Cracking the CAT requires immense planning and practice as well. CAT is one of the most awaited annual entrance examinations for admissions into B-schools. When not planned in the right way, it might not work in your favor. So, you should know some knickknacks to make CAT a favorable factor for your career.

• Create an effective plan of study: Whether you are a professional or a full-time student, you need to create your time table accordingly. If you have only 2-3 months left for the exam, you need to dedicate at least 5-6 hours of study each day. Analyze your areas of weaknesses and strengths, and device your study plan accordingly.
• Be focused: Even if you spend 5-6 hours of study every day for CAT, it will not be fruitful if you lack focus. What matters most is how much and what you are studying, and whether it is relevant or not. Take sectional as well as full-length mocks: Toppers suggest taking a number of mock tests to perform better. The best tip is to know what your present position is and what direction you should take from now on. The only way to know your present position is to take mock tests regularly. If there are only 2-3 months left, you must have finished the basic preparations by now. Even if some portions are left, start taking mock tests now. One topper said that he solved one mock test everyday, and worked on improvement in one area during the weekend.
• Practice different types of questions: Practice different types of questions, be it full-length, sections or past year exams. The more variety of questions you solve, the more exposure you will gain to varying difficulty levels and areas. This strategy will help greatly in becoming more prepared for the test. Make sure that you answer questions of varying types. Avoid doing same types of questions over and over again. Start with solving the basic questions first, and then move on to ones that are complex. So, one strategy is to concentrate more on quality rather than on the numbers. History repeats itself, and you should get hold of previous year CAT papers. Although the questions may not be repeated exactly, you will get an idea about the type of questions that may be thrown at you.
• Know CAT syllabus and pattern: Instead of picking up random topics to study, try to know which subjects are actually covered in the CAT exam. Although CAT syllabus is not constant, you can have a look at previous year papers and get an idea about the exam pattern.
• Get familiar with computer: Most students get nervous in the examination hall, because they might not be familiarized with computer. So, try solving the test online to get a hang on it.
• Find a Mentor: If you are not confident in what you do, you can always rely on a mentor. He can guide you in exam planning and help you in enhancing your performance too.

All these tips can boost your self-confidence and wish you good luck to find admission in reputed business school!