How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching - Step by Step Guide

Janvi Bhambri

Updated On: March 22, 2024 09:47 am IST | CAT

Wondering how to prepare for CAT without coaching? Well, it is quite possible to crack the exam with self-study; all you need to do is follow the tips suggested by MBA experts here!

How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching

How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching: Preparing for CAT without the guidance of a CAT coaching institute is a very common method used by aspirants. Although such a preparation plan is only followed by aspirants who have appeared for CAT 2024 at least once, even first-time test takers can follow such a plan and achieve a high score. Aspirants who plan to prepare for CAT without coaching must keep certain guidelines in mind to make sure their preparation plan is effective.

From providing study material to preparing a fixed routine, from holding doubt sessions to taking mock tests, CAT coaching can undoubtedly be very beneficial for CAT preparation. However, being totally dependent on tuition and thinking that CAT or the Common Admission Test, which is the CAT full form, cannot be cracked without coaching classes is a myth that needs to be busted right away. History stands witness to some marvelous students who excelled in CAT without coaching or any expert guidance. If you too are planning to do self-study but wondering how to crack CAT without coaching, take a look at the following points below to get your answers!

Also Read: 

How to Start CAT Preparation 2024 from ScratchStress Management During CAT Preparation 2024
Importance of Soft Skills in MBA AdmissionsIs CAT Exam Tough

Important Tips to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching

Since you are preparing for the CAT exam on your own, you can plan your preparation schedule in such a way that every section of the exam gets equal attention. Refer to the CAT preparation tips 2024 mentioned below if you wish to know how to crack without coaching. 

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

After knowing how to crack the CAT without coaching, one of the first things you should do is go through the CAT syllabus 2024 and exam pattern in depth. Then you should review the analysis from previous years so that you may create a thorough preparation schedule and set your targets based on the importance of various topics across sections. In the CAT exam, questions from three main categories—Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability—are presented in both multiple-choice and objective form.

Also Read: CAT 2024 Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

2. Focus on the Fundamentals

Make a schedule considering the entire coursework before starting to prepare for the CAT. Plan your schedule so that it includes time for each component. Clearing your fundamentals is the most important step. For instance, if your math skills are lacking, review the NCERT Mathematics for classes 9 and 10 to strengthen your basics. You cannot answer a question if your fundamentals are weak. Therefore, it's important to re-examine your concepts in each section. For conceptual clarity, you can use online study tools or consult the top study guides by writers like R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma, and others.

Also Read: Coaching Vs Self Study for CAT 2024

3. Collecting the Study Material


One of the major advantages of coaching classes is that they provide their students with study materials on the basis of the different sections in the paper. But students who are preparing for the exam without taking help from coaching classes need not worry about the same. Ample study material is available for students on the internet and in the market.

Some of the best books for the CAT exam have been mentioned below:

  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri

  • How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant

  • 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster

  • Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashish

  • How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma

Hack: To keep track of the current happenings, read magazines and newspapers daily and brush up on your language skills, comprehensive skills, and general knowledge.

Also ReadImportant Topics for CAT 2024 Algebra and Modern Maths

4. Study Schedule

Once you are equipped with the syllabus, what you require next is a preparation strategy. Prepare a schedule by dividing different topics and subjects into various slots and further assigning deadlines for covering each of these slots. Once this is done, devote your time as per the schedule to meet the desired deadlines.

Also Read: CAT 2024 Exam Day Mistakes You Must Avoid

5. Solve Online Mock Tests and Previous Year Questions


You can identify your strengths and weaknesses in each section after taking mock tests. You would also discover how much effort you need to put into each topic. After you have finished learning the topics, you should begin taking practice exams once or twice a week. By completing mock exams, you can evaluate both your fundamental knowledge and your response time to questions. Gradually increase the number of mock tests to 3 to 4 times a week. Examine the mistakes you make in practice exams and strive to prevent them in the real ones. By taking practice exams, you might gain experience for the final examination and balance your speed and accuracy.

Also Read: CAT Predicted Question Paper 2024

6. Analyze your Performance

You should first take a mock test to see where you stand in terms of your preparation before beginning your CAT preparation. This analysis is essential since it will make you aware of the exam pattern and the degree of difficulty. Additionally, you would also be able to examine how many questions are asked from each topic. Each PYQ/mock test requires you to evaluate your performance. Students who successfully complete CAT sample papers find that they are more accurate when answering questions because they become more adept at spotting errors they make when answering questions. This reduces the likelihood that they will make mistakes on the final exam day. 

Also Read: How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT 2024?

7. Google it!

Candidates who have made up their minds about not enrolling in any coaching programs for CAT preparation can rely on the Internet to a great extent. Find the greatest study materials for CAT by visiting websites offering plenty of resources. For CAT preparation, you can refer to online lectures or take online mock tests. You can also join social media groups to stay informed about the latest CAT news and updates.

8. Join a Peer Study Group

Look for your peers who have taken the CAT exam in the past. They would have the knowledge that will be very beneficial to you. Make friends with those who have already enrolled in coaching classes. They will offer notes and provide guidance at every turn. The study group will assist you in clearing up any and all questions you have on any subject. You might create a positive environment with the different competitors by your side by participating in group studies.

9. Improve Time Management Skills

One of the most important aspects of achieving your goals is time management. A candidate may not succeed if he or she lacks time management skills. Learn to prioritize and create a schedule where you can dedicate one day for each section. To avoid problems throughout the exam, complete questions in the allotted time.

