If you’ve started preparing for CAT 2025, you already know it’s not just another test. It’s two hours of non-stop pressure where your brain has to stay sharp across VARC, DILR, and Quant. Here’s the truth: books and coaching classes will only take you so far. What really transforms your prep is mock tests.

Mocks are the closest thing to the actual exam they test your stamina, expose your weak spots, and teach you how to manage time. Think of them as your dress rehearsal for CAT day.

Don’t Wait to Be “Ready” Start Taking Mocks Early

A lot of aspirants make the mistake of saying, “I’ll take mocks after I finish the syllabus.” The problem? You’ll never really feel “ready.”

The smarter way is to start early:

• In the first few months, take one mock every 10-12 days.

• Don’t focus on your score. Instead, learn how the paper feels.

• Notice how quickly 40 minutes fly by in each section.

Early mocks are not about marks, they’re about building awareness.

The key Is in the Analysis, Not the Attempt

Here’s the thing: just taking mocks won’t help if you don’t analyze them. The real improvement happens when you spend more time reviewing than writing the test.

Ask yourself:

• Did I waste 5 minutes on one tough Quant question?

• Did I miss an easy RC passage while chasing a confusing one?

• Were my mistakes because of weak concepts or just rushing?

Keep a small error notebook. Write down your common mistakes like misreading “at least” as “at most” or skipping small details in DILR sets. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and cut down silly errors.

Balance Your Three Sections

Every CAT aspirant has a “weak section.” For some, it’s VARC. For others, Quant is the nightmare. The key is to not let one section drag your entire percentile down.

Here’s what works:

• VARC: Read one editorial or feature article daily. Then solve 2 short RCs. Focus on understanding tone and intent, not just the words.

• DILR: Try at least 1 puzzle a day. Start with basic arrangement sets and gradually push yourself towards tricky ones.

• Quant: Prioritize basics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Revise formulas daily  they should come instantly to mind during the exam.

Here’s something every CAT topper will tell you: in the beginning, your mock scores will look terrible. That’s normal. Don’t let it break your confidence. Each mock is just feedback  a way to learn what not to do next time.

If you treat every low score as a stepping stone, you’ll be amazed at how your percentile shoots up by November. Remember, CAT doesn’t demand perfection  it demands smart preparation.