Only five days are left to go for CAT 2020 exam. It is the biggest national level MBA entrance exam and to be ready for it candidates need to devise a strategy beforehand and practice the same. So here are 5 things that are to be done in 5 days before the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2020.
1. Plan the time management: This year CAT is all about time management because the duration of the exam is 2 hours, instead of 3. In addition to this, candidates will only get 40 minutes for each section. After the lapse of 40 minutes, the computer screen will automatically move to the next section. Thus, there is a tight time limit. Hence, candidates need a good time management plan. For VARC section, candidates must plan on how they are going to read a passage and understand it in one go. Whereas, for other sections, candidates can need to keep a tab on time spent per question.
Tip: For the reading comprehension, candidates can read the question following it first and then read the passage. This way, candidates already know what to look for in the passage.
2. What to do about the tough questions?: Tough questions and more time-consuming. Also, there is negative marking in the exam. Hence, it is vital that before attempting the question candidate decided if it is worth spending time or not.
Tip: If the time permits, go back to the question and try to solve it once. But not more than once. If it can be solved at one go solve it, else, leave it. Do not guess and mark the answer, as it will lead to negative marking.
3. Keep up with the mock tests: Until the last day before the exam candidates should take mock tests. Toppers of CAT from the previous year have said that mock tests are a sure shot way to crack the exam. Mock tests, if taken diligently, improves speed and accuracy as well.
Usually, toppers take around 80 mock test during preparation. However, there is no restriction on the number. Since CAT is an online exam, candidates should take any many online mock tests as they can.
Tip: Keep taking mock tests to keep the brain warmed up for the exam day. While taking the mock tests, strategise the time management as you would on the real exam day. If one strategy fails, develop a new one. Also, try to take a full mock test during the exam time. This way, your brain will train to take the test at that time.
4. Maintain the cycle of revise, practice > analysis > revise, practice: Before the exam day, keep revising, and practising the topics. Read past year’s reading comprehension passages and solve them. Try to take a timer and solve the RCs. Catch up on morning headlines, and current affairs. From time to time analyse the preparation, the topics that are yet lagging must be revised and practiced more.
Tip: Although by now all CAT aspirants have covered the full syllabus, however, if a few topics are left do not start them now. This is not the correct time to start anything from the scratch. This can lead to confusion and anxiety.
5. Avoid all distractions: Cut short on social media and leisure time. Be a bit more involved in the preparation in the last few days. Take breaks that are necessary but do not waste time without any important engagement to attend to. This is the time to train the brain to focus and to stay calm. Thus, prepare for the exam in a room that is without any distractions.
Tip: Catch up with social media while you are on break. Keep the phone away while revising or practicing for the exam. The candidates can also wake up early and practice meditation for 15 minutes to calm down and get rid of any anxiety for the exam day.
As per reports, 2.13 lakh MBA aspirants have applied this time for CAT. IIM Indore, the organizing institute, has not officially announced the number of questions in the exam. They will not officially announce it before the exam. However, it is expected that since time will be less, the number of questions will be also less. Yet, candidates should stay prepared for the unexpected. The candidates must report to the exam center on November 29, 2020, for the exam as per the time slot allotted to them on the admit card. CAT admit card is available under the respective logins of the candidates at iimcat.ac.in.
