CAT 2023: 5 tips to ace this MBA entrance exam for repeaters

NEW DELHI: With just a few days left for the CAT exam 2023, an effective yet unique preparation strategy is what is needed at this time to score a good CAT percentile. With more than two lakh aspirants appearing this year in the CAT exam, most of the test takers are repeaters. CAT preparation strategy for repeaters is however different from the first-time test takers. The key to cracking CAT 2023 is to be consistent and avoid repeating past mistakes.

The CAT exam 2023 date is November 26 and is to be conducted in 155 test cities across India. Here are the 5 essential tips to follow for CAT 2023 repeaters seeking better CAT scores and admission to their dream MBA college.

5 Tips For Cat Exam Repeaters

1. Thorough revision in the last few days: You must make sure of having the best CAT revision material and notes. Revise from the formula book prepared at the time of CAT preparation or grab CAT crash course study material and revise the topics having high weightage. In the last 2-3 days go through all those topics that you have studied and do not pick up any new ones.

2. Evaluating your performance: There is one advantage of being a CAT repeater. You know how the exam works! So prioritise those sections over which you have a good command. Focus on quality over quantity, attempt questions with accuracy and devote 2-3 minutes to each question at max. Top institutes suggest aiming for over 95% accuracy in Quant and Data Interpretation and at least 80% accuracy in the Verbal Ability section.

3. CAT exam day strategy: CAT repeaters can try implementing a new CAT exam day strategy or follow their old approach of attempting the CAT exam which might turn out to be fruitful this year. Do that by taking CAT mock test in the actual time slots of CAT allotted as per the CAT admit card 2023. Permutation of a variety of strategies must be implemented while taking the CAT mock test. Analyse them properly and understand your strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to preparing CAT strategy, trial and error is a proven method to formulate a strategy for the actual CAT exam 2023.

4. Avoid repeating the same mistakes as in the previous attempt: Focus and improve in each section of the CAT exam as each one of them is equally important. Do not indulge in practising just your weaker section. Remember that in the CAT exam, there's no choice to switch between sections. So, revise the CAT syllabus with due attention and practice solving the CAT sections in the specified order.

5. Tip for working professionals: It is advisable to take the last week off before the CAT 2023 exam and use your time wisely. You must practice important topics and frequently asked questions in the CAT paper during this period. CAT repeaters should primarily focus on their CAT exam strategy and analyse their performance in the CAT mock test. Do a thorough revision of the sections you have prepared well during your CAT preparation in the last 2-3 days before CAT exam. Do not take too much stress and stay confident.

CAT admit card 2023

IIM Lucknow issued CAT admit card on November 7, 2023, in online mode. Candidates must make sure to carry the CAT admit card along with the valid government photo ID proof to the exam centre on the exam day. It must be noted that entry without CAT admit card is banned inside the examination hall.