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CAT Exam Preparation: Rashmi Singh said she cleared the exam on her first attempt and received interview shortlists from 25 b-schools before pursuing her MBA at IIM Bangalore.
CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. (AI Image)
The Common Admission Test (CAT), one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams, requires a well-planned preparation strategy. According to Rashmi Singh, an IIM Bangalore alumna who later joined Google, avoiding common mistakes can help candidates improve their performance.
In an Instagram video, Singh shared five mistakes that could cost CAT aspirants 10–15 percentile points. She said she cleared the exam on her first attempt and received interview shortlists from 25 business schools before pursuing her MBA at IIM Bangalore.
CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on November 29, 2026, in three sessions. The exam is the primary admission test for the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and is also accepted by several other business schools across the country.
CAT 2026: Five Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
1. Taking mock tests at the wrong time
Singh advised candidates to practise mock tests at the same time as their scheduled CAT exam session. She recommended following the timing mentioned on the admit card to help build familiarity with the actual exam schedule.
2. Attempting too many questions
Accuracy is more important than attempting every question, Singh said. She shared that she attempted only 38 of the 66 questions in her exam and still scored above the 99th percentile. Her experience highlights the importance of selecting questions carefully rather than rushing through the paper.
3. Leaving Reading Comprehension practice until the last minute
Reading Comprehension requires regular practice, including the ability to read passages efficiently and understand their central ideas. Singh cautioned that candidates who struggle with reading speed and retention may lose valuable time and marks.
4. Not analysing mock test performance
Taking mock tests alone may not be enough. Singh said candidates should carefully analyse their results to identify weak areas, understand their mistakes and improve their approach. Reviewing performance consistently can help aspirants refine their strategy.
5. Choosing the wrong DILR sets
In Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), candidates should avoid trying to solve every set. Singh recommended spending the first five minutes assessing the available sets and selecting those that appear most manageable. Choosing the right questions can help candidates use their time more effectively.
Quick Answers
Ask News18According to IIM Bangalore alumna Rashmi Singh, five major mistakes can lower a candidate’s percentile by 10-15 points: taking mock tests at the wrong time, attempting too many questions instead of focusing on accuracy, delaying Reading Comprehension practice, failing to properly analyze mock test results, and choosing the wrong DILR sets during the exam.
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October 29, 2026, 12:39 IST
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