{"id":4129,"date":"2020-07-04T16:20:42","date_gmt":"2020-07-04T10:50:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/online.2iim.com\/cat-exam\/blogs\/?p=4129"},"modified":"2020-07-04T16:20:43","modified_gmt":"2020-07-04T10:50:43","slug":"5-crucial-steps-to-kickstart-your-cat-2020-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/online.2iim.com\/cat-exam\/blogs\/cat-gyan\/5-crucial-steps-to-kickstart-your-cat-2020-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Crucial Steps to Kickstart your CAT 2020 Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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CAT 2020 preparation is proving to be a different ballgame altogether, thanks to COVID. People are worried about different things, ranging from the difficulty level of the examination, how\/when\/if it would be conducted, and more. And, the worst affected because of this unprecedented scenario are the aspirants who are going to attempt CAT for the first time. Fear of being new can be overwhelming in itself; combine it with the lockdown and other factors beyond an individual’s control, it gets to your head easily. I know because I have been there done that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like I mentioned in an earlier article<\/a>, my CAT 2019 attempt was more whimsical than rational; hence, I am in the “fresher-but-not-fresher” zone in the run-up towards CAT 2020. However, there are five important things that every CAT aspirant – especially those who are preparing for the first time – has to keep in mind in these unforeseen circumstances to maintain sanity while going full throttle with the preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Change takes time. Give it that time.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common questions that keeps coming up is on time management. “I have so much to do at office, how can I allot time for preparation<\/a>?” is the best version of it. Practically, there are no straightforward answers to it; it is easy to say, “You can definitely squeeze some time in your everyday routine.” However, I have a slightly different take on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, you had the same work schedule before you started preparation. It remains the same now, probably with a few changes because of the lockdown. You have added an item in your itinerary. Acknowledge that the problem might not really be with the nature or duration of your work. When the number of hours in a day remains the same, and your work hours remain the same, it is natural that any extra work would seem like a mammoth task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know how it feels when you cannot spend that one hour peacefully listening to talk shows and podcasts you love. But, you need to realize something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have incorporated an iteration in your routine. It takes time for it to belong into your daily scheme of things. A minimum of two to three weeks go by before it subconsciously becomes part of your routine. Give it that time.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/amp-fit-text>\n\n\n\n

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2) Endure. Crib but endure.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CAT aspirants are not a different species. You being an aspirant shooting for 200+ in CAT 2020 does not mean you should not crib about your worries. I have heard “motivational gurus” talk about why one should not crib. Again, I have a different take on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crib; it is okay to crib. You have emotions, problems, hassles, difficulties; crib to someone – to your friend, brother, parent(s), girlfriend (cribbing online is something I do not personally vouch for). However, while you are at it, make sure you endure the rigour of CAT preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If Quant makes you sleep off, sit with the damn book or online material for an hour to two daily. Flex yourself.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/amp-fit-text>\n\n\n\n

Initially, it is okay to compromise on productivity; you cannot solve 50 sums in one hour daily, right at the start. If you are new to SuDoKu, solve ONE puzzle even if it takes an hour. Do not leave it halfway because you think you are wasting time. Because YOU ARE NOT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not a Board examination, where you have loads to cram. CAT is more about your endurance, focus, concentration, agility than about your hard-wired knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just acquaint yourself to the idea of sitting tight and focusing on CAT preparation initially. Not looking at WhatsApp is hard, and the change does not happen in a single day.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/amp-fit-text>\n\n\n\n

Unbeknownst to you, things would have fallen in place as the days go by. Keep at it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Work hard. Have patience.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to the unscrupulous growth of the test prep industry, CAT preparation has been transformed into a mad rush of sorts. The physician-esque prescriptions of “60-day schedule” and “100-day schedule” do not work for all CAT aspirants all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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