How to Analyse Your Mistakes After Mock Test Papers

Preparing for the CA exams is not just about reading ICAI modules and revising again and again. One of the most powerful tools you have is mock test papers (MTPs). But simply writing a mock test is not enough. The real learning starts when you analyse your mistakes after the test.

If you do not check your mistakes carefully, you will keep repeating the same errors in the final exam. In this article, I will explain step by step how you can analyse your mock test papers in a very simple way.

Why Analysing Mock Test Mistakes is Important

• Spot weak areas – You can see which topics trouble you the most.
• Improve accuracy – By checking mistakes, you learn to avoid silly errors.
• Build exam strategy – You understand how to manage time and attempt questions better.
• Boost confidence – Once you know your weak spots, you can fix them and feel more prepared.

Remember, writing a mock test is only 50% of the preparation. Analysing it properly is the other 50%.

Step 1: Do Not Ignore Your Paper

Many CA students write a mock test and then put the paper aside without looking at it again. This is a big mistake.

After every mock test, keep at least 2–3 hours free only to check the paper. This is when your learning will actually happen.

Step 2: Compare With Suggested Answers

Every ICAI mock test or coaching mock test has suggested answers. You should compare your answers with them.

• Mark where you wrote correct points.
• Highlight where you missed important keywords.
• Note if your presentation style was different from ICAI’s.

This step will help you understand what examiners really expect from you.

Step 3: Classify Your Mistakes

Not all mistakes are the same. You need to classify them so you know how to fix them. Mistakes usually fall into these categories:

1. Conceptual Mistakes
   • When you do not know or misunderstand a concept.
   • Example: Mixing up Section 7 and Section 9 of IBC.
   • Solution: Revise the concept from ICAI module or coaching notes.
2. Silly Mistakes
   • Errors like wrong totals, misreading the question, or forgetting to write “Working Notes.”
   • Solution: Slow down, underline key words in questions, and double-check calculations.
3. Presentation Mistakes
   • Writing long paragraphs instead of points.
   • Missing headings, not quoting section numbers.
   • Solution: Practise answer presentation as ICAI expects – headings, sections, working notes, conclusions.
4. Time Management Mistakes
   • Leaving questions half-done.
   • Spending 30 minutes on one big question and rushing the rest.
   • Solution: Practise answering within time slots (like 15–18 minutes per 16-mark question).

Step 4: Maintain a “Mistake Book”

One of the best strategies is to keep a separate notebook called a Mistake Book.

• After every mock test, write down:
  • Question number
  • Topic name
  • Mistake type (Conceptual / Silly / Presentation / Time)
  • Correct solution

Example entry:

Paper: Audit Mock Test – Q5
Mistake: Did not quote SA 315.
Mistake Type: Presentation.
Correction: Always mention Standard on Auditing name and number.

This book will become your personal guide. Before exams, just revise your Mistake Book once, and you will avoid repeating the same errors.

Step 5: Re-attempt Wrong Questions

Do not just read the solution. Re-attempt the same question after 1–2 days.

• If you made a conceptual mistake, write the full answer again after revising.
• If it was a silly mistake, attempt again carefully without rushing.
• This second attempt fixes the concept in your memory.

Step 6: Analyse Your Marks Distribution

Sometimes your score is low not because you don’t know concepts, but because of how you attempt the paper.

• Did you spend too much time on the first 3 questions?
• Did you leave optional questions even though they were easier?
• Did you attempt questions in order or jump around?

Analysing your approach helps you develop a smart exam strategy.

Step 7: Identify Repeated Mistakes

After 3–4 mock tests, you will notice a pattern:

• Maybe you always forget to quote section numbers in Law.
• Maybe you always miscalculate small adjustments in Accounts.
• Maybe you always write too much theory in Audit but ignore keywords.

Once you identify repeated mistakes, make a clear rule for yourself. Example:

“From now, I will write section numbers first before explaining.”

Step 8: Discuss With Mentors or Friends

Sometimes you may not understand why your answer was wrong. In such cases:

• Show the paper to your teacher or senior.
• Discuss with friends who scored higher.
• Ask them what keywords or presentation style you missed.

This gives you a new perspective on how to improve.

Step 9: Work on Exam Writing Speed

Many mistakes happen because of lack of speed. If you write too slowly, you leave questions unfinished. If you write too fast, you make silly mistakes.

Practise writing answers with a stopwatch. Train yourself to complete 100 marks paper within 3 hours comfortably.

Step 10: Revise the Correct Way

Once you know your weak areas, you must revise those topics properly.

• Revise ICAI study material for concepts.
• Practise questions from past RTPs and MTPs.
• Revise your Mistake Book regularly.

This way, your revision is targeted and effective.

Common Mistakes CA Students Make After Mock Tests

• Ignoring the paper after writing.
• Only checking marks, not the reasons for mistakes.
• Thinking silly mistakes are not important (but they cost marks).
• Not writing a Mistake Book.
• Avoiding re-attempts of wrong questions.

Avoid these habits if you want real improvement.

Example: How to Analyse One Question

Let’s take an example.

Mock Test Question: Explain the provisions of Section 12A of the IBC.

Your Answer: Wrote only that withdrawal of CIRP is allowed by CoC.

Mistake: Missed the condition that 90% voting of CoC is required, and also missed that application should be filed to NCLT.

Analysis:

• Mistake Type: Conceptual + Presentation.
• Correction: Revise Section 12A from module, and always structure answers as: “Provision – Condition – Authority.”
• Action: Re-write the answer in Mistake Book.

Benefits of Analysing Mistakes Properly

1. Improves exam score – You directly increase marks by avoiding repeat mistakes.
2. Reduces exam fear – You feel confident that you know how to correct yourself.
3. Creates exam discipline – You develop the habit of presenting answers in ICAI style.
4. Saves time in last revision – Because your Mistake Book guides you.
5. Prepares you for real exam pressure – Mock tests become your training ground.

FAQs on Analysing Mock Test Mistakes

Q1. How many mock tests should I write before exams?
At least 3–4 full mock tests for each subject, and analyse every paper carefully.

Q2. Should I write mock tests in exam conditions?
Yes. Sit for 3 hours without disturbance, use a watch, and practise like the real exam.

Q3. I feel demotivated after low marks in mock tests. What should I do?
Do not worry. Mock tests are for learning, not for judging you. Low marks mean you now know your mistakes, which is progress.

Q4. Is a Mistake Book really necessary?
Yes. It helps you remember your personal weak points and saves time in revision.

Q5. What if I don’t have time to analyse deeply?
At least check your major mistakes, write them in Mistake Book, and re-attempt those questions. Even a short analysis is better than none.

Conclusion

Writing mock tests is important, but analysing your mistakes is the real game changer. By checking your answers, classifying mistakes, maintaining a Mistake Book, and re-attempting wrong questions, you will avoid repeating errors in the final CA exams.

Remember, the CA exam is not just about hard work, but also about smart work. And smart work means learning from your mistakes.

So from your next mock test onwards, do not stop after submitting the paper. Sit with your answers, spot your mistakes, and correct them. This one habit can make a huge difference in your final results.