How to bell the CAT

A quick guide for tomorrow's managers

The scary CAT exam is just round the corner. Scheduled to begin from October 27, here are some tips by the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), for those who are going to write the exams:

Smart Strategy:
Conquer the CAT with precision and focus - the game has changed to accuracy, it is not about speed. The test literally and formidably attacks your weaknesses. CAT is inviting you to tackle every question, spend sufficient time on it and solve it correctly. Continue to have good reading habits - it will help you ace the test. Quality of the Self-analysis between two practice tests is critical.u00a0

Preparation Routine
A suggested strategy is to take a test every four days. If you take a test on Day 1, get into the analysis mode for Day 2, 3 and 4. Make sure you get in touch with the basics of your weak areas in this period. Before beginning a test, ensure you have an overall target score and section target scores. While taking the test, you could mentally slot the questions into those that you canu00a0

>>u00a0Understand and solve
>>Can solve but will take time
>> Can't solve

Area of Emphasis
CAT in recent times requires that you become friendly with the unknown. You need to apportion out judicious time to all sections of the test. Placing the sections appropriately along the time curve is a skill you need to master. Please ensure that you exhaust all ends of the section while selecting questions. Starting off in a sequence and not being able to reach the fag end of the section, because of dearth of time may keep you away from potential picks.

Importantly, practice reading online till the date of the test and be in regular touch with concepts and applications in Quantitative and verbal ability

(IMS is one of the largest business schools in India, with 140 centres across the country. The school has been training management students for the past 33 years.)