MAT is simply the management aptitude test-one of the most prominent steps towards an MBA in India. That means if you are looking forward to preparing for MAT 2024, now with only a few months, then do not worry, as proper and strategic preparation will help in achieving excellent results. In this blog, we shall guide you through such productive strategies for acing MAT, and it won’t take much time.
1.Knowledge of MAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before actually starting to prepare, one needs to know the patterns and syllabus of the exam. There are five types of categories in MAT
- Language Comprehension
- Mathematical Skills
- Data Analysis & Sufficiency
- Intelligence & Critical Reasoning
- Indian & Global Environment
All of these sections will consist of 40 questions, hence making it 200 questions to be solved in 150 minutes. A lot of prior planning has to be done on how much time can be provided to each section.
Plan the Study
It will save you from that stage where you feel you haven’t covered the whole syllabus. Here’s a sample plan for you:
First 2 Weeks:
Familiarise yourself with the concepts in all the sections.
- Practise topic-wise questions and focus on your weak areas for the next two weeks.
- Concentrate on mock tests, revising concepts and mistakes analysis for the last 4-6 weeks.
- Spend around 5-6 hours studying every day. Spend some specific time for each section that you feel is strong/weak. Focus on some major differences between your weak and strongest areas and spend extra time mastering them.
2.Time-Saving Technique:
Some parts of the MAT exam take more time than others. Spend on them according to your strength:
Language Ability: This is a moderately reading-intensive section. Read newspapers, novels, or articles frequently to increase your speed.
Maths Ability: MAT has not been claimed as challenging as CAT. Keep brushing up the basics of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Memorise key formulae and try practising the calculation so it is speedier.
Data Analysis & Sufficiency: This section involves a lot of calculation so the answer requires more accuracy and quick data interpretation really helps a lot. Daily practice from graphs, tables, and charts can be really helpful.
Intelligence & Critical Reasoning: The more you practise the more your reasoning skills will develop. Try to solve as many puzzles, riddles, and reasoning problems as possible for developing the logical thinking skill.
Indian & Global Environment: General knowledge section. You need to keep yourself abreast of the happenings in the country and world. So, read the dailies, catch business news, and cast a glance on the important events of the last year.
3.Mock Tests and Time Management
Mock tests are the best friend that comes to simulate the real test. For making the fullest use of this facility, take full-length mock tests, and you will feel:
You will get the real pressure of the exam and the critical time constraint
Identify your weak areas
Time management techniques.
At least 10-12 mock tests in the last month.
Self-analyse your performance after each test: where have you lost marks? Did you run out of time in any particular section?
A couple of weeks before your final exam, begin practising under time-bound conditions to increase the speed as well as accuracy of attempts for questions.
4.Enhancing Speed and Accuracy
The MAT test is on speed and accuracy. You have 200 questions to answer in just 150 minutes, so you do not have the luxury of getting stuck on problematic questions. Do the following:
- Divide your time for every question so if you can’t solve a question, leave it and move on.
- Mental maths is essential, so that you shall spend less time solving problems.
- Learn shortcuts, tricks that help you solve problems more quickly, particularly in mathematical and reasoning segments.
5.Revision Regular
Revision is the key thing to be done if there is not much time in hand. Get more time to revise the important formulas, concepts, and general knowledge facts close to the date of examination. Do not get new topics at this final stage; master those you already know.
Revision of Notes
- For Language Comprehension, one would need to revise vocabulary and grammar rules.
- For Math, prepare a notebook with formulas and practice questions regularly.
- For General Knowledge, you have to make flashcards or little notes that would help you recall everything important.
6.Do Current Affairs for the GK Section
Indian & Global Environment or General Knowledge is an integral part of the entire scheme of things. It all concerns current affairs, the latest
news in politics, economy and international ones. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Daily News Reading: Keep reading news sources like The Hindu, Economic Times and business magazines.
- Making Notes: The important events and facts should be noted. You can keep visiting them quite frequently to help you remember the information.
- Quizzes: Many online quizzes are present on current affairs. Taking a daily quiz may be an aid to engraving into your memory and give an immediate analysis of where you stand.
7.Right Study Material
Quality study material is what one needs first to prepare well. Some of the most commonly available MAT preparation books and study materials are as follows:
Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary building
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
- Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Manorama Yearbook for general knowledge
- As for the online source, study material, mock tests, and live classes under the design for MAT preparation are available on various online platforms such as Unacademy, Gradeup, BYJU’s, etc.
8.Positive and Motivated End
It is really terrible to prepare for an exam in such a short time, but that is also some sort of overload of stress. However, as said earlier, attitude is what matters most to look forward to in a discussion about success. Try to break up and do things that create less stress, such as meditation, exercises, or your favourite hobby, to keep you refreshed and focused.
Maintain a support system with friends, family, or classmates in a study group. Motivation is everything, so remind yourself of the goal and reward the progress along the way.
9.Day-of-the-Exam Strategy
The day of the exam is when, hopefully you haven’t freaked out, and you’ve made it to a strategic plan. On the MAT exam, you can do the following:
- Begin with Your Best Section: Start with the section you feel most comfortable with. That is going to be the section you’re likely going to do best on and develop the most confidence with.
- Always Remember to Keep an Eye on the Clock: Use your time proportionately with each section. To ensure you don’t spend too much time on any one question, don’t take more than 40 seconds if you are really getting all confused.
- Avoid Guessing: Since MAT follows negative marking, one must avoid wild guesses. Where there is anything with which you are not sure, skip it and move ahead to the next one.
Conclusion
Preparing in a couple of months for the MAT exam seems to be a gargantuan task, but, with the right kind of planning, dedication, and time management, it truly can be done. Concentrate on concept understanding, practice rigorously, and keep cool during pressure situations. All the very best for your MAT preparation! The key to cracking MAT is neither hard work alone but smart work. Stick to your plan, take mocks, and keep revising regularly.
To Know About More Scholarship Test:-
Find Top Colleges in India:-
For more information Chat on WhatsApp:-
