I understand your situation, Aishwarya. Preparing for the CAT while balancing your final year of engineering can be challenging, especially without coaching. However, with dedication and the right approach, it's definitely possible to crack the exam.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Practice Regularly: Solve as many CAT questions as possible to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Devote more time to areas where you struggle, such as VARC.

2. Build a Strong Foundation:

• Basic Concepts: Ensure you have a solid understanding of basic grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension techniques.
• Practice Reading: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, books, and articles regularly to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

3. Effective VARC Preparation:

• Practice RCs: Solve a variety of RC passages from different topics to get comfortable with different styles and difficulty levels.
• Analyze Answers: Understand why the correct answer is correct and why the incorrect options are wrong.
• Seek Guidance: If you're struggling with VARC, consider joining online forums or communities where you can discuss questions and get help from others.

4. Online Resources:

• Free Online Courses: Utilize platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy for free online courses on CAT preparation.
• Mock Tests: Take as many mock tests as possible to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.

5. Create a Study Plan:

• Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for CAT preparation, considering your academic commitments.
• Consistency: Stick to your study plan and avoid procrastinating.

6. Stay Motivated:

• Set Goals: Break down your goal of getting into IIMB into smaller, achievable targets.
• Celebrate Achievements: Reward yourself for your progress to stay motivated.

While coaching can be helpful, it's not essential. With dedication, perseverance, and effective study strategies, you can definitely crack the CAT and achieve your goal of getting into IIMB.

Remember, starting now is a great decision. The earlier you begin, the more time you'll have to improve your skills and build confidence. Good luck!