How can I prepare for CAT/XAT/SNAP or other exams? I haven't started anything yet and I'm not comfortable with my verbal.

While commitment towards your MBA dream is a pre-requisite for scoring high in management entrance exams, the mode of preparation that you choose is also one of the major factors that play a vital role towards your success.



Every MBA aspirant, while starting preparations has to decide whether or not to opt for coaching. Entering in such a tough competition, a coaching guide definitely helps you prepare and execute preparation plan within a definite timeframe but you can also prepare without taking help of coaching.



Below are some of the strategies to prepare for MBA with out coaching classes



1- Know the exam pattern and syllabus in detail



After you decide to take the MBA entrance exam, the first thing to do is to know the exam pattern and syllabus in detail. The next step is to go through the past years analysis so that you can prepare a comprehensive plan and also set priorities according to the importance of different topics across sections. The generic exam pattern of CAT is that it is a multiple choice objective type test from four areas, namely Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Some exams also have a section on General Knowledge. On the basis of that, prepare a study schedule.



2- Get the right study material



Some of the top books for CAT preparation include How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma to name a few. Other than that, read newspapers and magazines daily to get a grip over your language and comprehension skills along with brushing up General Knowledge.



3- Take online mock Tests



After the basic preparation, you have to start taking CAT mock tests on a regular basis. With each mock test, you will be clear about your strengths and weaknesses. Remember, the analysis is very important for your progress in preparation. Based on the analysis, you have to change the course of action of your preparation. Initially, you need to take the mock tests once or twice a week and later on, you can increase the frequency of the mock tests to thrice or four times a week



4- Create Study group



A good company of people ensures that you are on the right track. You can discuss your problems, strategies, topics etc. with your study group members. Its not necessary that all the group members are doing self-preparation. If some of them are taking coaching, that can be an added advantage for you. They can clarify your queries and confusions and also give you the suggestion based on expert inputs. You can also take same mock test or practice test together and analyse your competition and get your performance analysed with your group members.



To improve your verbal start reading you can read newspaper like The Hindu, Economic Times and TOI



All the Best!!