If you are preparing for CAT 2023, you must have taken a few mock tests already. Mock tests are an essential part of the preparation process as they help you assess your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. However, it’s not just enough to take mock tests. You also need to assess your performance and identify the mistakes you made to avoid in the next mock. In this article, we will discuss section-wise mock test-taking strategies, and also we will list out the most common mistakes to avoid while taking a mock test.
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Contents
CAT Section-wise Mock Taking Strategy
Quantitative Aptitude Section
The Quantitative Aptitude section is one of the toughest sections in CAT. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes in this section:
- Read the questions carefully: The first step to avoid mistakes is to read the questions carefully. Many times, the questions are worded in such a way that it’s easy to miss important information.
- Don’t skip steps: Skipping steps might save time, but it can also lead to mistakes. Make sure you follow the steps and don’t skip any of them.
- Be cautious with calculations: In the Quantitative Aptitude section, there are many calculations involved. Make sure you double-check your calculations to avoid mistakes.
Verbal Ability Section
The Verbal Ability section tests your language and comprehension skills. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes in this section:
- Read the questions carefully: As with the Quantitative Aptitude section, it’s important to read the questions carefully in the Verbal Ability section too.
- Don’t assume anything: Many times, the options might look similar, and you might assume the answer without reading the question properly. Avoid making assumptions and read the questions carefully.
- Focus on grammar and vocabulary: The Verbal Ability section tests your grammar and vocabulary skills. Make sure you brush up on your grammar and vocabulary to avoid mistakes.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Section
The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation section tests your logical and analytical skills. Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes in this section:
- Practice is the key: The more you practice, the better you will get at solving logical reasoning and data interpretation questions.
- Pay attention to details: Logical reasoning and data interpretation questions often involve details that might be missed if you don’t pay attention. Make sure you pay attention to all the details in the questions.
- Don’t make assumptions: As with the Verbal Ability section, it’s important not to make assumptions in the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation section too.
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Most Common Mistakes While Taking CAT Mock Test
Here are some of the most common mistakes that candidates make while taking the CAT mock test:
1. Not managing time properly
One of the biggest mistakes that candidates make is not managing their time properly. They either spend too much time on a single question or section, or they rush through the test, which can lead to errors.
2. Not reading the instructions properly
Candidates often overlook the instructions and end up making mistakes. For instance, they might not notice that a particular section has a negative marking, or they might not understand the question format properly.
3. Not attempting enough mock tests
Candidates who do not attempt enough mock tests tend to perform poorly on the actual exam day. Mock tests help you understand the exam pattern, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop a test-taking strategy.
4. Focusing too much on one section
While it’s important to be strong in each section, some candidates tend to focus too much on one section and ignore the others. This can lead to a lopsided scorecard, which might negatively impact your chances of getting into your preferred B-school.
5. Not revising
Candidates who do not revise their mock tests tend to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Revision helps you understand where you went wrong and how you can improve.
6. Not Analyzing the mock test
Candidates who do not analyze their mock tests tend to miss out on important insights. Analyzing the mock test helps you understand where you went wrong, what you got right, and how you can improve. Also you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
7. Getting stuck on difficult questions
Candidates who get stuck on difficult questions tend to lose out on time and make mistakes in other questions. It’s important to move on if you are unable to solve a question and come back to it later if time permits.
How Many Mocks Are Sufficient For CAT?
The frequency of mock tests you should take is determined by how prepared you are and the time remaining until the exam. The CAT 2023 exam is scheduled for the last week of November. There is more than enough time to prepare for the CAT exam.
For those taking the CAT exam for the first time, it is generally advised to take a minimum of two mock tests per month if you commence your CAT preparation now. This allows sufficient time for evaluating your performance, recognizing weak areas, and focusing on enhancing them. Gradually you can increase the count by May 2023. You can take at least one mock per week.
Month-wise Schedule for CAT Mock Tests
Check out the below month-wise schedule for taking CAT mocks from March 2023. This table includes the number of mocks to be taken each month for both first-time CAT exam takers and also for repeaters. Note: Please remember that the values in this table may vary from person to person based on their strengths and weakness.Â
| Month | First-time CAT exam taker | *CAT Repeater |
| April | 2 | 4 |
| May | 3 | 5 |
| June | 4 | 6 |
| July | 6 | 7 |
| August | 7 | 8 |
| September | 8 | 8 |
| October | 8 | 8-9 |
| November | 6 | 6 |
* The above-given values may vary for the repeaters based on their preparation levels and also how well-versed the basics and the conceptual understanding.
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