The best strategy available to candidates to ace the top management exam, CAT, is CAT mock test. Learn how to do it by:
CAT MOCK TEST: CAT Overview
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) administers the Common Admission Test (CAT), a computer-based exam, in India for admission to various postgraduate management programmes like MBA, PGDM, and other management courses at various business schools throughout the nation.
- CAT is a highly competitive exam, and it is considered one of the toughest management entrance exams in India.
- The exam is usually held in the month of November every year.
- It is a three-hour exam that tests candidates on various parameters such as Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation (DI), Verbal Ability (VA), and Logical Reasoning (LR).
- The CAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and some non-MCQs.
- The exam pattern changes every year, but it usually consists of 100 to 150 questions, and candidates are awarded three marks for every correct answer and one mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
- CAT scores are accepted by many top management institutes across India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and other prestigious business schools.
- A good CAT score can significantly increase a candidate’s chances of securing admission to a top management institute and pave the way for a successful career in the management field.
CAT MOCK TEST: Benefits of the CAT Mock Test
CAT mock tests can be a very helpful tool in exam preparation because they are created to mimic the actual CAT exam. The following are some ways that taking CAT mock tests can help you ace the test:
- LEARN ABOUT THE EXAM FORMAT:
Candidates can gain familiarity with the exam format through CAT mock tests, which can lower anxiety and boost confidence. They can get a feel for the exam format, the kinds of questions asked, and the amount of time allotted for each section by taking practise exams.
- PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR WEAKNESSES AND STRENGTHS:
Candidates can determine their strengths and weaknesses in various exam sections by taking practise exams. This facilitates creating a targeted study plan and increasing practise in the areas that need improvement.
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TIME MANAGEMENT:
The best way to improve time management skills is to take mock exams. Candidates must effectively manage their time in order to finish the CAT exam within the allotted time because it has a strict time limit. Mock exams can assist candidates in honing their time management techniques and formulating plans for maximising their score within the allotted time.
- DEVELOP STAMINA:
The CAT exam lasts for three hours, and maintaining focus during that time takes a lot of mental endurance. Candidates can increase their mental toughness and develop the endurance required to perform well on the real exam by taking practise exams.
- EVALUATE PERFORMANCE:
Mock tests provide a way to evaluate performance and measure progress over time. By reviewing the results of each mock test, candidates can identify areas where they need improvement and track their progress towards achieving their target score.
In general, CAT mock tests can be a very useful tool in CAT exam preparation, and they can assist candidates in raising their scores and achieving their objectives.
CAT MOCK TEST: How to take the CAT Mock Test
The number of CAT mock tests that you should attempt before the exam depends on your individual study plan and preparation level. However, here are some general guidelines that can help you determine the number of mock tests to attempt before the CAT exam:
- AIM FOR AT LEAST 10 TO 15 MOCK TESTS:
To get a good understanding of the CAT exam pattern, build stamina, and practice time management, it is recommended to attempt at least 10 to 15 mock tests before the actual exam.
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INCREASE THE FREQUENCY AS EXAM APPROACHES:
As the exam date approaches, you should aim to increase the frequency of mock tests. For example, in the last two weeks leading up to the exam, you can aim to attempt a mock test every other day.
- ANALYZE YOUR PERFORMANCE:
After each mock test, analyze your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Use this information to adjust your study plan and focus on areas that need improvement.
- SPACE OUT THE MOCK TESTS:
It is important to space out the mock tests and not attempt them all in a short period of time. This will help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have enough time to review and learn from each test.
- QUALITY OVER QUANTITY:
While it is important to attempt a sufficient number of mock tests, it is also important to focus on the quality of each test. Instead of attempting too many tests without analyzing your performance, it is better to attempt a lesser number of tests and spend more time analyzing your performance and improving your weak areas.
In summary, the number of mock tests that you should attempt before the CAT exam depends on your individual study plan and preparation level. However, aiming to attempt at least 10 to 15 mock tests while spacing them out and focusing on quality over quantity can help you prepare effectively for the exam.
CAT MOCK TEST: Approach & Strategy
Here are some tips to attempt CAT mock tests effectively:
- TAKE THE MOCK TESTS SERIOUSLY:
Treat the mock tests as seriously as the actual CAT exam. Attempt the mock tests in a quiet and distraction-free environment, and try to simulate the actual exam conditions as closely as possible.
- STICK TO THE TIME LIMIT:
Time management is crucial in the CAT exam, and the same applies to mock tests. Stick to the time limit and try to complete each section within the allotted time.
- ANALYZE YOUR PERFORMANCE:
After each mock test, analyze your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Take note of the types of questions that you struggled with and the areas where you performed well.
IDENTIFY YOUR MISTAKES:
Try to identify the reasons for any mistakes you made in the mock tests. Were you running out of time? Did you misunderstand the question? Did you make a careless error? Identifying the reasons for your mistakes can help you avoid making the same mistakes in the actual exam.
- REVIEW THE SOLUTIONS:
After analyzing your performance, review the solutions to the questions that you got wrong or had difficulty with. Understand the concepts and techniques used to solve these questions, and try to apply them to similar questions in future mock tests.
- FOCUS ON WEAK AREAS:
Based on your performance analysis, focus on improving your weak areas. Practice more questions in these areas and revise the relevant concepts.
- TAKE BREAKS:
Taking regular breaks during mock tests can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Take a short break after completing each section and stretch your legs or get some fresh air.
In summary, by taking mock tests seriously, sticking to the time limit, analyzing your performance, identifying your mistakes, reviewing solutions, focusing on weak areas, and taking breaks, you can attempt CAT mock tests effectively and improve your chances of acing the actual exam.
