CAT error log template: copy it and start tracking your lost marks

A simple table you can paste into a sheet or notebook. Includes the four-cause key and a weekly summary row.

KDA
KDA Faculty
Faculty · Karwa's Dakshita Academy
10 Oct 2026 2 min read
Key takeaways
  • One row per question you lost marks on.
  • Tag each with one of four causes: concept gap, careless slip, time sink or bad guess.
  • Count causes weekly. The largest group is your first target.
  • Write the fix. A log without fixes is only a diary.
Quick answer

Copy the table below. After each mock, add a row for every question where you lost marks, tag the cause and write the fix. Count the causes each week.

The template

MockSectionTopic or questionCauseFixFixed?

Cause key

CauseMeaning
Concept gapYou did not know how to begin
Careless slipYou knew how, then made an error
Time sinkYou solved it, but took too long
Bad guessYou guessed and lost marks to negative marking

Weekly summary row

WeekConcept gapCareless slipTime sinkBad guessFirst target
1
2

Example

MockSectionTopicCauseFixFixed?
3QAPercentagesConcept gapRedo the chapterNo
3DILRSet 2Time sinkCap at a fixed timeNo
4VARCRC passage 3Bad guessPractise eliminationNo

For the method behind it, read how to analyse a CAT mock test.

Where this doesn’t apply

Where this doesn't apply

The four-cause key is our method. It is not an industry standard. If a different tagging works for you, use it. We have not measured the score effect of keeping a log.

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This template is our own. No third-party figure is used.

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KDA Faculty
Faculty · Karwa's Dakshita Academy

The teaching team at Karwa's Dakshita Academy, Kharghar — MBA entrance (CAT, MAH-CET) and school coaching.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The mock, section, question or topic, the cause of the lost marks and the fix you will apply.

After every mock and after every practice set where you lose marks.

Count the causes weekly. Work first on the largest one, and check whether it shrinks.

No. A notebook works. A spreadsheet makes counting easier.

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