The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance examination that permits aspirants to get admitted to some of the top management institutes in the country. The Indian Institutes of Management conduct this examination on a rotational basis. The examination is computer-based and takes place across 156 cities in India. CAT is considered one of the most competitive exams in the country and this year’s edition will take place on November 27.

To achieve the best results in the exam and secure a seat at some of the best management schools in the country, aspirants need to have a precise and planned strategy to ace the exam.

Below are a few mistakes that aspirants can be mindful of and avoid while writing the exam.

Arrive on time: All candidates must make sure they arrive before time for the examination. By arriving on time, candidates will be able to adapt to the environment and ensure they have sufficient time to relax before the examination commences, further enhancing their performance and improving their results.

Assess each section instead of starting right away: Once the question paper is available, candidates must take sixty to ninety seconds to thoroughly assess each section of the question paper, as it will help them to understand which section to attempt first.

Carry out elimination instead of looking for the correct answer: The elimination technique is one of the most effective techniques to use while attempting multiple-choice questions if unsure of the correct answer. Previous year's toppers and experts suggest eliminating options that seem incorrect instead of looking for the correct option directly as it helps in increasing the speed of the candidate.

Be mindful about the use of the online calculator: The online calculator provided during the CAT exam is often hard to use and time consuming. It is advised that candidates should practice using an online calculator as it will help them get acquainted with its interface and reduce stress and anxiety during the exam.

Attempt easier questions first: After thoroughly preparing for the examination, candidates will be able to identify their areas of strength and improvements in each section. By choosing to attempt easier questions first, it becomes relatively easier for candidates to clear cut offs, and this also helps build confidence before attempting trickier and tougher questions.