CROSSING THE RUBICON: CSAT STRATEGY

CROSSING THE RUBICON: CSAT STRATEGY

1. Understand the Nature of CSAT Preparation

CSAT is not a one-time effort. Its concepts "rust" quickly — regular practice and revision are key. You cannot prepare for CSAT a year in advance and forget about it. It requires sustained engagement.

2. PYQs: The Holy Grail

Previous Year Questions (PYQs) help you understand what to focus on and what to skip. They reveal trends, especially in Reading Comprehension (RC) and Quantitative Aptitude where method repetition is high.

3. Play to Your Strengths

CSAT can be divided into: Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. I focused more on the first two while selectively preparing easy topics from Quant. Don’t skip any section entirely — just be strategic.

4. Reading Comprehension: Boon & Bane

RC can help you clear the paper, but relying solely on it is risky. Use it as a strength but maintain balance across all three areas. Themes in RC often repeat — leverage that.

5. Smart Attempt Strategy

Aiming to attempt 35–45 questions is ideal. But under exam pressure, it’s easy to under- or over-attempt. In my first attempt, I marked extra questions out of fear and got many wrong — costing me the exam. Stay calm and decisive.

6. Prepare for Uncertainty

Tough or unfamiliar questions are increasingly common. Mental preparation and adaptability during the exam are often more important than technical preparation.

7. Match Your Practice Time with Exam Time

I practiced mocks from 2–5 PM — the actual CSAT slot. It conditioned my mind to stay active and alert during exam hours. Aligning your biological clock with exam time helps.

8. Use YouTube Strategically

Watch PYQ marathon sessions and revision videos. They’re often concise and concept-refreshing. Use YouTube as a revision booster, not a time sink.

9. Miscellaneous Hacks

Before the paper begins, write A–Z with their numbers (1–26), percentage charts, number system rules, etc. — these quick notes can help in 1–2 questions.