CAT Prep Tips: Attempt maximum mock tests to prepare yourself for the worst

Lalit Kumar Prusty

CAT is one of the most important exams for any MBA aspirant. With numerous test-takers appearing for the exam every year, there is cut-throat competition to be on the top. While some aspirants join renowned coaching institutes, some choose self-study. 

Lalit Kumar Prusty appeared for CAT 2016 and scored 98.42 percentile. He believes that first time test-takers must start preparing early for the exam so that they get their basics right before attempting the mocks. Here is how Lalit prepared for the CAT:

Self-study may not be sufficient for everyone and it is difficult to stick to a schedule, which is where coaching really helps. Also, coaching helps immensely in clearing doubts and provides you with the right environment where you can learn as well as compete.

For first time takers, consistent preparation for a period of 8-10 months really helps. It gives you enough time to get your basics cleared before attempting the mocks.

An ideal routine strategy should include 15 hours of self-study (5 for each section) along with 2-3 mocks a week.

All the previous years’ papers and at least one full set of study material from any of the reputed coaching institutions are good enough. Additional books are not required.

A balanced approach is necessary. Include all three sections in a regular week of preparation and pay attention to each and every mock to track your proficiency across sections. Reading good books and articles on web will give you an edge in VARC. Develop a habit of solving random puzzles from authentic sources to do well in DILR. For Quants, just practice questions from materials and mocks. Keep separate chapter-wise notebooks for each section.

Always start from the easiest questions and keep an eye on the timer. If you don’t get a rough idea of the answer by the time you complete reading a question, it is better to mark it and come back to it later if you have some time left. The only trick here is to never miss out on an easy question.

Mocks help you master the process of time management. So take as many full mocks as possible to prepare yourself for the worst.

After every mock result, analyse the paper with solutions. See where you lack and go back to the theory if needed. You may have missed some key concept or you may need more practice to get the application right. Be patient and improvement will definitely be visible.

Appear for XAT, IIFT, NMAT and SNAP along with CAT. Also, TISSNET if you are interested in HR.

I’ll share some do’s. Keep your notebooks clean and organised, and develop a reading habit. Read newspapers daily to stay updated. Have a social life to release stress.

CAT scores are used for admission to 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and various other top B-Schools. Are you eligible for the IIMs? To know more, click on the image beside.