JOIN USThis is a crucial time for those aspiring to enter any prestigious B-school. As the competition is stiff and the test tough, candidates need to be sure how to tackle the various sections — be it the analytic part or the logic reasoning. It’s revision time for candidates but time is scarce. Experts and those who have taken the test talk about how one should prepare for the test.
“There’s no point mugging up at the last minute. Instead, it would be a good idea to work out mock papers. Preferably, candidates should solve papers during the time slot allotted to them on the actual day so that they will be able to concentrate best during those hours,” suggests Sai Kumar Swamy, director of T.I.M.E. Bangalore and Mumbai.
He also suggests that one must not overdo the studying bit as well. “It’s ideal that an aspirant solves one paper in two days. It’s important that the errors are analysed and worked upon,” he adds.
For instance Rohit Jaiswal, who took the test last year and is currently pursuing an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), says that the last few days are crucial to improve one’s speed. “Speed along with accuracy is what counts. An important tip while doing the English section is to first skim through the passage and make note of the questions that follow. What I’ve noticed is that many candidates spend a lot of time reading the passage very carefully and then look at the questions.
Sometimes, the questions are really simple and don’t need one to
invest that much time. These time-saving tactics really need to be employed,” he says.
While the verbal reasoning requires continuous practice, Rohit says that reading newspapers on a daily basis will give candidates an edge.
In an application-based test like CAT, students must understand concepts to crack any sort of question. “Firstly, one must not cram concepts. They have to be understood thoroughly because they have to be applied. Besides, one must be alert. For instance, while reading newspapers, magazine or books, one must spot mistakes. This will help a lot,” says S Krishna Kumar, who has previously attempted the test.
While it can be a tense period prior to the exam, creating the right environment and being positive also counts. “Being with the right set of people during the preparation period makes a huge difference,” he says.