CAT 2023: Importance of time management, mock tests planning, topper traits

Manage the pressure

It is the ‘D-Day’ pressure that may be the culprit in most cases, so a calm mind holds the key to success. We have seen even top players falter under pressure — be it cricket, football or any other sport. Handling pressure and enjoying the journey throughout the exam duration can help aspirants maximise their CAT scores. 

Time management

Divide the time judiciously while attempting the CAT 2023 paper. In the VARC section, know what works for you the best and follow that strategy. You can attempt VA first and then RC or RC first and then VA or it can also be a jump from RC to VA and then back to RC. The point is you need to do what works the best for you as a unique individual. Try different strategies in the AIMCATs and SAMCATs (mocks) and then figure out your plan of action.

Never give up attitude

There are quite a few aspirants -almost every year- who were not able to solve even a single set in the first 15 minutes of the paper in the DILR section and they became IIM call getters later on just because they didn’t give up even after losing the precious 15 minutes. The key was how to now utilise the next 25 minutes of the time left(you get 40 minutes per section in the exam). By getting 2 sets correct in the leftover time students were able to get past the 95%ile bracket needed to get good calls.

Mock test planning

In the remaining days, the focus must be on taking tests and analysing them thoroughly. Giving a gap of two and three days between the mocks can give the aspirants the much-needed time to plan for the next mock by working on all the mistakes done in the previous one. Going back to the basic booklets to review concepts can be really enlightening in improving the scores and thereby the percentile. 

If some particular topic is still weak, one can try taking the sectional tests based on the specific topics as to strengthen that particular area like para jumble, para completion, geometry, critical reasoning, probability, etc. 

Mock test analysis

Analysing the paper is a tedious process but whosoever does it gets the real benefits. Once the mock test is over and you get to see your paper, try to attempt the leftover questions (the unattempted ones). Once you reattempt the paper, check the keys and mark all the wrong answers you got. Check the relevant chapters and rectify all the mistakes done. In a way you are attempting the same mock three times. This kind of effort never goes in vain and all the top IIM call getters can vouch for this.

Learn from the mistakes

In November, the frequency of tests can be further increased, but what is more important is to learn from the mistakes done. You should always check the difference between your answer and the actual answer. Figure out ways to avoid the mistakes by working on both the knowledge level and skills. Silly mistakes should be avoided at any cost as those mistakes are not done because you don’t know the answer but because you are in a hurry or because of some concentration lapses.

Keep motivating yourself!

Reward yourself for every good score you get and keep yourself motivated. At the end of it what matters the most in these aptitude-based tests is your attitude. Devote six to eight hours regularly and practice as much as you can with your head held high.

— The author is the Senior Regional Head, TIME.