Your Brain is not the Problem

Let’s keep it simple, your brain is like that one friend who says, “I’ll remember,” but never actually does unless you text them three times. You read something? It goes into short-term memory, which is basically your brain’s version of a sticky note. Want to move it to long-term memory? You’ve got to do the brain equivalent of pinning it to the fridge and checking it again and again.

Spaced Repetition 

Cramming is tempting. I get it. But your brain hates that kind of pressure. Instead, try this: review what you learned today... Then 2 days later, then a week later, and so on. It’s like tricking your brain into thinking the info is super important, because it keeps coming back! Use a planner, set reminders, or try relevant apps. Whatever works. The key is giving your brain time to breathe and remember.

Try Chunking 

Ever tried to memorize 6789087654? Now try 6789-087-654. Boom. Easier, right?

That’s chunking. Instead of trying to mug up 25 geometry theorems separately, group them. Like “Triangles Day” or “Circle Hacks Weekend.” Your brain thrives on patterns. Give it structure, and it’ll return the favor.

Turn It Into a Story

This one sounds goofy, but stay with me. Imagine trying to remember a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). Now imagine a and b are two rivals in a Bollywood movie. They can’t stand each other, so the moment they get squared off, they break up into two dramatic brackets. It might sound dumb. But it works. The weirder the story, the harder it is to forget. 

Active Recall > Passive Reading

Here’s a trap: reading the same notes over and over. Feels productive. Isn’t it? Instead, put the book away and ask yourself, “Can I explain this to someone?” or “Can I solve this without checking the formula?” Test yourself. Out loud. Scribble stuff from memory. That’s how you train your brain for the real deal.

Sleep, Water, and Moving Around 

It’s not just about the books.

• Sleep is your superpower in the long term; you lose your progress without it.
• Water keeps your brain cells firing properly. Coffee helps, too, but don’t forget the H2O.
• Moving, even a quick walk, helps your brain refresh and sort stuff you just studied.

Don’t underestimate your health. They matter more than you think.

CAT Day = Memory in Action

The difference between getting a 97 and a 99 percentile often comes down to how quickly and accurately you remember stuff under pressure. If you’ve trained your brain well, with recall, spaced practice, and silly stories, it won’t let you down.

Look, this prep journey isn’t easy. But you're not alone in the “why can’t I remember this stupid formula” struggle. The trick is to stop depending on forced memorization and start working with your brain instead of against it.

Train it like you would train for a marathon: consistently, patiently, and smartly.