Get Ahead has invited readers who have successfully cracked the Common Admission Test to share their tips/mantras for success. Select entries now form a series of reader-driven articles on how to ace CAT. 

AT is tough not because of its content, but because of certain misconceptions in the students' mindset.

Here are some:

Myth 1: You must solve more than 150 questions in 120 minutes.

This is absolutely misleading.

Attempting 85 to 90 questions in 120 minutes is enough for a good IIM to call you.

Myth 2: You must score equally well in all sections.

Students have been carried away by this assumption for so long. This is not true.

The truth is, you need more than 70 marks with not more than 85 attempts across any number of sections.

If you score 40 out of 50 in Quantitative Aptitude and 35 out of 40 in Data Interpretation and do not attempt a single question in English, you stand a better chance than someone who scores 25 in Quantitative Aptitude with 35 attempts, 35 in Data Interpretation and wastes time struggling to get seven or eight marks in Verbal Ability.

Have your priorities clear.

Know what IIMs or top business schools are looking for.

Here are some pointers

1. Top B-schools are looking for potential business tycoons who

• Know where to use their strengths
• Know how to minimise their weaknesses

No one is perfect. And a true manager will never attempt to become one in the area of his weakness.

2. The most important criteria in CAT is getting a total respectable score -- over 70 -- with an over 85 percent to 90 percent accuracy level.

3. Selectors at top B-schools are products of the Indian education system. They know how prepared students are and their comfort level in various subjects.
 
The criteria to get called by a B-school

Use the following criteria to get a call from top B-schools:

1. Your total score must be more than 70.

2. You must have an 85 percent plus accuracy level. There is no need to attempt over 85 questions to score 70 plus marks.

3. Maximise scores in the sections in which you are strong. Spend more time on these sections.

4. Neglect the weaker sections if you are confident about maximising your scores in the areas in which you are strong.

5. If time permits, attempt the difficult sections. Ensure over 90 percent accuracy in the same. This means getting four out of four questions correct.

The last word

CAT does not expect every aspirant to be Einstein. But it definitely hopes to get another Bill Gates!

CAT plays with the mindset of a person.

It expects a student to handle situations (both expected and unexpected) with ease and perform under pressure.

Common sense is the most important thing you need to do well in CAT.

This should be your motto: I know my basic strengths and should be capable of enjoying the two hour CAT exam.

And CAT will be yours for the taking!

Illustration: Dominic Xavier

Nishikant Kothikar, head of marketing at the London Community Training Centre, has mentored CAT aspirants in India.

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