Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT

By: Ankit Raghuwanshi

Consistently attempting mock tests, focusing on target scores, avoiding common and critical mistakes, are the key factors that contribute towards your success in CAT exam.

“Hard work is the key to success”, you must have heard it by everyone but no one would have told them the right path of hard work that can help you achieve success. With this thought in mind, I will draw your attention towards important preparation tips that will guide you in scoring good marks in the upcoming Common Aptitude Test (CAT) examination.

Starting with the number of mock tests one should give each day while preparing for CAT, some say it is 15-20  per day. However, there is no fixed number that one should focus on. It all depends on your preparation and dedication.  You can begin with up to two mock tests per day and after each mock test, analyse your performance and check your mistakes. 

Gradually increase the number of mock test per day as you go ahead with your preparation. As the date approaches, focus more on giving a minimum 10 mock tests per day and do analyse each of them.

The second thought that people have in mind is about the minimum number of questions to be attempted in examination. It all depends upon your target score. If you want to score above 90 percentile, then you must attempt 22 questions of Quantitative Aptitude out of 34, 20 questions of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning out of 32 and 20 questions of Verbal & Reading Comprehension out of the total 34. All questions that you attend must be correct, only then you would fall in the range of above 90 percentile.  If your aim is to score well irrespective of thinking about 99 percentiles,  attempt minimum 10-15 questions in each set as per your understanding of sets.

Most common mistakes that we all do while preparing for CAT exam are:

• Lack of time management: We do not give each set a definite amount of time for its completion, failure of formulating strategy or improper study plan.
• Laziness in attempting the required number of mocks each day and not analysing them properly
• Losing confidence after seeing the outcomes of the mock test, getting demoralised with all negative thoughts in mind and not revising the covered topics
• Arriving late at examination centre or forgetting to carry important stuff or documents on exam day.

Lastly, I would conclude by addressing the major concern that every aspirant has, which is how they can maximise their score?

Some important tricks that one should follow are:

• Analyse the previous year CAT papers
• Thoroughly revise the topics and polish your strong areas and know about your weakness
• Regular practice of mock test each day with proper analysis
• Have a key check on your accuracy, speed and time that you devote on each question
• Must attempt Non-MCQ question or Non-Negative mark question

Being an MBA aspirant I have also gone through the same path of learning. People learn from their mistakes and I have also learned, analysed and realised and that’s why I have mentioned all the information which will help so that mistakes are not repeated again. Stay dedicated towards your efforts and be motivated throughout with a thought of success on the judgement day.

About the Author:

Ankit Raghuwanshi is currently pursuing MBA-Finance from Manipal University, Jaipur. He has completed his graduation from BHU - Banaras Hindu University. His aim is to be one of the leading stock market investors.