Globsyn Business School PGDM Admissions 2025
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CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics - The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is more than an examination; it forms the doorway to India's most elite management institutes- the Indian Institutes of Management, amongst others. Every year, lakhs of aspirants from different academic streams look to grab a seat at these highly competitive institutes. With such a huge syllabus and complexities in question patterns and competition, preparation for the CAT overwhelms one.
It is essential to strategically identify and focus on the topics that will significantly impact your performance and score. Most of these topics carry significant weight and appear frequently in the exam. This article deals with the "do or die" topics for CAT 2025, giving you key insights and expert advice to streamline your preparation process, optimise your efforts towards success in the exam, and so on.
Before entering into most topics, it becomes relevant to understand the nature and structure of the CAT exams. The pattern of CAT exam in CAT 2025 is as follows:
Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Marks for a correct answer | +3 |
Negative marking | -1 for each incorrect answer (No negative marking for TITAs) |
Time duration | 2 hours (40 minutes per section) |
There were a total of 68 questions in the 2024 CAT. Below is the breakdown of the CAT 2024 questions in all 3 slots from each section along with the type:
Section | Total | MCQs | TITA |
VARC | 24 | 22 | 2 |
DILR | 22 | 12 | 10 |
QA | 22 | 14 | 8 |
Not all CAT topics carry equal weightage; indeed some are far more scoring. The "do or die" topics are the recurring ones that appear term by term in CAT; hence, they have comparatively a higher weightage. Provided one puts focused attention while preparing for them, no problem.
Focusing on such topics will help you make the most of your marks while optimizing your preparation time.
Usually the deal-maker in CAT is the VARC section: as it not only requires assessment of your language skills, but also the critical part. Around 24 questions that are here are subdivided between reading comprehension and verbal ability.
Reading Comprehension (RC): Comprises about 70% of the segment.
Verbal Ability: Concentrates on sentence formation, grammar, and logic flow.
RC passages form the body of the VARC section, which provides the maximum marks. The passages are from various subjects like science, philosophy, economics, and politics.
Subtopics to Focus On:
Questions based on inference.
Understanding author’s tone and intent
Identifying the main idea.
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How to Master RC:
Reading newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express, exposure to various genres will help one become adaptable and practice 2-3 RC passages daily with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
Para jumbles test your ability to sequence sentences in a logical manner. It is a non-MCQ question, so you have to be more careful.
How to Approach:
Find the introductory sentence as well as key connectors.
Look for chronological or cause-effect relationships.
Eliminate options systematically.
In para summary questions, you are given a paragraph and asked to choose the most concise yet accurate summary of that particular paragraph.
Preparation Tips:
Identify the major idea and supporting arguments.
Avoid extreme or unrelated ideas in the options.
These questions are about identifying which sentence does not logically fit within a given paragraph.
Strategies to Solve:
Look for the sentence that disrupts the main idea of the text.
Pay attention to sentence tone and context.
This is the breakdown of CAT 2024 questions from VARC in the three slots,
Verbal Ability | Odd one out 2(TITA) Para Completion 3(MCQ) Short Summary 3(MCQ) |
Reading comprehension consisted of topics from various domains such as technology, environment, space, etc.
The DILR section is the most unpredictable in CAT, where speed and accuracy are the two main requirements. This section is divided equally between DI and LR, which tests your ability to process data and think critically.
Mixed sets combining DI and LR are common.
Both straightforward and tricky questions are included.
DI questions involve analyzing data presented in the form of tables, graphs, or caselets.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Pie Charts, Line Graphs, and Bar Graphs.
Caselets requiring multi-step calculations.
Tables with missing data points.
Tips for DI Preparation:
Practice approximation techniques for faster calculations.
Focus on understanding data trends rather than solving each question individually.
This part requires critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Blood relations,
Seating Arrangement,
Sequences
Preparation Tips:
Solve puzzles and Sudoku daily to enhance logical thinking.
Focus on identifying the constraints and working systematically.
Mixed Sets
These are sets that combine elements of DI and LR, making them more complex but rewarding.
How to Prepare for Mixed Sets:
Attempt past CAT papers to get a sense of mixed set patterns.
Practice time-bound problem-solving to improve speed.
