Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
CAT Mock Taking Strategy
Mock tests play a crucial role in CAT preparation. They help candidates experience the actual exam environment, improve time management skills, and identify strengths and weaknesses.
Many aspirants focus only on studying concepts but underestimate the importance of mock tests. However, the CAT exam is not just about knowledge; it is also about speed, accuracy, and strategy.
Developing the right mock test strategy can significantly improve performance and increase the chances of achieving a high percentile.
Why Mock Tests Are Important for CAT
Mock tests simulate the real CAT exam environment and help candidates prepare for the pressure of the actual test.
Benefits of taking mock tests include:
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Understanding the exam pattern
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Improving time management skills
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Identifying weak areas
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Practicing under timed conditions
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Building confidence before the exam
Candidates who take and analyze mocks regularly often perform better in the final exam.
When to Start Taking CAT Mock Tests
Many candidates are confused about when to start mock tests.
The ideal time depends on your preparation stage.
| Preparation Stage | Mock Frequency |
|---|---|
| Initial stage | One mock every two weeks |
| Mid preparation | One mock every week |
| Final months | Two to three mocks per week |
Starting mocks early helps candidates become familiar with the exam pattern and track their progress.
How Many Mock Tests Should You Take
There is no fixed number of mock tests required for CAT preparation, but most successful candidates attempt 20–40 mock tests before the exam.
The focus should not only be on the number of mocks but also on analyzing them effectively.
Quality of analysis is more important than the quantity of tests taken.
How to Take a CAT Mock Test
Taking mock tests in the right way is essential for maximizing their benefits.
Follow these guidelines when attempting a mock test:
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Take the mock test in a quiet environment.
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Follow the same time limits as the actual exam.
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Avoid distractions during the test.
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Attempt the test with full concentration.
Treating mock tests like real exams helps develop discipline and exam readiness.
Section-Wise Mock Strategy
Each section of the CAT exam requires a different approach.
| Section | Strategy |
|---|---|
| VARC | Focus on reading comprehension accuracy |
| DILR | Select the easiest sets first |
| QA | Attempt questions with familiar concepts |
Developing section-specific strategies can help maximize overall score.
It is always said that preparing for CAT topics without taking mock exams is incomplete preparation. Taking mocks is extremely important and cannot be stressed more.
Tracking Progress Through Mocks
Keeping track of mock performance helps measure improvement.
Candidates can maintain a record of:
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Mock score | Total marks obtained |
| Sectional performance | VARC, DILR, QA scores |
| Accuracy percentage | Correct vs incorrect answers |
| Weak areas | Topics needing improvement |
Tracking progress helps candidates refine their preparation strategy.
There are 2 ways to give mocks-
Agenda 1: Complete your 40-day challenge and then give 1 mock. This method is for those students who are sincere and just a little push in the right place will keep them on track.
Agenda 2: Directly start your preparation by giving a mock first. This is for people who are repeaters or topper’s strategy. It can also be followed by people who are preparing for a long time.
Disclaimer- Mocks are depression-prone, so you won’t be able to score much. This is because it keeps you grounded in terms of your performance and preparation context.
CAT mock-taking strategy
- Mocks will crack your heads as well but you will only score here if you are consistent and constantly at it and trying without affecting your preparation, come what may.
- These experimental mocks are given there because, for the last 2yrs, the CAT exam paper pattern has changed every year due to Covid constraints, so, to adapt to this dynamic nature of the paper, we have introduced experimental mocks so that our students must ready for all the circumstances.
- We have mocks from the past 3-4 years cumulatively curated for the aspirants by IIM students. Every 3rd mock in every month shall be an experimental mock. In September, you will get the last experimental mock and by October 1st week the paper pattern for the coming exam shall be revealed to you as to how many questions will be asked and what shall be the duration of the exam.
- At CATKing, we shall do a full detailed analysis of the paper so stay tuned. Anybody serious about their CAT preparation shall pledge to give a minimum of 25 mocks, come what may. CATKing mocks are the best mocks in the country to prepare because once you are done taking your mock, an alum from FMS will attempt the paper in front of you so you get to learn how to solve and the next day, another alumnus of IIM Lucknow shall solve the entire paper in a live class of 3hrs and explain the approaches behind each question.
Work hard and success awaits you !!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When should I start taking CAT mock tests?
Candidates can start taking mock tests once they understand basic concepts and the exam pattern.
2. How many mock tests should I take for CAT?
Most candidates take around 20–40 mock tests before the exam.
3. Is mock analysis important for CAT preparation?
Yes, analyzing mock tests helps identify mistakes and improve performance.
4. Should I take mock tests regularly?
Yes, regular mock tests help build exam familiarity and improve time management.
5. How can I improve my mock test performance?
Focus on accuracy, practice time management, and analyze mistakes after every test.
6. Can mock tests predict CAT percentile?
While mocks provide an estimate, actual exam performance depends on preparation and exam difficulty.
7. What should I do if my mock scores are low?
Low scores are common during preparation. Focus on identifying weaknesses and improving them.
8. Are sectional mock tests useful?
Yes, sectional tests help improve performance in specific areas like VARC, DILR, or QA.
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