10. Scope for Improvement


Once you are familiar with your strengths, practice harder to excel in them Don’t stop unless you score 99 percentile in that section, every time you sit down for a mock test. Also, identify your weaknesses and practice until they become your strengths.

11. Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude

Understand the relationships between formulas and the significance of each. For mathematical aptitude, shortcuts are essential for efficiency and accuracy. As a result, it is more likely that you will comprehend the formulas the more frequently you use them. Regular practice with arithmetic problems is necessary to improve your abilities. You can hone your skills by knowing about numerous options and variations.

12. Prepare for Verbal and Logical Ability

Those aiming for the CAT should read a lot as they get ready for this portion. Reading comprehension problems, as well as questions on vocabulary, grammar, reasoning, and verbal abilities, will be helpful. Read extensively across a variety of topics because a typical CAT passage will be focused on philosophy, history, psychology, art, or culture. They are intricate and rely on inference. As a result, reading such books requires competence and enough skill. When taking the CAT exam, try not to read hastily.

13. Prepare for Data Interpretation

Going from LOD=1 to LOD=3 is one of the main CAT Data Interpretation methods used by specialists. The issue with DI questions is that they all need data comparison and analysis. If your analysis is accurate, you will answer every question correctly; if not, you risk losing marks for the entire set of 4 questions. All could go wrong if one thing goes wrong. Try to answer as many DI questions as you can, regardless of their level of difficulty.

Is It Possible to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?

Most experts suggest that taking CAT coaching is beneficial for the candidates to score well in the exam. However, it is not mandatory to join any coaching institute to prepare for the CAT exam. You can also pass the exam without any coaching.

Many toppers of the CAT exam have accepted that they did not take any CAT coaching for the preparation. Just a proper plan and preparation strategy can help you ace the CAT exam. You can refer to the CAT Previous Year Question Papers and CAT Mock Test Papers to know what type of questions are expected to be asked in the exam.

Also Read: Toppers Tips for CAT 2024

What is the Best Time to Prepare for CAT?

There is a myth about CAT preparation that one year is required for CAT preparation. You can prepare for the CAT exam for six months straight. However, you will have to practice a lot in order to score well, considering the high competition

You can follow all the tips provided in this article to prepare for CAT without coaching. Additionally, you can also check out the articles mentioned below to learn more about CAT!

Related Links:

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

How many hours should I study to crack CAT without coaching?

If you are only preparing for CAT and have no other responsibilities, then you should study 8-10 hours daily. However, if you are a working professional, then you should try to manage 3-4 hours daily for preparation. Weekends can be utilized for taking mock tests and solving previous year question papers.

Which is better for CAT preparation- Self-Study or Coaching?

To decide which is better for CAT preparation- self-study or coaching totally depends on the candidate. If you have sufficient time to invest in coaching and want to study under the guidance of MBA experts on a daily basis, then you can join one. However, if you don’t have much time or have a great focus to study on your one, then self-study is a good option.

I am a working professional. How to crack CAT without coaching?

If you are a working professional, you can crack CAT without coaching in the following ways-

  • Utilize your time wisely, study while traveling, and pause other activities which are not that essential.
  • Study at least 3-4 hours daily. Try to stick to your schedule.
  • Choose the best books and study materials.
  • Study for extra hours during weekends.
  • Stay confident and motivated.

Can I crack CAT without coaching?

Yes, a candidate can crack CTA without coaching. Many toppers of the CAT exam have accepted that they did not take any CAT coaching for the preparation. Just a proper plan and preparation strategy can help you ace the CAT exam.

How to prepare for CAT without coaching?

Candidates can prepare for CAT without coaching in the following ways-

  • Know the CAT syllabus and exam pattern
  • Focus on the basics
  • Prepare a schedule by dividing different topics and subjects into various slots
  • Gather the best study material and books
  • Take mock tests to analyze your performance
  • Work on your weaker areas to strengthen your preparation
  • Solve old question papers to understand the type of questions and paper pattern
  • Work on your time management skills

/articles/step-by-step-guide-to-crack-cat-without-coaching/
View All Questions

Related Questions

What is the fee structure of mba..how much we have to submit in 1st year? And can we pay in installments

-Teesha NagdevUpdated on March 17, 2024 06:18 PM
  • 4 Answers
Ankita Sarkar, Student / Alumni

Hello Teesha,

The MBA course fee at Bhai Gurdas Group of Institutions adheres to the regulations set forth by the Punjab Technical University in Jalandhar and the Punjabi government. The fees are Rs 83,150 per annum. The fees had to be paid on an annual basis.

Hope this was helpful. Feel free to ask for any more queries.

READ MORE...

Can i take MBA in finance and marketing at a time?

-Manohar Reddy K OUpdated on February 29, 2024 01:15 PM
  • 5 Answers
Shikha Kumari, Student / Alumni

Dear student, Yes, you can take MBA in finance and marketing at the same time in Presidency University. The university offers a dual specialization MBA program in which students can choose two major specializations from finance, marketing, human resource management, operations and supply chain management, business analytics, and digital transformation. The curriculum for the dual specialization MBA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both finance and marketing. Students will learn the fundamentals of finance, such as financial accounting, corporate finance, and investment analysis, as well as the fundamentals of marketing, such as market research, …

READ MORE...

Provide placement details

-DarshanaUpdated on February 29, 2024 12:33 PM
  • 4 Answers
Isha Chauhan, Student / Alumni

Dear kartik, K C College of Management Studies placement are good.. 81 students got placed with the median salary package of Rs 5,25,000 in various sectors, as the the NIRF Report 2021.

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All
Top
Planning to take admission in 2024? Connect with our college expert NOW!