Let’s get straight to the point. You want to get into an IIM. Based on my experience of both taking the CAT and training students for it, here’s what I would recommend you start with:
1) CAT has three sections. Divide your week section-wise. Two days for verbal, two for quant, two for data interpretation and logical reasoning. If a particular section is your weakness, give it three days and divide the remaining three into the other two sections. The seventh day is for either taking practice tests or solving questions from each of the sections; skipping between one to the other often.
This schedule is good if CAT is still a long way away, and you’re working on your concepts. Later, say 3-4 months before the exam, you should get into the habit of doing all three sections every day. Even if you have only an hour to study, give each section twenty minutes.
2) If the verbal section is your weakness, you need to put a lot of effort at this stage. Verbal is the hardest section to improve in a short span of time. Solving questions and studying concepts helps a lot. Ultimately though, the only way you will really improve is by reading – a lot of reading. If you’re not a reader, start with a couple of easier books but gradually get into reading heavier texts on very specialized topics like psychology, philosophy, arts, science etc. Also, reading the editorial from a good publication every day is certainly useful.
3) If quantitative aptitude is your weak section, go through each of the concepts in your books/ video course etc. After attending any lecture or watching any prep video, make sure you spend at least 3-4 hours solving questions related to that topic. With time, you will get better at identifying the weaker areas within quants – such as geometry, number systems etc.
Note that number systems is a topic you mustn’t avoid because it is also very critical for other entrance exams like SNAP.
4) Data interpretation and logical reasoning is a section that is hard to improve by reading books or attending classroom or video lectures. Ultimately the only way you will improve your performance here is by immense practice. So, slot more time in this section for actual practice instead of studying concepts.
5) It’s a good idea to have a coach or mentor, who can study your performance and give you guidance and motivation accordingly.
6) Think of it as a game instead of an academic endeavour. You will enjoy your progress much more that way. You will get a lot of net practice in books and lectures, some practice games in the mock-tests, but ultimately it should all be geared towards the real match which is on the day of CAT.
7) Learn to not get anxious when solving questions. Remember to breathe deep if you start getting stressed. Take sectional tests or full-length mock-tests as if they were the real exam, so that you can learn to handle some stress. Endless stories of people who performed very well in mock-tests but panicked during CAT have convinced me that emotional sharpness is as important as conceptual clarity and strategy for this exam.
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