How to ace CAT without coaching

Common Admission Test or CAT is your gateway to the prestigious IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) and other premier B-schools. It’s considered to be one of the toughest exams in India. In 2021, nearly 2.3 lakh aspirants appeared in CAT.


Pratham Thakur, who appeared for CAT 2021 without any coaching and received a call from 17 IIMs, shares some useful tips on how to ace the competitive exam.

#1 Know your Subject; Studying everything does not guarantee success

CAT is an exam that focuses more on management, decision making, and comprehension skills rather than memory. It tests your understanding of the subject. Studying everything does not guarantee success. Organize the topics, identify important areas such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Data Interpretation, and dedicate more time in polishing the same.
#2 Quality Books; Select your Study material wisely

There are a dozen publishers and a wide range of books available in the market to help students ace CAT. Selecting appropriate study materials and books can help you a lot in terms of understanding the concept on your own. Not all books have in-depth explanations and theories in order to cater to the needs of a self-studying aspirant. Some trusted books which have helped students a lot are - Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma, R S Aggarwal, Verbal Ability by Arun Sharma, and Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma, and Logical reasoning by Pearson.
#3 Discipline yourself and follow a timetable

To crack any competitive exam, the absolutely necessary thing is discipline. Irrespective of being an early bird or night owl, fix your daily time to study and follow it throughout the course of preparation. Make sure you make a daily, weekly, and monthly realistic timetable. Make sure you follow it rigorously and religiously. Also making notes and books of formulae will help to go back and revise easily.
#4 Internet is a blessing; make it your best friend
As a self-studying aspirant, despite in-depth theoretical knowledge, doubts will seep in. Make sure you make the best use of the Internet. Also, there are many social media and youtube channels that give regular updates and information about CAT and associated colleges, following those channels will help you to stay updated and alert.
#5 Mocks and Sectional tests; Practice makes you perfect

There has hardly been anyone who has managed to ace CAT without giving more than a dozen CAT mocks. CAT tests your time management, decision-making while selecting the right questions, and in-depth knowledge. Giving mocks and sectional tests will enable you to better organize yourself and manage the exam in a more planned way. Ideally one should give 15-20 mocks before appearing for the actual CAT exam. Hence, subscribing to the Online Mock series of a reputed institution can be a wise choice.
#6 Keep a track of Diet & Exercise; Keep your gut and brain fit

Many times, aspirants tend to ignore their mental and physical health while preparing for competitive exams like CAT. But the point which everyone must remember is that CAT is not a memory-based exam. In order to perform well, being in your prime is necessary while preparing for the CAT. Thus, make sure your food intake is appropriate and you exercise at least four times a week.
#7 Be passionate and Positive; Enjoy the process
Despite all the aspects, one must remember that CAT is just an exam. You will be putting in a lot of dedication, hard work, and energy while preparing for this wonderful exam, and hence being hopeful and optimistic will help. Be passionate about your preparation and enjoy every ounce of effort you put into this preparation.