The Illusion of "I Know This"

There’s a strange kind of overconfidence that comes with familiar-looking questions. A simple averages problem, a typical para-jumble. You’ve seen 20 like them before. Your brain goes, “Oh yeah, I know this,” and jumps straight to answering.

But here’s the catch: CAT punishes assumption. It’s designed to penalise carelessness more than ignorance. Most students don’t lose marks on tough questions; they lose them on the ones they thought were easy.

Sloppy Mistakes Have a Pattern

Start reviewing your mocks and note down the wrong answers from supposedly “easy” questions. You’ll find a pattern. Some of the most common culprits?

• Reading too fast and missing a keyword
• Calculation errors in simple arithmetic
• Not rechecking options before clicking submit
• Mixing up variables or conditions in a word problem
• Overthinking an RC answer and changing it last minute

Each one of these can be trained out, but only if you're aware they’re happening.

Train for Execution, Not Just Knowledge

Most CAT aspirants are obsessed with learning more. But few train to execute better. Here's how you shift gears:

1. Smooth isn’t Slow

In mocks or timed practice, try solving your first 10 questions at 80% speed. Focus entirely on process, not speed. That extra 10 seconds you give to checking your steps often saves 3 marks.

2. Deliberate Practice on “Easy” Sets

Take a Quant topic you’re confident in. Now attempt 10 questions with the sole goal of not making a single mistake. No timer. Just perfection. This builds a habit of precision.

3. Use a Mistake Journal

Maintain a “Silly Mistakes Log.” Every time you lose marks to carelessness, write it down like a detective. Over a few weeks, you’ll start seeing recurring themes. That’s your cheat sheet of mistakes to fix.

4. Don’t Skip Steps in Familiar Questions

Your brain loves shortcuts. But shortcuts in CAT often lead to silly mistakes. Force yourself to write steps, especially when you “feel” you can do it mentally. Writing slows you down just enough to catch potential errors.

Execution Fatigue Is Real

Your execution ability drops when your mental stamina drops. Ever noticed how your accuracy dips in the second half of a mock? That’s not just about knowledge; it’s execution fatigue. To combat this:

• Take sectional mocks in sets of 2 to simulate fatigue.
• Practice focusing even when slightly tired; it will act as muscle memory later.

Accuracy Is the New Speed

The CAT is an accuracy contest. 99 percentilers often attempt fewer questions than 90 percentilers, but they get more of them right. This is not your school test where all questions were compulsory. You need to attempt with clarity and calmness. That’s what separates a 92 from a 98 percentile.

The Art of Not Losing Marks

Sometimes the smartest thing you can do in CAT prep isn’t solving a new kind of question. It’s mastering how not to mess up the ones you already know. Error-free execution is not a talent. It’s a habit. And it’s built question by question, mock by mock, correction by correction.

GO PRACTICE!