CAT(Common Admission Test) is a highly competitive exam conducted every year by the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) for admission to various management programs offered by IIMs and 1000+ other top B-schools in India. Acing CAT is not an easy task, and it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and practice. As we all know, mock tests play a vital role in CAT preparation. Many aspirants are confused about starting to give CAT mock tests. In this article, we will discuss when to start giving mock tests for CAT and why it is essential.
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Mock tests are the simulations of the actual CAT exam and provide an opportunity for candidates to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Mock tests help candidates to identify their preparation level. CAT Mock tests are designed to test the candidate’s proficiency in the three sections and provide a realistic experience of the actual CAT examination.
What Is The Perfect Time To Start Giving CAT Mock Tests
As we all know, CAT 2023 is going to be held in the ending week of November 2023, i.e. the exam is in 9 months away. This is more than enough for the CAT preparation. Usually, it is recommended to start giving CAT mock tests at least three months before the actual CAT exam.
Candidates should first focus on building their conceptual understanding of the topics covered in the CAT 2023 syllabus. Once they have a firm grasp of the topics, they can start giving CAT mock tests. The ideal time to start taking mock tests is after completing the syllabus or after completing a significant portion of it. This will give candidates enough time to identify their weaknesses and work on them.
How Many Mocks Should I Take Before the CAT Exam?
The number of mock tests that you should take depends on your preparation level and the time left for the exam. As we all know, CAT 2023 is going to be held at the end week of November. There is more than enough time to prepare for the CAT exam.
If you are taking the CAT exam for the first time, as a general rule, it is recommended that you can take at least two mock tests per month if you start your CAT preparation from now onwards. This will give you enough time to analyze your performance, identify the areas where you need to improve and work on them.
Gradually you can increase the count by May 2023. You can take at least one mock per week. At this period of time, you must be well-versed in the fundamentals. Do not wait until the syllabus completion; take one mock per week and stick to the CAT 2023 preparation schedule. If you have more time, you can take two to three mock tests per week.
If you are a CAT repeater, you can start taking at least one mock per week, if you start your CAT preparation from now onwards. As you have already taken the CAT before, you might be well-versed in the basic fundamentals from all the sections. So you need to revise once again and take as more number of mock tests as you can.
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 |
| March | 2 | 3 |
| 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.
Benefits of Taking CAT Mock Tests
- Simulates the real exam experience: Mock tests are designed to simulate the actual CAT exam experience. By taking mock tests, you get a feel for the exam environment, which can help reduce anxiety and nervousness on exam day.
- Identifies strengths and weaknesses: Mock tests help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This information can help you prioritize your preparation and focus on areas that need improvement.
- Improves time management: Time management is critical in the CAT exam. Mock tests help you practice time management, enabling you to optimize your performance on the actual exam day.
- Exam-Taking Strategy:Â By taking mock tests, you can create an exam-taking strategy, which is very crucial while taking the CAT examination. You can be able to decide from which section to start in the actual examination.
- Boosts confidence: As you take more mock tests and see your scores improve, you will become more confident in your abilities. This confidence can translate into better performance on the actual exam day.
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