Prateek Bajpai's Strategy for CAT Preparation: The Role of Mocks and Analysis
Prateek Bajpai, a renowned expert in the preparation for competitive exams such as the CAT (Common Admission Test for IIM Ahmedabad), has shared his insights on how many mocks he attempted during his preparation. He mentions in various forums and videos that he completed around 60 mocks, but emphasizes that the key to success lies not just in the quantity but in the quality of preparation and thorough analysis of each mock test.
Quantity vs. Quality: The Balance in CAT Preparation
Prateek highlights the importance of not only taking a large number of mocks but also understanding and learning from each one. He suggests that while 60 mocks can be sufficient for many students, the quality of preparation is more critical. Candidates should focus on not just practicing but also refining their strategies and continuously improving weaker areas. Successful preparation for the CAT depends on consistent study, grasping fundamental concepts, and efficient time management during the examination.
Prateek Bajpai's Personal Experience with Mocks
When asked about his personal experience, Prateek mentioned that he joined TIME AIMCATs and did not take any other mocks. He appeared for a few mocks in January and April, but really focused on mocks from August onwards as the new pattern was announced. He appeared for around 7-8 mocks in August, September, and October. In September, he did not study or take any mocks due to personal reasons, but made up for it in October.
Prateek identified topics where he could maximize output with minimal input, particularly Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR). He was already strong in Quantitative Ability (QA), but focused extensively on building a strong vocabulary for Reading Comprehension (RC) in the initial stages. This strategy continued until October when he started focusing more on RC, Number Theory, and Geometry after CAT released its sample paper.
The Importance of Analysis and Learning
According to Prateek, the number of mocks taken is irrelevant. What matters is how thoroughly you analyze each one and learn from them. He suggests that 15-20 mocks would be ideal if analyzed properly, with 60 being a significant overkill. The key is to ensure that the mocks are not just taken but that every attempt is a learning opportunity, with a focus on improving weak areas and refining strategies.
Conclusion
The success in the CAT exam isn't solely dependent on the number of mocks attempted, but on the quality of preparation, the thorough analysis of each test, and continuous improvement. Prateek Bajpai's methods emphasize the importance of personalized strategy and consistent effort, highlighting the role of mocks not just as practice tests but learning tools to enhance one's preparation.