Starting Your CAT 2019 Preparation in January: A Structured Plan

Since the CAT Common Admission Test typically occurs in November, starting your preparation in January 2019 would give you about 10 months to prepare, which is a reasonable amount of time. Here’s a suggested plan for an effective preparation.

Understand the Exam Pattern

The key to success in the CAT is thorough understanding of the exam pattern. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, including the sections, types of questions, and the marking scheme. This will help you plan your study schedule and prioritize areas that require more focus.

Create a Study Plan

Divide your time:

Allocate time for each section: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension. Daily and Weekly Goals: Set achievable daily and weekly targets to cover topics and practice questions.

Study Resources

Use standard CAT preparation books and resources:

Books: Those by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, or the official CAT website for sample papers. Online Resources: Consider enrolling in online courses or using apps dedicated to CAT preparation.

Practice Regularly

Mock Tests: Start taking mock tests by mid-year to gauge your preparation level and improve your time management.

Previous Years’ Papers: Solve past years' question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

Analyze and Improve

After each mock test, analyze your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving weaker areas.

Time Management

Develop strategies to manage your time effectively during both preparation and the actual exam. This includes setting up a clear schedule, breaking down tasks, and ensuring that you allocate sufficient time for each section.

Stay Motivated: Join study groups or forums to stay engaged and motivated. Regular interaction with peers and sharing strategies can significantly boost your morale and efficiency.

Starting in January gives you ample time to prepare thoroughly if you maintain a disciplined study schedule. Good luck!

Additional Tips for CAT Preparation

Get Your Basics Strong: Before you start solving difficult questions, work on your basics. Read theory, be thorough with the formulas, and solve examples to gain confidence. Gradually move to more challenging questions.

Practice and Practice: The more you practice, the more you will expand the range of questions you know. When you read a question during a test and it seems like one you have practiced, your confidence level will rise, making it easier for you to solve the questions successfully.

Mock Tests: Appear for as many mock tests as possible. With more tests, you get aware of the question pattern and will be comfortable while appearing for CAT. Just giving mocks will not help until you analyze your results. If a test is for X hours, devote 2X hours to its analysis. With this, you will get an in-depth knowledge of your mistakes and areas of improvement.

All the Best! Wishing you all the best for your preparation and the exam day.