“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
It’s that time of the year again! The concepts are all done and dusted, mock tests are in full swing, and the CAT exam is around the corner. As the countdown to this highly anticipated MBA entrance exam begins, many MBA aspirants find themselves experiencing more sleepless nights and heightened anxiety. It’s quite common for stress levels to skyrocket and self-confidence to take a hit as the exam draws nearer every day. Now is the moment to revise thoroughly and gear up for the ultimate test day.
In preparation for the CAT exam, it is crucial to not only have a clear understanding of concepts but also to enhance your accuracy and speed. As the exam date draws near, it’s essential to concentrate on these aspects. This can be achieved by practicing many timed questions, honing your mental calculation skills, adopting efficient problem-solving shortcuts, and ensuring quick access to all the necessary formulas.
In the final stages of exam preparation, the most effective approach for revision is to tackle as many questions as possible. With only a few days remaining, it’s essential to expose yourself to a wide range of questions to boost your confidence for the actual exam day. Whether it’s working through past years’ question papers or taking random online quizzes, your readiness to tackle any CAT question should be at its peak.
The CAT syllabus is extensive, and as a result, there’s a possibility that you might have skipped certain topics, either because they seemed too challenging or to revisit them later. However, it’s crucial to understand that this is not the right moment to delve into those topics. It’s wiser to leave them aside. Trying to learn new subjects just days before the exam could lead to confusion and increased stress. Additionally, there won’t be sufficient time to practice these topics adequately. Therefore, it’s best to stick to your established study routine, maintain your revision methods, work through CAT mock tests, and expose yourself to various question types while avoiding uncharted territories.
Despite its apparent simplicity, following the exam day instructions holds equal significance alongside all the aforementioned aspects. This includes ensuring your hall ticket is prepared, carefully reviewing the candidate instructions, verifying the exam center’s location, planning your transportation to arrive on time, and addressing any other exam day-related details.
Stay calm, take a deep breath, relax, and trust in your preparation. Anxiety can cloud your thinking, so keep your composure before & during the exam. Ignore peer pressure, and focus on your own strengths and strategies. Don’t compare yourself to others; you are unique, and your path to success is yours.
Lastly, remember that the CAT exam is just a stepping stone in your journey to a bright future. Trust in your abilities, stay calm, and keep pushing forward. CAT is a highly competitive exam that attracts many aspirants seeking admission to the best MBA colleges in the country. With everyone striving for a top score, it’s crucial to maintain both mental and physical well-being during your preparation. This involves following a well-structured preparation plan in the days leading up to the exam, adhering to a proper schedule, nourishing your body with a healthy diet, ensuring sufficient rest, and incorporating mood-lifting activities to manage exam-related stress.
It’s important to recognize that even the most well-prepared individuals can fall short if they don’t perform well on the actual exam. Therefore, it’s essential to fortify your mental and physical health before the big day. Cultivate self-confidence and have faith in your abilities. Ultimately, a strong knowledge base, a healthy body, and self-belief will pave the way for success in any endeavor.
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”
Team Insite, IIM Kashipur wishes you all the best in your CAT exam journey. You’ve prepared, and you’ve got the skills, now go and ace that test!
Ajayshankar G S
Ajayshankar is an enthusiastic first-year student currently pursuing his master’s from IIM Kashipur. Learning new things across different domains has molded him into an interdepartmental person with an optimistic mind. He enjoys playing football and cricket. He is currently one of the admission coordinators of IIM Kashipur. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
Karan Kumar
Karan Kumar is pursuing his MBA in Analytics from IIM Kashipur. He has published more than seven research papers covering various aspects of management. His interest areas include International Relations, Politics, Diplomacy and Intelligence. He is currently serving as the admission coordinator of IIM Kashipur. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.