Minor student dies, five others fall ill after hostel meal
Parlakhemundi: A minor girl student died and five others fell ill after consuming a meal in the hostel of a government-run school in Odisha's Gajapati district, officials said on Sunday.
A few girls of the residential primary school at a village under the jurisdiction of Garabandha police station complained of vomiting, nausea and stomach ache a few hours after they had dinner on Saturday night, District Education Officer (DEO), P K Nag said.
The minor students, who showed symptoms of food poisoning, were rushed to a nearby hospital where one girl, identified as Tuni Rohit of Class 4, died in the early hours on Sunday, he said.
The five others are now undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, the district administration has placed the headmaster of the school, Umakant Choudhury and in-charge teacher Anita Nayak, under suspension, the DEO said.
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Top Strategies for CAT 2026: Insights from Supergrads Experts
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams for aspiring management students in India. With over two lakh candidates vying for seats in India’s top business schools each year, cracking CAT requires more than just academic brilliance—it demands strategy, persistence, and a well-thought-out approach.
For CAT 2026, students need to be better prepared than ever. As competition continues to grow, candidates must be ready to face the challenges posed by a more dynamic and complex exam. Supergrads, a leading institution in test preparation, is renowned for its data-driven approach to exam coaching and its success in helping students achieve outstanding results.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the top strategies for preparing for CAT 2026, featuring exclusive insights from Supergrads experts. These strategies, along with the benefits of CAT Online Coaching, will not only help you score well in the exam but will also ensure that you are fully prepared for the entire journey toward your dream B-school.
1. Master the CAT Syllabus: Know What to Expect
The first step in any CAT preparation is to understand the CAT syllabus thoroughly. While the CAT exam format remains fairly consistent, the syllabus might seem vast at first glance. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the key sections and topics tested. According to Supergrads’ experts, the CAT exam consists of three main sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each of these sections has specific sub-topics, and students often make the mistake of skimming through these without focusing on the nuances. Supergrads recommends mapping out a personalized study plan based on the CAT syllabus, giving more time to areas where you feel less confident, while also continuously revisiting areas where you are strong.
Key tips:
- Break the syllabus into manageable chunks: Rather than attempting to study everything at once, divide your syllabus into sub-topics and tackle one sub-topic at a time.
- Prioritize topics based on difficulty and weight: Supergrads experts advise spending more time on high-weightage topics like data interpretation and reading comprehension, but do not neglect sections you find challenging.
2. Data-Driven Approach to Mock Tests and Practice
CAT is all about time management and accuracy. According to Supergrads experts, one of the most effective ways to improve your score is through regular mock tests and practice papers. CAT 2026 will be no different, and preparing through mock tests not only sharpens your skills but also familiarizes you with the exam pattern.
Supergrads’ experts emphasize the importance of solving a variety of mock tests. The idea is to simulate the actual exam environment, manage time effectively, and enhance accuracy.
Key strategies:
- Analyze Mock Test Results: After every mock test, conduct an in-depth analysis. Focus not just on the number of correct answers, but also on mistakes and areas that need improvement.
- Regular Mock Test Schedule: Take mock tests at least once a week to understand the evolving exam patterns. Increase the frequency as the exam date approaches.
- Focus on Speed and Accuracy: During practice tests, time yourself strictly. Set targets for both speed and accuracy, and gradually work on reducing the time per question without sacrificing accuracy.
3. Develop Speed with Shortcuts and Techniques
While CAT is a test of knowledge, it is also a test of speed. A candidate who can quickly solve questions without compromising accuracy has a significant advantage. Supergrads’ experts strongly recommend mastering shortcuts and techniques for quicker problem-solving, especially in areas like Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation (DILR).
Key tips:
- Learn Mental Math: Improve your calculation speed by practicing mental math tricks for basic arithmetic. This helps reduce your dependence on a calculator, saving time on simpler questions.
- Shortcut Techniques: Learn algebraic shortcuts, approximation strategies, and quick ways to solve data interpretation problems.
- Time Each Section: Supergrads advises allocating a specific time to each section and adhering to it strictly. For instance, give no more than 60 minutes to the QA section, 35 minutes to DILR, and 40 minutes to VARC.
4. Fine-Tune Your Vocabulary for VARC
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is often a make-or-break part of the CAT exam. Supergrads’ language experts suggest regular reading and vocabulary-building exercises to improve both speed and understanding.