There were a variety of questions, in CAT 2024, from the Data interpretation and logical reasoning section. Below is the description of the topics on which questions were asked along with their number of questions in each slot:
Topic | No. of questions |
Stock Market | 4 |
Games and Tournaments | 4 |
Graph-based | 4 |
Sum Based | 5 |
Rating concerned with 8 gymnasts | 5 |
6 firms and their profitability | 4 |
A logical Reasoning question on Schematic diagram of walkways - Lake | 4 |
1 to 10 numbers to be arranged in 10 slots with conditions | 5 |
Ecommerce rating distribution -cumulative | 4 |
App subscription | 4 |
Room temperature based on line graph | 5 |
ATMs based question on Network of roads and | 4 |
Proteins-Carbohydrates in food items | 5 |
The GDP of 10 countries | 4 |
Quantitative Aptitude requires checking your ability to solve mathematical problems. It participates with a great value to the overall percentile for CAT 2025.
Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the syllabus.
Emphasis on conceptual clarity and quick calculations.
Arithmetic is the most significant portion of the QA section, with questions that are both conceptual and practical.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Percentages and Profit & Loss.
Time, Speed, and Distance.
Mixtures and Alligations.
Preparation Tips:
Memorize key formulas and shortcuts.
Practice real-life application problems to enhance understanding.
Algebra tests your ability to work with variables and equations.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Linear and Quadratic Equations.
Inequalities and Modulus.
Functions and Graphs.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding graphical representations of equations.
Solve practice questions that involve multiple algebraic concepts.
Geometry is often considered a high-scoring area in QA.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Properties of Triangles and Circles.
Mensuration formulas for areas and volumes.
Preparation Tips:
Revise key theorems like the Pythagoras theorem and properties of tangents.
Practice visualizing problems for better accuracy.
Number systems often involve conceptual questions about properties and operations on numbers.
High-Weightage Subtopics:
Time, Speed, Distance
Preparation Tips:
Practice unconventional problems to gain an edge.
Focus on mastering modular arithmetic.
This section takes a lot of concentration while solving and in the computations, and is quite hard compared to other sections. Below are the topicwise weightage which you can refer from the CAT 2024:
Area | Total(22) in each slot |
Slot 1 | |
Arithmetic | 9-10 (Ratios and Proportions-1 Profit & Loss -1 Time, Speed & Distance- 1) |
Algebra | 6-8 (Logarithms- 1 Average- 1) |
Geometry | 2 |
Modern Math | 2-3 (Permutations and Combinations- 1 Sets-1 Sequence & Series (1-2)) |
Slot 2 | |
Arithmetic | 8 (number system, profit loss,ratio and mixtures,time and work, speed, distance) |
Algebra | 5(GP, log,functions, inequalities) |
Modern Math | 3 (Permutations and Combinations) |
Geometry | 3 (Circles and triangles) |
Numbers | 3 |
Slot 3 | |
Arithmetic | 8 (average-1, time distance-1, profit loss-1) |
Algebra | 4 |
Modern Math | 4 |
Geometry | 3 (chords-1) |
Numbers | 3 (remainder theorem-1) |
By allocating your preparation time in proportion to the weightage of each section, you can enhance your overall efficiency. For instance:
Spend 60% of your time on high-weightage sections: For example, RC in VARC and arithmetic in QA.
Dedicate 30% of your time to practicing medium-weightage topics: This includes para jumbles, puzzles in DILR, and algebra in QA.
Use the remaining 10% for practice on miscellaneous and low-weightage topics.
It may be the case that learning concepts is important, but mock tests are equally or perhaps even more important for preparation in CAT. Regular mock tests, CAT Exam previous year papers and CAT sample papers will help you strengthen your strategy and improve scores.
Regular Mock Tests: One mock test a week should be taken in the initial preparation phase, and increase it to 2-3 mock tests a week during the last few weeks of preparation.
Mistakes to be Analyzed: Take ample time for analyzing each mock test done. In this way, you would understand your weak points and prevent making such mistakes in your future tests.
Simulate Exam Conditions: While taking mock tests, simulate actual exam conditions as much as possible. This includes adhering to the time limits for each section and taking the test without any breaks.
Knowing your strong and weak areas is crucial for proper preparation. One can identify what one lacks by taking practice tests or topic-wise analysis regularly.
Most aspirants make the wrong decision by neglecting a few topics while overestimating the possibility of solving heavily complex questions. One should never skip high weightage topics while concentrating on creating a balanced approach to preparation.
