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CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy for May - CAT 2025 serves as a gateway for students hoping to enrol in MBA programs and other postgraduate management courses at prestigious universities throughout India. This national exam, which is administered by one of the IIMs every year, attracts thousands of applicants. The purpose of the test is to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in subjects like language, math, and logical reasoning. The CAT assesses not only knowledge but also speed, accuracy, and the ability to make decisions under pressure with its dynamic question format and timed sections. Focus, astute planning, and regular practice are necessary for CAT 2025 preparation.
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One of the key entrance exams for admission to India's most prominent management schools, such as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other elite B-schools, is the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025. It is anticipated that CAT 2025 will take place in November, and registration will probably open in August. Strong preparation and time management abilities are necessary for the exam, which is renowned for being competitive. Admissions to some of the top MBA programs in the nation can be secured with a strong CAT score.
For CAT candidates, May is an ideal month to start preparing seriously. It gives you the ideal head start to organise things calmly and efficiently with about seven months until the CAT exam. You don't need to rush at this point; instead, concentrate on solidifying your foundation, comprehending important ideas, and becoming at ease with various question formats. Beginning in May gives you ample time to make common mistakes, grow from them, and avoid the pressure of last-minute cramming. Also, a lot of coaching centres begin their full-year programs at this time, making it simpler to establish a consistent schedule. All things considered, making effective use of May sets the stage for future preparation that is reliable and assured.
Basic ideas from school-level English and mathematics make up the majority of the CAT 2025 syllabus, but the questions are meant to assess your ability to solve problems and think logically. You can expect reading passages, paraphrases, and grammar-based questions in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning exercises are all included in the DILR section. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems are among the subjects covered by quantitative aptitude. Despite the lack of an official syllabus, you can improve your preparation by practising past year papers and mock exams, which will give you a clear idea of the kinds of questions that will be asked.
The sectional time-based format of CAT 2025 is intended to assess logic, accuracy, and speed. Comprehending the pattern facilitates efficient time management and more intelligent strategy planning for every segment.
Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Question Types | Marking Scheme |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes | MCQs + TITA | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ), No negative for TITA |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes | MCQs + TITA | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ), No negative for TITA |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | MCQs + TITA | +3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ), No negative for TITA |
Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
The three primary sections of the CAT 2025 syllabus are Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). A thorough grasp of the subjects frequently tested can be gained by examining past years' papers, even though the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not formally prescribe a comprehensive syllabus.
About 70% of the 24 questions in this section are devoted to reading comprehension (RC), and 30% are devoted to verbal ability (VA).
Reading comprehension (RC): The passages come from a variety of fields, including current events, science, business, and philosophy. Questions evaluate the author's tone, inference, and comprehension.
Verbal Ability (VA): Consists of paraphrases and odd-sentence recognition. Some types of questions asked in this section include parajumbles, para summary, para completion, etc.
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There are 22 questions in this section, evenly split between logical reasoning (LR) and data interpretation (DI).
This section also includes 22 questions, focusing on mathematical concepts.
Arithmetic: Topics like percentages, ratios, and time-speed-distance.
Algebra: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities.
Geometry and Mensuration: Questions on shapes, areas, and volumes.
Number Systems and Modern Math: Includes number theory, permutations, combinations, and probability.
The overview of the syllabus of the CAT 2025 exam is given below.
CAT 2025 Exam Sections | CAT 2025 Syllabus Important Topics |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Vocabulary |
Grammar and Usage | |
Para Jumbles | |
Critical Reasoning | |
Paragraph Completion | |
Summary | |
Reading and Comprehending Different Text Forms | |
Contextual Understanding | |
Analogies | |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Line Graphs |
Pie Charts | |
Tables | |
Cascets | |
Puzzles | |
Binary Logic | |
Logical Deductions & Connections Reasonings | |
Venn Diagrams | |
Data Sufficiency | |
Quantitative Comparison | |
Cubes and Dice | |
Logical Connectives | |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Number Series |
Number System | |
Inequalities | |
Trigonometry | |
Simple Interest and Compound Interest | |
Work and Time | |
Permutation & Combination | |
Surds and Indices | |
Percentages | |
Inequalities, Quadratic and Linear equations | |
Time-Space-Distance | |
Mensuration | |
Probability | |
Partnership (Accounts) | |
Square Root and Cube Root | |
Profit & Loss | |
Ratios and Proportions | |
Geometry | |
Mean, mode, median | |
Binomial theorem | |
Geometry | |
Mean, mode, median | |
Binomial theorem | |
Probability |
Here are 10 simple and relatable points for students on setting realistic goals and creating a study plan for CAT 2025:
Know your starting point – Take a CAT mock test early to understand your current level.
Set small, weekly goals – Instead of aiming too high at once, break your preparation into manageable weekly targets.
Balance all three sections – Don’t just focus on your strong area; work on weaker sections too.
Fix study hours – Have a daily routine, even if it's just 2–3 hours a day in the beginning.
Keep your plan flexible – Adjust your plan if something isn’t working or you fall behind.
Mix topics daily – Avoid monotony by covering a bit of VARC, DILR, and QA each day.
Track your progress – Keep a notebook or digital tracker to log topics covered and mock test scores.
Add revision time – Don’t just learn new things—revisit old topics regularly.
Take mock tests regularly – Start with one every 2 weeks, then increase the frequency as you progress.
Don’t ignore breaks – Include time for rest and hobbies so you don’t burn out.
May is the best time to focus on building strong basics for CAT 2025. Start with core concepts in QA, DILR, and VARC without rushing into tough problems. A clear understanding now will make advanced prep much easier later.
