LIFE AT IMI-B

  “Even when you are fully prepared, stress can ruin it all. Stay calm and composed during the exam,” says cool CAT Sikta Sinha, who cracked the management entrance test in 2018. She made the result count by securing admission with IMI Bhubaneswar and is now specializing in Human Resource and Marketing. With CAT 2020 around the corner, we asked her for smart hacks to ace the test.  “I had a time table for preparation and focused on the parts I wasn’t comfortable with. For two weeks before the test, I would give mock tests every day and analyze them. This analysis is the key to spot any loopholes in your preparations and performance,” says Sikta, offering insights into her strategies. She also reveals that she focused on Quants because it can be the differential factor, and recommends stressing on domains you aren’t comfortable with.  Sikta’s three-fold plan for CAT was – solving as many mock tests, as many revisions as possible, and staying calm for the big day. The plan ...

With CAT 2020 slated for 29 th November, your preparations are in the final leg when you want to accelerate to the finish line. Rakesh Sharma, cracked CAT 2018, believes you can insert a dollop of fun into your preparations to make the situation less stressful. This IMI B student reminds us, “We are all human and there is a limit to how much we can do. Balance is the key; if you overcome the stress your CAT will be smooth.” It’s a strategy Rakesh followed. It meant he didn’t see CAT as a tough paper but started enjoying the process. He lets us in on his preparation plan, “Don’t try to do everything in one day. Invest a fixed amount of time for each topic and mock test. Try to make stress management a part of your plan. Meditate, watch a movie, read a book; do something you love but only in moderation,” he adds.  Rakesh also extols the virtues of sports for physical and mental fitness leading up to the test. He suggests that those who like playing games on their phones can switch t...

      The pandemic had delayed CAT 2020; the announcement that the test has been shortened has added to the unpredictability. Nairit Sarkar cleared CAT in 2018 with an outstanding score. “The officials haven’t made the pattern clear but hopefully the number of questions will be reduced. Candidates will also be wondering whether to wait for CAT 2021 and let go of a year,” the IMI B student comments before offering coping tips to deal with the unprecedented circumstances of the year. Excerpts: “CAT tests your mental ability as much as aptitude skills. The syllabus might look unmanageable but it really isn’t as difficult as it appears. It is a test of patience, stress and time management; don’t feel overwhelmed,” adds Nairit.  Leading up to the test, I’d suggest study when you are rested. Studying five hours a day when rested can be more productive than 15 hours when you are tired. I could only give 6 hours a week to studies because I was also working then.  In the...

With just over a month to go for CAT 2020, time is of the essence. It’s time that Priyanka Chaudhary, who bested CAT in 2018 focused on, in lead up to the test. “I used to set a timer to solve questions. always tried solving questions in the shortest possible way,” says the student of IMI B, Class of 2021. She is full of beans and handy tips as she reveals how she prepared for CAT while she pursued her B.Com. program. Having been in CAT candidates’ shoes not long ago, Priyanka understands the dilemmas. Is it worth appearing for the test to get into a B School at this time? Will the competition be tougher this year? “Being stressed about things you can’t control isn’t going to help; it will only hamper your performance. Even if your paper is difficult don’t panic; it would be difficult for everyone else too,” she offers comforting advice. Priyanka admits that focusing on CAT prep while pursuing her B.Com wasn’t easy. But putting aside a couple of hours every day did the trick for her. A...