While you are trying to bell the CAT, ‘stress’ can chase you down, making you apprehensive and restless. CAT is one of the most prestigious and tough exams for management aspirants. This exam not just tests your intellect but your ability to manage your time, speed, and accuracy, along with concentration and presence of mind during the exam. Clearing this exam successfully will ensure a smooth pathway towards the top B-schools in India. With so many good things, CAT can bring with it pre-CAT blues or stress too. However, it is advised to not give in to these pre-CAT blues to sabotage the whole CAT preparation plan. Hence, it is essential to deal with CAT exam preparation stress in strategic ways.
Keep Calm and Chase Away Pre-CAT Blues with the Following Tips
A pressing question that every CAT applicant has at some point is “How do I get over my fear of CAT exams?” So, if you are a CAT applicant, here are some awesome tips for you to chase away pre-CAT blues and keep yourself exam-ready:
1. Prepare a Study Plan
Believe us when we say that high CAT scores are possible. All you need to do is organize your study plan and practice. Neglecting a study plan, or a road map, can lead to stress. Hence, The first thing to do while starting with your CAT preparation is to prepare a clear study plan that encompasses all sections of the CAT syllabus and stick to it. Remember to prepare a plan that covers the whole syllabus in a time-bound and realistic manner. In essence, prepare a SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) plan.
2. Practice Regularly
Nothing can be more apt than the adage “practice makes perfect,” when it comes to CAT exam preparation strategy. So, it is not enough to just create a study plan but also practice according to it. Your practicing strategy should include solving sample papers, appearing for CAT mock tests, etc. At the end of every day, conduct a SWOT analysis on yourself and work on all aspects. Remember to not get distracted even if you feel bored. Instead, take small breaks to refresh your mind.
3. Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle
Don’t get so caught up in your CAT preparation that you ignore your health. “Health is wealth,” so balancing both sides is paramount. Positive thinking and optimal focus require a sound mind and a healthy body. So, make sure you eat healthily, drink enough water, and get a full 8 hours of sleep every night.
4. Practice Meditation
One of the most frequent reasons for nervousness before giving the CAT exam is a disturbed mind. Applicants frequently forget that the CAT is only one aspect of their lives. Of course, cracking this exam can open access to the premier business schools across the country, it should not demand one’s mental health. So, to maintain a positive outlook and have a relaxed mind, applicants should practice meditation. 5-10 minutes of meditation every day can help deal with stress better. Additionally, one can improve their concentration by practicing yoga.
5. Stay Informed
It is essential to stay informed and updated with the latest CAT exam developments. It not only assists in understanding the intricacies of the exam, but it also adds to a stress-free mind. Regularly check official CAT websites as well as reliable internet forums for up-to-date information on the exam’s structure, syllabus updates, and important dates. This proactive approach will ensure that you are well-prepared and confident throughout your CAT preparation plan.
6. Step Out
Avoid CAT exam phobia by stepping out of your home. Yes, you heard that right. No matter how serious you become about exam study, going out and having a break should never be ignored. Do anything you can to keep those exam nerves at bay, whether you walk, jog, ride your bike, or simply walk. Remember that nature can be a fantastic stress buster.
7. Be Consistent
When your goals are met with consistency, they become closer to reality. To maintain consistency, regularly engage in solving different kinds of CAT mock examinations, sample papers, and old question papers. Additionally, adhere to allocated time slots for different sections of the CAT syllabus. Furthermore, diligently analyze your performance to identify and methodically improve areas of weakness.
8. Seek Support
Your CAT exam preparation strategy should also include seeking support from teachers, and peers, whenever necessary. Nowadays several online CAT preparation platforms also offer guidance by providing the necessary study materials, mock test papers, and so on. On the other hand, if the exam preparation seems too overwhelming, you may get help from a counselor or psychologist, who can help you maintain a relaxed mind and keep the stress level low.
9. Relax
We know relaxing could be the hardest thing to even think about while one prepares for the CAT exam. But this is something that is of utmost importance. It is only by maintaining a relaxed mind can you focus on your studies. Here are some tried-and-true methods to relax your mind even under pressure.
- Step out into nature
- Practice meditation
- Practice a hobby, like gardening, sketching, or writing
- Listen to music.
- Play with pets, etc.
10. Trust Yourself
Keeping faith in yourself is the key to successfully bell the CAT. So, one of the secret CAT preparation tips is to trust yourself and your abilities. Keep an optimistic attitude and believe in yourself. Surrounding yourself with supporting friends and family members is the best way to do so. Additionally, if you follow the tips stated above, you will find it simpler to feel encouraged and retain a great attitude.
For management candidates, passing the CAT exam could lead to a myriad of chances. A valid score on this exam can be used to get admission to India’s top business schools. For instance, prominent business schools such as IIMC, ISB, and Globsyn Business School (GBS) accept a valid CAT score in addition to other entrance exams such as XAT/MAT/CMAT/ATMA, among others. So, keeping the pre-CAT blues at bay is the only way to ensure your success in the CAT exam preparation.
Key Takeaway
So it’s apparent that avoiding pre-CAT blues is simple. You can reduce tension by including the above-mentioned tips in your CAT preparation plan. Pre-exam anxiety is common, but with the appropriate strategy and mindset, you may overcome it and perform well in the CAT exam.
Globsyn Business School wishes you All the Best!