Candidates often come across some misconceptions and myths about the CAT exam while preparing for the exam, which is very common these days but what's important is to clear those misconceptions. A myth about anything discourages people from moving forward in life, but let go of the myths can help any candidate crack the CAT exam without any doubt.

Nevertheless, here are some of the common myths about the CAT exam by some students of IIM:

Common CAT Preparation Myths

1. CAT is tough to pass and requires a high IQ

CAT is not difficult to crack. You have to be consistent and hard-working with a lot of

determination while preparing for the CAT exam. This exam is not the test of your knowledge, but it's the test of your problem skills. So don't waste your time stressing about the exam and syllabus because stress degrades your self-confidence.

2. Mock tests are the actual check of your performance

The mock tests are only meant for practice purposes and have nothing to do with your actual performance. It does not decide the final score for the CAT exam but increases your confidence and gives you the experience to practice and strategize the preparation accordingly. Do not relate your mock scores with your CAT exam because mock test papers give you the idea of the final exam. A series of mock exams uses Artificial Intelligence to give students personalized feedback about their strengths and weaknesses. Mock can be done both online and offline.

3. If your starting is rough, you can't crack the CAT exam

It is not valid if you aren't able to deliver in the first section as you expected. You can

always try making better and steady progress in the remaining areas because

cumulative score matters. In fact, there is no need to solve all the questions; you can solve those questions and sections first in which you are confident.

4. Girls cannot crack the CAT exam

It is the biggest Myth about the CAT exam, which is not true as well. We all know the truth about the CAT examination. The ratio might not be equal, but that doesn't mean CAT is not meant for girls. As we know, the balance of males and females is increasing over time. For instance, you can take the example of IIM Rohtak; there is an equal ratio of 1:1 in the college.

5. Involving in TITA questions wastes time

This rumor is spread because of the uncertainty of the answer as there are some questions in the paper whose answers cannot be determined accurately. Prepare TITA questions well, as there is a low chance of getting low marks in this section because these questions don't have any negative marking.

6. Shortcuts help to crack the CAT exam:

It is undoubtedly the most spread myth not only for the CAT exam but for every competitive exam. This misconception is widespread among school students and fresh college graduates. One should never forget that there is no shortcut to success. You might get short-term satisfaction, but in the long run, these shortcuts make your life miserable. Remember that, If you study every concept thoroughly, you will answer the questions more accurately.

7. Engineers can easily crack the CAT exam:

Due to its technical nature, many students thought that the CAT exam is best suitable for engineering graduates. It is not true at all. An aptitude test that measures your analytical and logical skills is a requirement for every stream, and it does not depend on any other educational background. Even mathematically weak students can easily polish their skills and excel in the exam.

8. The score is decided according to how many questions you have attempted

It is true that the more you solve, the more you get, the more questions you attempt in the exam, the more marks you will get in the end, but what matters is accuracy in the answers because attempting a question with the wrong answer will harm you with 1 minus. Yes, there is a provision of negative marking as well, and you should always solve those questions in which you are confident.

9. If your mock scores are not good, you must change the strategy:

It's you who is aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and it is necessary that you don't get confused with what is on the internet. Prepare and make a strategy for yourself and follow that religiously to avoid being stuck in the middle. Don't get influenced by your mock scores because this will eventually decrease your confidence and self-esteem.

10. You can’t clear CAT if your English is not fluent

English is indeed the language of the 21st century, but it is also true that it has nothing to do with your success in competitive exams or for any point in life. If you are ready to do the hard work, you can even clear the IELTS and TOEFL. CAT is not the test of your linguistic skills like any other language test, but it tests your aptitude and leadership skills.

If you can revise the basic English grammar book from your high school, you can score well in the CAT VARC section.

These are some common CAT preparation myths. Remember all these points and focus on getting a high percentile so that you get admission to your dream college and try to stay away from this myth about the CAT exam.

With this, we wish you good luck with your CAT preparation.