Cracking CAT 2024 in 3 Months: Detailed Preparation Plan & Strategy for beginners

Ananta Chhajer

17 Aug 202416:35

Summary

TLDRThe video script offers a comprehensive strategy for students preparing for competitive exams, emphasizing the importance of defining goals and focusing on high-weightage topics. It provides a detailed 80-day plan to cover the syllabus effectively, with a focus on practice and smart preparation. The speaker discusses the significance of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and other subjects, and suggests solving previous year papers and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. The script also touches on time management and the necessity of a consistent study schedule, recommending mock tests every week and a gradual increase in test intensity as the exam date approaches.

Takeaways

📅 With 100 days to go for the CAT exam, it's time for a reality check and to define what cracking the exam means for different percentiles, with 99 being a challenging goal.
🎯 The speaker emphasizes that getting into a new IIM requires significant effort, even for those with an average background, and suggests a strategic approach to preparation.
📚 A detailed study plan is provided, allocating 80 days to cover the syllabus, with a focus on important topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
🔢 In Mathematics, all topics are considered important, but special attention is given to high-weightage topics like Arithmetic and Algebra, with specific sub-topics highlighted for focus.
📉 The strategy for the Quantitative section involves not only practice but also understanding the theory, with a plan to cover all topics within the given time frame.
📝 For problem-solving, the speaker suggests starting with topics one is comfortable with and then moving to more challenging ones, ensuring a good mix of theory and practice.
⏱️ Time management is crucial, and the speaker advises solving mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
📈 The importance of analyzing previous years' CAT papers and mock tests is highlighted to understand the exam pattern and question types.
📘 For Verbal Ability, the focus should be on Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, and Sentence Completion, with specific resources recommended for practice.
📝 Note-taking is encouraged for formulas and theories to be used for revision, and a gradual increase in problem-solving from 30-40 problems per topic is suggested.
🗓️ A daily schedule is recommended, with a balance between theory, practice, and revision, ensuring that all sections are covered effectively.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the script regarding the CAT exam preparation?
-The script focuses on defining what cracking the CAT exam entails, the importance of strategy, and the effort required to achieve different percentiles like 99, 95, and 90.
Why might an average student with average math skills need to put in more effort to achieve a high percentile in the CAT exam?
-An average student with average math skills needs to put in more effort because they may not have a strong foundation to start with, and achieving a high percentile requires overcoming the difficulty level of the exam with smart preparation strategies.
What is the significance of focusing on high-weightage topics in the CAT exam strategy?
-Focusing on high-weightage topics is significant because it ensures that the candidate gets the maximum return on their study efforts, covering topics that are more likely to appear and carry more marks.
What does the script suggest about the importance of practice in the preparation for the CAT exam?
-The script suggests that practice is crucial as it helps in not only understanding the theory but also in improving speed and accuracy, which are essential for solving questions within the given time in the exam.
How does the script recommend covering the quantitative section of the CAT exam?
-The script recommends a detailed plan for the quantitative section, allocating 30 days for arithmetic, 18 days for algebra, and fewer days for number systems, geometry, and probability, emphasizing the importance of covering theory and practicing problems.
What is the strategy for the arithmetic topic according to the script?
-The strategy for the arithmetic topic is to ensure that all areas are important and should be covered, with an emphasis on making sure that no question from arithmetic is left unattempted during the exam.
How should a student approach the algebra topic in their CAT exam preparation?
-The student should focus on specific topics within algebra such as quadratic equations, linear equations, inequalities, sequences, and series, which are highlighted as important areas to concentrate on.
What is the recommended approach for the geometry section in the CAT exam preparation?
-The approach for the geometry section should include covering triangles and circles in detail, with an emphasis on understanding and practicing problems related to these topics thoroughly.
How does the script suggest balancing the preparation between all three sections of the CAT exam?
-The script suggests that a balanced preparation can be achieved by allocating time for all three sections daily, ensuring that each section gets equal attention and practice.
What is the importance of solving previous year CAT papers as mentioned in the script?
-Solving previous year CAT papers is important as it helps in understanding the exam pattern, the types of questions asked, and it also aids in developing critical thinking and time management skills.
How should a student plan their daily schedule according to the script for effective CAT exam preparation?
-The student should plan their daily schedule by allocating specific hours for each section, ensuring a balance between theory, practice, and revision, and also making sure to include mock tests in their weekly schedule.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Final Preparations for the CAT Exam

The speaker discusses the final stages of preparation for the CAT exam, emphasizing the importance of defining what 'cracking' the exam means for the individual. They mention that while many are happy with a 95 percentile, others aim for a 99 percentile. The speaker provides a strategy for covering difficult topics with minimum effort and suggests focusing on high-return topics. They also discuss the importance of smart preparation strategies and starting early, even six months prior, to ensure adequate practice and strategy development. A detailed 80-day plan is mentioned for covering the syllabus effectively.

05:01

📈 Developing a Study Plan and Strategy

This paragraph focuses on creating a study plan and strategy for the CAT exam. The speaker advises on the importance of note-taking and solving 30-40 problems from a particular topic until it is thoroughly understood. They also discuss the necessity of maintaining a balance between theory and practice, and the significance of critical thinking in exam preparation. The speaker suggests starting with a standard book and not getting overwhelmed with multiple resources. They also mention the importance of solving previous year papers and adapting to the changing pattern of the exam.

