Most people who have scored a great percentile in CAT/XAT will tell you that they had a proper mock and analysis schedule and that it is important for you to have one. Here are a few reasons the importance of CAT/XAT mock tests for achieving a high percentile.
Closest to the Actual Test
- Taking a serious 2-hour attempt at the test is the closest we can get to the CAT. Although the exam conditions may differ (noise, comfort, anxiety), it gives you an idea of how you perform under time pressure.
- Extensive question practice and solving mocks are both crucial. They should not be replaced with one another as each serves a different purpose. Practice helps you learn new question types and methods, while mocks test your ability to apply that learning.
Building Stamina and Focus
- Exam Endurance: Mocks help you build the stamina and focus needed to perform well during the actual exam. Sitting for long durations while concentrating on solving problems can be tiring. Mocks allow you to get accustomed to this mental and physical strain.
- Maintaining Composure: The pressure of a timed mock simulates real exam anxiety. By taking mocks regularly and analyzing your performance, you can learn to manage exam anxiety and maintain your composure during the actual test.
Developing a Test-Taking Strategy
- Time Management: Mocks help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in different sections, allowing you to develop a time management strategy. You can experiment with allocating specific times to each section based on your performance and the weightage of each section in the actual exam.
- Question Selection: Mocks help you learn to prioritize effectively. You can practice identifying the questions that you can solve quickly and accurately under pressure. This allows you to focus on maximizing your score within the time limit, rather than getting stuck on difficult problems.
- Guessing Techniques: You can develop a guessing strategy through mocks. This might involve educated guesses or using elimination techniques to maximize your score even when you're unsure of the answer.
Check out InsideIIM’s free mini-mock tests
Overall Improvement
- Identifying Knowledge Gaps: Mocks expose your knowledge gaps. Analysing mock attempts helps you identify topics or concepts you need to revisit and solidify your understanding. This targeted revision can significantly improve your overall performance.
- Adaptability: The actual exam might have some unexpected elements. Mocks help you develop the ability to adapt to new situations and question types you might encounter on test day.
Conclusion
Mocks are an essential tool for maximizing your score in competitive exams like the CAT or XAT. By incorporating timed practice into your study schedule, you can develop the skills and strategies needed to perform at your best on exam day. Remember, mocks are not just about getting a high score; they are about learning from your mistakes and continuously improving your performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I crack CAT without taking any mocks?
While it's not impossible, it would be tricky to know your level of preparation without taking mocks. It's better to be prepared if you are serious and aiming for a high percentile.
2. How many mocks are good enough?
Around 30 mocks in a year should be sufficient if you prepare over 10 months. If you have less time, adjust the number accordingly.
3. Should mocks be more difficult than the actual CAT?
The difficulty level of mocks should be around that of previous CAT exams. Some mocks can be tougher or easier to prepare for every scenario.
The author of this article, Tanmay Bhardwaj scored 99.29 percentile in XAT 2024 and will be joining XIMB (2024-26).
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