Rakesh Sharma reveals how to make CAT preparation fun and manage stress a month before the test

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 to logical games like Sudoku to gain skills. “Do full-length mock tests; analyzing them is a must during this last month. Also, give the test according to your exam time to prepare your body and mind based on the actual test setting,” he offers practical tips.

Rakesh’s CAT results paved the way for his entry into IMI B, which has consistently ranked amongst top 15 B Schools in India. He also chose the B School because he believes it has strong industry backing. “The learning curve here is amazing and you have a more notable peer group. The kinds of careers IMI B graduates have are way more remarkable than other private schools,” he says, well on his way to a remarkable career himself.