What is the ideal number of CAT Mocks you should write?

It is hard to give numbers for questions that involve a lot of subjectivity. It's like asking how much I should eat to stay healthy and strong.

These questions are not easy to answer. We will attempt to find a number in this article.

It is not just the number of CAT mocks that matters but the improvement in each mock that counts the most.

One person might write 30 mocks the same way and not see any improvement. Another person might correct just three mocks, and his percentile could jump from 60 to 90 in just two mocks.

It is the learning you gain from these mocks that matters.

What should you do before starting to write the CAT mocks?

Students must be prepared for mocks. Although it is common for people to write CAT mocks to assess their preparation level, they should not exceed one or two mocks.

You might get the wrong impression if you write mocks without being prepared.

Sometimes it can be demotivating to the point that you lose interest in CAT. Other times, it may cause complacency as you realize you have done better than you expected.

Before you begin writing CAT mocks, you should ensure you have passed at least 7 to 8.

Writing sectional tests is more effortless than mocks. You are, therefore, more relaxed and more likely to overcome stress and anxiety in the three-hour version.

What should you do when writing mocks for the CAT?

While you may learn some lessons along the way, when you write the mocks for the CAT, it is important to keep your eyes on questions that you are comfortable with and seem effortless.

Don't worry about the difficult questions. It is the easy questions that will determine your percentile.

Your percentile is determined by how quickly you can spot easy difficulty questions and whether you can solve those questions correctly in a shorter time.

We have seen that students can score between 80 and 90 percentiles in each of the three sections by answering all the questions correctly.

You can score 95 percentiles in all three sections if you add the average difficulty questions to the tally.

Also, rather than worrying about the hard questions, learn to spot the easy questions/sets/passages within the mocks.

What do you do after writing a mock CAT?

This is how important it is to your preparation and how often we forget about it. You are more important now than you were before taking the CAT mock.

If you don't plan your post-mock analysis carefully, all your preparation will be in vain. This is the most important stage of your practice. It will determine whether or not you make it to the next step (WATPI) of the IIMs.

Remember that the CAT exam paper can be used as a mock. You are more likely to pass the exam if you've done many mocks and scored well unless something unexpected.

However, if mocks are avoided or write mocks without focusing on the improvement areas and thinking about the strategy, your chances of not succeeding in exams are high. Expect miracles on exams like CAT.

After each CAT mock, you must conduct a thorough analysis. It is YOU and not another person who must perform the analysis.

While a teacher can teach you and help you develop a method or approach, the analysis of the mocks on the CAT is your responsibility and not those of your teachers or peers.

You are more likely to learn from your mistakes and make better decisions later. When others pick your mistakes, it is always done in the second person and has a lower impact.

You must conduct the first analysis. If you're not sure of the cause and how to fix it, you can always seek out a mentor.

I have found that the CAT online preparation stage will teach you x, and the post-mock analysis will lead 10x.

There is nothing worse than the thought of putting off CAT mocks in fear of failing. You will learn your lessons faster if you get over this fear sooner than you think.

Check out : Best online CAT coaching

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CAT Exam Strategy explained like never before

 The CAT is the most well-known and most difficult of all management entrance exams. You will need to have a certain set of skills to pass the exam and get into top-ranked schools. You will devise a smart strategy to prepare for the CAT once you have identified these traits. This article shows a direct correlation between skills needed to excel in the CAT exam and those required for managerial excellence.

CAT Strategy: Key Components

We have divided the CAT Challenge into three parts:

• Test Anatomy
• Physical Dimensions
• Take a test

Let's look at each one concerning the management skills that are assessed for each dimension.

CHECK OUT ANATOMY

The test's overall fabric is called anatomy. It is designed to bring out the manager in you. The test is divided into four categories: Quantitative Ability (data interpretation), Logical Reasoning (logical reasoning), and Verbal Ability.

• The quantitative ability part can be further divided into four modules: Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Modern Math. Each module reflects the managerial quotient. Arithmetic focuses on numbers and tries to find patterns and symmetry. Algebra focuses on algebra, which measures the candidate's ability to understand variables and connect them into meaningful relationships. Geometry focuses on understanding space and how to conceptualize the market space. Modern Math tests a candidate for lateral thinking, one of the most powerful tools in the business to generate ideas and innovation.
• Data InterpretationThis test evaluates the candidate's data processing and comprehension skills. Questions will typically be based on line graphs, bar graphs, and data tables. Pie charts are also common. Managers analyze large amounts of data daily and base their decisions on these data bits. This is the management angle. It has been observed that Data Interpretation questions are often grouped into separate blocks. Each block contains multiple questions (3-5 or more) based on the same piece, allowing for the application of economies of scale. This is in addition to critical discrimination and speculation, two of the key management skills needed to excel in this area.
• Logical reasoning questions in the CAT test apply logic in various situations such as arrangements, coding-decoding, and decision trees. These questions are a sign of a higher logical quotient, which can be a great facilitator for managing management challenges.
• Verbal ability questions from reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and misfits are included. The VARC section has seen a significant increase in reading comprehension over the past. These passages are from different areas and of different lengths. The VARC section tests the aspirant's ability to read. This section also tries the power of the reader to focus on more than one thing. It is important to note that the VARC section did not contain grammar, vocabulary, and sentence completion questions. As questions may be asked in other major MBA entrance exams, students should still learn grammar, vocabulary, and sentence completion. It is important to remember that vocabulary can help with understanding the passage. When a candidate comes across terms such as summary, assumption, and inference, it is a sign of his analytical skills. Para jumble questions are a new problem for CAT applicants. Here, time management skills and reasoning skills are tested.

