Shiksha Forum - CAT Exam

The number of Mock does not matter at all. On an average 8 to 10 mock tests are fine, and you can take it from any of the leading coaching institutes. What matters is your performance and improvement. You have made after analyzing your mock test. You should work on your weak areas and make them strong and work on strong areas to make it stronger. You can skip one or two topics, if it seems too difficult for you. Choose the right questions that you are sure you can answer correctly. Avoid questions from the topic you are not comfortable at. These tests are not meant to be completed. You need to work on to your strategy of getting the best scores.

Here are two things to keep in mind:
The problem reading time must be reduced. You should be able to read a question and translate it into variables and/or diagram/equation at one shot. Most students read a question slow/multiple times with an intrinsic fear of getting it wrong otherwise. Practice reading fast. We seldom realize that toppers save half the time in reading and understanding the questions faster than others. The problem solving time can be reduced. Conceptual/process memory builds if you have solved different types of questions multiple number of times. I suggest a student should revise his/her coaching books/sheets at least 3 times before CAT. Look at CAT teachers, they solve questions so many times that the types become very clear to them and the solving process comes naturally to them. The difference lies in the process memory. I have solved questions so many times that I can think faster and solve faster than before. A student can become up to 100% faster than before by practicing limited content (which includes problem variety) multiple number of times. Most students find this re solving boring and ignore it. You must not do that. Revise!
Learn fast track tools: basic mental multiplication techniques, squares, fractions and approximation techniques (based on trend analysis in the numerator/denominator). Learn how to structure constraints in LR; learn methods for syllogism; practice 34 variable sets and matrix formation. Knowing these techniques saves time. Give lots of timed tests: Speed tests/sectional tests/topic tests - I would say: at least 50 such tests per section must be taken. Helps you manage hormones in the exam hall - teaches you to focus hard in a short span of time (normally such tests are 20 minutes to 60 minutes in duration). With practice, you become skilled to sit for 3 hours with full focus and speed.