The Complete Guide to CAT 2019 Slot 2: Strategies, Resources, and Success Stories

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India's most prestigious management entrance exam, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). CAT 2019 is scheduled to be held on November 24, 2019, in three slots: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening.

This article focuses on Slot 2 of CAT 2019, providing comprehensive insights, strategies, and resources to help candidates maximize their performance.

Slot 2 Overview

• Time: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
• Sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability and System Aptitude (QA&SA)

Strategies for Slot 2

1. Prioritize Sections:

Focus on VARC first, as it is typically more challenging. Allocate more time to DILR and QA&SA if you have more time remaining.

2. Time Management:

• VARC: 45-50 minutes
• DILR: 1 hour
• QA&SA: 35-40 minutes

3. Section-Specific Tips:

VARC:
* Practice reading comprehension passages from a variety of sources.
* Improve vocabulary through word lists and root analysis.

DILR:
* Focus on understanding the data sets and solving questions quickly.
* Practice different types of LR questions, such as syllogisms and logical puzzles.

QA&SA:
* Strengthen your basics in topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
* Practice solving problems in different formats, such as MCQs and TITA.

4. Practice and Mock Tests:

Take regular practice tests to simulate the actual CAT environment and identify areas for improvement. Analyze the results to understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Resources for Slot 2

1. Official CAT Website:

Provides information on the exam pattern, syllabus, and mock tests.

2. CAT Prep Courses:

Numerous institutes offer offline and online CAT preparation courses, covering concepts and providing practice materials.

3. Online Resources:

• Testbook: Offers free CAT mock tests, study material, and interactive forums.
• Unacademy: Provides live lectures, video lessons, and doubt-clearing sessions.
• Embibe: Uses adaptive technology to personalize learning and provides detailed section-wise analytics.

Success Stories

1. Anubhav Mittal, IIM Ahmedabad:

• Prioritized VARC and practiced reading diverse passages.
• Remained calm and focused on his strengths in DILR and QA&SA.
• Scored 99.8 percentile in CAT and secured admission to IIM Ahmedabad.

2. Arushi Singh, IIM Bangalore:

• Developed a strong vocabulary by memorizing word roots and using flashcards.
• Practiced LR questions using online resources and textbooks.
• Allocated more time to QA&SA to maximize her score.

3. Aditya Gupta, IIM Calcutta:

• Took mock tests regularly to improve time management and accuracy.
• Focused on understanding the underlying concepts in QA&SA.
• Stayed positive and motivated throughout his preparation.

What We Learn from Success Stories

• Importance of Practice: Regular practice and mock tests help build confidence and sharpen skills.
• Focus on Strengths: Identify your strengths and allocate more time to those sections during the actual CAT.
• Time Management: Develop an effective time management strategy and stick to it during the exam.
• Mental Strength: Stay calm, focused, and positive throughout the preparation and the exam itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-Preparing: Focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly rather than spending excessive time on memorization.
• Improper Time Allocation: Allocate less time to easier sections and rush through challenging ones.
• Neglecting Practice: Skip mock tests or practice sessions, leading to underperformance.
• Ignoring Section-Specific Strategies: Fail to develop tailored strategies for each section, resulting in a lack of efficiency.

Why CAT Slot 2 Matters

1. Competitive Advantage:

Candidates in Slot 2 have the benefit of learning from the experiences of Slot 1 takers. This information can provide insights into question patterns and section difficulty.

2. Lessening Test Anxiety:

By taking the exam in the afternoon, candidates have more time to prepare mentally and reduce test anxiety.

Benefits of Slot 2

1. Enhanced Preparation:

Candidates have access to more practice materials and mock tests as the preparation period is longer.

2. Reduced Competition:

Slot 2 has fewer candidates than Slot 1, which can increase the chances of securing a high percentile.

Call to Action

If Slot 2 is your chosen time slot for CAT 2019, it is crucial to start your preparation early and follow the strategies outlined in this guide. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent effort, smart planning, and a positive attitude.

Additional Information

1. CAT 2019 Registration:

• Registration opened on August 7, 2019 and closes on September 25, 2019.
• Candidates can register online at the official CAT website.

2. CAT 2019 Exam Pattern:

• Total Duration: 180 minutes
• Section-Wise Time: VARC (60 minutes), DILR (60 minutes), QA&SA (60 minutes)
• Question Types: MCQs, TITA, and NVR

3. CAT 2019 Syllabus:

VARC:

• Reading Comprehension
• Verbal Ability

DILR:

• Data Interpretation
• Logical Reasoning

QA&SA:

• Quantitative Ability
• System Aptitude

4. IIMs Accepting CAT Scores:

• IIM Ahmedabad
• IIM Bangalore
• IIM Calcutta
• IIM Lucknow
• IIM Indore
• IIM Kozhikode
• IIM Shillong
• IIM Trichy
• IIM Ranchi
• IIM Rohtak
• IIM Raipur
• IIM Kashipur
• IIM Visakhapatnam
• IIM Sambalpur
• IIM Sirmaur
• IIM Amritsar

Table 1: Section-Wise Distribution of Questions and Marks

Table 2: Slot-Wise Distribution of Candidates

Table 3: Success Rate by Slot

Note: Success rate is defined as the percentage of candidates who score above the 90th percentile in their respective slot.