The 9 Commandments of CAT

Commandment 1: Never try to predict the CAT – Expect the Unexpected.

The only thing possibly more unpredictable than the CAT is the performance of the
Indian Cricket Team. They both are capable of reducing people to bundles of frustration /
nervousness / ecstasy. The decade – till 2003 – saw a relatively stable CAT pattern, with
a gradual decrease in the number of questions; but some factors like marking system etc.
remained constant. Since 2004, as if to make up for lost time, the CAT began changing
its stripes with a vengeance; every year after that. Refer to the table below to see the
variations in the CAT pattern since 2003.

Commandment 2: Be prepared to take the challenge Head-on

There is no easy option. Although everybody keeps repeating the cliché of CAT asking
questions only till the level of the 10th standard – it is very obvious, the Actual Test will
not be a cakewalk. If it was that really that easy all of us could have scored a clear 100
%ile. The fact that we have not been able to achieve that score indicates that it is not a
test for the weak hearted. Only those who are able to factor out the “changed patterns” on
the day of the test will be able to overcome the odds. Remember, if the pattern has
changed, it has for every one of the students taking the test.
Commandment 3: It is all about fundamentals. You have to get them right first.

The CAT is all about fundamentals. Pure basics! Advanced knowledge of either
Quantitative or Language (grammar or vocabulary) is not required to “crack the test”; one
simply requires an adequate proficiency in these areas and these are obtained only from
following the basics.

Commandment 4: Tell your self constantly – I can do it.

Self belief is the key to success. A student, who wakes up every morning, stands before
the mirror, looks into his eyes and says “KAR KE DIKHAYENGE” is more likely to
achieve success than his counterparts. It is not some overt display of self delusive
behavior; rather it is a way of reinforcing the belief that “he” is good. It is a commitment,
that he makes to himself and such commitments are very difficult to break.

Commandment 5: Control your attitude…. do not let your attitude control you.

Do not make excuses for non-performance or not meeting targets. As they say, there are a
hundred reasons for non-performance but for doing your job, a single reason will do” and
that single reason is “because I have to do it!”. Don’t let your mood swings, your
laziness, your arrogance, your negativity to gain control over your self. Learn to work in
spite of all problems.

Commandment 6: When people hear your ambitious goals and laugh, say to
yourself “I will have the last laugh”

Set high targets for your self. Do not be deterred by what people think or feel about them.
Half the jobs do not get accomplished because of the time we waste thinking what others
would think about them! Work while others laugh at you.

Commandment 7: Know yourself and the environment around you

Most of us are unaware of our true selves. Learn to introspect – look deep into yourself
and find out the real YOU. Feel good about your strengths, but, be cautious about your
weaknesses too! Learn to overcome your weak areas through meticulous planning, hard
work and honesty. Most of us behave like Ostriches. We bury our heads in the sands of
“ignorance” in the fond hope that if we can’t see our selves (ignore our weaknesses)
others would also be unable to do so! Keep looking around yourself and at the countless
opportunities that life keeps on throwing at all of us.

Commandment 8: Never peak too early or too late. Hit the iron when it is hot

This is an art, knowing when to PEAK. Too early, and all your focus and energies start to
dissipate. Too late and the big day is over. Build momentum gradually to culminate in
one final act on 18th November 2007 (or whenever the CAT takes place). Pace your self
with tests, revisions and different strategies in the next 8-10 months at your disposal.

Commandment 9: The saying, “People who sweat more during peace bleed less
during war”- is true of CAT too.

Actually, the commandment above has another version, for students. That goes – “live
like a lion (king) today, and spend the rest of your life like a donkey. Slog like an ass
today, and spend your future like a king”. You are at the threshold of a wonderful life
where a glorious career awaits you. What you do now, will decide what you do for the
rest of your life. Don’t fritter it all away at the altars of casual behavior, a lack of focus,
friends, idle talk, entertainment, religious festivals etc. There will be ample time for all of
them later. As students, your first priority should be your career i.e. your studies,
everything else can wait.