hey, by what time we should start the preparation of the entrance exams like CAT, GMAT etc ?like how many months prior from exam?

Hello Megha,

I believe you are a better candidate for the business world. Before answering your question, I would like to narrow your question so that it would be helpful. I begin with assuming that you are willing to persuing MBA in our beautiful India. So, there are mainly 3-4 exams like CAT conducted by IIMs, XAT conducted by XLRI, MAT, CMAT and some states exams like MHCET. So, they conduct a their own test to shortlist students. In the test, they ask mostly about quantitative aptitude, verbal , data interpretation and logical reasoning. You have to get through it with having a good percentile, so that top colleges like IIM BLACKIS, XLRI, XIMB, IMT, IMI, IIFM, FMS, DSE, IITs etc will sort you out. Then, you have to prepare yourself for GD and PI which carries a good share in final selection to their college.

And as its a proverb, there is no late to start. I believe you have started your preparation. So, hard work matters with smartness would get you through the exams and all other process has been discussed above.

For any further communication, you can ask freely.

Thanks, all the best.

Hello Megha,





GMAT, CAT and all other management exams are not tough but  tricky examinations to crack. The better hold you have on English, mathematics and basic management situational skills the better are your chances are at cracking these examinations. You can start you preparations from any time between 6 months to 30 days before the examination, however you need to evaluate on where do you stand in this time phrame and how much preparation you need by taking a mock test before actually starting with your preparation. Ideally people start their preparation three-four months prior to the main examination so that it gives them a chance to work on anything and everything that is lacking.





How does taking a mock test before beginning with the actual preparation help?

• Starting your preparation by taking a diagnostic test will help you gain clarity about the amount of preparation you need, it will give you a brief idea about your strengths and weaknesses and it will most importantly give you an idea about the areas you primarily need to focus at.
• It tells exactly which sections you are lacking in and what sorts of questions are causing you a trouble. This will let you reach your goal easier as you will start working on your mistakes.

Tips on what to do after you have given your mock test:

• Set a goal based on the universities you have short listed, this will help you gain clarity that how much you need to secure than what you have secured and you will have to then work accordingly.
• Take mistakes you have made very seriously, keep checking the mistakes and correcting them so that you do not make them again. This will reduce half of your work. Treat your mistakes as opportunities and research about all of them.
• Keep taking 2-3 practice tests every week in order to see how much have you progressed and how far are you from the main goal you have set. Maintain a section wise progress record to know about which section needs attention.
• Time all your practice tests, take breaks between sections if necessary. Timing will give you an idea about how much time you are spending on each section and how much time you should ideally spend on it in order to meet your set goal.
• Read as much as possible, whether it be reading the newspaper for half an hour everyday or it be reading a novel you like, but just read in order to get a grasp of the language and reading will also enhance your vocabulary.
• Do mathematics and verbal everyday for at least 2 hours so that you get a good grip of it by the time you have to give your main examination.
• Select your GMAT examination dates by keeping in mind that you might have to retake the examination if you do not meet your set standards and thus give yourself enough time to do so.

All the best!



I hope this answers your queries!



Do revert back in case of any further doubts.

Hello,

Minimum of 9 months-1 year preparation is required for good results for an average student.

Rest depends upon your ability and caliber.