With more than 2 lakh candidates appearing for this exam each year, CAT is amongst India’s most competitive entrance exams. That is why having a good preparation strategy is crucial for cracking the CAT exam apart from commitment and hard work.
Many candidates starting their CAT 2021 preparation would face the dilemma of choosing between joining a coaching institute or focusing on self-study to crack the exam. While some benefit from a structured model of study, others might prefer self-study as an option.
This article will help you understand why it is unnecessary to pay a hefty fee while preparing for CAT and how you can score well in the CAT exam using some simple tips and tricks.
Can You Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?
While experts suggest enrolling for coaching to crack the CAT exam, it is not mandatory. There are many examples of candidates who relied completely on self-study and did not spend lakhs of rupees on a coaching institute.
Furthermore, with resources like mock tests, question papers, and other material available online, your CAT 2021 preparation is now easier than ever before.
How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching?
With the dates for CAT 2021 closing in fast, a proper preparation plan is needed. One must give equal attention to each topic and solve as many questions as they can, regularly.
Listed below are a few tips you can use in your CAT exam preparation to help you easily ace the CAT exam without coaching:
1. Know the syllabus
The first step in your CAT 2021 preparation is to know the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Considering that the generic CAT exam pattern consists of 4 sections for 100 marks, it is important to cover each section thoroughly.
Make sure you go through the previous year’s papers to understand how best to answer questions around quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning in the given time frame.
- Take mock tests
Before starting your CAT 2021 preparation, it is advisable that you take a few mock tests to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Doing so gives you an idea of the difficulty level and the time and effort needed in each section to score well in the exam.
Furthermore, these mock tests are useful in simulating the real exam environment and helps you understand how to navigate each section in a given time frame.
- Collect study material
Candidates can easily download all relevant study material, watch videos, and solve previous year papers from the internet to speed up their learning. Many websites offer resources, worksheets, and videos to help you with your CAT exam preparation.
CAT exam prep books are another fantastic resource to refer to, alongside newspapers and magazines, to brush up on your knowledge.
3. Time management
Time management is crucial for acing your CAT exam and is the next logical step after preparation. If you have prepared well but cannot manage your time in the exam, you might lose out on some crucial marks.
Therefore, to bolster your CAT exam preparation, make sure to find the most concise way possible to answer questions so you can attempt each section in under 60 minutes and score maximum marks.
- Create study groups
Connecting with fellow CAT aspirants is a great way to strengthen your preparation. You can create study groups and forums where fellow aspirants preparing for the CAT exam can ask clear, discuss topics, and share notes whenever they like.
Study group members help and motivate each other to do well, which breeds a healthy, shared learning environment.
- Destress yourself
To ensure that your CAT 2021 preparation is on track, it is important to take time out for relaxation. Add motivational sticky notes on your desk, watch positive content, or play a sport to rejuvenate yourself after a long study session.
While cracking the CAT exam is important, make sure not to ignore your health in the process.
Final Thoughts
You can easily prepare for CAT without enrolling in a coaching institute if you are smart in your approach. If you can use your time wisely and practice regularly, you will be able to fine-tune your CAT preparation well enough to score good marks. Check the latest CAT 2021 syllabus prescribed by IIMCAT and download the Free CAT Exam Syllabus PDF at https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-syllabus