1. Simulate the Battlefield

Don’t solve questions on your comfy bed with your playlist on shuffle and snacks next to you. The CAT doesn’t happen like that.

Solve your mocks at the same time as your actual exam is scheduled. Sit at a desk. No phone, no music, no breaks unless the clock allows it. Your brain will start associating that setup with “go time.”

It’s like rehearsing for a play; you need to know exactly what you’ll feel when the curtains go up.

2. Pressure is a Muscle. You Train It.

Think of your brain like a muscle at the gym. You don’t start lifting heavy weights on day one, right? You start with 5 or 10 kg. The same thing applies to pressure.

Start with easy mock tests. Slowly build up to timed mocks. Push your limits, but gradually. It’s not about hitting a full-length mock every day. It’s about creating that mental stamina to think straight under exam-like conditions.

When I started, even 60 minutes of full focus felt exhausting. But after a few weeks, I could sit through 3-hour mocks without mentally checking out.

3. Your Inner Monologue Matters

You know that voice inside your head that panics when you see an unfamiliar DI set or a dense RC passage? You need to train that voice.

Instead of “Oh no, I can’t do this,” try, “Okay, this looks tricky, let’s break it down.”

Yes, it sounds cheesy, but self-talk changes the way you respond to stress. I literally trained myself to say, “Next one,” every time I got stuck. Didn’t waste time sulking. Just moved on.

4. Practice Thinking Under Pressure, Not Just Solving

Try this: give yourself 20 minutes to solve 10 quant questions. Don’t aim for perfection. Focus on decision-making, what to skip, what to attempt, and how to guess smartly.

Training your mind for CAT isn’t just about solving everything. It’s about solving the right things at the right time.

5. Breathe. For Real.

When things go downhill (and they will during mocks), just pause and take three deep breaths. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. It resets your system.

I’ve used this technique in actual mocks and the final exam, too. It works. Your brain needs oxygen to think. Simple science.

6. Post-Mock Reflections = Mental Gym

After every mock, don’t just check the solutions. Reflect. What triggered your panic? Was it a surprise question? Clock ticking too fast? Lack of confidence?

Understanding why you felt pressure helps you deal with it next time. You don’t fix what you don’t face.

Remember that the CAT isn’t just a test of aptitude; it’s a test of attitude. You can train your mind to stay calm, focused, and even enjoy the challenge (trust me, it’s addictive once you’re in the zone). It takes consistency, a few deep breaths, and a lot of faith in yourself.

So the next time your brain screams, “I can’t do this,” just whisper back, “Watch me.”

You got this!