Common Admission Test is one of the most prominent and prestigious management entrance test in the country. And the CAT 2018 being around the corner today, we have to come up with the tips, tricks and very own topper’s point of view for scoring 100 percentile. The D-Day of 25th November is overhanging with a lot of pressure for all the candidates. And considering the pressure and rat race to make into the top colleges of the country, it’s perfectly normal for MBA aspirants to experience certain amounts of anxiety and stress. So, for all you serious candidates, we have come up with, what toppers say is the best way to improve CAT percentile!
Can CAT be cleared in First attempt?
Appearing for such a career changing exam, some amount of anxiety and nervousness is quite natural on the part MBA aspirants. But, the million dollar question for all the MBA aspirants who are taking up CAT MBA exam for the first time is that ‘Can CAT Exam be cracked in the first attempt itself?’ There is no fixed answer to this question, but going by the past record, it is safe to assume that with the right preparation strategy; CAT 2018 can easily be cracked in the first attempt.
What do the CAT Toppers Suggest?
All CAT aspirants have their own preparation strategy that they adopt with the hope of belling the CAT entrance test. Some of these toppers have shared their secrets to success that can easily be incorporated by any MBA aspirant in their own preparation strategy for the CAT exam, the mother of all management entrance exams. Here are some of the key learning that the CAT toppers have shared with us. Follow these simple tips to ensure that you not only score the right percentile to get a call from IIMs but also build the right foundation for your CAT MBA preparation strategy.
CAT Syllabus Deadlines
One of the biggest challenges for first time CAT Aspirants is the vast nature of the CAT syllabus. With the huge syllabus to cover, MBA aspirants have to manage their time very well to ensure that they complete the entire syllabus within the deadlines they have set. Having a deadline to complete the CAT syllabus and studies will keep you motivated during the next 2 months which is the most critical phase of your preparation time.
Time Bound Practice
One of the factors that contribute to the CAT being considered one of the toughest management entrance exams to crack in India, is the limited time available in the exam to solve the questions. While a majority of the questions being asked in CAT 2018 are basic in nature, what makes them difficult, is the limited timeframe available to the candidates to complete the exam. Therefore, make sure that you include time-bound practice sessions as part of your CAT preparation strategy. Moreover, make sure that you do this with both MCQs and non-MCQ type of questions; this will help you build the right speed at which you should answer the questions. This hardship can be overcome with regular Mock test papers and practice papers. The mock test also plays a crucial role as they assess performance and give chance to improve.
Avoid referring too many Books
The old idiom of ‘Too many cooks spoil the dish’ also stands true when it comes to CAT 2018 preparation books. There are hundreds of books in the market which claim to be the ultimate guide to cracking CAT 2018. But, too many books with different techniques and terminologies confuse MBA aspirants which create a fuss in mind. Therefore, CAT toppers suggest that you should only refer two good books on any subject or topic for CAT 2018 preparation. These two reference books should be able to give you all the necessary knowledge about the topic in question.
Build a Peer Study Group
Many CAT aspirants believe in working alone, especially during the final phase of the CAT preparation i.e. the last two months. During these months, one can either get too over-confident with regards to their preparation or completely lose their focus and get into depression mode. To avoid this, working with a motivated set of individuals who are able to inspire and challenge you to put your best foot forward is required.
Mock Tests are Mandatory
This one goes without saying; Mock Tests are your ultimate friend when it comes to CAT MBA test preparation. Mock Tests help you not only to check and practice whatever you have learned, but they also give you an insight into what’s actually working in your preparation strategy and helps you to realign the same for the coming days.
3-4 Hours of Rigorous Study is Enough
Another major concern of MBA aspirants who are taking up CAT for the first time is regarding the number of hours they should study. Again, just like everything else, there is no fixed formula here which can guarantee success. However, as per CAT toppers, regular and rigorous study schedule of 3-4 hours daily is enough to cover the entire syllabus and lay a proper foundation for CAT 2018 preparation. So, don’t think that being buried under a pile of books for 12-14 hours a day is going to be of any great help to you.These simple CAT Preparation Tips by the CAT toppers can help you lay a strong foundation for the upcoming CAT 2018 exam. The biggest reason why you should follow these tips is that they are given by a talented bunch of individuals who have been through the same ordeal which you are undergoing right now and have emerged victorious in their quest to ‘Bell the CAT’.