CAT is one of the most prestigious exams for those who are willing to pursue Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from 1300 top B-schools including the top 21 IIMs. Preparing for the CAT exam is challenging and requires a good amount of dedication.
With the CAT 2024 exam just 24 hours away, candidates often feel anxious and scared due to the exam stress and end up making hasty decisions and mistakes. In this news we aim to cover the 5 most common mistakes that the CAT aspirants must avoid before the CAT exam.
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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid on CAT exam day
Listed below are the 5 most common mistakes that the candidates must avoid 24 hours before the exam and on the exam day as well. Read below for more information and utilize the tips to gain maximum advantage.
Last Minute Cramming or Revision
The most common mistake any candidate can make is cramming or revising the topics just 1 day before the exam. This is a certain recipe for disaster and the candidates should not revise anything a day before the exam. Just do a quick go through of the concepts and keep your mind at ease for the next day.
Also See: CAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines - Do's and Don'ts
Arriving Late or Just in Time to the Exam Hall
CAT aspirants should avoid reaching late or just in time to the exam venue. Candidates should always reach the exam hall at least 45 minutes before as reaching late will only increase stress and consume extra time. CAT is anyway a time based exam and candidates reaching late might not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Candidates should also consider factors like traffic jams, locating the center, exam room etc. and therefore aim to reach beforehand.
Candidates arriving early at the exam center have enough time to get acquainted with the atmosphere and environment, and this can help them reduce anxiety as well.
Prepare and Ready the Documents Beforehand
Candidates often make the mistake of leaving documentation to the last day which creates chaos on the exam day. Candidates should always keep their important documents required at the exam center ready beforehand so that they do not stress about it on the exam day. Candidates need to carry the CAT 2024 admit card, and one valid photo ID proof to the exam center for verification purposes. Also, candidates should read the exam instructions printed at the back of the admit card to avoid getting cancelled at the last minute.
Lack of Time Management
The best policy to attempt the CAT exam in time is to manage your time effectively. Do not ponder upon a question for too long. In case you are stuck on a tricky question, leave it and move to the next question immediately.
Spending too much time on a single question will lead you to cut back on your time for other questions, and it may affect your score heavily. It is advised to not spend more than a minute on any question or 1.5 minutes at most. Since the CAT exam has negative marking, do not attempt any questions in a rush. In short, trust your preparation and avoid the need to attempt every single question.
Review: CAT Exam Pattern 2024
Ignoring Instructions
The CAT exam instructions can vary each year and the candidates often ignore these instructions thinking that nothing has changed. It is advised to not be overconfident in such situations and read the instructions carefully. This means to read the instructions on the admit card to adhere to exam guidelines and also read the instructions that the exam screen prompts to avoid any issues later.
The exam instructions include the marking scheme and guide you on how to fill out the answers and how to use the scientific calculator provided on the screen.
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Conclusion
To conclude, remember that you have come this far with a lot of effort and hard work. One silly mistake on the exam day can make or break your CAT exam, so be calm and composed on the day of the exam and do not take too much stress. Only a calm mind can help you achieve your desired dream and help you perform well in the CAT 2024 exam. Walk into that exam hall knowing you’ve done the work. Trust in yourself and keep calm. With the right approach, you’re well on your way to achieving it!
