When it comes to preparing for CAT 2025, one of the most common questions that pop up is: “How many mock tests should I take?” If you’re wondering the same, you’re not alone. Every serious aspirant hits this crossroads at some point, trying to balance quantity with quality.

The answer? Well, it’s not about chasing a magic number. It’s about how you take your mocks, why you take them, and what you do after you’re done. But let’s break it down, so you can find your sweet spot and make the most of your CAT journey.

Mocks Are Not Just Tests!

Think of mock tests as dress rehearsals before the big play. You wouldn’t just read the script and show up on opening night, would you? You’d rehearse, make mistakes, learn your cues, and fine-tune your performance. 

Mocks help you build your test-taking stamina, sharpen your strategy, and get comfortable with the CAT’s unpredictable nature. But here’s the catch—taking mock after mock without analysis is like practising the same wrong dance moves over and over. You get better at making mistakes, not at avoiding them.

So, How Many Mocks Should You Take?

Let’s talk numbers. Most serious CAT aspirants take anywhere between 35 to 40 full-length mocks before D-Day. Some even go beyond 50, while others swear by 20 quality tests with deep analysis. So, the number of mocks you take has no correlation with your probability of clearing the CAT exam.

If you’re starting early—say March or April—begin with one mock every two weeks, slowly ramping up to one a week by June or July. By the time you hit September and October, you should be taking two to three mocks a week. And in November, when the exam is just around the corner, you could be doing three to four mocks a week, depending on your comfort level.

But remember, the number isn’t set in stone. Some people thrive on more mocks; others prefer fewer, high-quality ones. The key is consistency and analysis.

Mocks Without Analysis Are Like Maps Without Directions

If taking mocks is one side of the coin, analyzing them is the other. After every mock, spend time figuring out:

• What went wrong?
• What went right?
• Why did you take more time on certain questions?

Mock analysis teaches you about yourself as a test-taker—your strengths, your blind spots, and your tendencies under pressure. 

Quality Over Quantity 

If you’re taking mocks just to hit a number—say, 40 before CAT—you’re missing the point. What matters is how much you’re learning from each mock.

Sometimes, one well-analyzed mock can teach you more than five rushed ones. So, if your schedule is tight, focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to take 25 mocks and analyze them thoroughly than to race through 50 without learning from them.

Build Exam-Day Temperament

Mocks also train your mind and body for exam-day conditions. Sitting through a three-hour test with full focus isn’t easy. Mocks help you build that stamina and mental toughness. Try to take them at the same time as your actual CAT slot—morning, afternoon, or evening. This way, your body gets used to peak performance at that time of day.

Find Your Number

At the end of the day, the “right” number of mocks before CAT 2025 depends on you. What’s important is the process—regular testing, detailed analysis, and learning from mistakes. If you do that, the number will take care of itself.

So, pull up your socks and treat every mock as a chance to get one step closer to your best performance.