How to Take Mock Tests to Complete the Syllabus?

The CAT selection process varies based on different IIMs. Each Indian Institute of Management (IIM) releases its selection criteria on its official website. According to this selection criteria, candidates are shortlisted after the declaration of the CAT results. The selection process for CAT Exam essentially includes three stages of Group Discussion (GD), a Written Ability Test (WAT), and a Personal Interview (PI). Further details about the selection process are mentioned on BYJU’s Exam Prep website.

Selection Process for CAT Exam

The candidates are selected through three stages for CAT. The CAT Syllabus is vast and hence requires practice for final selection. Given below is the stage-wise selection process. 

Round 1: CAT results declaration and IIM shortlisting

Once the CAT 2022 results are declared, the different IIMs release their selection criteria based on the CAT cut off marks. Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of these selection criteria. A list of shortlisted students for the subsequent CAT counselling is released on the official website of IIM. Each IIM then sends interview letters to the shortlisted candidates to directly call them for personal interviews. The CAT selection criteria for shortlisting candidates varies across IIMs all over the country. 

Round 2: Group discussion, written ability test, personal interview

After clearing round 1, shortlisted candidates are called for a group discussion. A written ability test is conducted where the candidates are assessed based on their general knowledge, communication ability, and performance in the previous rounds. The last stage is a personal interview, where the candidates are asked general and subject-specific questions. They are assessed based on their presence of mind and their overall performance.  

Round 3: Final selection and verification of eligibility

The final round is where the candidates’ educational qualification, age and other personal information are verified. All candidates must meet the eligibility criteria as declared. In case of any discrepancy or failure to meet eligibility, candidates shall be disqualified. After the verification is done, the shortlisted candidates clear the final selection round and can take admission at a desirable IIM.

How to take mock tests to complete the syllabus?

Mock tests are critical for students to get familiarised with the syllabus of CAT. Mock tests help understand the exam pattern, concepts, navigation process, time management and various other aspects of the exam. BYJU’s Exam Prep provides different tips and tricks to ace the CAT examination smoothly. Below are some ways that explain when and how to take mock tests for CAT.

• Pre-preparation mocks: These can be taken before starting CAT preparations. These mock tests help a candidate know their areas of weakness and understand which topics they should be more focused on. Pre-preparation mocks are also a way to take advantage of the time that otherwise gets wasted before starting preparations for the main exam.
• During the preparation: The next stage where candidates should take mock tests is during the preparation. This helps assess the progress in preparation and gives a clearer picture of which areas they should improve on. It also helps in building confidence.
• Before 2-4 months of CAT: Candidates must finish their syllabus by this time. Appearing for mock tests should be a regular thing by now. Mock tests greatly help with time management and understanding the exam pattern. They also help understand how to navigate through the paper to score the best. 
• 1-2 weeks before CAT: This is the final stage for taking mock tests. Students should take mock tests daily at this stage. Mistakes from previous mock tests should be corrected in this stage. Taking mock tests at this point can also help candidates in changing their preparation strategy if needed. This is the ultimate stage where candidates build their confidence to ace the final examination.

Candidates appearing for CAT 2022 are advised to follow BYJU’s Exam Prep for upcoming details about CAT 2022 and further tips regarding the examination.