When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025? 6-Month Study Plan & Expert Tips

When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025? 6-Month Study Plan & Expert Tips

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Komal MiglaniUpdated on 19 Jun 2025, 12:17 PM IST

Best Time to Start CAT 2025 Preparation: The Common Admission Test or the CAT examination will likely be conducted in the month of November, 2025. A popular question asked by the candidates during their CAT 2025 preparation is when to start preparing for CAT 2025. Some of the candidates might have already started their CAT 2025 preparation, and a few others will start their CAT 2025 preparation soon. The best time to start CAT 2025 preparation always depends on factors such as the number of days left for the CAT 2025 examination, the current preparation level of the candidates, the rate at which the candidates can learn various important CAT 2025 topics in detail and so on. Having said that, following a CAT 2025 preparation timeline is essential for the candidates to perform better in the CAT examination. The experts have always suggested that the earlier the CAT 2025 preparation, the better. This would also provide the candidate with sufficient time for taking part in the CAT mock tests and solving CAT sample papers, which are essential for scoring well in the CAT examination.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode to close registration tomorrow; IIM admission criteriaSep 12, 2025 | 10:02 PM IST

The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) will close the registrations for CAT 2025 for admission to MBA and other management courses for the academic year 2025-26.

If you are looking forward to register for the CAT 2025 for admission to MBA and other management programmes, follow the 6 simple steps given below.

Official Website

  • Go to the official portal of IIM CAT 2025 at iimcat.ac.in.

New Registration

  • On the homepage, look for the new registration link and click on it.

Registered Candidate Login

  • Graduates who have already registered but haven’t filled the application form yet, can directly register through the ‘registered candidate login’ using user ID and password.

Details to Fill

For new registrations, candidates are required to fill the following given points to complete the registration.

  • Name of Candidate
  • Note: Candidate name should be entered exactly as it appears in 10th/SSC Certificate.
  • Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
  • Email Address
  • Confirm Email Address
  • Country
  • Mobile Number
  • Code
  • Confirm Code
  • Confirm Mobile Number
  • Candidates will have to generate an OTP by clicking on the generate OTP button. They will be redirected to CAPTCHA to fill and submit. To verify the mobile number, enter the OTP received and click on “Validate the OTP” tab. After validation, you will be able to submit the registration form.
  • Registered applicants will receive the User ID and Password on the registered email address and or on the registered mobile number. Overseas candidates will receive both User ID and Password on registered email address.

CAPTCHA

Applicants will have to retype the characters displayed in the CAPTCHA box provided. “The CAPTCHA box (as displayed above) is a special set of characters displayed on the screen,” the official notification reads.

Declaration

After filling all the requisite details, candidates must select the “I Agree” checkbox in the Declaration section to enable the submit button. The declaration is for candidates that they are committing to be honest and fair in all their actions and that the information provided in the CAT 2025 Registration Form is correct and true.

“Providing wrong information can lead to the cancellation of your right to appear in the examination or to be considered for the admission process as mandated by the appropriate authority. It is mandatory to agree to the contents in the Declaration to proceed to submit the form,” the notice on the website reads.

Read More

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  2. When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025?
  3. Month-wise CAT 2025 Preparation Plan
  4. Factors to Consider Before Deciding When to Start
  5. CAT Preparation Books 2025
  6. CAT 2025 Exam Preparation Materials by Careers360
When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025? 6-Month Study Plan & Expert Tips
When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025? 6-Month Study Plan & Expert Tips

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2025 examination is one of the most competitive management entrance examinations in the country. This year, IIM Kozhkode will be conducting the CAT 2025 examination. A good CAT percentile will help the candidates to get shortlisted for further selection process of the IIMs, which are undoubtedly among the most premier institutes in the country for a career in management. The comprehensive CAT 2025 exam pattern is provided below for the reference of the candidates.

Particulars

CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

CAT exam time duration

2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD)

Name of the Section

- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Section-wise CAT exam time duration

- 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA)

- 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section

Number of Questions

68

Total Marks

204

Mode of the CAT 2025 exam

Computer-Based Mode (CBT)

CAT Marking Scheme

- For every right answer, +3 will be awarded

- For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted

- No negative marks for Non-MCQs

When to Start Preparing for CAT 2025?

According to the CAT expert suggestions, starting the CAT preparation a year before the examination is considered to be beneficial. But, with the amount of resources available both online and offline, the CAT preparation timetable has now been cut down. Recent CAT toppers suggest that the best time to start CAT 2025 preparation is 6 months before the CAT scheduled date. This means that the answer to the question, when to start preparing for CAT 2025, is now. Starting from June 2025, the candidate should focus on completing the CAT 2025 syllabus and also incorporating as many CAT practice tests as possible. This would mean that, ideally, the CAT 2025 preparation timeline would last for 6 months. It is important for the candidates to completely cover the CAT 2025 syllabus before the examination, as the syllabus for the CAT examination is huge, and questions can be asked from any topic of the CAT examination.

