CAT 2021 Mock Test: Why, When and How?

CAT 2021 Mock Test: Why, When and How?

“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.”

-Aristotle

Every year the Indian Institute of Management releases the official Mock Test, tentatively in the third week of October. The mock test is conducted with the objective of familiarising the candidates with the various aspects of the paper like the exam pattern, navigation process and the like. Candidates with low vision will also be able to access the mock test.

With a great yearly increase in the number of candidates appearing for the exam, competition has reached unbelievable heights.

In this article, you will understand why and when to take the CAT Mock test but most importantly, how to take the mock test.

Let’s begin with the ‘Why?’

Candidates have two options in regards to the Mock Test: Pre-preparation and Post-preparation mocks. These will help the candidates in assessing where they stand in terms of their preparation level.

We have listed some of the major benefits of taking a mock test to help motivate the candidates:

1. Understanding the exam pattern

Candidates will become familiar with the revised exam pattern in a well-versed and easy-to-understand manner. Details related to the nature of questions and conduction of test will be understood in a practical way.

2. Self-Analysis

The mock test will help the candidates assess themselves. It will enable them to identify where and how much improvement is needed.  Mock tests are great ways of pinpointing the weak spots in one’s preparation.

3. Know time management

As per the exam pattern of CAT 2021, there are sectional timings in the paper. The mock tests being similar to the actual exam will help you practise how to stick to the time duration of 120 minutes total, and that of each section as well. The candidates can formulate a strategy on time management so as to answer the maximum accurate questions without losing time and test the same during the mock exam.

4. Know the exam questions

Mock tests provide an idea of the kind of questions to be expected during the actual exam. Many toppers have admitted to come around the same kind of questions in the CAT exam as they had practised during their preparation.

When to take the CAT Mock Test?

The mock test can be taken before starting the preparation or if the candidates wish to give it a shot after they are well-versed, they can also take it up later. In both the scenarios, the candidates will stand to gain confidence and assurance about the actual exam.  The post-preparation mock exam will be released in the third week of October.

The following are the stages at which the mock exam can be taken:

Stage 1: Pre-preparation

Stage 2: During the Preparation

Stage 3: 2-4 months before the examination

Stage 4: 1-2 weeks before the examination

Stage 1: Pre-Preparation Mocks

It is highly advisable for candidates to take a mock test before the start of their CAT preparation so as to know the major topics to which they should divert their attention and energy.

Somansh, who scored 100 percentile in CAT 2019, while sharing his preparation strategy said, “My basic preparation strategy was to identify my weak areas and practice those topics extensively in a short time so that I am able to recognize the pattern of mistakes and then track my progress through mocks.”

Take at least 5-10 mocks before starting with the preparation.

Stage 2 – During The Preparation

CAT Topper Ronit Banerjea said, “I was also regular with my attendance of scheduled mocks and attempting of sectional mocks, which helped boost my performances in all 3 sections. I had an edge in VARC owing to my general comfort in the language, but a constant fear of the LRDI section ensured I was regular with my practice.”

Candidates should not wait till the last few months but instead opt for mocks during their preparation. This will keep you on the right track with a combination of motivation and apprehension. Once you study a topic, try finding questions related to that in a mock test. Candidates should also search for related topics in CAT question papers.

Stage 3: 2-4 months before the examination

As the CAT exam will be held towards the end of November, the candidates should finish their preparation by the end of July/August and start with the mocks. Post-August revision should also start at full throttle. Knowledge is of no value until its put to practise. Plus, it may just so happen that you come across new questions or trickier ways of asking old questions when you attempt the mock exams.

Stage 4: 1-2 weeks before examination

At this point of time, candidates should take one mock test on a daily basis. Learn from the mistakes of the previous and try fixing them in the upcoming tests to perfect your score as much as you can. CAT 2019 topper, Lakshya, said that post any mocks he devoted some time to analysing the test and figuring out what went wrong and then focused on that by changing his preparation strategy.

How to take CAT Mock Test?

IIMs do not provide any rigid or official syllabus of CAT. Hence, if candidates wish to master the topics covered in previous years’ question paper, then they must go for mocks.

Remember that the mock test of CAT will be exactly similar to the actual exam.

Follow the steps below to take the mock exam of CAT 2021:

Step 1 – Go to the official website link i.e. iimcat.ac.in

Step 2 – Click on the “CAT mock test 2021” tab. You will be redirected to the new tab.

Step 4 – Click on the option to “sign-in”

Step 5 – Enter log in details.

Step 6 – New Instructions page will appear. Click the checkbox & Proceed.

Step 7 – Mock Test of CAT 2021 will appear.

Important to remember:

At a time, only one section will be visible. Hence, it is advisable to attempt the known questions first and then move on to the difficult ones. Do not waste your time trying to understand which topic the question has been asked from. If you do not know the answer, simply move on to the next question.

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