Preparing for CAT isn't easy but it's tougher to secure the score you desire and get admission into a top B-school. For that, you must not just be thorough with the exam pattern. It's also important to understand how you can manage time and improve your accuracy. This is where mock tests come to use. However, attempting mock tests isn't enough. If you want to improve your CAT percentile, you need to create a smart study plan and put in consistent efforts.

Let’s explore some actionable strategies to help you increase your mock test percentile and get closer to your dream B-school.

Get Started With Free Mock Tests

If you're at an early stage of your preparation, you must try practicing with free online CAT mock tests. These will help you get accustomed to the exam pattern. Besides, the mock tests will also give you a thorough understanding of the types of questions. Most importantly, these mock tests help you get clarity on where you currently stand without any investment. Many platforms offer a few full-length mocks and topic-wise quizzes at zero cost. These are ideal for a budget-conscious practice.

Must Read: Is Actual CAT Easier than Mocks?

Analyse Every Mock Like a Pro

Attempting a CAT mock test series won’t help unless you analyse it thoroughly. After every test, you must review which questions consumed most of your time, the questions where you had to guess the answers and where you lost marks due to silly mistakes. Make a note of these and ensure that you work on them to improve in the next attempt.

Focus on Time Management

The CAT exam is as much about speed as it is about accuracy. In each section—VARC, DILR, and QA—build your pace steadily. Practice with a timer. Don't get stuck on a tough question during a mock test. Move on and come back later if time allows. This habit alone can boost your percentile significantly.

Target Weak Areas with Online Preparation

One major advantage of free online CAT preparation is that it offers customised practice. You can choose to focus more on Reading Comprehension, Number Systems, or Logical Reasoning based on your performance. Many free platforms have section-wise tests and doubt-solving to make practice easier.

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Take Mock Tests from Trusted Platforms

All mock tests aren’t created equally. So, you must make sure that you’re using mocks matching the actual difficulty level and exam pattern of the CAT. At Oswaal360, you can find CAT-level online mock tests. These tests come with instant analysis and performance tracking. So, if you’re looking for a good resource that will help you with structured practice and real-exam simulation, you can rely on this platform.

Join a Mock Test Series

A consistent CAT mock test series enhances your preparation. Weekly mocks, combined with performance reports, help track progress and build stamina for the real exam. Some platforms offer adaptive mocks, which gradually increase in difficulty as you improve, mimicking the unpredictability of the actual exam.

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Build Exam Temperament with Every Test

Getting a high percentile isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about mindset. Stay calm under pressure, avoid panic when a section seems tough, and learn how to recover after a mock where you couldn’t perform well. Use each test to build emotional strength and develop a winning exam temperament.

You must not just practice more to improve your score but also get better after every mock test. With smart analysis, focused practice, and structured preparation, you can see visible improvements in a few weeks.