Benefits of Starting Early

There are a lot of benefits of starting early for the CAT examination. It is often seen that the candidates who start their CAT preparation late fall short of time and can at times leave a lot of topics behind, which is one of the most common CAT mistakes made by the candidates. Some of the important benefits for candidates of starting their CAT preparation early are:

Complete CAT 2025 Syllabus Coverage:

The candidate who begins their CAT preparation at the right time for CAT preparation often has he liberty to complete the CAT 2025 syllabus in time. This will give them ample time to review their CAT preparation strategies and make changes to them if required. The candidates can also review and relearn the concepts which they seem to be lagging and this will help them to perform better on the CAT exam day.

Time for Revision:

As soon as the candidates cover the CAT syllabus 2025, it becomes important for them to engage in a well-rounded CAT 2025 revision. This will help the candidates to find their strengths and weaknesses, which will help them to shape their CAT 2025 preparation. Also, without revision, it is also possible that the candidates may not retain a few concepts

Ample Mock Test Practice:

Mock tests also play an important role in the CAT success of the candidates. A lot of CAT toppers have opined that practising sectional mock tests during their CAT syllabus 2025 preparation and completing CAT mock tests after completing the CAT 2025 syllabus has helped them to secure a good CAT score in the examination. Hence, it can be said that taking part in the CAT mock tests is indispensable for the candidates. This can only be possible if the candidate gets a sufficient amount of time after completing their CAT 2025 syllabus. Hence, it is essential for the candidates to begin their CAT 2025 preparation at the best time to start CAT 2025 preparation, which is now.

Month-wise CAT 2025 Preparation Plan

The ideal CAT 2025 preparation timeline would last for 6 months. This time frame should be ideal for the candidates without any other commitments. But for the working professionals who are preparing for CAT 2025 and the college students who are appearing for the CAT 2025 examination, it might be a challenge for them to manage their time ideally. The candidates with other commitments are suggested to start their CAT preparation a year early so that they can complete their CAT 2025 syllabus without any hindrance. For the candidates without any commitments, here is the CAT 2025 preparation schedule for the months which will help the candidates to complete the CAT syllabus 2025 in time and also provide ample time for them to solve a lot of CAT mock tests.

Week

VARC Topics

DILR Topics

QA Topics

Week 1

Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion

Graph Types, Table-Based DI

Percentages, Ratios & Proportions

Week 2

Inferences, Odd One Out

Bar Graphs, Line Graphs

Profit & Loss, Averages & Mixtures

Week 3

One-Word Substitution, Sentence Correction

Pie Charts, Radar Graphs

Time, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest

Week 4

RC - Short Passages, Para Summary

Scatter Graphs, Innovative Graphs

Time & Work, Partnership

Week 5

Syllogism, Analogies

Blood Relations, Binary Logic

Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations

Week 6

Para Completion, RC - Factual

Cubes and Dicing, Venn Diagrams

Inequalities, Functions

Week 7

Sentence Correction, Para-jumbles

Decision Making, Analytical Puzzles

Modulus, Surds and Indices

Week 8

RC - Inference Based, Odd One Out

Syllogism, Logical Deductions

Logarithms, Sequences & Series

Week 9

Para Summary, Inferences

Ordering & Sequencing, Selections & Distributions

Maxima & Minima, Factorisation

Week 10

RC - Summary Based, Para Completion

Linear & Circular Arrangements

Geometry (2D), Coordinate Geometry

Week 11

Sentence Completion, One-word Substitution

Routes & Networks, Games & Tournaments

Mensuration (2D & 3D), Square & Cube Roots

Week 12

Full-length RC Practice

Reasoning-based DI, Caselets

Basic Number Properties, Factors & Multiples

Week 13

RC – Variety Practice

Advanced DI Mix Sets

Base Systems, Set Theory

Week 14

Para-jumbles, Sentence Correction

Logical Reasoning Set Practice

Permutation & Combination

Week 15

RC – Tone & Style Practice

Mixed Puzzles, Caselets

Probability

Week 16

Complete VARC Round-up

Mixed DILR (Past Year Style)

Statistics

Week 17

RC + Para Summary Timed Practice

Caselets, Data Arrangement

Mixed Arithmetic

Week 18

Full VARC Section Practice

LR + DI Mixed Sets

Geometry + Mensuration

Week 19

RC + Sentence Correction

Reasoning + DI Advanced Practice

Algebra + Functions Revision

Week 20

Full-Length Sectional Tests

Full-Length Sectional Tests

Full-Length Sectional Tests

Week 21

Full Mock Test 1 + Analysis

Full Mock Test 1 + Analysis

Full Mock Test 1 + Analysis

Week 22

RC and Error Log Revision

DI Puzzle Practice

Arithmetic Revision

Week 23

VARC Final Brush-up

Mixed LR-DI

Geometry & Algebra Practice

Week 24

Final VARC Review

Final DILR Practice

Final QA Practice

When You Start Matters, But Preparation Matters More

While the candidates need to understand the best time to start CAT 2025 preparation, it would not be the sole deciding factor in the candidate’s CAT 2025 preparation. While the candidates should be aware of how early to start CAT 2025 preparation, they should also immediately start with their CAT preparation plan afterwards. This phase in the CAT 2025 preparation timeline is the most important for the candidates as it lays the foundation for the candidate’s CAT 2025 success.

