Cracking CAT with Arun Sharma: Is It Enough?

Preparing for CAT (Common Admission Test) can be a daunting task, but many candidates have found Arun Sharma and TIME material to be sufficient for achieving a good percentile and even cracking the exam. While these resources are certainly beneficial, it is essential to understand that they might not be enough on their own to ensure complete exam success. In this article, we delve into whether Arun Sharma's books are sufficient for CAT preparation and explore additional strategies to enhance your chances of cracking the exam.

Is Arun Sharma Enough for CAT Preparation?

Many successful CAT aspirants have relied on Arun Sharma's books and TIME material. These resources cover a comprehensive range of topics and provide solid foundational concepts, which are crucial for exam success. However, as Patrick Dsouza, a 6 times CAT 100iler, advises, completing these books may not guarantee a high rank. It is essential to go beyond the prescribed materials and adopt additional methods that suit your learning style better.

Going Beyond the Books

To truly excel in CAT, it is imperative to:

Experiment with Different Methods: Look for alternative methods to solve problems that can help you understand the concepts in a different way. This can be particularly beneficial if you find the standard methods in Arun Sharma's books somewhat challenging. Improve Your Fundamentals: A strong foundation in basic concepts is crucial for tackling complex questions. Ensure that you fully understand the core principles before moving on to advanced topics. Enhance Verbal and Logical Skills: Focus on improving your reading and writing skills to excel in the Verbal Ability section, and work on your problem-solving skills to perform well in DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning).

In addition to these strategies, it is essential to:

Practice Regularly: Arun Sharma's books are exhaustive and cover a variety of question types. However, consistent practice is key to internalizing the concepts and improving your problem-solving skills. Enroll in Mock Test Series: Regularly giving mock tests can help you get accustomed to the exam format and improve your time management. This also allows you to assess your strengths and weaknesses and work on them accordingly.

Additional Resources and Best Practices

While Arun Sharma's books are a great resource, supplementing them with other materials and following certain best practices can enhance your preparation. Here are some additional resources and strategies:

Arun Sharma: LOD 1, LOD 2, LOD 3 Quant and Verbal: The LOD series provides progressively challenging problems, helping you build a strong conceptual foundation. Data Interpretation Books: These books offer a wealth of practice questions and real CAT problem sets, enhancing your data analysis and interpretation skills. Online Courses and Tutorials: Enroll in reputable online platforms that offer CAT preparation courses, which can provide structured learning and expert guidance.

Accessible and Affordable Learning Resources

For those who are budget-conscious, there are options to access these resources at affordable prices. My Pustak, a website that offers second-hand books for free, is a commendable initiative. Not only does it make reading materials accessible, but it also promotes the reuse of books, reducing waste and benefiting a broader audience.

My Pustak aims to create an ecosystem where no student is left behind due to financial constraints or an unavailability of books. By providing second-hand books at no cost, they are helping readers achieve their educational goals without worrying about procurement expenses.

Their vision is to ensure that every student in India can access the books they need, reducing the barrier to education. This initiative not only benefits individual students but also contributes to creating a more knowledge-driven society.

Conclusion

While Arun Sharma's books and TIME material are excellent resources, success in CAT preparation requires a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing your foundational knowledge, focusing on specific skills, and leveraging additional resources. By combining these strategies and utilizing accessible and affordable learning materials, you can maximize your chances of cracking the exam.