How to Prepare CAT 2018 in 1 Month? Preparation Tips for Last Month of CAT 2018

• Divya Aswani


• 29 Oct 2018

The final countdown for CAT 2018 has begun with just four weeks on fingers. This is the high time when all the hard work of last few months will pay off. One must be properly dedicated and know how to prepare CAT 2018 in 1 month, the last month for CAT 2018 exam. The proper preparation strategy for the last month of CAT 2018 will result in a better score and may fulfil the dream of entering IIMs or other top preferred B-School.

By this time, the aspirants are expected to complete their syllabus, if they are aspiring to get a good percentile. Thus, one must tread carefully and know how to prepare for CAT 2018 in 1 month.

CAT 2018 (Common Admission Test) is a national level management entrance exam for admission into various management programs of IIMs and other top B-Schools in the academic session 2019-2020. IIM Calcutta is the coordinating authority for this edition of CAT and more than 2.41 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the test which would be conducted on 25, 2018 (Sunday).

It is usually believed that the last month of CAT is the most crucial time, the time when aspirants have to brush up whatever they have studied so far in a smart manner, keeping time as one aspect. The CAT toppers and Experts usually believe this is the time when they can be differentiated among lakhs of candidates. To help aspirants with the preparation strategy we are roughly sketching a plan which would solely focus on how to polish or revise whatever aspirant has done in the last few months.

READ Too: CAT 2018 Admit Card Released @Iimcat.Ac.In, Download Till CAT 2018 Exam Day

CAT 2018 Exam Pattern

Preparation Tips to Prepare CAT 2018 in 1 Month

The upcoming 28 days must be divided among revisions of different sections, taking mock tests and solving previous year question papers. Here are some do’s and don’ts which must be kept in mind amidst preparation.

• BACK TO BASICS: The basics which aspirants must have studied in the beginning must be revised, in the previous CAT articles, aspirants were advised to maintain a hand book which includes all the important formulas and fundamental concepts, this is the time when aspirants must use that book to revise all those important formulas and concepts. But don’t waste too much time in revising, keep it short and smart.

• MOCK TESTS: Try and solve 4-5 mock tests or previous year papers per week and that too in online mode so that you feel comfortable with online mode of examination and henceforth not waste time in switching from rough paper to monitor screens. Evaluate yourself and try to improve.

• TIME MANAGEMENT: You would have 60 minutes for each section. So during practising on a mock test, try and evaluate which section is taking more time and keep that in mind. Try and solve easier problems first because what matters most is maximum no. of questions to be solved correctly.

Try and devote time to each section per day. Practice sections like VERBAL ABILITY, DATA                          INTERPRETATION for 30 minutes each day with taking 8 minutes per set with maximum accuracy and rest sections like QUANTITATIVE ABILITY, LOGICAL REASONING for 45 minutes, with 7 minutes per set time limit. Rest of the day should be spent doing mock tests and sample papers that are section wise.

• REVISE DAILY: Before practising each section make sure you revise all the concepts briefing on a daily basis this will help you create a photographic memory of the concepts and formulas. Or you can revise all the concepts of all the sections in one day, followed by solving a series of mock tests the other day.

• MAINTAIN A DISTANCE FROM NEW TOPICS: This is the time when aspirants should focus on revising what they already know, starting new topics can take consume your most of the time which will your concepts half-baked.

• KEEP YOUR MIND AT PEACE: Aspirants usually loose there cool as Test comes closer. But panicking will just make your condition even worse. Try to keep calm and have confidence in yourself, In spite of focusing on what you haven’t done try to focus what you are doing today, do that with your 100% efficiency.

READ ALSO: CAT 2018 Mock Test Released, Special Features Added For Question Display

Strategy For Last Month of CAT 2018

• First 7 days

Try to solve as many mock tests as possible, Make sure you have completed at least 1 mock test per day with practising at least 2 topics of each section. Taking mock test is important but comparing it with a solution is must, you must check your score for each mock test you take and analyse your weak areas. Try and understand their concept thoroughly to avoid similar mistakes in the next mock test. Aspirants must check and correct their incorrect questions the same without any procrastination.

• Next 7 days

This week is simply concept strengthening, focus on DILR to clear their fundamentals. Try to read non-fiction journals, magazines, newspaper etc and solve 2 RC per day. Focus on your strong areas and try to solve difficult level questions on the same, skip the ones you find a way beyond CAT level, don’t waste time on those. QA includes some really basic topics like number systems, counting (P&C), Algebra, Geometry questions, try to build a great command on these topics. Keep up with the mock test Thing on the daily basis but with allotting lesser solving time.

• Next 7 days

Since by this time you will be left with just 2 weeks in hand, it’s important to increase focus and keeping away all the distractions, it would be better if you start with 10 minutes meditation just after waking up to maintain the higher concentration level the entire day. No more new concepts or topics. Revise and remember whatever you already know. Do not forget formulae and basic techniques. Practice only those topics that you have identified as high priority. Try to stick on techniques you have developed by solving sectional questions. Remember all the silly mistakes you frequently did earlier to be avoided.

• Last 7 days

The last week is all about revising and attempting mock tests at least 2 per day. Focus on attempting the maximum number of questions in spite of sticking on individual topics, your motive is to score maximum not ace in the particular topic. Also, try to attempt all the non-MCQs because there is no negative marking on those.

Last 2 days should relax, keep in touch with the notifications. Do not stress out on the preparations any more, just fewer revisions, no mock tests, no sectional tests, nothing at all.  Gather all your documents like Admit card, application form, Photo ID everything which you will require in the exam centre.

• Before the Test Day

Sleep at least 8 hours at night before the Exam Day because you will presence of mind the most during the exam. Keep all the information about the exam centre, try to reach at least 45 minutes earlier from the test time, carry a bag because you might be asked to leave your belonging outside. All the stationary will be provided to you in the examination room so carry whatever is required in minimum quantity.

ALSO READ: 5 Top Regional MBA Entrance Exams: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Schedule And Details

 Believe in yourself, keep calm and focus!! The three mantras an aspirant must follow!!

ALL THE BEST ASPIRANTS FOR CAT PREPARATIONS and EXAM!!

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