CAT Preparation Guide: 5-6 Months Action Plan

Jun 21, 2024

CAT Preparation Guide: 5-6 Months Plan

Introduction

  • CAT is about 5-6 months away, currently towards the end of June.
  • Question: Can you crack CAT in this time frame? Answer: Yes.
  • The speaker, Darpan Saxena, an MBA graduate from IIM Udaipur, started preparing for CAT in June 2015 and scored 98.3% in his first attempt.
  • The video covers detailed aspects and a roadmap for CAT preparation.

Key Points

Can You Still Prepare and Succeed?

  • Answer: Yes, it's possible to crack CAT in 5-6 months.
  • Darpan started his preparation in June and succeeded in his first attempt.

Problem Areas and Strategy

  • **Primary Question Areas: **
    • Am I late?
    • What is the CAT exam?
    • What do I study for CAT?
    • How do I prepare with a job or during college?
  • It's crucial to address these questions to ensure a comprehensive strategy.

Understanding CAT

  • **Sections: ** Three sections in CAT: VARC, DILR, QA
    • VARC: 24 questions (16 RC, 8 VA)
    • DILR: Typically 4 sets of 5 questions
    • QA: A variety of arithmetic, algebra, and other topics.
  • Scoring: +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers (zero-negative for some questions).

Starting Preparation Now

  • Timeline: June to September for basic concepts.
    • Next 3 months to complete fundamental concepts.
    • Mock tests: Should ideally start in March or April but the next best time is to start now.
  • Mocks: Essential for understanding strengths and weak areas; helps to adapt to the exam format.

Detailed Planning: June to September

  • **Concepts Completion: **
    • Give yourself 3 months to cover all basic concepts for QA, VARC, and DILR.
    • Attend online classes, solve questions from those classes, and practice consistently.
  • Weekly Routine:
    • Weekdays: At least 3 hours daily (classes and practice questions).
    • Weekly: One mock test and its detailed analysis.

October to Exam Day

  • **Revision and Mock Frequency: **
    • Revise based on mock test analysis.
    • Increase the frequency of mock tests to twice or thrice a week.

Section-Wise Strategies

VARC

  • Reading Practice: Diverse topics like Philosophy, Psychology, Science.
    • Sources: The Hindu, Economic Times, NY Times, Eon Essays.
    • Focus: Improve comprehension and speed.
  • VA: Focus on solving a variety of RC passages daily.

DILR

  • Practice Types: Reasoning-based DI, Matrices, Arrangements, Scheduling, Venn Diagrams.
    • Essential to practice a wide variety of question types.

QA

  • **Primary Focus: ** Arithmetic, Algebra (60-65% of QA questions)
    • Secondary Focus: Geometry, Numbers, Probability, and P&C.
    • Speed and Accuracy: Solve questions under timed conditions.

Practical Tips

  • **Daily Routine: ** Consistent daily practice; avoid relying solely on weekend sessions.
  • Job and Study Balance: Allocate time effectively for daily study sessions even if working full time.
  • Breaks and Downtime: Take occasional breaks to avoid burnout; avoid long vacations during prep time.
  • Analysis of Mock Tests: Analyze each mock test thoroughly to identify and work on weak areas.
  • **Stay Positive: ** Trust your strategy and hard work; seek help if needed.

Conclusion

  • **Final Advice: **
    • Regular daily practice, consistent mock testing, and analysis are key to success.
    • Believe in your preparation and seek guidance if necessary.
    • Use this period effectively for a transformative learning experience.
  • **Call to Action: ** Like, subscribe, and engage with the content for more insights.

Happy Studying and Best of Luck!