You’ve studied for months.
You’ve revised the concepts, analyzed the mocks, and memorized the formulas.
But now, with just 10 days left, something unexpected hits : a sinking, restless feeling that you can’t explain.
It’s not about preparation anymore. It’s about pressure.
You sit down to revise, and suddenly your brain feels foggy.
You can’t focus. You second-guess your strategy. Sleep feels broken.
Even a simple DILR set starts to look like a monster.
This is pre-exam anxiety and it silently affects even the best-prepared students.
What Does Pre-CAT Anxiety Look Like?
- You keep refreshing Telegram groups for last-minute tips
- You feel guilty for not studying 14 hours a day.
- Every mock score suddenly feels like a prediction of failure.
- Your mind keeps replaying “What if I blank out during the exam?”
This stress doesn’t mean you’re underprepared. It means your mind is on high alert. That state drains your focus, clarity and calm, the exact things you need most right now.
How Pre-CAT Anxiety Affects Performance
Even if you think you’re okay, here are common signs of rising exam anxiety:
- Trouble concentrating for more than 30 minutes
- Random mood dips despite productive sessions
- Fear of taking new mocks in case of a low score
- Loss of sleep or frequent headaches
- Comparing yourself to peers and feeling behind
These signs don’t mean you’re weak. They mean your brain is overstimulated and that needs attention.
Grounding Strategies: What Toppers and Mentors Actually Do
1. Meditation (10 Minutes, Twice a Day)
- Meditation isn’t spiritual fluff, it’s neuroscience.
- Simple breathwork or guided meditations help reduce cortisol levels, which are responsible for stress and foggy thinking.
Try This: Use free apps like Medito or Headspace. Sit in silence and focus on your breath. Even 5–10 minutes can bring clarity.
2. Light Physical Movement
- Your brain needs oxygen to function sharply.
- A 20-minute walk, stretching, or yoga keeps your body relaxed and your mind alert.
Pro Tip: Don’t sit for hours straight revising. Move every 60–90 minutes.
3. Set Digital Boundaries
- Scrolling through Telegram debates and percentile predictions? That’s mental clutter.
- Mute groups. Limit screen time. Pick a 2-hour “no-CAT zone” daily especially before bed.
4. Choose Process Over Panic
- You don’t need to revise everything. You need to revise effectively.
- Stick to 2–3 clear, achievable tasks per day.
- Focus on revising what you already know don’t chase last-minute perfection.
Remember: CAT rewards clarity, not chaos.
What Your Day Could Look Like
Here’s a realistic, anxiety-reducing daily structure for the final stretch:
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| Morning | 10 mins meditation + light revision of strong areas |
| Midday | One focused section practice (DILR, QA, or RC) |
| Afternoon | Mock or mock analysis (alternate days) |
| Evening | 20-minute walk + light revision |
| Night | Digital detox + 10 mins meditation before bed |
Your Mind Can Be Your Biggest Ally Or Your Biggest Obstacle
The last 10 days won’t define how much you’ve studied.
They’ll define how well you can recall it when it counts.
And for that, you need focus not frenzy.
Mindset Reminder: Your Job Is to Stay Sharp, Not Perfect
In the final 10 days, your performance will depend less on how much you know and more on how well you can access it under pressure.
That means:
- Don’t panic over forgotten topics, you won’t need all 100%
- Don’t cram—revise smartly
- Don’t chase scores, chase calm
Want last-mile support from people who’ve been there?
Read more : IIM interview : What they ask and what they really want to know