Also read : Best CAT coaching

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

This component presents a challenge in terms of three variables: number of questions, length of sections, and time allotted. CAT has experimented with various combinations of these variables, creating a constant amount of variation for test-takers! If the number of sections is reduced to two instead of the traditional three, test-taking challenges change. Test takers now have to show competence in three groups of questions rather than two. This affects the whole test-taking equilibrium. It is crucial that the test taker can think on their feet and react positively to change to succeed in the CAT. This analogy can be applied to business by pointing out that change-management skills in managers are better suited to work in dynamic environments.

TAKE A TEST:

This section measures test takers on a variety of managerial skills. The main ones are -

• PrioritizationThis is because you can assign sections to be attempted and questions to be answered in each area. Sectional priority is relevant when test-taking instructions allow the user to navigate between sections  rather than a predetermined order. This skill expresses how managers create their "things to do" list daily, where certain areas are more important than others to complete a task successfully.
• The tradeoff of -This allows you to choose how much time should be spent on each question. To minimize the opportunity cost, you must know the exit point. This is especially true for test-takers who become emotionally attached to questions. The spillover effects the entire time equation and puts the test takers under increased stress. Managers need to be able to focus on the important tasks at hand. Putting effort into useless tasks can reduce managerial efficiency.
• Stress Management -- This test is known for its stress factor. The stress level is increased when CAT test takers are subject to multiple expectations. A candidate's ability to remain calm and balanced in stressful situations is a key indicator of their ability to manage poise and composure.
• Time management is demonstrated by the way you divide time among sections & questions (as applicable), which shows your managerial ability to reach organizational goals using limited resources. Time is the most precious resource.

It can be concluded that the various aspects of the CAT do not measure managerial ability. A higher level of competence in the CAT is a sign of stronger administrative acumen.

check out: Online CAT coaching

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6 Common Traps to Avoid in the Quant Section

 Quantitative Ability is the most difficult section of the CAT for most candidates. There are many common CAT Quant traps that candidates need to avoid. You can find the steps to start your CAT Quantitative Preparation by clicking here. You should have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses during preparation or at least the full-length test-practice stage. Do it now if you don't have the time! It's important to understand your strengths and weaknesses. To see where you stand, take the diagnostic test.

There are many reasons that the Quant Section is one of the most difficult to crack. This section has the most syllabus. The majority of students can grasp the basics. However, students are unable to grasp complex questions. Many students have trouble managing their time. Many students would have lost touch after high school with Quant basics. Some people can't calculate and form equations at the speed that math whizzes take as a given.

These are the most common CAT Quant pitfalls and traps that you should avoid. These pitfalls can be dangerous on the day of your exam. These tips should not be ignored. These tips may be necessary to review during the practice test stage and possibly even during preparation. This will allow you to identify and correct your "favorite mistake" area.

YOU VS. THE PROBLEM

The CAT test makers are skilled at mixing difficult and easy questions. You will discover that the CAT has a few very easy questions that you can't solve when you were in 7 standards. There will be questions that you find extremely difficult. This isn't done to select math majors. Because it is a real-life situation, there will be a mix of difficult and easy questions. You must choose the most important ones, as you have a deadline.

There will be many difficult problems in the CAT. You might get stuck at one point and then realize that you haven't made any progress. What should you do? Let it be, and then move on to the next question.

What can you do instead? You can spend another three minutes trying to solve the problem. This is where Ego takes over, and it becomes difficult to avoid. This is the most common trap. It is possible to get into a "fight" with the problem. In this case, solving one problem can be more important than getting a good overall score. This is a sure way to lose time that could be used productively elsewhere.

How can you avoid falling for this trap? It is important to be aware that it can happen. If you find that you have spent too much time trying to answer a question and are still not getting the right answer, it's time to move on. How can you tell if you're falling into this trap?

THESE INDICATORS MIGHT HELP YOU MAKE A DECISION.

• Your equations get more complicated and more ugly.
• You've filled half of the rough sheet but have not made any real progress.
• None of the elimination or substitution tricks seem to work.
• You return to the question multiple times.
• The clock is ticking, and you realize you have not completed the majority of the section.
• Most importantly, you've spent five minutes answering this question and are still at the beginning.

What should you do? Are you going to panic and give in? This will cause you to feel defeated and affect your Quant Section and the Verbal Section. You can't spend time on the same question.

This CAT Quant trap can be avoided by not allowing it to occur in the first place. You should first pick the easiest questions and then send them off. Next, you can move on to the more difficult questions that you feel are possible with a little effort.

