Is it Possible to Get into IIMS with Just 3 Months of CAT Preparation?

Are you aiming to get into institutions like IIMS within 3 months of CAT preparation? As of 2024, this is a challenging yet not impossible task, but only for certain candidates. If you are not someone who has prepared for JEE or other competitive exams, you will require immense dedication and hard work. CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 were extremely tough, particularly in the Quants and LRDI sections, which appear to be a continuous trend. For an exam of such high difficulty, aptitude development is essential and does take time. Thus, 3 months are insufficient unless you are a genius. However, with determination and focus, you can still achieve success in Tier 2 b-schools.

Targeting Tier 1 B-schools: For Tier 1 b-schools like IIMS, starting from scratch with 3 months of preparation is exceptionally difficult. It is more likely to succeed in Tier 2 B-schools with hard work and determination. Whether your situation allows 3 months or more, remember the importance of grit, perseverance, and effort. All the best for your CAT and other entrance exams!

Strategic Preparation in 3 Months

Starting your preparation in September can provide you with the necessary time to strategically plan your daily schedule. The challenge is real, but it is achievable if you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to structure your preparation:

Basics Review and Initial Mock Test

During the first month, focus on revising the core concepts. Taking a CAT online mock test can help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses. Based on your performance, create a study plan. During the first week, spend six days learning concepts by watching concept videos or referring to related content. Ensure you take a mock test either at the end of the week or intermittently to assess your understanding.

Daily Schedule

If you start now, allocate at least 6–7 hours on weekdays and 7–8 hours on weekends.

Quant: (Mathematics)

Begin with Arithmetic Geometry and Algebra, followed by Number Systems and Modern Math. It is crucial not to spend excessive time on one topic as the Quant syllabus is extensive. Create a formula/tip sheet for each topic and keep adding formulae or tricks as you solve questions. Aim to solve 15–20 questions daily from mixed topics and practice different problem-solving approaches to improve efficiency.

VARC: (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

This section should not take much time to review the basics, but regular practice is key. Solve at least one Reading Comprehension (RC) exercise daily in the initial days. Spend 1 hour daily (apart from regular reading) to cover VARC concepts.

LRDI: (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation)

Start with fundamental concepts and types of sets that have appeared in previous years. Dedicate at least 2 hours a day to solve 4-5 sets daily. Focus on logical thinking by solving puzzles like Sudoku every day. Spend 2 days a week on DI sets and 4 days on Logical Reasoning.

Mocks: Take a mock test every week to maintain a balance among the three sections. Allocate at least 2 hours to each section, more time if a section is a weak area. Read a lot and maintain consistent practice.

Resources for CAT Preparation

Below are some free resources that can greatly enhance your CAT preparation:

Three FREE CAT mocks: These are based on questions from thousands of students and can help you identify your strengths and performance relative to others. Daily Targets: One test on each topic (VARC, DILR, Quant) every day to keep you on track. Formula PDFs for all Quant topics for CAT: Access these to ensure you have all necessary formulas at your fingertips. Around 25 solved previous papers of CAT: Practice these to familiarize yourself with the exam format. CAT Percentile Predictor: Use this tool to assess your performance and predict your percentile.

By following this structured approach and utilizing these resources, you can maximize your chances of success in CAT and other B-school entrance exams, regardless of your starting point.