MBAUniverse.com Expert Chat on CAT 08: Balance time between revision of basics and mock-tests in last 4 weeks, says Mr Ulhas Vairagkar of T.I.M.E.

The expert chat was hosted on MBAUniverse.com for the benefit of lakhs of MBA aspirants across the country who are working hard to crack the all important Common Admission Test for IIMs, to be held on November 16, 2008. With only a few weeks left for the D-day, students want to know the expert strategies and mantras for last minute preparations.

On the MBAUniverse.com expert chat, Mr Ulhas Vairagkar, Director, Triumphant Institute of Management Education (T.I.M.E.) Delhi answered queries posted by MBA aspirants from around the country on October 18. Responding to a query on how to divide preparation time between Mock Test and Study material for the last 4-weeks, Mr Vairagkar said, Students should spend about 40% of their preparation time on study material, assuming thatone isreasonable ok and its a revision. Maintain balance on Mocks.

Mr Vairagkar is a graduate in Chemical Engineering from Nagpur University and did his PGDM from IIM, Ahmedabad. He has a work experience of more than 20 years in marketing and managing business in companies like Hindustan Lever Ltd and ICI Paints. Mr.Vairagkar has been Director, T.I.M.E. (Delhi) since 2001.

Here isthe edited transcript from the students-chat with Mr Ulhas Vairagkar on October 18 on MBAUniverse.com:
Mahesh: How much time per day is enough 2 crack cat and how to divide it for different areas between revising concepts and mock papers.Mr Vairagkar: Dear Mahesh, Quality of time is as critical as quantity of time. So, spend as much quality time as possible. Further, please plan to study at least two test areas per day so that it is not monotonous. Finally, do not worry about what you are weak at!

Suresh: How should I divide time between Mock Test and Study material for the next 4-weeks?Mr Vairagkar: About 40% on study material assuming that you are reasonably ok and its a revision. Maintain Balance on Mocks.

Rahul: Hello, I have enrolled in a correspondence course for CAT preparation. Please suggest the plan for good preparation within only 1 month? Thanks a lot sirMr Vairagkar: Dear Rahul, 1. Revise all key concepts thoroughly in the next two weeks. 2. Go through all the mocks and solve each question so that you are in CAT mode. All the best!

Preeti: Sir, I am not so confident about my Quant area. How should I focus and improve on this area. Do CAT/IIMs have high weightage for this section and how much? Mr Vairagkar: Dear Preeti, Not all B-schools have high cut-offs for Quant so you stand a good chance at good B-schools besides IIMs. Secondly, CAT exams in the past have always had some easy questions. The key will be to belive in yourself that I can do Quant, go thru the paper carefully and find and attempt the same.
Vasudha: Dear Sir, I want to improve my Data Interpretation/ Logical Reasoning. What is your advice sir?Mr Vairagkar: Dear Vasudha, Become familiar with each kind DI chart - Pie, bar, Histogram etc. Secondly, practice Venn Diagrams along with maxima / minima. Lastly practice various kinds of LA sets that involve ranking, selections, arrangements, games 7 tournaments etc.

Raghav: Sir, I am preparing hard for November 18. I am seeking for the last minute tips for the CAT day. What to do and what not a few days before CAT. ThanksMr Vairagkar: First of all, start decelerating in the last week and do not drive yourself too hard. Sleep well, get up in time and be at your best by 10-30 am. Relax on 15th and tell yourself that you are ready to crack it!

Guneet: Good afternoon sir! I would like to know how many institutes should one ideally for prior to CAT? I am talking about the institutes that have the last dates for application before CAT exam.Mr Vairagkar: Normally, one should apply to at least 10-12 B-schools. Choice of B-schools will depend upon your background, ambition and whether you are looking at cracking CAT this year itself or are open to try again.

Guneet: Sir, Some of my friends and seniors from college say we should only focus on taking MOCKs now. They are very helpful, since we cant work on concepts in 4 weeks. What do you say...Mr Vairagkar: Dear Guneet, If your concepts and basics are sound, you need not spend any time in revising and can spend the next one month in focusing on Mocks alone!

Suresh: Sir, after CAT, what should be the strategy for other 3 exams i have filled: XAT, IIFT & FMS. Please give detailed reply sir.Mr Vairagkar: Dear Suresh, Do not plan for all the three exams simultaneously and take one at a time. XAT need not require a different preparation than CAT except for the Essay. FMS so far has had an easier paper and your ability to attempt more questions is therefore more critical. Suggest take Mocks for each of these two exams so as to get yourself in the right groove!

Mahesh: Hi sir, I got 98%ile in MAT, held in September 08. So now I am not able to concentrate on CAT. What should I do in last 4 weeks to gain maximum considering reading comprehension is my weak area.Mr Vairagkar: Dear Mahesh, Spend at least two hours per day in reading non-fiction. You may use books and use internet as resource to gain comfort and familiarity with different subjects. Take mocks and get used to different kinds of questions and how to infer what the author means.

M R Raju: Sir, I am a 2nd year B.com student from Hyderabad. I am planning to take CAT 09. But have registered this year too. How should I prepare and use this next 4 weeks to gain maximum.Mr Vairagkar: Dear Raju, Please give CAT 08 without any worry and spend your time in identifying and attempting all those questions that you can do. Its more of a rehearsal! Enjoy CAT 08 and you can then enjoy CAT 09 TOO!

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com Aspirant Zone for more highlights from the expert chats with faculty from IMS Learning and Career Launcher.