#CareerBytes: 5 useful tips to prepare for CAT without coaching
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to the country's prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools. CAT-2019 registration began today and the examination is scheduled for November 24. Many aspirants often find themselves in a dilemma over whether they should join coaching classes. While coaching can help, aspirants can crack CAT through self-preparation too. Here's how to prepare for CAT without coaching.
Know the latest syllabus, have a solid preparation plan
Firstly, aspirants must know the latest CAT pattern/syllabus in detail and need to create a solid study plan, allotting sufficient time for all topics/sections. Whether the aspirant is preparing with or without coaching, a proper plan is essential to cover the syllabus thoroughly. To crack CAT without coaching, candidates should start preparing early and set short-term/long-term study and revision goals for effective preparation.
Collect the right exam preparation material to crack CAT
Candidates who've joined coaching are usually provided preparation material by their institute. But those who aren't taking coaching can also collect the right study material, sample papers, question banks, etc. to prepare properly. They should also avoid consulting too many preparatory books and instead collect 2-3 good books per section. Aspirants can prepare notes in their own language which can aid in quick revision.
Make the most of the Internet to prepare for CAT
In this Internet era, CAT aspirants can find almost everything required for preparation online that can help them crack the exam even without joining coaching. They can take the help of websites dedicated to competitive exam preparation that provide the online courses, study material, current affairs, video lectures, doubt-clearing services, newspaper analysis, etc.. Aspirants can also download mobile apps to prepare for CAT on-the-go.
It is essential to solve previous papers, mock tests
Aspirants should also solve practice questions, previous question papers, and take mock tests regularly to familiarize with the latest exam pattern and questioning trends. This will also help them test how effective their CAT preparation is and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Aspirants can also analyze their performance regularly and make the required changes to their preparation strategy accordingly to improve the same.
#5: Have confidence in yourself, develop a positive mindset
Most importantly, aspirants must have confidence in themselves and their abilities and also believe that they can crack CAT even without coaching. They should develop a positive mindset and realize that with hard work and dedication they can prepare properly and achieve success in CAT.
