Expert's Corner: 5 tips to prepare stress-free for MAT 2020

By: Amit Sharma

The most important thing in the preparation stage is to develop a positive perspective towards the exam be it CAT, MAT, CMAT or any other entrance exam.

A common phenomenon associated with most of the leading competitive exams is stress. Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is also one such tough competitive exam which develops acute stress among the candidates during their preparation. It is often suggested by experts to consider stress-management techniques during the preparation of MAT. Most of the MAT aspirants do not get success and one of the major causes of this lag is their inability to managing their stress level. Appropriately managed stress develops psychological immunity of the candidate and leads him towards success. Here I would suggest a few things that would help you in qualifying your MAT exam with good score.

1. Stay enthusiastic and have faith in yourself: Whether appearing for CAT, MAT, CMAT or any other entrance exam, the most important thing is to develop a positive perspective towards the exam. The content for MAT is not out of the box. It is a similar syllabus we have studied in our school days. The only consideration required is logic, thought pattern and skills to analyse situations. You should have faith in the goal you have fixed for yourself and more than that you should have faith in yourself. This faith will bring positive energy around you.
2. Know the right time to start your preparation: The candidate needs to start early to cover the whole syllabus and to revise the same reasonable number of times before the exam. Usually, three types of aspirants appear for MAT. First is the candidate with ideal preparation strategy, starts early say a year before the actual date of MAT exam. They study each topic with a fundamental aspect and then they try to attain the tough level for the exam. They focus to develop effective vocabulary and reasoning skills. They always ensure that they complete the content in first eight months and revise the same with previous year papers in the rest of the time. As a result, the chances are very bright to qualify the exam with good score.

Let us talk about the second category of aspirants, who start when they are nine months away from the actual exam. They follow the disciplined routine with hard efforts to attain success. They do their strength and weakness (SW) analysis. They believe in appearing for mock tests to boost up their confidence. On a daily basis, they try to cover new concepts and revise what they have already done. This way they try to overcome their weakness and makes their preparation more effective.

Now, the third category are the candidates who start their preparation when they are just six months away from the actual exam. They usually starts with the sample papers and try to recognise the pattern of the exam and accordingly they try to touch the content with the text of their choice and convenience. They concentrate more on their weaknesses and give more time to revision of their strong areas. At times it becomes difficult for these aspirants to qualify the exam with good score. It is always suggested to start preparing for MAT as the first category aspirants do. This way you can prepare without rush and anxiety and will surely achieve success.

3. Prepare realistic and attainable time table: Often it has been observed that aspirants prepare unattainable time table or study plan which they can not follow for more than one or maximum two weeks. And slowly all what they have dreamt of goes away. This way they start developing stress and anxiety. The broad spectrum of content with less time, vague and unrealistic time table brings nervousness.
4. Take expert support to clear doubts: Self-preparation or preparing through coaching, for you are going to have certain doubts. The suggestion is do not live with any confusion or doubt related to any content. Take the help of experts and get it cleared as soon as possible.
5. Technical support: Nowadays, it is easy to use technology for the purpose of exam preparation. Using social media you can talk to different people who are preparing for the same exam or who are the experts available on platform such as Shiksha.com.

About the Author:

Amit Sharma is serving as an Assistant Professor at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, since 2013. With an experience of seven years in academics, Sharma conducts faculty development programmes at school level and management development programmes at organisational level across the industry.