Common Admission Test (CAT) is a computer-based test for getting admission in a graduate management program in some most reputed institutes. Once the candidate clears the exam with a good score, they will surely find a place among the top institutes in the country. But CAT aspirants always have a question in their mind – whether they will be able to clear the CAT exam on the first attempt or not? The simple answer to this question is ‘YES’, every aspirant has the potential to crack the exam with a good score on the first attempt.
Ekansh Agarwal, Aaryan Kapoor are just a few among many toppers who cracked the CAT exam on their first attempt. 21-year-old Aaryan who belongs to Punjab scored 100 percentile while Ekansh scored 99.98 percentile in CAT 2020.
In an interview where Aaryan was asked what he did differently for preparation? He simply said it’s all about staying honest to yourself while preparing. On the other hand, Ekansh’s success strategy was quite simple, he said solving mock tests was more important than joining a coaching centre.
So, let’s talk about some more important tips shared by previous year toppers that can be beneficial for CAT aspirants this year to crack the exam in the first attempt:
Time Management
The first thing is time management. The preparation of CAT should have a well-planned strategy with proper time management. Aspirants have to make a schedule for preparation keeping in mind the full syllabus and time. The schedule should have the number of hours an aspirant is prepared to study every day and what all topics will be covered in the allotted time.
Mock Tests
Mock Tests can be a key to clearing CAT. The number of tests an aspirant will attempt, chances of attaining a high score will be high. Post preparation, take mock tests daily to gain good practice and confidence. This can be very helpful in attaining a good score on the first attempt.
Meet Agarwal who got 100 percentile in CAT 2017 took around 30 mock tests as a part of his preparation strategy.
Section wise preparation strategy
It is better to have a section-wise preparation strategy for the CAT entrance exam. Aspirants should take sectional tests based on sections of the exam which are – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Section-wise preparation strategy will help acquire knowledge and a deep understanding of each section.
Accuracy
Accuracy is also a key, an aspirant needs to be accurate in answers as there will be negative marking. Before marking the answer, you should be completely sure. Each wrong answer will deduct 1 mark, aspirants should read the questions thrice so that they can avoid unwanted mistakes. So please keep your focus on accuracy and do not make mistakes.
Sudhanshu Satpathy who scored 99.76 percentile in CAT 2020 exam says he attempted the Quant section first. He added staying relaxed and calm during the exam is the most important thing.
