Preparing for the CAT exam can seem daunting, especially if you feel like you are starting from scratch. However, with a structured and consistent study plan, you can significantly improve your chances of success. ARKS Sir, an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and an experienced CAT mentor, offers a comprehensive 5-month study plan designed to help you crack the CAT exam in 2024.
1. Set Weekly Goals
- Consistency is Key: The cornerstone of your preparation should be consistency. Aim to take a mock CAT test every Sunday. This regular practice will help you get used to the exam pattern and timing.
- Morning, Noon, or Afternoon Slots: Take the mock test at 8 AM, 12 PM, or 4 PM to simulate the actual exam conditions. These are the typical slots for the CAT exam, and practicing during these times will condition your mind and body to perform optimally.
2. Review and Analyze Mocks
- Double the Time for Review: For every two hours you spend taking a mock exam, spend another two hours reviewing and analyzing your performance. This is crucial for identifying your weaknesses and working on them.
- Identify Weak Areas: Focus on the questions you got wrong or couldn’t solve. Spend time understanding the solutions and the concepts behind them.
3. Incremental Improvement
- Small Steps, Big Gains: After each mock, pick one topic you struggled with and focus on it for the next few days. For example, if you struggled with ratios and proportions, spend the next two days mastering that topic.
- Use Available Resources: Utilize the handouts and study materials provided by your coaching institute (Career Launcher, TIME, IMS, etc.). Go through the basics and gradually move to advanced problems.
4. Regular Practice and Revision
- Frequent Mock Tests: Initially, taking a mock test every three days can be beneficial. This frequency ensures that you stay in the exam mindset and continuously improve.
- Detailed Revision: Post-mock, thoroughly revise the questions you couldn’t solve. Understanding where you went wrong is essential for improvement.
5. Mindset and Motivation
- Stay Positive: Your mindset plays a significant role in your preparation. Do not get disheartened by low scores in the initial mocks. Instead, use them as a learning tool.
- Focus on Progress: Rather than getting fixated on marks, focus on your overall progress and consistency. Regular practice and consistent effort will eventually lead to improvement in scores.
Success Stories
- Inspirational Example: ARKS Sir shares an inspiring story of a law student who started her CAT preparation on September 9th and managed to secure admission to IIM Lucknow by scoring 98+ percentile. Her strategy involved taking a mock every third day and diligently analyzing her performance.
Conclusion
With about 15-16 weeks to go, a structured and consistent approach can make a significant difference. Focus on taking regular mocks, thoroughly analyzing them, and continuously working on your weak areas. Remember, even if your scores are low initially, persistent effort and a positive mindset can lead to remarkable improvement.