Common Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Preparation: Getting into top B-schools like the IIMs, XLRI, or FMS is a long journey, not a quick race. Every year, lakhs of students appear for exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT, but only a small number make it to the final list. Most students don’t fail due to a lack of intelligence – many lose out because of common preparation mistakes they realise only after the results are out. Often, the gap between a 90 and a 99 percentile comes down to a few avoidable errors.
As we move into the 2026 MBA entrance season, the competition is tougher than ever. To ensure your hard work turns into an IIM call, here are some key mistakes you should avoid.
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10 Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Entrances Preparation 2026
If you are aiming for a 99+ %ile in 2026, you must study smarter. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid during your preparation.
1. Chasing Shortcuts Before Understanding the Basics
Many students jump straight to “tricks” and “speed math” to solve questions in seconds. While speed is important, shortcuts only work on specific types of questions. If the exam paper is slightly tricky or follows a new pattern, students who haven’t mastered the basic concepts often find themselves stuck and unable to solve even simple problems.
Also Check: CAT Important Quant Formulas
2. Checking Mock Test Scores but Ignoring the Mistakes
Taking a mock test and only looking at your percentile is like going to the doctor for a blood test and never reading the report. Most students move on to the next chapter immediately after a mock. The real growth happens when you sit down for hours to figure out why you got a question wrong – was it a lack of knowledge, a silly calculation error, or poor time management?
Check: Free CAT Mocks
3. Obsessing Over One Section and Ignoring Others
It is natural to spend more time on the subjects you like. However, top MBA colleges have “sectional cut-offs.” This means even if you get a 99 percentile in Math but fail to meet the minimum score in English, you will not get a call from the top IIMs. Ignoring your “weak” section is one of the most dangerous mistakes an aspirant can make.
4. Using the Same Strategy for Every Exam
A common misconception is that if you prepare for CAT, you are ready for all other exams. In reality, every exam has a different “vibe.” NMAT is about speed, XAT requires heavy decision-making skills, and SNAP is a completely different format. Using a “one-size-fits-all” approach usually leads to disappointment in non-CAT exams.
5. Reading Only What You Like
For the VARC section, many students read only sports or entertainment news because it feels easy.However, MBA exams usually have long and tough passages on subjects like philosophy, science, or economics. If you are not used to reading such topics, it can be hard to stay focused during the actual exam.
6. Relying on Old Books and Outdated Materials
The MBA entrance landscape changes every year. Using study material from five years ago can be a huge mistake. The types of questions, the weightage of topics, and even the interface of the digital exam evolve. Following outdated patterns means you are practicing for an exam that no longer exists.
7. Studying Without a Proper Schedule
Many students study in “bursts” – 10 hours on a Sunday and nothing for the rest of the week. MBA preparation is a long journey that requires discipline. Without a proper study plan, you may end up stressing a few months before the exam with lots of uncovered topics.
8. Putting Off General Knowledge (GK) Until the Last Minute
For exams like XAT or the interview rounds that follow, GK is a dealbreaker. Many students think they can “cram” a year’s worth of news in the final week. This rarely works. GK is a habit that develops over months by regularly reading newspapers and staying curious about what’s happening around you.
9. Getting Overwhelmed by Too Much Information
Today, there are plenty of Telegram groups, YouTube channels, and free PDFs available. Many students end up spending more time searching for the “best study material” from multiple sources instead of actually studying and solving questions. This often causes confusion and breaks focus.
10. Not Practicing on a Computer
Since most MBA entrance exams are computer-based, practising only on paper is a common mistake. The way you look at a screen, use a virtual mouse-operated calculator, and jump between questions is a skill in itself. Students who don’t practice in a digital environment often feel exhausted or slow during the actual 2-hour exam.
Conclusion – Common Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Preparation
MBA entrance preparation is not just about studying harder, but studying smarter. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you stay consistent, focused, and confident throughout your journey. If you build strong fundamentals, analyze your mocks, and follow a structured plan, you significantly increase your chances of securing a top percentile and getting into your dream B-school.
Read More: How to Balance CAT Preparation with a Job
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the best time to start taking mock tests?
A: Ideally, start with diagnostic mocks in the first month. Once you finish 50% of the syllabus, start full-length mocks every two weeks.
Q: How many hours should I study daily for CAT 2026?
A: Generally 3-4 hours of focused study on weekdays and 6 hours on weekends is generally sufficient for most aspirants.
Q: How many mock tests should I take before the actual exam?
A: If you are targeting a 95+ percentile, aim to take at least 25-30 mock tests. Make sure you spend 3-4 hours analysing each mock to identify and fix recurring mistakes.
Q: Should I use a calculator while practicing at home?
A: You can only use the on-screen virtual calculator. Avoid physical calculators because they are not permitted and will not help you adjust to the digital interface.
