CAT 2017: Official mock test released

How to analyse mock tests for CAT?

CAT 2017 official mock test has been released by the authorities, and test-takers can now access the same on the official website of CAT, under the Quick Tour option.

Registered candidates need to folow the below mentioned steps:

• Visit the official website of CAT
• Click on the 'CAT 2017 Mock Test' tab
• The candidate will be redirected to login page
• Enter username and password
• Click on Sign In
• Mock test will appear on the screen

The mock test will enable test-takers to get a better understanding of the pattern and format of the exam.

Analysing mock tests

Less than a month is left for CAT 2017. This is the time to get into mock test mode. Every CAT topper or MBA academic experts will reiterate the same thing – Keep taking mock tests at regular intervals and keep analysing these tests. So, take as many mocks as you can in these 8-9 weeks.

“You should definitely give as many mocks as possible and analyse them thoroughly to find your weak spots and work on them,” says Neha Manglik, CAT topper.

Mock CAT exams are available from a number of coaching centers and online resources. If you are taking coaching from an institute, there will be no dearth of mock tests for you; but in case you are preparing on your own, there are several online resourses available for mock sample papers.

Taking various mock tests is quite important for each CAT aspirants. Analysing the tests is equally important. “CAT preparation is all about tests. And tests cannot be taught. It has to be taken on their own. Candidates need to build their strategy with practice and analysis. So take mock tests, analyse it and figure out the drawbacks. Don’t end up making similar mistakes both at the beginning and end of preparation,” says MBA expert Tarun Mallik.But how should one take and analyse mock tests? Shiksha suggests some effective methods to analyse your mock test performance:

1. Set Targets

Before attempting mock tests, set some realistic targets. Decide how much you would want to score in CAT 2017 and how many mock tests you will like to attempt. For instance, you can set your target score at above 99 percentile and try to attempt at least three mock tests a week. So over the next nine weeks, you can attempt about 27 full-length mock tests.

Maintain a sheet of your current score and your desired score. Slowly work on strategies, attempts and speed to improve your overall score along with maintaining sectional scores. We’ll discuss these over the next few points.

2. Focus on Exam-taking Strategy

Next comes exam taking strategy. Over and over again, we have repeated that candidates need to have a solid test-taking strategy. Strategies can be developed with adequate practice over a period of few time. Shiksha.com can recommend a tried and tested strategies for your preparation:

• We know that we have 60 minutes to attempt each section. So attempt the section in two to three rounds.
• Round 1: Give the entire section a quick scan/read. While reading the paper, solve the easy and direct-formula based questions. So if you think, a question can be solved in less than one minute, go for it. Else, move to the next question.
• Round 2: Next, go back and attempt the moderately difficult questions. Allot a fixed time to attempt the question. Don’t take, let’s say – more than 35-40 minutes in round 2. Be selective in your approach and choose to attempt just 10 -15 questions. The important thing here is accuracy.
• Round 3. Now go back, and finally attempt the most difficult questions. For this, give yourself 10-15 minutes.
• Round 4: In the last 10 minutes, revise your answers.

This is just one of the numerous strategies you can adopt while attempting a mock CAT.

3. Analysing Mistakes

Now that you’re done with mock test, it’s time to analyse the paper. Check your scores. Now look at the problems where you erred. Was it a calculation mistake or a formula-based mistake or something else? Irrespective of the reason, make note of the problem and reattempt it once more – this time with work with the suggested solutions.

“Solving and analysing mocks is the best way to understand your weak areas and improve them. Most of the students just give mock CATs but do not spend enough time to analyse the mocks. It is a good idea to go through the solutions and analyse what could have been done better,” says Anil Narayan, IIM Calcutta passout.

4. Reattempt & Problem-solving

Analysing mock CATs don’t end at recognising the problem and solving a select few questions. Shiksha suggests you to attempt the entire paper once again in an untimed setting. Make sure you solve every question accurately and understand the basics of problem-solving approach.

5. Shortcuts, tips and tricks

Analysing mock tests also mean re-evaluating the questions you attempted correctly. How can you attempt the question in a shorter period of time? For instance, if you took four (4) minutes to solve a problem, try to solve it in 1 or 2 minutes. This is where shortcuts, tips and tricks come in handy. MBA experts have shortcuts for every question. Discuss the solution with your peer group or academic experts or read recommended books on CAT prep. Solve it better and quicker.

6. Action Repeat

The best way to perform well in mock tests is to keep taking more mock tests. Refine your strategy with each test. Revisit every point (from 1 to 5) mentioned above and figure out on how to solve the test with accuracy and speed. Focus on formulating better strategies.

But always remember. Results of Mock exams don't matter. What matters is how you perform in the final three hours of the exam day. CAT 2017 will be held on November 26, 2017 in over 132 cities across India.

All the Best!

Also read:

CAT scores are used for admission to 20 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and various other top B-Schools. Are you eligible for the IIMs? To know more, CLICK HERE.