In the current scenario, when the entire nation is under lockdown and is advised to self-quarantine dueto COVID-19 outbreak, there is no better option than utilizing the available time effectively, especially for the ones who are preparing for CAT 2020. Preparation has gone beyond the traditional-classroom style learning to E-learning. This is one of the most apt ways to not lose momentum and keep on preparing for the ultimate goal of landing in a premier B school.
The kind of flexibility and comfort offered by the online preparation is much more than the conventional classroom lectures, in addition to lower cost, CAT online preparation allows the aspirants to learn and understand the concepts using the best online resources including study material, mock tests, etc. Various renowned CAT Coaching Institutes such as TIME, CL, Byjus, among others have started offering CAT online classes to the students so that their studies don’t get affected at all amidst COVID-19 lockdown.
To reduce the impact of highly contagious Corona Virus, not only candidates but many coaching centers have also started offering CAT 2020 online classes to the students so that they can continue their focus on their studies preparation without any kind of difficulties. Also, online preparation is much lower as compared to the offline classes which are also motivating the candidates to opt for the same.
According to a latest study, Online Education in India is expected to grow to USD 1.88 billion and around 8.8 million users by the end of 2021.
The study also disclosed that the test preparation would grow at the fastest rate in 2021, at a CAGR of 64% as CAT is one of the most popular and important entrance tests for MBA admission given by lakhs of individuals each year.
The working professionals who are currently working from their homes can utilize their free time by taking the CAT online classes as per their availability.
Till recently, online CAT classes were limited to a few sets of students only as many still prepare the conventional offline classes. But with the evolution in technology and current lockdown, more students are opting for the online teaching classes which have grown to a much greater extent. In the last few years, online classes have gained wider popularity as preparing various strategies while getting knowledge and intelligent tips from the experts have become easy now.
Though the decision to choose a good online CAT learning center, first of all, the CAT aspirants must know the difference between online and offline preparation.
Factors | On-Line CAT Preparation | Off-Line CAT Coaching |
---|---|---|
Tuition fees | Low tuition fees, also CAT preparation with more material and Tests | Cost of offline preparation is higher |
Flexibility of taking the classes | No need to travel as classes can be taken from anywhere and everywhere | Much commuting time |
Physical Presence | No Physical presence is needed while taking the classes. The students just need an internet connection | The students need to be physically present |
Access to recorded classes | The candidates can take the recorded class, if they have missed the classes | The candidates must be present in class, as the same lecture will not be repeated. |
Time | Much time saving option as it has zero commuting time. | Offline classes take more time which include travelling cost, batch attendance, late coming of teachers, etc |
Working Professionals | Online classes are perfect for working professionals as online classes can be taken in the evenings and nights as well. | Regular classroom attendance is a must and taking these classes is quite difficult for the working professionals. |
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Various Online CAT preparation centers offer online classes to the students out of which a few are mentioned below:
Name of the CAT Online Preparation Centre | Online CAT Preparation Programme Features | Online CAT Preparation Fee |
---|---|---|
TIME | One of the best coaching with presence across the country The students preparing for CAT get plenty of E- books and Videos Test discussion videos Regular Online classes | INR 13,250 |
Career Launcher | Study material is prepared by IIM Alumni One of the best CAT coaching institutes with presence all over India Live/ Recorded video classes are offered to the CAT aspirants Regular class exercise with discussion of previous CAT exams. Experienced CL faculty take the online classes | INR 17,797 |
Iquanta | Classes are taken online Demo classes also available The students can discuss their doubts 24*7 They can opt for full or sectional course as well | INR 13,999 |
Cracku | Free Mock Tests Free CAT Videos, Free Topic Tests and previous years’ CAT exam papers. Complete Cracku CAT course material including daily online test series | INR 12,599 |
Handa Ka Funda | Video classes Doubt clearing through live sessions Reduced fee amongst other program More than 750 video tutorials which include basic and advanced concepts | INR 6,999 |
Testfunda | Free Tests Regular Doubt classes Lowest fee Get personalized study pack for the exam | INR 6,300 |
Some of the top online resources that can help the CAT aspirants to develop reading skills for CAT Verbal Ability section include:
Philosophy Websites & Sections:
The Philosopher’s Beard
The Stone (New York Times)
Sophia Project
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Philosophy Hub
Economics & Business:
The Economist
The New York Times (Paul Krugman Articles)
Project Syndicate
Financial Times
Art, Culture & Literature:
The New Yorker
Granta
The Culture Vulture
Science & Technology:
Scientific American
National Geographic
The above-mentioned sources can help in improving the CAT aspirants reading skills, try to challenge yourself with areas and subjects that are bit difficult to understand.
The CAT aspirants can prepare for the exam by either joining the classroom classes or by taking any online classes as well. There are many resources available online that help the students to prepare CAT, most of the free while others are reasonably priced. Some of the channels that offer online preparation for CAT include:
Handakafunda
2IIMcat
Career Launcher
CET King
Khan Academy
Learners Planet
These channels have proved to be much beneficial for preparing for the CAT, and also they offer last-minute preparation tips, strategies and course structure to the CAT aspirants.
Online coaching is one of the best ways to add great value to your preparation for CAT, in case the online classes are taken seriously. Some of the benefits of taking online classes are discussed below:
Flexibility: Online CAT classes give more flexibility to the students allowing them to get access to the video lessons, online CAT exercises, online CAT quizzes, and CAT online mock tests. The CAT aspirants can take the online CAT classes anytime and anywhere, they just need an internet connection to stay updated with the latest information. Taking offline classes becomes more tiring especially when someone after attending college or office for 5-6 hours a day, needs to travel to attend the classes. However, online classes give more flexibility to students to utilize their available time more effectively.
Cost Effective: The overall tuition charges of taking online classes are much lesser as compared to the offline classes. The estimated price of the online classes might vary from INR 10000 – INR 25,000 which includes the online study material and online CAT practice tests as well; however, the offline classes might cost the CAT aspirants up to INR 40,000 and much more than it as well.
Saves Time: CAT online classes are best for the students who look for ways to reduce the overall traveling time. Saved times can be used to learn new concepts and topics.
Lectures by the experts: Most of the time, the quality of lectures is a major concern while taking offline classes as the faculty varies from center to center and within the center as well. However, this is not the same in case someone opted for the online CAT preparation classes as all the quality video lectures are prepared by the best faculty.
Gives a chance to learn new skills: In the offline class mode, the students are expected to match with the pace of the class which sometimes makes it difficult for them to understand the concepts. However, in the CAT online classes, the students are given a chance to learn at their own pace and can listen to the lecture again in case the concepts are not clear to them.
Group-Learning: The online CAT courses provide wider platforms to the CAT aspirants to share, discuss and clear their doubts with other students as they are well-connected to other peer aspirants across the whole country. This also helps them in staying aware with the competition level and the areas in which they need to improve.
Sometimes the CAT aspirants who joined a coaching center find it difficult to follow their classroom study schedule, and for them preparation online has emerged as a good alternative as it allows them to study as per their comfort with no commuting time. With so many benefits offered by the CAT online classes, it’s the right time to get enrolled for the classes and stay focused towards your studies.
Stay home, stay healthy!!
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.