Rather than chasing minimum cutoff marks, students should aim to stay comfortably above it. When accuracy becomes reliable, attempts naturally increase and scores stabilize.

They follow a fixed attempt order and avoid spending time on doubtful questions early. Repeated mock practice trains their judgment so decisions become quick and confident during the real paper.

Since the core syllabus overlaps, preparation can remain common. Only the paper strategy changes depending on the exam level, which becomes easier once the fundamentals are trained properly.

For an average beginner, steady preparation over several months is typically required. The timeline depends more on regular practice and test experience than on total study hours.

Quantitative aptitude and English usually take longer because improvement comes from repeated exposure, not memorization. With guided practice and doubt solving, students start noticing steady gains instead of sudden jumps.

Mock tests gradually build exam temperament. They show where time is lost, which questions to skip, and how accuracy changes under pressure. Consistent testing followed by proper review often marks the point where preparation becomes performance.

Most preparation remains topic based instead of exam based. Students keep learning concepts but rarely practice mixed questions in real time. Without regular testing and feedback, the same errors continue and scores stop moving.

The syllabus appears basic, but the paper is designed around speed and decision making. Many students understand topics yet cannot complete the exam calmly. The challenge is less about knowledge and more about familiarity with the pattern.

Long hours alone rarely change scores. Around four to six focused hours are enough if they include revision, timed practice, and review of mistakes. Coaching schedules often help students maintain this rhythm because the day becomes planned instead of scattered.

Self study works for a few students who can plan well and honestly evaluate their mistakes. Most candidates, however, struggle to stay consistent and often practice without knowing whether they are improving. A structured SSC coaching environment in Delhi mainly helps by fixing routine, exposing students to exam level questions, and guiding how to attempt the paper, which usually shortens preparation time.

66 Questions: Like last year, CAT 2023 exam will have 66 questions divided in 3 sections of VARC, DILR and Quantitative Ability.

Syllabus Overview

The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree of at least 3 years. However, the previous bachelor’s degree of 2 years will also be accepted if the university is recognized by UGC. Candidates in their final year of graduation or awaiting results are also eligible for the exam.

The IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) conduct this Common Admission Test on a rotational basis. CAT 2023 will be conducted by IIM Lucknow.