Preparing For CAT While Working? Check Out These Time Management Tips By Nivedita Barui (IIM Kozhikode)

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IIM Kozhikode (PGP) student Nivedita conquered time constraints in preparing for CAT while working and chalked out a brilliant CAT preparation strategy that helped her win the race. Let's have a look at Nivedita's journey and garner some CAT preparation tips for working professionals. 

This was my first attempt at CAT and I studied for about 8 months for it. All throughout my CAT preparation journey, I was also working at one of the largest IT services companies in the HR Operations segment, with a focus on Recruitment, Training & Development.

My main concern was- time management for CAT preparation. It was actually difficult to bring myself on the right track, where I could devote a certain amount of time to my studies while also meeting my work obligations. My work commitments, which were also of paramount importance, demanded that I accommodate my CAT preparation timings to fit in according to the shift or project I was aligned with. This aspect of preparing for CAT was the most unsettling part. But even though it took some time for me to get used to this and build a working mechanism, it was the foundation of my entire journey.

CAT Preparation Strategy- Introspect, Analyse & Devise

These were the three pillars of my CAT preparation strategy. I introspected my strengths and weaknesses when it came to my performance in the three CAT sections. And then prepared a prep strategy on basis of my observations. Then as I went ahead in my preparation journey, I kept analyzing my performance and kept a record of my areas of improvement. And even though it was not possible to convert each one of them to my strengths, I made sure I started small and continued to put effort into improving on them.

While exploring resources on how to prepare for CAT, I came across the following CAT books/ resources, that were a boon for me and I relied on them heavily throughout my preps:

• Range of books by  Arun Sharma
• Books on Quant by Sarvesh Verma
• Mocks tests and their analysis
• Hitbullseye, majorly for mocks

One problem that I faced initially was not able to strike a balance between the time I would spend working on Quant, LRDI, and VARC. This balance needed to be calculated well in advance and then worked upon based on one's strengths and weaknesses. So I started utilizing the resources available and then building on the areas which needed improvement while maintaining the strong ground on my strengths. This strategy helped me a lot.

Also read: How to Prepare for CAT Exam 2022? CAT Preparation Timetable, Guidance, Tips, And More!

Mentors Help Win The Battle

I took CAT coaching and was blessed to have an amazing mentor in Kolkata, named Pabitra Adhikary. It was only because of him that I could accomplish the task of preparing for CAT while working. Also, I had lost touch with a lot of basics and he devised strategies for each and everything and enabled me to start my preparation from scratch. My mentor and I also worked on how many sectional scores and overall scores we were looking at and then devised strategies accordingly. He also helped me in my preparation for GD, WAT, and PI.

I wish to emphasize that staying focused is not easy, especially if you have a lot going on in other spheres of life. It is hence very important to study the CAT exam pattern and prepare a solid CAT preparation strategy. De-clutter your mind and try to have a positive outlook on most things in life (as far as possible). Please remember that your efforts won't go in vain. It will pay you back in some way or the other. And most importantly, reach out to your parents/friends/colleagues, etc if you ever feel overwhelmed.

Also read: Details About CAT Syllabus 2022 & CAT Exam Pattern- Everything You Need To Know!

Verdict: I received interview calls from IIM Lucknow (PGP - ABM & PGP - SM), IIM Kozhikode, and the new and baby IIMs. Also, I had calls from MDI Murshidabad, IRMA, TISS, and SCMHRD. I converted IIM Lucknow (PGP-SM), IIM Kozhikode, and the new & baby IIMs, along with MDI Murshidabad. However, I could not attend TISS, IRMA, and SCMHRD interviews for personal reasons. But finally decided to go to IIM Kozhikode for my MBA.

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