10:03

🗓️ Time Management and Practice Techniques

The speaker provides guidance on time management and practice techniques for the CAT exam. They suggest completing CAT sets within a specific time frame, typically 10 to 15 minutes for a set, depending on its difficulty. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not attempting very difficult sets in the exam and instead focusing on solving as many sets as possible within the given time. They also discuss verbal sections, recommending a focus on RC (Reading Comprehension) as it covers a majority of verbal ability topics. Specific resources for RC and other sections are suggested, and the speaker encourages practice through mock tests and daily problem-solving.

15:04

🚀 Intensive Revision and Mock Test Strategy

In this paragraph, the speaker discusses an intensive revision and mock test strategy for the CAT exam. They recommend solving a set number of mock tests every week and adjusting the study schedule accordingly. The speaker provides a time table for the remaining days until the exam, suggesting an increase in the intensity of mock tests as the exam date approaches. They also mention the importance of analyzing previous mock tests and adjusting the strategy based on performance. The speaker encourages subscribing to their channel for tips and tricks and concludes by emphasizing the need for consistent effort and smart preparation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Percentile

Percentile refers to a statistical measure that indicates the relative standing of a score within a group. In the context of the video, it is used to discuss the competitive nature of an exam, where students aim to score above a certain percentile to gain admission. For example, the script mentions '99 percentile' and '95 percentile' to emphasize the high scores needed for success.

💡Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude is a section of competitive exams that tests numerical and mathematical skills. The video script discusses the importance of this section, suggesting that it requires a strategic approach and practice to master. The term is used to highlight the need for a detailed study plan, covering topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

💡Cracking the Exam

The term 'cracking the exam' is used colloquially to mean achieving a high score or success in an exam. The video script emphasizes that with the right strategy and effort, even an average student can achieve a high percentile, thus 'cracking the exam'. It is a central theme of the video, indicating the goal of the preparation strategy discussed.

💡Strategy

Strategy in this context refers to a carefully planned approach to achieve a specific goal, such as excelling in an exam. The video script outlines various strategies for different sections of the exam, including time management and prioritization of topics, to maximize scores.

💡Mock Tests

Mock tests are practice exams that simulate the actual test conditions. The script encourages the use of mock tests for practice, stating that they help in time management, understanding the exam pattern, and improving critical thinking skills. They are a key part of the preparation strategy.

💡Revision

Revision is the process of reviewing previously learned material to reinforce memory and understanding. The video script suggests using mock tests for revision purposes, ensuring that all topics are covered and that the student is well-prepared for the actual exam.

💡Conceptual Clarity

Conceptual clarity means having a deep understanding of the fundamental principles or concepts in a subject. The script mentions the importance of not just memorizing formulas but also understanding the concepts behind them, which is crucial for problem-solving in the exam.

💡Time Management

Time management is the ability to allocate time effectively to tasks or activities. In the script, it is discussed in relation to solving mock tests within a stipulated time to simulate the exam environment and improve the ability to complete the exam within the given timeframe.

💡Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating information to form a judgment. The script highlights the importance of developing critical thinking skills to handle complex problems in the exam, especially those that require combining multiple topics.

💡Percentile Ranges

Percentile ranges are intervals within the distribution of a given data set. The script refers to different ranges like '99 percentile' and '95 percentile' to illustrate the varying levels of difficulty and the number of students that can achieve these scores, indicating the competitive aspect of the exam.

💡Preparation

Preparation in this context refers to the process of studying and practicing for an exam. The video script provides a detailed preparation strategy, including the importance of focusing on high-weightage topics, practicing regularly, and following a daily schedule.

Highlights

Almost 100 days to go for the CAT exam, a reality check is necessary to define what cracking means for different percentiles.

For those aiming for the new IIMs, even with a 95 percentile, the preparation needs to be minimal effort but smart strategy.

The speaker emphasizes that not everyone can achieve a 99 percentile, and effort should be proportional to the goal.

An average student with average math skills will need to put in a lot more effort to definitely cross the 90 percentile.

The speaker discusses the importance of focusing on topics that will give the right amount of return on investment.

A detailed plan for the next 80 days is presented to cover the syllabus effectively.

Quantitative section is emphasized as it requires covering theory and practice, with a focus on high-weightage topics.

A distribution of days is suggested for different topics, with Arithmetic getting 30 days, Algebra 18 days, and Geometry 15 days.

The speaker provides a PDF of the time table for better planning and coverage of topics.

Importance of practicing problems and not just focusing on theory is highlighted for better understanding and application.

The strategy for self-study is discussed, including following a standard book and making notes of formulas for revision.

For those enrolled in coaching, following the provided material and books is recommended.

The speaker mentions the importance of attempting mock tests and analyzing them for improvement.

A daily schedule is suggested, allocating time for each section and emphasizing the need for practice and revision.

The speaker talks about the importance of solving previous year papers and adapting to the changing pattern of the exam.

The strategy for the verbal section is discussed, focusing on RC (Reading Comprehension) and major topics like Parajumbles and One-word substitutions.

The speaker provides resources and tips for effective preparation in the verbal section, including specific materials for practice.

An overall strategy for the exam is outlined, including time management and the importance of attempting mock tests.

The speaker encourages subscribing to the channel for tips and tricks and last-minute things that can help in the exam.