 mark, and each correct response earns marks. Students have 40 minutes for each section of the CAT exam, and the section sequence is predetermined. Students cannot switch sections because of the sectional time constraints.

The broad break-up of topics as given above for the syllabus is as under. You may find most of the questions in the CAT 2023 exam based on the following topics:

Generally, candidates begin studying at least six months in advance of the test. It should start with reading the syllabus and developing conceptual clarity of key topics before practicing CAT sample exams and previous year's papers. Here are some expert pointers and strategies to incorporate into your CAT preparation strategy:

1. For last-minute changes, quickly mark crucial formulas and shortcuts.
2. Consider reading newspapers, books, magazines, etc. a regular habit.
3. For new words you learn each day, make notes or utilize flashcards. You can develop a robust vocabulary by using it when speaking.
4. Periodically practice topical and sectional tests.
5. Keep track of your speed and accuracy across all sections.
6. Decide which areas are your main strengths and weak spots, and plan to focus on the former.
7. Start practicing the full-length mock tests after you have thoroughly covered all the necessary material, then evaluate your performance.
8. After putting your test-taking approach to the test during mocks, you might need to modify it. Remember that various tactics are effective for certain candidates.
9. Keep in mind to take periodic breaks from your study schedule. You'll be able to maintain your enthusiasm and attention.
10. Finally, you need to have a month-by-month plan for CAT preparation as well as a daily timetable that is carefully thought out. You'll be able to ace CAT 2023 with the help of consistency and a smart exam approach.