Every year, more than 2.5 lakh students appear for the CAT (Common Admission Test) to get admission into India’s leading management institutes like the IIMs. Since the exam is highly competitive, you must stay calm, manage time wisely, and follow a smart approach during the test.

With the CAT exam fast approaching, irrespective of the preparation, students are bound to be anxious and stressed.

The CAT Exam will be held in November.

CAT is just a few days away now. The Common Admission Test or CAT, the entrance exam held for admission to all Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and some of the other top Business Schools in the country. As per IIM Kozhikode, the officiating institute of the CAT, approximately 2.44 lac students are going to write this examination, which is supposed to be one of the toughest admission tests in the world. Here’s what Prof Kishore Sharma, Professor at Taxila Business School, Jaipur, talks about on the things each candidate should keep in mind while taking the CAT test:

Tips Before the CAT Examination

• Start your preparation early. Ensure that you keep enough time to prepare for all the subjects.
• Plan your schedule systematically and keep ample time for revisions.
• Take a couple of mock tests to understand the pattern well and time yourself.
• Take breaks of 15 minutes every two hours. A good warm shower, nice music, a racy workout, or a power nap could be taken during these breaks.

Know the Pattern

The CAT has three sections 

On Exam Day

• Get sound sleep. Do not wake up late, and do not wake up early. A well-rested body and mind will help you write the examination better.
• Ensure your CAT hall tickets and ID proofs are in place at least a day before. The last-minute hassle may only cause confusion.
• Keep away from Facebook, Instagram, and do not get distracted by social media or mobile games. Keep your mind focused. Be relaxed.
• Eat a good breakfast and dress up in easy clothes. Clothes, hair, and accessories should not bother you on your examination day.
• Reach your CAT examination center before time. Stay inside after you reach the center.

During the exam

• Read each question carefully and make sure your answers are well thought out. Do not panic if you find a question tough. Try and cover as many questions as you can.
• The questions in exams are divided into three sections: easy, moderate, and difficult. Devote time to each section accordingly.
• Do not overspend time on one question; on average, it should take you 2-2.5 minutes for each question.
• If you do not know the answer to a particular question, do not guess, as this examination has a negative marking system.
• Do a quick review of your answers before the final submission.
• The most important thing to remember is to keep cool and confident. Tell yourself that you are better and will score well.

After the Exam

• Review your attempt:
• Note the sections where you felt unsure.
• Focus on upcoming steps like WAT, GD, and PI rounds.
• Stay calm and wait for results