CAT 2021: Strategy to score well in mock tests

NEW DELHI: Attempting CAT mock tests is crucially important for aspirants as it provides a fair understanding of CAT exam pattern and CAT marking scheme. Though the actual CAT 2021 exam pattern will be revealed by IIM Ahmedabad, the exam conducting body, on November 28 only, however, the latest official CAT mock test released can be referred for the same. Registered candidates can access the free CAT official mock test 2021 on the website, iimcat.ac.in.

CAT mock tests are part of an online CAT preparation targeted to prepare aspirants for the real CAT exam. But why does one score low in CAT mocks? Vishesh Garg, 99.9 percentiler in CAT 2020 states the importance of CAT exam mock tests highlighting that analysing them is more important and that is how they groom you for D-day. So the perfect strategy for attempting CAT exam mocks is analysing the mistakes done, re-strategizing the study plan, and then coming up with better scores.

Also, experts and CAT Toppers suggest that taking a CAT mock test free online systematically and analyzing it thoroughly is the best way to use the last 15 days to CAT.

Possible reasons for scoring low in CAT mocks

Authentic and good CAT mock tests are framed to be tougher. The target should not be to score a high CAT percentile in mock tests. The ideology behind this is to give candidates the idea of the minimum percentile they can score. For example, staring at an LRDI question for long instead of starting to just solve it is one mistake. In CAT VARC, the approach of reading a passage is all that matters. Also do not spend too much time on a single question.

Some of the reasons resulting in low score in CAT mocks are:

• Not preparing well before attempting any CAT mock test series

• Giving best only in the section that interests you more

• Taking questions personally and spending too much time

• Solving a tough CAT mock on purpose

• Attempting CAT questions randomly

• Not identifying the areas to improve

Scoring low for a prolonged period in CAT mocks 2021 can be a setback for some students. But contemplating what went wrong in their CAT mock tests can boost their percentile up.

When and how many CAT Mock Tests to take?

Ideally, a candidate should attempt three to four CAT mock papers every week. For the first three or four mock tests of CAT, candidates should plan their methodology to write the test, review the performance and strategy used. Moreover, start off with the easier CAT mocks and then progress towards the difficult ones. This will help in gaining confidence and increasing performance.

As the CAT 2021 admit card is released, candidates are now familiar with the CAT exam timings, whether it is in the morning or another slot. So accordingly it is recommended to give free CAT mock tests that coincide with the main exam timing. This will make you habitual with the time format and will also help you during exams as you would be adaptable to giving exams in the respective time slot.