CAT Prep: The Ultimate Last 60 Days Strategy

1. Prioritize Revision: Sharpen Your Tools

With only few months left, your primary focus should be on revising what you’ve already learned. At this stage, it’s not about learning new concepts but solidifying your understanding of the existing ones.

• Segmented Revision: Break down your syllabus into smaller segments. For instance, allocate specific days to Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).
• Flashcards & Notes: Utilize flashcards and concise notes for quick revisions. This will help in retaining formulas, shortcuts, and important concepts.
• Previous Year Papers: Go through the previous year’s papers to understand the type of questions asked. This also helps in identifying patterns and recurring topics.

2. Daily Goals: Consistency is Key

Setting and achieving daily goals is crucial during this period. Your daily targets should be realistic, achievable, and in line with your overall strategy.

• Balanced Schedule: Dedicate 6-8 hours daily, ensuring a balanced approach towards all three sections. A sample day could include 2 hours for QA, 2 hours for DILR, 2 hours for VARC, and 1-2 hours for mocks and analysis.
• Weekly Assessments: Every weekend, assess your weekly performance. Identify weak areas and plan the upcoming week accordingly.
• Daily Reading: For VARC, make it a habit to read articles, editorials, and novels. This will not only improve your reading speed but also enhance your comprehension skills.  

3. Mock Tests: Simulate the Real Battle

Mocks are your best friend in the last 60 days. They help in gauging your preparation, managing time, and understanding your strengths and weaknesses.

• Frequency: Start with 2-3 mocks a week, gradually increasing it to 4-5 as the exam approaches.
• Mock Analysis: This is where the real learning happens. Post every mock, spend ample time analyzing your mistakes. Understand the questions you got wrong and revisit those concepts.
• Time Management: Work on your time management skills during mocks. Learn to identify which questions to attempt and which ones to skip. This skill is vital for optimizing your score.

4. Sectional Focus: Balance is Crucial

Balancing all three sections is vital for a good overall percentile. Here’s how you can approach each section:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Focus on strengthening your basics. Ensure that you’re comfortable with topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems. Practice a variety of problems, from easy to difficult, to build confidence.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): The key to acing DILR is practice. Work on puzzles, caselets, and data sets regularly. Try solving different types of problems to develop a knack for interpreting data quickly.
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Enhance your reading skills by practicing RC passages daily. Focus on understanding the tone, context, and inference-based questions. For Verbal Ability, work on para jumbles, sentence completion, and critical reasoning.

5. Mental Preparation: Stay Calm and Confident

The last 60 days are not just about academic preparation; mental preparation is equally important.

• Positive Visualization: Visualize your success. This boosts confidence and reduces anxiety.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are essential to keep your mind sharp.
• Stress Management: Engage in activities like meditation or yoga to manage stress. A calm mind is key to performing well in high-pressure situations.

6. Stay Updated and Adaptive

Be adaptable to changes in your strategy. If something isn’t working, don’t hesitate to tweak your plan. Keep yourself updated with any changes in the exam pattern or guidelines issued by the IIMs.

7. Final Weeks: Fine-Tune Your Strategy

In the final two weeks, focus on refining your strategy. Attempt section-wise mocks, work on your speed, and brush up on important concepts. By now, you should have a clear understanding of your strong and weak areas.

Conclusion: The Final Push

The last 60 days before CAT can make or break your preparation. With a focused approach, consistent effort, and a positive mindset, you can maximize your chances of success. Remember, the key is to stay calm, stay confident, and keep pushing yourself towards the finish line. Best of luck for CAT Coaching and Preperations!