Section | Focus Areas | What to Study | Suggested Resources | Practice Tips | Goals for May |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic, Number Systems, Algebra | Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Linear Equations | NCERT (Class 6–10), Arun Sharma QA book, YouTube basics | Solve 10–15 basic sums daily; revise formulas weekly | Build comfort with all basic concepts; no calculator |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Basic Puzzles, Tables, Bar Graphs | DI sets (simple charts, pie diagrams), Puzzle types like arrangements, grids | Previous year CAT sets, Logical reasoning books (RS Aggarwal), Cracku basic DI sets | Solve 2–3 simple sets every other day, focus on understanding patterns | Get familiar with types of sets and improve accuracy |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Grammar basics, Vocabulary, Reading habits | Subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, root words, and daily RC passages | Wren & Martin (for grammar), Word Power Made Easy, The Hindu/Indian Express editorials | Read 1 article/day, practice para jumbles, and note down new words | Improve comprehension & grammar basics, build reading stamina |
General Approach | Time Management, Study Rhythm | Plan 2–3 hour daily slots, avoid burnout | Study planner (Google Sheets/Apps), Pomodoro timer | Track progress weekly; mix theory and practice | Build consistent study habits |
Mock Tests & Analysis | Diagnostic Test | Take 1 full-length or section-wise mock | Official CAT sample, TIME/IMS mock test series | Don’t aim for high scores—focus on weak areas | Understand where you stand and what needs work |
TITA Practice | Practice with no options | Solve simple TITA-style QA or DILR problems | Any mock platform with TITA questions | Practice without guesswork; write full solutions | Train to be accurate without relying on MCQ hints |
Doubt Clearing | Understand gaps | Mark doubts while studying | Online forums, YouTube concept explainers, and Coaching sessions | Clear doubts weekly; don’t pile them up | Stay conceptually clear from the beginning |
Revision | Recap weekly learning | Keep a formula + vocab notebook | Weekly revision slots | Revise Sun or every 5th day | Strengthen retention |
Motivation & Routine | Avoid burnout | Maintain a daily tracker | Use apps like Notion, Trello, or a paper planner | Reward yourself for milestones | Stay consistent, not perfect |
Avoiding Overwhelm | Don’t overdo | Focus on the basics only | Avoid diving into tough mocks now | One step at a time | Confidence > Complexity in May |
The CAT exam is scheduled to happen in November. Starting preparation from May can be ideal for the candidates requiring extra attention. Dividing the entire syllabus into sections and practising likewise can be helpful for the candidates to cover their targets on time.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
Quantitative Aptitude (QA):
You can also go for shortcut techniques and quick calculation methods, such as Vedic Maths, to perform even better in the examination.
Mock tests and sectional tests are crucial components of CAT preparation. They help you get familiar with the exam format, timing, and pressure, making you more confident on the actual CAT exam day. Taking mock tests regularly helps you track your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and fine-tune your strategy. Sectional tests are equally important as they allow you to focus on specific areas, helping you improve where needed.
Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid in May preparation:
Skipping the Basics – Don't rush into advanced topics without mastering the fundamentals first.
Overloading Yourself – Avoid studying for long hours without breaks; balance is key.
Ignoring Mock Tests – Don’t wait too long to start taking mock tests; they help you gauge progress.
Neglecting Weak Areas – Don't ignore topics you find difficult; spend extra time on them.
Lack of Consistency – Don’t skip study days; consistency is more important than cramming.
To support candidates in their CAT 2025 preparation, Careers360 has put together a selection of helpful books. These resources are designed to keep them motivated and offer the practice and tips they need. Candidates can download the materials using the links given below.
Title | Download Link |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration | |
500+ Idioms And Phrases List With Meanings & Examples For MBA Entrance Exams | |
Permutation & Combination - Important Concepts, Videos, Questions for CAT & Other MBA Entrance Exams | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material PDF | |
CAT VARC: 3000+ Most Important English Words | |
CAT 2025 Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
IIM-specific cut-offs differ, but top IIMs typically demand 90–99 percentile.
It is feasible with diligent study, astute planning, and consistent practice.
IIM Kozhikode will set the CAT 2025 question paper.
The two-hour CAT consists of three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) and contains both multiple-choice and TITA questions.
For consistent preparation, it is best to begin in May or May 2024.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :
Top colleges accepting CAT:
IIMs (All Indian Institutes of Management)
FMS Delhi
SPJIMR Mumbai
MDI Gurgaon
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
IIT Delhi (DMS)
IIFT
IMT Ghaziabad
JBIMS Mumbai
Top colleges accepting XAT:
XLRI Jamshedpur
XIMB Bhubaneswar
IMT Ghaziabad
Great
Hi there,
A female candidate with a CAT percentile of 67.97 and low sectional scores should target private and tier-2/3 B-schools that accept overall CAT scores in the 60–70 percentile range and have flexible sectional criteria.
Some suitable options include AIMS Institute Bangalore, Doon Business School Dehradun, Christ Institute of
Hi there,
Yes, you are eligible for XISS Ranchi with a CAT percentile of 67.60.
According to recent admission trends, the CAT cutoff for the PGDM in Human Resource Management for the general category has been around 60 percentile. For other programs such as Marketing, Finance, and Rural Management, the
Hi there,
Careers360 offers a wide range of eBooks and study materials to assist with CAT preparation. You can access past CAT question papers with solutions to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Additionally, there are quantitative aptitude handbooks, cheat sheets, and section-specific practice sets for arithmetic, algebra, and
Hi there,
The minimum eligibility criteria for a general candidate to receive a call from IIM Sambalpur are as follows:
VARC: 65%ile
QUANTS: 65%ile
LRDI: 65%ile
Overall: 90%tile
Keep practising and aim to improve your score. You can also focus on other management exams where you may secure a strong
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