Top 7 Time Management Tips for CAT preparation

In this post, we discuss some of the most important time management tips for CAT preparation. We have shared some of our experiences to help you understand what to expect and what to do during the CAT preparation process.

CAT is a computer-based test that is part of the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by IIMs. The test covers topics from English Language to Quantitative Ability. This exam is mandatory for students who wish to pursue MBA and post-graduate management courses in leading B-Schools. With the rise of online exams, the CAT has evolved into a challenge for many students. The CAT is an objective type test which means that there are no negative marking. However, there is a time limit to which the candidate should be able to complete the test. The CAT is usually completed within three hours.

In order to ensure that the candidate passes the CAT, it is important to have a proper understanding of the test format, the type of questions, the timings and the approach. Here are the top seven time management tips to help you plan, prepare and execute your study strategy for the CAT:

1. Have a clear understanding of the question pattern

The CAT consists of multiple sections, each having 50 to 60 questions. Each question carries a weightage. Therefore, it is important to work on the questions that are most important to you. It is advisable to look at the number of questions per section and plan accordingly.

2. Set a target score

It is recommended to set a target score for yourself based on your percentile. If you aim for a 90% percentile, you will need to score at least 18/20 for the test. This will help you to get a good idea of where your strengths lie and what areas you need to focus on.

3. Set study sessions

The CAT test is not just about solving the questions. It is equally important to practice the skills required to solve the questions. This means that it is important to spend adequate time on each section of the CAT. You should also break down the time spent on each section and set aside specific times for each section.

4. Make sure you understand the question types

There are mainly two types of questions in the CAT, objective and descriptive. The former assesses the reasoning skills of the candidate and the latter evaluates their analytical skills. You can expect the questions in the test to be from the descriptive section. These questions will require you to analyze and synthesize the information provided.

5. Use effective time management techniques

There are certain time limits that are allotted for the CAT. If you are unable to finish the test within the time limit, you will be automatically disqualified. Therefore, it is important to know the exact timings of the test. Also, it is important to note that the CAT test is the same for everyone. Therefore, there is no need to rush to complete the test. It is advisable to spend adequate time on each section.

6. Don’t Forget About Self-Discipline

Even though you are taking your studies very seriously, there are still some things that you need to keep in mind while preparing for the CAT exams. Don’t forget about the things like procrastinating and eating unhealthy snacks.

7. Divide Your Task into Smaller Sub-Tasks

In order to keep yourself organized and avoid the procrastination habit, you need to divide the big tasks into smaller ones. Try to break up your large assignment into smaller parts and make sure that you are doing it one sub-task at a time.

Final Words:

The first thing that you need to do is to schedule time for studying. There is no room for procrastination, as you need to dedicate at least 3-4 hours daily. Make sure that you block out at least 6-7 hours during a weekday and 8-9 hours during a weekend for studying. You should also track your progress so that you can make improvements in your approach, and you should also look into the time management tips mentioned below.

In conclusion, I would say that the best way to prepare for the CAT is to focus on the subject and not the test. Make sure that you are familiar with the syllabus, the questions that will be asked, and the topics that you will be required to study. This will help you to focus on the right things and not get distracted.