Anuj Sehgal
Batch of 1999-01
IIM-Ahmedabad.

I think there are 2 parts to preparing for CAT. Let us assume that one has to take the exam in December of year 2. The first part is to
prepare and do the ground work for the more rigorous second part.

The first part of the preparation which includes improving reading speed, building ones vocabulary and increasing mental calculation  speed one needs to start in say the June of year 1.

Reading speed could be increased by reading newspapers, good books on various subjects and not only fast reading but one should be able to comprehend what one reads.

Mental calculation can be increased by doing simple maths WITHOUT THE USE OF CALCULATOR. Getting rid of the calculator which becomes  a habit in college is very important.

Vocabulary can be improved my seeing the meaning of difficult words while reading in a dictionary and then using these words.

Part 2

This is where u join a professional coaching and take practice tests. This can be started in June of year 2. Practice is the key to success and most importantly continuous practice. For instance if u take regular tests for a month and practice all four sections (Quanti, DI, Verbal and RC) and then do nothing for the next 15 days then all your practice goes down the drain.

So one needs to build the tempo and maintain it and be continuous in practice.

Ideally one should take practice tests for 2-3 months continuously which should culminate in the exam in December so that one is at his/her peak just before the exam.

Also it is very important to score qualifying marks in each section and so pay attention to each section during the exam and try and attempt say 20-25 questions in each section first and then go for the section in which u feel u can do better.

Ideally one should take practice tests for 2-3 months continuously which should culminate in the exam in December so that one is at his/her peak just before the exam.

Anuj Sehgal
Batch of 1999-01
IIM-Ahmedabad.