CAT Time Management Tips 2021 | Exclusive Section-wise Tips From Experts

CAT Time Management Tips: CAT exam or the Common Admission Test is a computer-based MBA entrance test for admissions into the IIMs and several other prestigious B-Schools in the Country. CAT exam is conducted every year by the IIMs on a rotational basis. To have proper CAT preparation and score more in exams, managing time is required.

Here, we have listed out CAT Time Management tips for all candidates taking up CAT exams. Read the blog completely to know more.

Table of Contents

Section-Wise CAT Time Management Tips

CAT Time Management Tips 2021: CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

S.No.	Tips to increase CAT VARC Attempts	What to do?
1	Prioritize RCs	Most toppers and experts suggest that aspirants should consider solving RCs first. Out of the 34 questions in the CAT VARC section, 24 are RCs Major chunk of the marks allocated to RCs
2	Determine Order of Attempt	First, go through all the questions asked in the VARC section Second, determine how to attempt the questions Solve LRCs first then move to SRCs Attempt VA questions in the end
3	Fix Time to Solve Each Question	Allocate time limit to solve each question in CAT exam Avoid getting stuck on one question for too long Solve an RC with six questions in 10-12 minutes Solve an RC with three questions in 5-6 minutes Spend 12-15 minutes to solve VA questions
4	Search for Keywords	The context of an RC can be determined in the first two paragraphs. Identify the main theme of RC Search for keywords Answer RC questions
5	Formulate RC Strategy	Aspirants can select the strategy that works best for them. Classic Approach: Read the complete RC and then attempt questions Bottoms-up Approach: Read the questions first and then read the RC Mixed Approach: Read a bit of RC and mid-way solve questions

CAT Time Management Tips 2021: CAT Quant

S.No.	Tips to increase CAT Quant Attempts	What to do?
1	Attempt each section in three rounds	First Phase – Solve questions that you find extremely easy and are completely sure about Second Phase – Opt for questions which you feel you can give a try Third Phase – Go for questions that are time-consuming and would require more head pondering.
2	Divide the time accordingly	Try to attempt at least 15 to 16 questions in the first 30 to 35 minutes. Along with that, go on marking questions that you are almost sure of but require some time to solve. Attempt these questions during the second phase. And if there is yet more time left after this, go on to check the third. This methodology will only improve your accuracy and bring about a huge difference in your marking.
3	Do not spend much time on one question	CAT exam gives 60 minutes for each section. Spend a maximum of 2 to 3 minutes on one question. If you are still unable to recollect go to the next question.

CAT Time Management Tips 2021: CAT DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

S.No.	Tips to increase CAT DILR Attempts	What to do?
1	Attempt Non-MCQ questions first	Answering non-MCQ questions is not going to fetch you negative marking. Instead of not punching in wrong options in MCQs, this strategy might add up to that minute difference in marks that might matter in your end percentile.
2	Leave the Questions	Leave answers which you are doubtful of. Attempting questions you are doubtful of just to complete as many answers as possible may lead to negative marking thereby lowering your entire scoring. Be sensible and quick enough to recognize the difficulty level of the questions that come at you and accordingly invest time on them as and when required or simply skip them.

CAT Time Management Tips: Experts View

Here is a list of CAT time management tips from experts to crack CAT Exam.

When you start your preparation, know your strength and weakness. Time management starts with preparation.
Attend the questions in the exam which you well versed with. If you are strong in quantitative then attend that section first.
Grammar needs practice. Thus, spending time-solving grammar exercises and practicing writing skills is a good idea during preparation.
Go through lists of frequently used words and phrases to strengthen your vocabulary.
practice short cut techniques for Quant and Logical Reasoning.
Use the rough sheets given in exam only for calculations. Do not rewrite questions again.
If you are stuck in between any problem and not finding a solution, do not panic. Try once or twice, else move on.
As there is negative marking, do not answer questions which you are not sure about.
Forget about the question unattended. You are going to lose marks if you obsess over not attended questions.
Assign time to each question and stick to it.
Attempt a sufficient number of questions in each section as there is cutoff provided.
Do not try attempting all 100 questions.
Memorize formulas and important key points before the examination.
Stay calm and be relaxed.
As soon as you get the question paper, spend two minutes to quickly glance at the questions.

Self Preparation With KopyKitab Materials and learn time management

Hope all students have understood how to manage their time during CAT exam. Use these CAT Time Management Tips and score well.

FAQ: CAT Time Management Tips

When should I start preparing for CAT 2021?

However, most of the students start quite early. CAT 2021 exam will be held on November 28 and if you plan to appear for CAT 2021 exam then starting CAT preparation in March-April is a good idea.

Is CAT tougher than JEE?

They are both tough and different kinds of exams. They are both tough and different kinds of exams. If you wish to compare this, CAT can be compared as IIT JEE for the MBA courses. If you wish to compare this, CAT can be compared as IIT JEE for the MBA courses.

What will be the duration of CAT 2021?

According to CAT 2021 pattern, the duration of the CAT will be two hours (120 Minutes) and for each CAT section, the time limit will be 40 Minutes.

Is a calculator allowed in CAT?

Yes – a calculator is allowed in the CAT exam. You will be allowed to use an on-screen calculator.

CAT Time Management Tips 2021 | Tricks & Strategies