CAT is the most important management entrance test in India. First timers are usually skeptical about their chances of cracking the exam. CAT online crash course will be of significant help to first-timers to strengthen the basics in a short time. In this article, let us see how to crack CAT in the first attempt.
One of the major advantages a repeater will have over someone who is appearing for the exam for the first time is the test-taking temperament. This disadvantage can be offset by taking a large number of CAT online mock tests. Taking the mocks regularly will ensure that someone who is appearing for the first time does not start on the back foot as compared to a repeater.
First timers should try to go through the past papers of CAT to know about the pattern of the exam. Previous year papers will help to gain a clear idea regarding the nature of the questions that one can expect in the actual exam. Let us move on to how to crack CAT in the first attempt.
How to crack CAT in the first attempt ?
Stick to your plan:
Cracking CAT in the first attempt calls for a bit of diligence and loads of discipline. One thing that aspirants should ensure while preparing for CAT is that they stay true to their preparation plan. Being disciplined in the preparation process is paramount to cracking CAT in the first attempt. Try to go all in with preparation to avoid regretting that you could have done better.
Basic First:
Aspirants who are appearing for CAT for the first time should ensure that they do not compromise on covering the basics well. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should take a diagnostic mock test to know about their strengths and weaknesses. This, in turn, will help them in drafting a good study plan for the rest of the season.
Try to complete the basics by mid-October. Ensure that you spend at least 2 to 3 hours on weekdays and 5 to 6 hours on weekends preparing for CAT. Also, ensure that your preparation plan is balanced. Do not end up allocating a disproportionate amount of time to one section at the cost of another. Allocate some extra time to the section you are weak at but ensure that revise your strong suits regularly.
Take mocks:
Start taking mocks regularly. Do not wait till you complete the basics to take mocks. Test-taking skills take some time to build. With close to 2 months to go for the exam, it is time to start taking mocks. Take a mock a week till the end of September. From October, start taking at least 2 mocks every week and analyze them.
Work on your Mistakes:
Note down the mistakes you often make in the mocks. If you find yourself to be weak in a particular topic, go back to the basics. Try to reduce the number of mistakes you make with each mock you take. Also, by the end of October, start devising a plan for the day of the exam.
Final Strategy:
After devising a strategy for the actual exam, test it in the mock tests and fine tune it. Experiment with various strategies. Select the one that suits you the most. After finalizing the strategy, try to use it in at least 4 or 5 mocks to ensure that it works well. Also, ensure that your strategy is flexible enough to accommodate any unforeseen changes on the exam day.
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We hope that this article would have helped you know how to crack CAT in the first attempt. For more useful articles, try reading how to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT and how to manage time in the CAT exam.
