No doubt, there are several benefits of attempting CAT sample papers, you must stick to complete focus and discipline while tackling them. Here are some smart tips to approach CAT sample paper in the right way:
- Firstly, you must do the paper within the required time limits. Also, keep in mind the time restraints for different sections. Since the top B-schools consider the sectional cut-offs, you must maintain a balance while preparing for important topics.
- Apply the mental math tricks, shortcuts, elimination techniqueS, formulas, approximations, and similar other methods for the relevant questions.
- During the sample test, you should ideally start with the easiest questions and the ones you are most confident about. Remember that CAT demands the right mix of speed skills and accuracy.
- Never forget to reflect on your test performance! Since feedback is the key to improvements, make sure you see through the area you did the best and the ones where you still need to work on. Thereafter, make some alterations to your test-taking strategy and apply it to the next sample test.
Advantages of solving CAT Sample Paper
CAT exam sample papers offer you multifarious advantages and enable you to improve your scores in a systematic way. These will help you:
- Improve your performance across all sections of the exam. Your score in these tests accurately reflects your preparation level at any particular stage.
- Get a very good idea of where you stand vis-à-vis others and will offer guidance for further improvement.
- Understand what works for you in actual exam-like conditions. Our Mock CATs are like a mirror; these tests/papers provide a comparative analysis and you can use this knowledge to develop a comprehensive strategy for the exam.
- Analyze your performance and find out the flaws or the weak areas. Test analysis is another important part of your preparation journey. Only taking mock papers and getting the score is not enough. Though it may appear to be a tiresome process, it's a necessary evil if you want to score high in the actual exam.
- Develop an overall strategy for the exam. After knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can decide which questions to attempt first and which ones to take up later. Such minor tweaks can have a huge impact on your overall scores.
- In managing time well across all types of questions. So, the more you practice, the better you become aware of the right time for different questions. Further, you get to enhance accuracy in solving various questions.
Regular practice of CAT model papers will lead to a rising score graph with a strong motivation for constant improvement.
Final Word: It is good to practice from CAT sample papers and prep up your mind as per the expected exam pattern, however, you should also stay open to changes in the factors like the number of questions and time limits. In the last few years, there have been some modifications in CAT exam pattern, so it is better to be mentally prepared for the same. Nevertheless, the type of CAT questions have rarely witnessed any changes, which means you will be well-equipped to solve the questions effectively even if the structure is slightly different. Eventually, all you need to crack CAT is a strong conceptual understanding.
FAQs regarding CAT Sample Paper
1. When should I start practising CAT sample papers?
Generally, CAT aspirants begin taking mock/sample tests 1-2 months before the exam date.
2. Are the sections fixed in CAT Sample Papers?
The sequence followed in CAT sample papers is same as in the actual exam.
3. Can I prepare for CAT just by sample papers?
No, it is important to study the concepts before practising the sample/mock tests.
4. Can I use a calculator for CAT sample papers?
Candidates are not allowed to bring calculators during the CAT exam. However, you can make an onscreen calculator provided in the test.
5. How many CAT sample papers should I solve before the actual exam?
There is no such recommended number of sample tests that you need to solve. It depends upon your progress and accuracy with every test you attempt. However, it is a good idea to take 2-3 mocks every week during your CAT preparation.
6. Is the marking criteria same for MCQs and Non-MCQs?
In CAT, each correct answer is given three marks and there is a penalty of one mark for every incorrectly answered MCQ. There is no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
7. What are the number of questions in CAT sample paper?
In the latest CAT sample paper, the total number of questions is as per the last actual paper. Since there were 66 questions in CAT 2021, the sample paper will also have the same.
8. Will CAT sample papers be useful for other entrance tests?
Yes, these sample papers will help you prepare for other aptitude tests as well. This is because most entrance tests focus on similar areas as that of CAT exam.
9. What is the mode of CAT sample papers?
The latest CAT sample papers are available in computer-based mode only. However, the previous year CAT tests can be found in paper-based mode.
10. Can I appear for two slots of CAT in the same year?
No. Only one attempt is allowed per year.