  • It is necessary for the candidates to stay consistent during their CAT preparation journey. An early start to the CAT 2025 preparation is always good, but the candidate should ensure that they do not drift away from the preparation. Taking breaks in between is fine and recommended by the experts, but there must be regular progress throughout.

  • The candidates should engage in smart preparation. Candidates should begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly, then identify their strong and weak areas. Instead of spending equal time on all topics, more time should be given to weaker sections while maintaining regular practice of strengths.

  • The candidate should also always keep in mind that the quality of the preparation is always greater than the number of months of preparation. Even if they feel like they have started late, if their CAT preparation plan is a good one, incorporating all the needs of the CAT 2025 exam, they can even outsmart the candidates with months of prior CAT 2025 preparation.

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Factors to Consider Before Deciding When to Start

There are a lot of factors that the candidates should consider before deciding ideal time for CAT preparation. How early to start CAT 2025 preparation would also depend on these factors. Some of the essential factors that the candidates should be aware of before deciding on their best time to start CAT 2025 preparation are listed below.

Current Level of Preparation

The CAT exam is attended by candidates of different backgrounds and preparation levels. The candidates from engineering backgrounds may have a good understanding of the quantitative aptitude concepts as compared to other candidates. Also, the conceptual understanding will vary from candidate to candidate. Hence, it is very necessary for the candidates not to compare themselves with other candidates and to have their own CAT plan. The candidates should first asses their current preparation level and note down their strengths and weaknesses. It is advisable for the candidates to start their preparation with the topics where they are lagging behind.

Familiarity with Quant, DILR, and VARC

Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension form the CAT question paper. A good performance in all three sections is absolutely essential for securing a good CAT percentile. It is always possible that a candidate might not be strong in all three sections. The familiarity with the CAT topics greatly determines when to start preparing for CAT 2025. If a candidate is very good with the DILR and VARC concepts, they will have a relatively shorter CAT 2025 preparation timeline because the syllabus of the CAT VARC section is relatively smaller.

Availability of Study Resources and Mentors

The availability of both study resources and mentors also greatly influences how early to start CAT 2025 preparation. For the candidates who have access to a wide range of resources, they can take their own time for preparation. But it is important for the candidates to always keep a repository of the resources and access them whenever required. If a candidate finds it difficult to gather the resources, the ideal answer to when to start preparing for CAT 2025 will be at least 4-6 months more than the other candidates. The priority for such candidates should be on collecting the relevant CAT study materials and later starting to work on them. Though it might be cumbersome and time-consuming, the results will be fruitful in the end.

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

CAT Preparation Books 2025

Once the candidate has found out the right time to start the CAT preparation 2025, they should immediately start collecting the resources. A wide range of materials is available for the CAT preparation of the candidates. Choosing from these resources as per the specific needs of the candidates might be difficult for the candidates. Careers360 have performed an analysis of all the important CAT preparation books. The list is provided below.

CAT Section

Book Name

Author Name

Quantittaive Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R.S. Aggarwal

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh Verma

NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10)

NCERT

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Arun Sharma

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Ananta Ashisha

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

PSC for VA for CAT

Nishit Sinha

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

CAT 2025 Exam Preparation Materials by Careers360

Careers360 offers a range of CAT 2025 preparation resources, including in-depth syllabus guides, topic-wise study material, mock tests, and expert strategy articles. Candidates can explore these resources using the links given below.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Here

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Download Here

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Here

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Here

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Here

CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

Download Now

Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

Download Now

CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

Download Now

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Download Now

CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

Download Now

CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is starting early important in CAT preparation?
A:

Beginning early ensures complete syllabus coverage, allows time for identifying and working on weak areas, and creates room for taking multiple mock tests to boost exam confidence and time management.

Q: What does the month-wise preparation plan cover for CAT 2025?
A:

The structured 6-month plan sequentially tackles core topics in each section, such as para-jumbles and reading comprehension in VARC, data interpretation in DILR, and arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in QA, followed by full-length sectional and mock test practice.

Q: What is the CAT 2025 exam pattern, and how is it structured?
A:

The CAT 2025 is a 2-hour computer-based exam comprising three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA—with 40 minutes allocated per section and a total of 68 questions, carrying 204 marks in all.

Q: When should I ideally begin my CAT 2025 preparation?
A:

Starting CAT 2025 preparation around June 2025 gives you a solid 6-month window to cover the complete syllabus, practice mocks, and revise thoroughly, though beginning earlier is recommended for working professionals or students with time constraints.

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Questions related to CAT

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Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects