CAT 2021 preparation plan is a tough to make due to vastness of the syllabus. Shiksha brings to you a study plan and a few key exam tips from MBA expert on CAT preparation 2021.

Common Admission Test or CAT is the most popular MBA entrance exam in India, taken by over two lakh aspirants every year. It is the road to India's best B-schools the IIMs. Naturally it is also the toughest entrance exam to crack. So CAT 2021 aspirants must make such a preparation plan that emcompasses all the aspects that contribute in scoring 99+ percentile.  CAT is an aptitude test to assess a candidate’s analytical as well as verbal skills, both essential for a successful career in business management. Thus to crack CAT exam, one needs a sound preparation plan.

IIM Ahmedabad will be conducting the CAT 2021 exam on November 28 (tentatively). It is expected that the CAT 2021 question paper will be of high difficulty level, so you need to ensure that there is no gap in your preparation. In this article you will read all about CAT preparation and know tips and tricks of how to prepare for CAT? Also get section-wise prep tips and CAT question papers.

Changes in CAT Exam 

A few changes were made in the CAT exam pattern last year due to COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected that the changes will be retained in CAT 2021 too as the pandemic is not over yet. Check the table below to know changes in CAT exam pattern. However, our recommendation is to prepare for the exam on the basis of CAT 2019 pattern so that incase the CAT 2021 question paper is based on the earlier pattern, you will be well prepared for it. 

Features	CAT 2020	CAT 2019
CAT exam slots	Three	Two
CAT duration	120 minutes	180 minutes
Sectional time limit	40 minutes	60 minutes
Total number of questions	76	100
Total marks	228	300
Total questions in VARC section	26	34
Total questions in DILR section	24	32
Total questions in QA section	26	34

CAT 2021 Exam Preparation

CAT exam is likely to be conducted on November 28. So, with five months to go for CAT 2021 exam, aspirants must start preparing rigorously  for it from now onwards. First of all choose the CAT preparation mode - coaching institute or self study. Whichever, mode you choose, you'd have to devote six to eight hours to studies daily. Revise all the concepts and formulae regularly so that it is fresh in memory till the exam day. Revise them with reference to their application on different types of questions. In the exam, you will have to decide in a split second which theorem is to be applied on a particular question. Increase the frequency of CAT mock tests only at the later stage of CAT 2021 preparation. 

CAT 2021 Preparation Through Coaching

Candidates who decide to join a coaching institute for CAT preparation 2021, they will be guided well by the mentors and coaches. The coaching institute will also provide them all the CAT study material and mock test series, while guiding them through tricky topics and questions. However, they will be required to attend classes of six to eight hours daily