CAT 2015, scheduled for 29th November 2015, has left us with more than enough time to reanalyse our strategy and reorient ourselves to face the seemingly new and different exam pattern. The recently released CAT notification describing the ‘changes’ in the pattern may have muddled up the strategy of many aspirants, but you need to stay calm and study on.

Changes in CAT Pattern for 2015Number of sections increased to 3Sectional time limit of 1 hour per sectionChange in duration from 170 to 180 minutesSwitching between sections not allowedIntroduction of non-multiple choice questions (non-MCQs)Introduction of on-screen calculator

A closer look reveals that conforming to the trend of previous pattern changes in CAT, even this one is a mere alteration in structure. The basics stay the same; you still need to get your concepts in place, practise and revise regularly. Even if you are starting off your preparations now, 100 days are sufficient to secure a 99+percentile in CAT 2015, provided you implement a sound strategy.

AugustBy the end of August, you should be done with learning the concepts by focusing on the most basic and moderate level questions from a set of reliable study material. Taking one mock test per week all through this month should suffice. Needless to say, a proper and detailed post-mock analysis is a must. Furthermore, to make the best use of your time, divide the remaining days of August into seven chunks of three days. One practice test each on Data Interpretation (DI), Logical Reasoning (LR), Reading Comprehension (RC) and one test from different topics of Verbal Logic (VL) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) should be solved in each three-day bracket. By the end of August, you will be exposed to different types of questions from each of these topics.

SeptemberCome September, you should step on the gas and move to two mock tests per week. Again, it goes without saying that proper analysis of both the mocks within the same week is mandatory. At this stage, solving the previous years’—CAT 1990-2008—papers will be really beneficial, as effectively tackling the most difficult looking CAT questions is always a confidence booster. The three-day strategy, mentioned above, should be continued to iron out any knowledge deficiencies that may exist with regard to specific topics.

OctoberTwo extremely important, yet invariably neglected, parts of a solid preparation strategy for CAT are the NMAT (Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test) and IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade). These are the two extremely important exams that take place before CAT. Ideally, you should schedule one NMAT attempt before IIFT and CAT, preferably in the last week of October. With NMAT as a short-term goal, one out of the two mocks that you attempt every week in October should be an NMAT-based mock.

NovemberMoving into November, you should attempt one IIFT mock test along with a CAT one every week. During this month, attempt all the mock tests in the same time slot as your CAT 2015 time slot. The idea is to attune the mind to work with full steam during these three hours of the day.During this CAT preparation journey, a really good habit to develop would be that of reading reputed magazines, newspapers and editorials. This will not only make you well informed and help you form an opinion, but will also expose you to different styles of writing. This in turn, will improve your ability to deal with RC.The most important thing that CAT 2015 aspirants must remember is that all three sections hold equal value and one must prove competency in each to succeed in the CAT this year.

Gautam Puri, Vice Chairman and MD, CL Educate Ltd. joined Career Launcher (www.careerlauncher.com)—an edu-corporate, which focuses on diverse segments of education, and learners in multiple age-groups—in its formative stages in 1996. You can connect with him onwww.gpkafunda.com

Important DatesOnline Application Date: 6 August 2015 – 20 September 2015Admit Card Download starts: 15 October 2015 (1 pm onwards)Exam Date: 29 November 2015 (Sunday)Result Date: Second week of January 2016