Only after you have answered all the questions, whether they are easy or difficult, should you consider asking questions about areas that you don't feel comfortable answering. Keep calm throughout the section. Identify when you should give up, and then move on to the next question. Although it might be difficult for you to control your Ego, it is not worse than ignoring the last question.

UNDERSTANDING A FORMULA IS NOT THE SAME THING AS UNDERSTANDING IT.

Many students, particularly in the latter stages of their preparation, claim that they are very familiar with all concepts. Still, they struggle to solve problems when it comes down to question interpretation or formulation. You know what the modulus is for a number, for example. You know all the definitions and even the textbook example. Although you know how to solve every type of equation, it isn't easy to see how you can solve an equation like the one below.

Ask yourself these questions: Does it mean you "understand" the topic if you know all the formulae and theorems?"Understanding" does not mean reproducing or duplicating a stated theorem or a solved example.

When you can visualize a concept, it is understood. Use your imagination to create and get a non-mathematical model for something as "dry," such as a modulus equation.

A - b The distance between the point "2x" and point "5" is greater than two units. Or "2x" can be greater than seven or lower than 3. Try to find a visual parallel for every concept. This will save you time and give you clarity.

This is the most important trap to avoid from all CAT Quant traps. Quant problems on CAT are more important than memory. These tests assess your ability to adapt to different situations and apply simple concepts in complex situations. This should be considered at an early stage of preparation. Focus more on the basics. You can always re-examine a concept until you understand it. This is far more important than answering a dozen questions using a formula.

POOR TIME MANAGEMENT.

Most test-takers fall in the CAT Quant trap. Lack of time management. There are only 30 questions per section, and over 2 lakh students take the CAT. This means that the difference between a high percentile and a low percentage could be as small as one question. It is important to ensure that you have attempted at least one section of the questions. You should not skip the easy questions at the end.

This requires lots of practice. Practice as many full-length tests as you can, and then get used to the demands of a full-length exam. The test requires you to maintain your concentration throughout the duration. You also need to keep up with the pace and finish the test with the same energy as you started.

Don't leave too many questions at the end. 

INCORRECT INTERPRETATION OF THE QUESTION.

Sometimes, you can solve a whole question incorrectly to realize that you made a mistake when you read the question. Your answer was incorrect, even though you had done everything correctly. It looks like reading or interpreting errors indicate a lack of focus during the initial part of the solution.

It is possible to slow down and read the question twice in order to understand it fully. Don't try to save time at this stage. It might be worth considering how to build daily reading habits, which is essential for the VARC Section. 

You should pay particular attention to the meaning of the questions. An incorrect interpretation could lead to a drastic change in the answer. Examples of such words include: Distinct, Integer / Negative/ Non-negative At least / Maximum Odds in favor / Odds Against, Some / All and, Never less than / Never higher than

You can also verify your answer after you have solved the question. While you may not have the time to check every answer in detail, you can still exercise this option if you are in doubt.

Read the question again after you have received the answer. It may ask you to think through the solution before coming up with it. You may have solved the equation for x, but the question might ask you to calculate x + 10. To be certain, reread the question.

SILLY MISTAKES

This is the most frustrating CAT Quant trap. Your solution was perfect, but you made a stupid addition error in the last step. You lost everything. It is not uncommon for us to make mistakes in calculations or solve problems.

Are you able to improve accuracy and decrease the number of stupid mistakes? Yes. You can slow down when solving equations or be more careful with calculations. Practice a lot. Master the ratio charts and multiplication tables. Keep at it. This is enough preparation. However, will this help eliminate all calculation errors? It is unlikely. Best cat online coaching

Calculations can go wrong. It is impossible to eliminate all errors in calculation and solution. However, you can improve accuracy and decrease the time it takes to calculate. Here's what you can do.

IDEAS TO AVOID SILLY MISTAKES IN CALCULATION

• Find your weakest and strongest areas. Find out what areas need the most improvement. Are you referring to multiplication tables? Are quadratic equation solutions the answer?
• You should work hard to improve your speed and accuracy in these areas. It is worth continuing to work on this daily. You will see an improvement in your performance.
• Practice, Practice, and Practice.
• Accept that mistakes may still happen on the day of your test. You should allow for some error but be more careful in those areas where you are certain of your weaknesses. Double-check your answers using the reverse approach to the answer options.

These things are not easy to do. It is easier to look back and make a list than to record your mistakes and practice daily. You can always, and always, improve on your starting point, no matter what it is. No matter what level of preparation you have, it will pay big dividends.

DEVELOP YOUR EYE FOR DETAIL.

Learn to pick anomalies consistently. We have moved from point 4 to 6 on this list, in case you didn't notice. Make a mental note to pay attention every time something like this passes you by. With practice, you can become more "switched on" and make a huge difference.

This video is essential to nail

 your Quant Section with relative ease.

Good luck with your CAT Preparation. You can bridge the gap between a 95 percentile and a 99+ percentile if you know how to avoid common pitfalls and traps in your Quant Section.

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