how should i start studying if i am starting now for CAT?

Hi Ruchi,

As roughly 3 months are left for CAT you need to follow a systematic approach to do well.

Here are a few steps that you could follow.

1. Stay glued: It is difficult to prepare for CAT with a whole year to prepare! The pressure brought about due to the double-digit countdown of days to CAT is actually the best kick-in-the-ass needed to get started. This is particularly effective when you have to Crack CAT in 3 months starts from scratch. But you have to be regular – at least a couple of sectional tests and the a-once-a-week full-length Mock CAT is the right way forward.
2. One problem; multiple approaches: Most important trick. Take a simple problem and try solving it in many different ways. It helps you cultivate a quick-thinking ability and gives you contingency strategies in case you get stuck in the real exam.
3. Strategic sitting hours is very important: You must make it a habit to focus for 2 – 2.5 hours of your single sitting and ensure you have the highest concentration during that stint.
4. Improve your vocabulary and the ability to comprehend data: Follow Norman Lewis Word Power, Read News Papers if not possible then go for TOI, try to make a note of words that are new to you.
5. Analyze performances in Mock CATS: Everyone reiterates it and almost always does this advice go unheard. Don’t give 20 Mock CATs and feel good about yourself. Give one or at most two Mock CATs in any given week and spend ages analyzing everything. Most people get even this part wrong. Analyze does not mean checking which all questions you got wrong alone. Pay heed to the topics and types of questions that you are consistently doing well at.

Good Luck!