Preparing for the MAT or Management Aptitude Examination requires total dedication. A candidate should commence preparations at least 6 months in advance. The candidate should study the latest materials and ensure that the entire syllabus is covered. Practice and time management are of great importance when preparing for the MAT.
These tips can help in preparing for and successfully clearing the MAT exam:
- Plan your time: Schedule a study routine well in advance. Ensure that each subject is covered in the schedule and strictly adhere to the schedule. This simple practice will help cover all subjects systematically rather than haphazardly jumping between many, which will not only disrupt concentration and reduce output but may also result in incomplete coverage of the syllabus.
- Solve sample question papers: Sample question papers help understand expected skills and standards as well as each topic. Initially start off with conventional methods, but later on start practicing using shortcuts. This will help improve speed and manage time. Always try to answer each paper in the allotted time. Practice consistently for best results. Memorizing tables, common square roots & cube roots, conversions from fractions to percentages and vice-versa help improve speed while maintaining accuracy.
- Read extensively: Read as much as time permits. This will help in the comprehension section. If you make a practice of remaining updated with current affairs by reading the newspapers. It is also helpful in the last section on global and Indian environment. Through this practice you will acquire 2 key skills - speed and precision.
- Practice regularly: The sections on Data Analysis & Sufficiency and Intelligence & Critical Reasoning are deceptive. They will not only be new but also tricky though not difficult. Regularly practicing using sample papers is the only option to quickly understand and solve the problems in these sections.
- Improve general awareness: The Indian and Global Environment section is designed to test your general awareness. Remain updated on current affairs by extensively reading magazines and newspapers, watching news channels and of course browsing the Internet. Keep yourself updated with the current affairs of both national and international importance.
- Enhance your speed and accuracy: Solve sample papers on each subject (section wise), maintaining the stipulated time-limit. Gradually solve an entire paper (model or previous paper) to check if you can manage to complete the exercise in the stipulated time. Both speed and accuracy are equally important for a good score in the MAT exam and can be easily achieved through extensive practice.
- Crash courses: Enrolling in a good institute particularly in the final stages of preparation is beneficial since it is helpful in getting acquainted with the examination format. These institutes conduct regular tests and group discussions that are helpful in the MAT examinations. Group discussions are a great help in developing speaking skills and the competitive atmosphere of the institute helps keep you motivated.
- Be confident: Nervousness will ruin all your preparations, hence you need to remain calm, confident and focused to ensure that you clear the exams with ease.
- Time management: An oft-repeated advice- ‘glance at the paper for five minutes before starting off.’ The following points will help you manage your time efficiently. Solve the easier questions first and do not waste your time on a question that is confusing. Move on to the next question is you get stuck. Read each question carefully to avoid ambiguity and misinterpretation. Re-examine the paper before submitting.