Oswaal 360: Step-by-Step Guide to Make a CAT Practice Plan Using PYQs

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Studying for the CAT exam may seem like a nightmare, but the right approach to practice is to work with previous year's paper questions. This is a systematic and sequential guide in question-and-answer format that will assist you in developing an effective practice plan.

How should one begin CAT practice with PYQs?

Start by looking at the CAT previous year papers of the past 5-7 years. Be aware of the latest trends, kinds of questions, and repetitive ideas. This not only provides clarity on the weightage of topics but also helps you in determining which topics need to be given more attention.

Must Read: How to Build Exam Stamina with Full-Length CAT Mocks?

Pro Tip: Solve one past paper without a timer to get used to the pattern of questions before you take it as a timed test.

How to create a weekly CAT practice plan using PYQs?

Use the PYQs to form the core of your practice. Here’s a sample weekly plan:

Day	Focus Area	Task
Monday	Quantitative Aptitude	Solve 20 PYQs + Analyze solutions
Tuesday	VARC	2 Reading Comprehensions + 10 VA PYQs
Wednesday	DILR	2 Sets from previous CAT + 1 timed section test
Thursday	Mixed Revision	Practice weak areas from PYQs
Friday	Full-Length Practice	Take a CAT mock test free (preferably topic-wise)
Saturday	Review Day	Re-attempt wrong questions from mock & PYQs
Sunday	Full Mock + Review	Take full test from CAT mock test series + analysis

This weekly plan rotates across core sections while keeping CAT PYQs at the center.

Why are CAT PYQs important in your preparation?

Real Exam Feel: PYQs replicate the actual difficulty level.
Topic Prioritization: You can clearly see which topics are frequently tested.
Pattern Insight: Understand the structure of sections and types of traps.

So, consistently practicing from the CAT previous year paper ensures you are not blindsided on D-day.

Should you combine PYQs with mock tests?

Yes, definitely. After you have gone through the past papers, you should begin to add CAT mock test free materials on the internet. This will assist in simulating the real exam pressure and testing endurance.

Recommended Link: CAT Previous years question papers

Bonus Tip: Take a good CAT mock test series to keep a weekly check on your progress. Practice accuracy and time.

How to analyze your CAT performance using PYQs and mocks?

Mark the correct answers vs. incorrect answers.

1. Maintain a log of errors.

2. Explain why mistakes were made. Was it a conceptual mistake, a calculation mistake, or a time pressure mistake?

3. Keep an error log.

This assists in determining weak areas that remain constant and monitoring their progress.

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Final Thoughts

A CAT previous year paper practice plan will make sure that you are preparing on the basis of real exam patterns. Combine that with a wise choice of CAT mock test free and a well-planned CAT mock test series, and you will have a good chance of increasing your score.

Stay on course, check your progress once a week, and be persistent, and success will come.