CAT 2018 Slot 1: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

Introduction

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship management programs. The exam is divided into three slots, and Slot 1 is typically the most popular among candidates.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide detailed insights into CAT 2018 Slot 1, including the exam pattern, syllabus, difficulty level, and preparation strategies. We also discuss common mistakes to avoid and provide a comparison of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about which slot to choose.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

CAT 2018 Slot 1 will be conducted on November 25, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The exam will comprise three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• 24 questions (34 minutes)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• 24 questions (32 minutes)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)
• 34 questions (40 minutes)

Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of CAT 2018 Slot 1 is expected to be moderate to difficult. The VARC section is expected to be challenging, with a focus on reading comprehension and critical reasoning. The DILR section is likely to involve complex data sets and logical puzzles. The QA section is expected to be relatively easier, with a focus on basic mathematical concepts.

Preparation Strategies

To prepare effectively for CAT 2018 Slot 1, candidates should:

• Start early: Begin your preparation at least six months before the exam.
• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the exam.
• Develop a strong foundation: Strengthen your concepts in verbal ability, mathematics, and logical reasoning.
• Practice regularly: Solve mock tests and previous years' papers to enhance your problem-solving skills.
• Analyze your performance: Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Lack of preparation: Underestimating the difficulty level of the exam can lead to poor performance.
• Ignoring the VARC section: The VARC section is crucial for scoring well in CAT. Do not neglect it.
• Hesitating to guess: There is no negative marking in CAT. Guess intelligently if you are unsure about an answer.
• Wasting time on difficult questions: Focus on answering the easier questions first and allocate more time to them.
• Panic: Stay calm during the exam and avoid making impulsive decisions.

Pros and Cons of CAT 2018 Slot 1

Pros:

• Experienced candidates: Slot 1 typically attracts experienced candidates with higher percentiles.
• Lower competition: There are fewer candidates in Slot 1 compared to Slot 2 and 3, reducing competition.
• More time to prepare: You have more time to prepare for the exam compared to candidates in other slots.

Cons:

• Higher difficulty level: Slot 1 is generally considered to be more difficult than other slots.
• Less time to solve the paper: You have less time to complete the paper compared to candidates in Slot 3.
• More pressure: The pressure of being the first slot can be challenging for some candidates.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to start preparing for CAT 2018 Slot 1?
   - Start preparing at least six months before the exam.

2. How many questions are there in each section of CAT Slot 1?
   - VARC: 24 questions
   - DILR: 24 questions
   - QA: 34 questions

3. What is a good score in CAT Slot 1?
   - A score of 95+ percentile is considered good.

4. How many candidates appear for CAT Slot 1?
   - Around 20% of all CAT candidates appear for Slot 1.

5. What is the cutoff for IIMs based on CAT Slot 1?
   - The cutoff varies depending on the IIM and the program. Generally, it is in the range of 95-99 percentile.

6. What are the best resources to prepare for CAT Slot 1?
   - Mock tests, previous years' papers, and online resources such as study material and practice questions.

Call to Action

If you are planning to take CAT 2018 Slot 1, start preparing today. Follow the strategies outlined in this guide, avoid common mistakes, and give yourself the best chance of success. Remember, the key to a great score in CAT is to prepare thoroughly and stay focused on your goal.

Additional Resources

• CAT Official Website
• CAT Preparation Tips
• IIM Cutoff Percentiles

Table 1: CAT 2018 Slot 1 Section-wise Distribution of Questions

Table 2: CAT 2018 Slot 1 Section-wise Time Allocation

Table 3: CAT 2018 Slot 1 Percentile vs. Score Range