Step 1: Fix Your Final Slot and Sync Your Body Clock

First things first, know your slot and stick to it. Start adjusting your body clock at least 2–3 weeks in advance.

Ask yourself:

• Are you at peak focus during your actual exam time?
• Do you feel sluggish post-lunch or sleepy mid-morning?
• Is your mock schedule aligned with your final slot?

Your body and brain need to be trained for optimal performance at that specific time of day. 

Step 2: Simulate the Environment – No Comfort Zones Allowed

Let’s be real, solving mocks in your pyjamas, lying on your bed, with your phone buzzing? That’s not what exam day looks like.

This time, try this instead:

• Strict Time Slot: Start the mock at the same time as your actual exam.
• Exam Conditions: No snacks, no music, no bathroom breaks unless necessary.
• No Distractions: Switch off your phone, create a silent zone.

The goal here is mental conditioning. When your mind is accustomed to solving problems under pressure in a strict setting, the actual exam feels like just another mock, not a battlefield.

Step 3: Gear Check – Don't Let Logistics Ruin Your Flow

You’d be surprised how many aspirants get rattled by something as simple as ID proof confusion or not knowing the exam center location. Don’t be one of them.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Print your admit card and keep it in a folder (keep a backup copy too).
• Arrange your valid ID proof, make sure it’s not expired.
• Do a dry run to the exam center, know how long it takes, traffic patterns, etc.

This is about protecting your focus from last-minute anxiety.

Step 4: Mock → Review → Repeat (But Not Obsessively)

With the big day approaching, some aspirants either go all-in on mocks or completely avoid them. Neither extreme helps.

Here’s a smarter approach:

• Take 2–3 full-length mocks under simulated conditions, spaced out over the final week.
• Review only key errors, don’t deep-dive into every single question.
• Focus on maintaining confidence rather than fixing every flaw.
• Avoid new mock platforms or formats that could mess with your rhythm.

Step 5: Pre-Exam Ritual – Build a Calm-Down Routine

The night before the exam isn’t for revision; a clear head performs better than an anxious one.

Try this:

• Pack everything the night before.
• Engage in a light activity: go for a walk, watch a feel-good movie, or journal your thoughts.
• Set realistic intentions for the exam, not “I’ll crack 99%ile,” but “I’ll stay calm, focused, and flexible.”

The One Shot That Matters

In the end, CAT isn’t just about what you’ve learned - it’s about how well you can execute under pressure. By simulating the final day multiple times, you’re training your brain to respond, not react. You’re eliminating surprises and building stability.

This isn’t just another mock. This is the dress rehearsal for your main show. One day. One slot. One shot.

So take a deep breath, visualise your exam hall, and remember, you’ve done this before. Now it’s just time to do it one last time. Let it count.