Ebooks work as a great online resource to give an edge to your preparation, in order to master questions, both in chapterwise and sectionwise format, helping you level up your overall preparation for the CAT exam.
The Careers 360 CAT 2024 analysis encompasses the complete examination process, which can provide insights into how difficult it was, any trends followed, and overall sectional performance. Their review is very useful for analyzing key aspects of the examination and strategizing further attempts. Below are the slotwise analysis by the team:
The hardest part of CAT 2025 preparation is keeping up the motivation, especially on long study hours. Still, consistency in motivation leads to success. Here are some practical strategies that will keep you on track:
Having clear, achievable goals will give something concrete to work toward. Break the long-term goals, which may be something like "achieve a high percentile," into smaller, more short-term goals, which may include completing a number of mock tests or mastering a topic each week.
Having a routine with study will help maintain uniformity. Allocate time to all sections-VARC, DILR, and QA-and include regular breaks so that you do not exhaust yourself. A routine maintains minimal distractions and keeps you disciplined at work.
Monitor your progress and celebrate minor milestones, like finishing up a tough topic or acing a mock test. Rewards can work to reinforce motivation and encourage further positive movement.
Being in a study group or community can offer motivation through peer support. Resource sharing, discussing concepts, and working on problems with others keep the learning process interesting and accountable.
Maintaining motivation requires a good amount of physical and mental well-being. Sleep sufficiently, exercise regularly, and take short breaks during study sessions to recharge your mind.
Seeing at the end of it, a picture of a student like you cracking CAT to emerge in one of the leading business schools may continue to motivate you. A reconnect to "why" each so often keeps the end game of your goals into sharp focus.
CAT 2025 is not about hard work but smart work. Focusing on the "do or die" topics as mentioned above will make all the difference to increase the probability of topping percentiles. Do not forget to balance your preparation and keep practicing regularly.
You should at least 6-8 months prior to the CAT 2025 exam start studying for CAT 2025.
The VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude in CAT 2025 have various topics listed under them. You may refer to the official website.
The most important topics in QA for CAT 2024 are Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Systems, Geometry, and Modern Math, namely Probability, Permutation, and Combination.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to prepare for CAT in 3 months if effort is put in correctly along with strategic planning.
The toughest slot in CAT 2024 was different for everyone, but Slot 2 was considered by many to be the challenging one.
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
If your son’s first preference is CSE, then Amrita Bangalore clearly leads among the three, simply because CSE opens more doors in terms of placements, internships, and future-proof careers. Amrita is also NAAC A++ and has a strong reputation, especially for CSE. Category 2 is also manageable fee-wise compared to higher categories.
VIT Chennai is a decent campus, and their ECE program is solid, but Category 5 means much higher fees and very low chance of branch upgrade later. CSE at VIT Chennai would have been more competitive here — but ECE at that fee tier is not as strong a deal unless your son has a strong interest in core electronics.
Manipal Bangalore (MIT Bengaluru campus) is a newer campus. ECE there is still developing in terms of placements and faculty compared to the main Manipal campus. Unless your son strongly prefers Bangalore or is getting some advantage here like scholarships or internship access, it doesn't stand out above Amrita.
So, recommendation: Go with Amrita Bangalore CSE (Category 2). It balances a strong branch with a decent campus and better long-term potential in the tech industry. If your son is open to core electronics and you’re okay with the higher cost, VIT Chennai is fine, but still comes second to CSE at Amrita.
All the best!
hi,
Yes, with a NEET score of 317 and being from Bihar with OBC category, you still have chances to get a seat. For BDS, getting a government seat may be difficult because the cutoffs are usually higher. But you can try for private BDS colleges, especially in the mop-up and spot rounds.You can get a seat in private BAMS colleges in Bihar, and maybe in semi-government colleges if cutoffs drop this year.
Hi aspirant,
The IIM admissions procedure is multifaceted .
Cracking the CAT demands a smart and systematic strategy .
Success relies on
discipline
,
dedication
, and a
good outlook
.
All the best!
Hey Paridhi ,
I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query , you have to understand the exam pattern first. Its syllabus, the type of questions and so on. Here i am mentioning some tips i hope this will be helpful for you.
To know more you can refer this :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-preparation-strategy
Revert for further query!
Good luck !
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