CAT VARC is designed to test both reading comprehension skills and verbal reasoning. The ability to grasp and analyze long passages efficiently is crucial. Supergrads recommends reading diverse materials—books, newspapers, and online articles—to expand your understanding of different writing styles and themes.
Key tips:
- Read Every Day: Cultivate the habit of reading for at least 30 minutes daily. This could be books, journals, or online articles. The more you read, the faster and more accurate you’ll become.
- Practice RC Passages: Regular practice of RC (Reading Comprehension) passages is key. The more passages you read, the better you’ll become at identifying key ideas and nuances.
- Build Your Vocabulary: Learn new words daily and use them in your writing or speaking. Tools like flashcards and vocabulary apps can help in memorizing words.
5. Focus on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is a crucial part of CAT and often poses a challenge for many students. Supergrads experts advise a strategic approach to DILR, focusing on practice and speed. The key to excelling in this section is mastering different types of data sets and learning how to interpret them quickly.
Key strategies:
- Practice Various Question Types: DILR includes a variety of question types, such as tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and Venn diagrams. Each requires a different approach, so practice as many different types as you can.
- Work on Logical Reasoning: The Logical Reasoning part of DILR requires pattern recognition and deduction skills. Practicing puzzles, seating arrangements, and other logical reasoning problems regularly can help you develop a quick-thinking approach.
- Time Management: The DILR section is often time-consuming. Supergrads advises practicing time management techniques, such as setting a time limit for each question type and moving on if you’re stuck.
6. Strengthen Quantitative Ability (QA) with Core Concepts
Quantitative Ability (QA) is often one of the most challenging sections of CAT. Supergrads emphasizes the importance of mastering core concepts before attempting to solve complex problems. By building a strong foundation in basic math skills, you can tackle advanced problems with greater ease.
Key strategies:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Start with building your basic math skills. This includes mastering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Without a strong foundation, it’s difficult to perform well in the advanced sections.
- Solve Advanced Problems: After mastering the fundamentals, begin solving more complex problems. Supergrads suggests using textbooks that offer problems based on the latest CAT exam patterns.
- Don’t Memorize—Understand: CAT doesn’t reward rote learning. Instead of memorizing formulas, focus on understanding the underlying principles. This approach will help you solve unfamiliar problems with logic and reasoning.
7. Adapt to the New CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern is dynamic, with changes often introduced every year. In recent years, the exam has seen a shift towards more analytical and application-based questions rather than purely theoretical ones. Supergrads' experts recommend staying updated on any changes to the exam pattern and adjusting your preparation accordingly.
This could involve changes in the weightage of sections, the introduction of new question types, or changes in the duration of the exam. Keeping track of these changes is essential to tailor your study strategy effectively.
Key strategies:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check official CAT updates from IIMs or other trusted sources.
- Flexibility in Approach: Be prepared to adapt your strategies if there are any changes in the CAT pattern. Supergrads offers tailored preparation for different exam trends, ensuring that students are never caught off guard.
8. Mindset and Stress Management
Finally, one of the most overlooked strategies in CAT preparation is maintaining a positive and calm mindset. Supergrads experts emphasize the importance of stress management and mental preparation for the big day. A calm mind ensures optimal performance, especially during the high-pressure environment of the actual exam.
Key tips:
- Regular Breaks: Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks during your preparation. Supergrads suggests using techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break).
- Stay Positive: CAT preparation can be mentally taxing, but staying positive and believing in your capabilities can keep you motivated.
- Meditation or Exercise: Incorporating daily exercise or meditation can significantly reduce stress and help you stay focused.
Conclusion
Cracking CAT 2026 will require a well-structured strategy, deep focus, and consistency. By adopting the insights shared by Supergrads experts, you can ensure that you are thoroughly prepared to tackle the exam.
To summarize, make sure to understand the syllabus, engage in regular mock tests, master shortcuts, fine-tune your verbal ability, and strengthen your quantitative skills. Additionally, practicing with the CAT 2025 Question Paper will help you get a feel for the current exam pattern and question types. And, of course, always stay updated on any changes to the CAT pattern. The most important thing is to remain persistent, stay positive, and keep pushing forward.
With the right preparation strategy and expert guidance from Supergrads, you will be well on your way to acing
