CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days: Toppers studying at IIM Calcutta, SPJIMR, IIM Kozhikode reveal insights

1. CAT Preparation Tips for Last 30 Days: Focus on Revision, Not New Topics 
In the run to CAT, the pressure to cover everything can be overwhelming! But according to CAT Toppers the key is to consolidate what you already know and avoid studying new concepts that might disturb your focus. 

CAT Toppers unanimously agree that in the final month, revising familiar concepts that you have already covered is much more effective than trying to learn new topics. For Srishti Yadav, a VJTI Mumbai engineer who scored 99.69 percentile in CAT 2022 and secured admission to IIM Kozhikode, the final weeks were all about “light preparation”. "I kept my preparation light in the final few days. Rather than starting new topics, I focused on brushing up on Quant formulas and RC strategies," she told MBAUniverse.com. 

Similarly, Pooja Sudhakar, a marketing professional from Chennai with 99.11 percentile in CAT 2022, emphasized the need to refine existing knowledge rather than overload oneself with new material. "The last month isn’t for overloading yourself with new content. It’s about refining what you know and ensuring there are no gaps," she informed us.  

To apply this strategy, toppers advice that CAT aspirants should:

• Revisit key formulas and type of problem every day. 
• Refer short handwritten notes or flashcards for quick revision. 
• Revisit conceptual mistakes in mock test to strengthen weak areas without attempting anything entirely new. 

2. CAT Preparation Tips for Last Month: Use Mock Tests to Perfect Strategy 
CAT Toppers advice MBA aspirants that taking Mocks will help in time management, question selection and rejection, and understanding areas for improvement. Mock tests are essential during the final month, but as toppers point out, that “taking mocks alone isn't enough”. What really matters is “understanding mistakes and fine-tuning test taking strategies accordingly”.  

CAT Topper Pooja Sudhakar, who gained practical exposure through her marketing role at a startup and now pursues an MBA at SPJIMR Mumbai, told us that her mock analysis was a “game-changer” for her. "Mocks give a clear picture of your preparation, but analyzing them thoroughly is more important. I spent more time reviewing my mistakes than taking new tests," she recalls.  

Soumik Banerjee, a mechanical engineer from Jadavpur University who balanced his job in a PSU with CAT preparation and eventually joined IIM Calcutta, highlights the strategic aspect of mocks. "CAT is as much about strategy as it is about knowledge. Every mock helped me tweak my approach and avoid tactical errors," he says.   

To apply this strategy, toppers advice that CAT aspirants should:

• Attempt 2-3 full-length mocks per
• Analyzing performance thoroughly
• Finalize approach for three crucial aspects: accuracy, question selection, and speed

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3. CAT Last 30 Days Tips: Fine-Tune Your Sectional Strategy
CAT isn't just about solving questions! It’s about solving questions strategically, within the time constraints of each section. Hence, CAT Toppers recommend that MBA aspirants should “experiment with different approaches during mocks” to discover their own unique effective strategy for each section. 

Srishti Yadav shares how she finetuned her approach to maximize score in VARC section. "I tried different strategies, like attempting VA questions first in some mocks and RCs first in others. Eventually, I stuck with the one that gave me the highest accuracy," she told MBAUniverse.com.  

Similarly, for In the DILR section, Soumik Banerjee emphasizes the importance of “set selection”. "The key to do well in CAT is to quickly choose which sets to solve. I used my mocks to master the art of smart selection," he said. 

Toppers advice that during the final weeks, aspirants should use mocks to finetune their section-specific strategies in following ways:  

• VARC: Deciding whether to tackle RCs first or focus on VA questions.  
• DILR: Practicing set selection to optimize attempts.  
• Quant: Applying a “round-based approach” which means solving easy questions first and revisiting difficult ones later.  

4. Tips for CAT Preparation in Last 30 Days: Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout
Indeed, preparing for CAT can be mentally exhausting. So don’t burnout in the final stretch! Toppers emphasize the importance of “balancing study with relaxation” to stay motivated to perform well in time pressure. 

Shreyasee Sarkar, an IT professional who cracked CAT with 99.68 percentile to join IIM Calcutta, advocates a “balanced approach” in last few weeks to CAT. "Taking short breaks between study sessions helped me stay productive. Burnout can negatively impact your performance on exam day," she said.  

Pooja Sudhakar, who managed to balance her CAT preperation with a full-time job, highlights the importance of taking regular breaks. "I made sure to take one day off every week. Watching a movie or spending time with friends kept me motivated and refreshed," she says.  

Toppers advice following ways to manage stress in last few weeks to CAT:  

• Incorporate short breaks throughout the day
• Plan at least one full day off per week to unwind. 
• Don’t stop your hobbies or spending time with friends. 
• Finally, maintain a healthy routine with enough sleep and physical activity  

5. CAT preparation in 30 days: Take a break before D-Day! 
According to CAT toppers, anxiety and over-preparation can be counterproductive in the final days before CAT. Toppers recommend staying calm and taking a break before the CAT exam day!

Soumik Banerjee said, "I did not study the day before the exam. Instead, I focused on relaxing and ensuring everything was in order for exam day," he recalls. Srishti Yadav added, “The last 2-3 days are about staying calm. If your mind is clear, your chances of executing well on exam day are higher." 

Toppers advice following ways to manage last few days before CAT exam – November 24, 2024:  

• Finish their preparation 2-3 days before the exam
• Use last few days to organize necessary documents and exam-day logistics.
• Stay relaxed, Watch a Movie or listen to your favorite songs a day before the exam to keep anxiety away.  

So if you are wondering, how to Prepare for CAT in 30 Days, this article would have answered your question. Indeed, the last 30 days before CAT are all about following a simple plan that includes strategic revision of fundamental concepts, analyzing mocks, and managing stress. By focusing on revision over new learning, practicing smart test taking strategies, and staying calm, yes it is possible to crack a CAT in 1 month. So, stay calm, trust your preparation, and remember that success comes to those who prepare wisely and stay calm under pressure!

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