The Multitasking Myth

Most of us believe multitasking is a skill. That being able to juggle five things at once makes us efficient.

But neuroscience says otherwise.

Your brain can’t do two cognitively demanding tasks at once. What it does is rapid switching – shifting focus back and forth, which leads to:

• Increased error rates
• Slower task completion
• Mental fatigue (American Psychological Association, 2006)

Why Is Multitasking Bad for CAT Prep?

1. It Destroys Deep Focus

CAT isn’t about shallow reading. Whether it’s solving complex DI sets or reading dense RC passages, you need uninterrupted concentration.

Every notification you check resets your brain’s focus. According to Gloria Mark’s research, it takes 23 minutes on average to regain full concentration after an interruption (Mark, 2008).

Imagine the time wastage if you’re switching tasks every 5-10 minutes.

2. It Reduces Memory Retention

When you multitask, information goes into short-term memory but rarely transfers into long-term storage (Foerde et al., 2006). That’s why reading Quant formulae while chatting on WhatsApp feels productive but nothing sticks later.

3. It Increases Anxiety

Multitasking creates an illusion of busyness but leaves you with half-done tasks. This builds mental clutter, leading to guilt, anxiety, and eventual burnout (Rubinstein et al., 2001).

How to Break Free from Multitasking

Don’t worry. Here’s how top CAT rankers maintain laser focus while studying:

Step 1: Embrace Single-Tasking

Set a timer for 25-45 minutes (Pomodoro Technique) and do only one task. For example:

• 30 minutes → Only solve QA speed tests
• 40 minutes → Only read one RC passage + analyse

No phone. No switching tabs. No background videos.

Step 2: Create a Distraction-Free Study Zone

• Keep your phone in another room (or use Focus apps like Forest).
• Block distracting websites during study time (use apps like Cold Turkey).
• Inform your family or hostel mates about your focused study hours to minimise interruptions.

Step 3: Schedule “Distraction Time”

Instead of fighting distractions all day, plan for them intentionally. For example:

• Study for 45 minutes
• Take a 10-minute break to check messages or social media
• Return to focused study

This creates discipline while satisfying your craving to check updates.

Step 4: Practice Mindful Studying

When your mind wanders, don’t judge yourself. Gently bring your focus back to the task.

For example:

“I’m thinking about dinner plans. That’s okay. I’ll come back to this DI set now.”

The goal is not perfect focus but consistent refocusing.

The Ultimate Reality: CAT Rewards Depth, Not Hustle

Multitasking may feel cool, but in reality, it’s sabotaging your preparation.

CAT doesn’t care how many hours you sat in front of your books. It cares about how deeply you studied in those hours.

Choose Depth Over Chaos

So today, ask yourself:

• Are you studying for 3 hours with 50 WhatsApp checks in between?
• Or are you studying for 1 hour with absolute concentration?

Because one hour of focused prep beats three hours of distracted effort every single time.