The Undeniable Importance of Mock Tests in CAT 2020

By: Vipin Bihari Yadav

Mock tests play a vital role in keeping you on your toes with your progression in CAT exam preparation. One must keep appropriate gaps in the mock tests at various stages in order to evaluate their progress and identify the key points of improvement.

To qualify for any exam, it is vital to attempt mock tests. Because by giving a mock test you may get to know how your preparation and time management is and how you may improve it if there is any mistake. If you have enough time to administer a mock test then give mock tests for each chapter. If you have enough time after the syllabus is over, start giving mock tests of the complete syllabus. Two months before the exam, start giving mock tests and improve whatever is required. Approximately 15 – 20 is an ideal number of mock tests. Of course, doing more will only help, however, doing a minimum of 15 would provide you with a good metric to assess your progression over time. I would also say that preferably, have a gap of a minimum of 4 – 5 days between two mocks tests. You will be able to reduce this gap within the last 15 days but initially, it is important to have gaps so you will use these mocks test as periodic benchmarks to enhance yourself. Use the gap between two mock tests to figure on the particular weak topics and see whether it improves within the next mock. Being three months in preparation, I might put the progression in this way:

Stage 1- 1 mock test weekly within the first month
Stage 2-1 mock test every 5 days within the next 45 days.
Stage 31 mock test every 2-4 days within the last 15 days, in order that you continue your toes.

Minimum number of questions to be attempted in the exam:

To score 99 percentile, students should attempt a minimum number of questions  on a median, the proper attempts and score required for a 99 percentile is,

• Quantitative aptitude (QA) - minimum 22 – 24 questions out of 34.
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning – minimum 21 – 22 questions out of 34.
• Verbal and Reading Comprehension (IRC) – a minimum of 20 questions out of 34.
  

First work on accuracy, which this is often important for all aspirants. The accuracy is most vital to consider any competitive examination like CAT. Unless examinees provide correct answers, the 99+ percentile remains a dream. They must also attempt the question about which they are 100% sure. One should increase their accuracy levels during these 2 or 3 months to achieve 99+ percentile.

About the Author:

Vipin Bihari Yadav is B.Tech. in Information Technology and Mathematical Innovations from Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi.