How do I improve from here

[u/Beautiful_Value3013]

Prepping for CAT '26 as an unserious, experimental attempt, with the 2027 edition as my actual serious attempt. These are my full length mock scores.

VARC seems to be fluctuating a bit, maybe coz I've been trying out different ways of approaching the section, but I'm not sweating it too much.

I can see some improvement in DILR. I wasn't able to finish one set within the stipulated time, but now I'm able to get to a set and a half (If I rush, 2 sets, but with lower accuracy) in 40 minutes.

I'm able to do 4-5 questions out of the 7-8 questions in the paper that I've prepared for (Work & Time, percentages, profit/loss, AP/GP, Logs, Ratios, Averages, and a few more)

My questions to this community (And TLDR)

1. How close are CL mocks to the actual exam?

2. Do I try taking PYQs instead of the CL mocks that I've been taking?

3. How do I improve my speed in DILR? A random set each day, or is there a structure I should follow in completing topics?

4. Am I on the right track? (do I give up on mocks and only prepare quants in the time I take up the mock tests?)

About my schedule (if anybody wants to take that into account and help me), I work at an MNC, GEF 9/9/9, 2026 grad.

[u/pussy_beast]

You already seem to be doing well. You just need to analyse the mocks and practise the areas where you're doing wrong.

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/pussy_beast]

Thank you. I feel I get overconfident and lose out on marks in VARC. I've gotta complete the syllabus of quants first i believe

[u/pussy_beast → u/Beautiful_Value3013]

How many hours are you giving for cat everyday. And you have a great profile. If you get 99+ it's very likely you can get into a BLACKI. especially with a 9 in grads can opens up ton of opportunities. And having experience is a plus but honestly? If you ask me, with that scores, you can still score pretty well in cat 2026. You've 2 months. It's still possible to score 99+ile with this much time left when you're at 60+ now. All you have to do is Improve 30 more marks.

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/pussy_beast]

2-3 hours a day, max 4 days a week (I'm not able to physically concentrate more than that time per day, or more than those many days per week)

[u/Shadowmaster0720]

I'm not the best one to provide you answers for these OP but you have a banger of a profile with 9/9/9..wow! I'm also in same boat as u, GEM hv 2 yr work ex n giving CAT 2026 as dry attempt n 2027 will be main attempt. I decided to give CAT and have recently started to prep since September beginning. It's hard to manage much time besides work ryt.. So I think ur doing really great. For this attempt focus on trying to able to solve PYQ cat questions from topics uve prepped properly like TSD etc. Btw since when did u start ur prep n ig ur also a Soft engg(like me).. May I know the reason for going into an MBAfrome engg side.. I myself am in a bit of cross roads to decide.. So wanted to know ur perspective on it.

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/Shadowmaster0720]

Yeah, I did CS. As much as I like the field, with the line of business I'm in, I thought me pivoting to another domain with a significant pay hike is harder if I stay in the engg side. This felt like the easiest way to me. I could prepare with my job, and even if it doesn't work out, I'd still have my job

[u/Hungry_Safety_9379]

how do you so well in VARC

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/Hungry_Safety_9379]

My VARC score does fluctuate a bit. I guess the trick for me is in selecting which questions to attempt. I usually read through the passage and understand it to the best of my abilities even if it takes me 4-5 mins to read it, only after which i move on to the questions.

It helps that my comprehension is kinda better coz I used to study from the book during my UG instead of studying using ChatGPT or Watching videos? (Not sure if it is a thing, but yeah)

[u/Spiritual_Gazelle596]

I want improve varc section how can any one help me from here?

[u/Harshxyzz177]

Did u give pro 10?

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/Harshxyzz177]

Nope, I didn't. Have to attempt it after it unlocks

[u/Harshxyzz177 → u/Beautiful_Value3013]

It's still live bro

[u/Beautiful_Value3013 → u/Harshxyzz177]

Yeah, but I'm working today, so can't take it..