A mock exam simulates the experience of taking an actual test. Mock tests are similar to final exams, as in, the paper structure and marking scheme are the same, allowing you to examine your genuine abilities and correct your faults to enhance your performance.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance examination for students who wish to study postgraduate courses at some of India's Top Business Schools. While the CAT is one of the most popular and widely taken examinations, one can and must also look at exploring other MBA entrance exam options like Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), etc. These exams open doors to other imminent institutions as well.
Mock tests: why should you take them?
CAT and other MBA-related entrance exams like CMAT, XAT, MAT, etc., are all National Level Examinations, but their frequency, conducting body, exam format, and eligibility process are different. If you are giving more than one exam, you can get confused between them. For example, read the following information about the CAT exam:
- The exam has three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
- There are two types of questions: MCQs and Non-MCQs
- You get +3 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer. The negative marking only applies to the MCQs
With all this stated, I'm sure that it can get confusing. Completing the test in the allotted time while also keeping the marking scheme in mind might become highly complex and challenging to handle for some of us. The same goes for the other exams. As a result, enough practice is required to master this technique. That is where mock tests will be highly beneficial to you.
Mock tests: where can you take them?
Mock tests are essential for any student who is appearing for competitive exams. Many online sites specialize in providing mock tests to students and give a complete analysis of their results to understand and work on the sections they can make changes to better their performance for the final examination.
For example, urExam is a one-stop destination where you can find mock tests for all competitive exams ranging from CAT to UPSC. With the correct preparation, you can overcome your examination worries. They also provide you a detailed analysis of your results to learn from them and get better. Through mock tests, you become familiar with the exam format, but you also develop the ability of time management, which will help you in the exam.
Mock Tests: What is the ideal time to start taking one?
It is believed that the ideal time to start preparing for the examination would be 10-11 months before the given date, and the perfect time to start taking mock tests would be 3 months before the given date. However, this differs from person to person as many factors need to be considered, like the pace at which you can grasp the concepts, how well you can cope with the syllabus, how fast you can correct your mistakes, and so on.
In my opinion, there is no appropriate or suitable time to start taking mock exams. You can start taking mock tests simultaneously either as you prepare for the exam or once you are through with the syllabus basics, i.e., you are familiar with all the topics. The two ways can be better explained as:
After Basic Preparation-
Candidates who wait to take the mock tests until they are clear with the basic concepts believe that it allows them to take the test discreetly, and it helps them identify where they forgot a concept or were confused between one or more topics. It helps them to get familiar with the environment and pressure of the examination center.
One can argue that good mock tests from good sources are pretty costly and that taking mock tests before completing at least 70% of the basics is a waste of time and money. Until you reach the 70% mark, subject exams can be used to strengthen their concepts and provide them with a sense of the kind of questions asked in mock examinations.
While Preparing-
Candidates who start to take the mock tests simultaneously to prepare for the exam allow themselves to learn from their errors. According to them, taking a mock exam will enable you to see what subjects are most important to focus on and where they appear in the test. This makes studying in the classroom or through a textbook easier and more enjoyable.
From this perspective, it can be argued that even a Class 12th kid can understand ideas and solve problems. Is it possible to solve it with a timer in your face, negative marking, and a lot of competition? Mock tests are the only way to test this. Hence, it is necessary to get habituated to the exam environment from the beginning.
To be exact, you should begin taking mock examinations at least three months before the actual examination. However, if your fundamentals are solid, even two months is sufficient. People usually start taking mock tests at either of the two times. You can use either of the strategies, depending on which one is most effective for you.
One should always keep in mind that the mock tests you take are from a reliable source. For example, In urExam, professionals prepare the tests after researching the said field and its devised curriculum.
Mock Tests: How often should you take one?
Candidates who begin taking mock exams alongside their preparation do so at least twice a month in the early stages of their practice. Those who take mock tests after some preparation give one mock exam every week on average. It is recommended to take two to three simulated tests each week anyway. The remainder of the days should be used to analyze and error correction and prepare for the next mock test.
Mock tests are the most critical part of the preparation for CAT or any MBA-related exam. The more you take them, the more you get familiar with the exam pattern. Every individual has a unique way of grasping basic concepts, so the ideal time to take a mock test will differ from individual to individual.
