Just one month until CAT 2024, the pivotal day that will showcase the results of your dedication and hard work over the past year and get you into your dream B-school, a place which will transform you!
Having walked this path myself, I understand the intensity and pressure that comes with it. If you're serious about CAT 2024, here are my top tips and resources to guide you through this crucial period (PS: This is what I followed to score a 99.45 percentile in CAT 2023):
1. Formulate a clear strategy
If you are aiming for 99+ percentile, you should know that your aim should be to attempt 11 questions in each section with maximum accuracy. Go in with a target.
a)While attempting VARC, browse through the passages quickly, you know your area of interest, so attempt those passages first.
b)While attempting DILR, know that you need to get 2 sets absolutely right. If LR is your strong suit, attempt those questions first. DILR is the make or break section. Ofcourse, if you have time remaining, go for the third set.
c)Lastly, for the Quant section, again browse through the questions and quickly solve the questions which you are confident at. If you see yourself getting stuck at a particular question, leave it for now, and move forward. Come back to the remaining questions later.
CAT is a timed test, so the aim should be to maximise the correct attempts in the alloted time. Remember, accuracy is more important than the number of attempts. Do not sway in greed, and let your confidence in the answer judge if you would be attempting the question or not.
2. Understanding IIM Calcutta’s Approach
IIM Calcutta is setting the paper this year. Based on my discussions with alumni, expect a focus on mind puzzles, games, geometry, and permutations and combinations (PnC). Don't neglect these areas! Also, tackle the 2018 paper despite its 100 questions—it’s great practice. Do not forget that Calcutta focuses on quant section, so be prepared for the same!
3. Mocks are Essential
Nothing new here, but I should stress on it that mocks are non-negotiable. You need to complete at least 50 mocks and have a clear strategy. For VARC, decide your order of attempts—RC first or VA first—and identify which types of questions yield the highest scores for you. My recommended resources: TIME’s AIMCATs and sectional mocks.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers
This is what helped me the most. Often we see unrealistic difficulty in mocks. To gain clarity about the level of actual CAT paper, start practicing previous year papers from 2017 onwards, covering all three slots. This will help you strategize and understand the paper setter’s mindset and difficulty level. My go-to resource: InsideIIM previous year papers. They also have video solutions to the problems making the analysis easier.
5. TITA Questions: Your Secret Weapon
Don’t leave the TITA (Type In The Answer) questions blank. Make educated guesses. Sometimes, luck can turn the tide.
Last but not the least, remember that stress is the killer. I walked into the exam hall with a mindset that I will give my best, whatever happens will happen. Make yourself at ease and let your hardwork do the magic for you!
As the saying goes, “Tumhare kaam ka nateeja kya hoga yeh mat socho, bas apne kaam ko manzil samajh ke uski taraf badhte raho". Trust your hard work.
For extra motivation boost, watch some videos of MBA influencers on Instagram to see what life at IIMs offer! All the best!
