Before we start going over the CAT preparation study plan, there’s an extremely important note that one should always keep in mind –
Examinations are likely to induce discomfort and stress at times. Still, the situation doesn’t have to be that way. There are many tried and tested approaches that can help you smartly study for tests. Students ought to realise that several years into the future, despite their current failures, everything would feel minute and trivial to them. Do not give up no matter what happens. Focus with absolute persistence on achieving the ultimate objective. You’re going to do perfectly! Remember, procrastination does not deliver attractive test outcomes. A realistic strategy can help you smoothly discuss each issue.
We hope these eight tips will help you sail through CAT Preparation in the best way. Many who attain success with MBAP will deservedly applaud their victory, but hopefully, they will look past their outcomes to what more could be feasible in the future. That’s an important lesson for all of us that, tests are a means to an end and not an end in themselves.
Take an optimistic outlook instead of getting into crisis mode as examinations close in. Yoga and meditation will also (redundant) allow the mind to concentrate more too. Note the benefit of taking 5-15 minute breaks now and then while preparing, so you don’t over exert yourself to a point of no return.
Planning would help you control your CAT preparation time better by making a time-table that specifies what content needs to be checked in order of relevance. Don’t be afraid to google, if necessary, for clarification. Also, at what time of day/night will you sample, depending on your schedule? It will help you prepare smartly with a practical and reasonably researched approach.
Most exams require practical information to be shown, whether it be essay questions, brief answers, or mathematical equations. Training exercises and routine mocks either sectional or full length are the most desirable ways to assess your analytical skills as they allow you to find your strengths and weaknesses on time so that before the final exam you can work accordingly on different areas. One of the major reasons why MBAP provides its valuable study material and test series to students is because before progressing to the next, each student should thoroughly grasp every definition and concept.
During your CAT preparation, there’ll be times when no matter how hard you try but you will get stuck on some question or concept. This will lead to wastage of time and unnecessary depression will begin to set in. It could be a quant formula, DILR Concept, or Verbal usage clarity, which might need a simple push to come out of the situation. This push and motivation to continue can be provided by an online or offline mentor depending on your choice.
Even 30 minutes of reading a book, playing your favourite game, or visiting your friends will help you counter depression and tackle learning with a rejuvenated mind. Don’t forget to take time off for activities you love as well.
Keep everything you need in one easy-to-access location before your test – materials, drinks, food, clothing, etc. Set, if appropriate, an alarm clock. And, intend to have a healthy breakfast on your big day in the morning. Most notably, before the test, make sure you have enough sleep so you’re completely energized.
Since this period gives you only 6 months for CAT Preparation, being on schedule and time is very important. Candidates need to make sure that their topic clarity and practice is done side by side as there isn’t much time for separate mock tests. They also need to make sure that out of these 6 months they take out revision time each month to keep their learnings on track.
There is less time for students so they need to manage any of their ongoing exams and parallelly prepare for CAT. Time-division can be higher in the months in which there are no traditional exams to keep this 180-day study plan organised and keep students under a bit less pressure.
Working professionals can evenly divide their afterwork time and study accordingly for these 6 months. They can also skip on mock tests until the end. Topic clarity is of utmost importance and so working professionals can skip topics they are good at and instead divide that time onto difficult topics.
As per the exam pattern, the CAT 2021 Syllabus is divided into three major sections i.e., verbal ability & reading comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation.
This section is divided widely into the comprehension of reading, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal capacity. Applicants need to use a different method to practice each topic of this section of the CAT test. For starters, reading comprehension practice should start by reading 1 hour every day on the frequently asked topics. This will improve your ability to comprehend and also broaden your perspective on various topics.
The most critical thing in planning for DILR is to have the clarity of foundational principles. Since the questions in this segment are focused on facts and reasoning, the candidates need to develop sharp analytical skills and pay attention to detail. Tables, Line Maps, Pie Charts, Bar Charts, and Mixed Charts are areas of importance to review for DILR. Practicing 2 problem sets everyday each of DI and LR would take you miles ahead in the competition.
This is the final and the most comprehensive portion of the CAT test. Math topics including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Mensuration are included in the QA section. For all principles, formulas, and theorems, the trick to excel in this portion of the CAT exam is to be comprehensive. Build the capacity to mentally calculate, too. While at the examination centre a calculator will be given, but the mental calculation will save more time.
We at MBAP suggest the following program for CAT Preparation, if you’re planning to start anywhere between April to June.
VARC | DILR | QA | |||
Topic | No of days | Topic | No of days | Topic | No of days |
5 | Networks & Routes | 5 | 10 | ||
10 | DI based reasoning | 5 | 5 | ||
15 | 5 | 3 | |||
10 | 8 | 4 | |||
Sentence correction | 5 | 10 | 3 | ||
10 | 5 | 3 | |||
10 | 5 | 3 | |||
Verbal reasoning | 5 | 5 | 2 | ||
Critical Reasoning | 5 | 12 | 2 | ||
Fill in the blanks | 5 | 10 | 2 | ||
– | – | 5 | Quadratic equations | 4 | |
– | – | 5 | 2 | ||
– | – | Combinations | 5 | 3 | |
– | – | – | – | 3 | |
– | – | – | – | Inequalities | 2 |
– | – | – | – | 4 | |
– | – | – | – | 4 | |
– | – | – | – | TSD | 4 |
– | – | – | – | 10 | |
– | – | – | – | 2 | |
– | – | – | – | 5 | |
Total | 80 | Total | 80 | Total | 80 |
In a day, we advise to spend at least 3 hours, dividing at least 1 hour 20 mins on each topic to prepare well for CAT 2022. If you have time, then you may give more time to the weaker section but don’t forget to keep the balance among the three sections while preparing. We also suggest to go through CAT previous year papers to know about the level of questions being asked in CAT.
Note. This timetable is made considering students start in mid or late month of May and leave the last month (mid-October – mid-November) for mock tests and strengthening their weaknesses by working on them.
Inspiring Education… Assuring Success!!
Ⓒ 2020 – All Rights Are Reserved