When to Start Preparing for CAT - A lot of students who are sure about making a career in management start their CAT preparation well in the second year of graduation. Similarly, working professionals often dedicate at least a year to preparing for CAT before taking the exam because of the limited time one can take out for studying with a full-time job.
How to Start Preparing for CAT - This is the next big question weighing on the minds of every aspirant. The answer to that lies in the exam pattern and syllabus. Before you so much as sit down for your first study session, go through the syllabus and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern to understand what you are signing up for.
Do You Need Coaching? - If you do not want to go through the financial and mental strain these coaching institutes can inflict on you, remember that self-study can be just as good a choice as formal coaching. If you choose to prepare for the CAT on your own, make sure you have mentors or peers who can help you in case you get stuck on certain topics or concepts.
Utilize the Internet - While there is no dearth of printed books to help you with your CAT preparation, the internet is a gold mine for the right study material. From section-wise notes, preparation materials, sample papers, question banks, and handbooks on key shortcuts and tricks, just about everything you need to be thoroughly prepared is available online. If leveraged the right way, the internet can bolster your CAT preparation.
Pay attention to each and every section - Solving CAT questions is not child's play. Most of the questions in the exam are twisted with tricks and need to be approached with logical thinking. One of the most important aspects of your CAT preparation should be that you devote time to each of these sections each day so that you are well-versed in the fundamentals.
You Don’t Need to Know Everything - You cannot expect to attempt and get 100 percent of the paper right. In effect, you do not need to aim to be thorough with 100 percent of the syllabus. Go through the sample papers to assess the weightage of different topics in different sections and limit your preparation to the most important ones. This is especially crucial for the sections that aren’t your strong point.
Mock Test, Mock Test, Mock Test -This is the holy grail of your CAT preparation. If you attempt at least 20-25 mock tests or sample papers during the course of your preparation, you will no longer be a stranger to the ways of CAT. Not only will this boost your confidence on the day of the exam but also help you identify tricks and twists in the questions better.