During my preparation days, when anyone asked me to be positive, my intrusive thoughts wanted to yell and shut them up! But looking back now, it all makes sense. And staying positive isn’t an action—it’s a mindset. It’s about giving space to your emotions, knowing your weaknesses, and, most importantly, acknowledging your strengths.

Preparing for the CAT isn’t just about cracking quant or remembering funky vocabulary words—it’s about keeping your head in the game.

So, let’s dive into some super-real and practical ways to stay positive during CAT prep.

Shift from “I Have to Do This” to “I Get to Do This”

Okay, hear me out. It might feel like CAT prep is the bane of your existence, but think about why you started. You want that spot in your dream B-school, right? Instead of groaning about another DILR puzzle, remind yourself that you’re preparing for something bigger. This exam isn’t a punishment—it’s an opportunity. Channel your inner Ross from Friends and declare, “I’m fine!”

It’s About Progress

Nobody—and I mean nobody—aces every mock. So when you slump a section, don’t let it define you. Treat it as a lesson, not a verdict on your abilities. Celebrate the small wins, like solving a tough quant question you’d avoided for weeks or finally cracking an RC passage without Googling half the words. CAT rewards consistency, not miracles. Keep going, and you’ll see improvement when you least expect it.

Stop Comparing

So your friend casually mentions they scored 98 percentile in the last mock. And here you are, clutching your 78 percentile report like it’s the end of the world. Stop it, right now. Everyone’s prep journey is different. You don’t need to compete with others—just focus on outdoing yourself. Channel Dory from Finding Nemo: “Just keep swimming.” Seriously, it works.

Create Your Own Study Space

Your environment plays a huge role in your mindset. It can be hard to stay positive if you’re studying in a cluttered or distracting space. So, take some time to create a study nook that inspires you! Whether it’s a cosy corner in your room or a favourite café, make sure it’s somewhere you feel comfortable and focused. A positive space can lead to a positive mindset!

Make Breaks Non-Negotiable

Amidst all the studying, don’t forget to take care of yourself! You can’t be in “exam mode” 24/7—that leads to burnout. Schedule breaks and stick to them. Step away from screens during some breaks. Go for a walk, play with your pet, or try deep breathing exercises. These activities help relax your mind. Also, prioritize sleep and eating healthy. A well-rested brain performs best!

It’s Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

Preparing for the CAT can make you feel lonely at times, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone—whether it’s a mentor, friend, or that one senior who aced the CAT last year. Sometimes, just hearing “I’ve been there too” can help you shake off self-doubt and gain valuable strategies from their experiences.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during this intense preparation; it doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care. Acknowledge those feelings instead of pushing them down, and give yourself credit for your efforts. CAT prep is tough; no sugarcoating that. But if you’ve come this far, you have what it takes to reach the finish line!

Keep showing up, keep pushing, and remember to enjoy the journey—after all, you’re crafting your own success story.