CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: How to Start Smart in May for a High Percentile

CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: How to Start Smart in May for a High Percentile

Komal MiglaniUpdated on 21 May 2025, 12:27 PM IST

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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This Story also Contains

  1. Overview of CAT 2025
  2. Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  3. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  4. Syllabus for CAT 2025
  5. Setting Realistic Goals and Creating a Study Plan
  6. Building Strong Fundamentals in May
  7. Section-Wise Preparation Strategies for CAT 2025
  8. Importance of Mock Tests and Sectional Tests
  9. CAT Preparation Resources by Careers360
CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: How to Start Smart in May for a High Percentile
CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy: How to Start Smart in May for a High Percentile

Overview of CAT 2025

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.

Importance of May in CAT Preparation

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.

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Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

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.

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CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

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



Syllabus for CAT 2025

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.

Reading Comprehension And Verbal Ability (VARC)

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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Logical Reasoning And Data Interpretation (DILR)

There are 22 questions in this section, evenly split between logical reasoning (LR) and data interpretation (DI).

  • Interpretation of Data (DI): involves deciphering information from charts, graphs, and tables.
  • Puzzles, seating configurations, and logical sequences are all covered in Logical Reasoning (LR).

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

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

Setting Realistic Goals and Creating a Study Plan

Here are 10 simple and relatable points for students on setting realistic goals and creating a study plan for CAT 2025:

  1. Know your starting point – Take a CAT mock test early to understand your current level.

  2. Set small, weekly goals – Instead of aiming too high at once, break your preparation into manageable weekly targets.

  3. Balance all three sections – Don’t just focus on your strong area; work on weaker sections too.

  4. Fix study hours – Have a daily routine, even if it's just 2–3 hours a day in the beginning.

  5. Keep your plan flexible – Adjust your plan if something isn’t working or you fall behind.

  6. Mix topics daily – Avoid monotony by covering a bit of VARC, DILR, and QA each day.

  7. Track your progress – Keep a notebook or digital tracker to log topics covered and mock test scores.

  8. Add revision time – Don’t just learn new things—revisit old topics regularly.

  9. Take mock tests regularly – Start with one every 2 weeks, then increase the frequency as you progress.

  10. Don’t ignore breaks – Include time for rest and hobbies so you don’t burn out.

Building Strong Fundamentals in May

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

Section-Wise Preparation Strategies for CAT 2025

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):

  • Focus on improving reading habits by reading newspapers, magazines, and articles daily. You should try to follow this habit daily. Even on the adverse days, try to read as little as possible. This will give you great results by the end.
  • Build vocabulary by noting new words and their meanings. You should note down the new words that you have seen in a log or a book. Revise these books often and try to use them during conversation with your friends, family or colleagues.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

  • Start with simple puzzles and move to more complex ones. Puzzle-based questions are frequently asked in the DILR section of the CAT examination. You can start with solving easy puzzles, such as Sudoku and then move towards easier Logical Reasoning puzzles. Once you are proficient with those, use the previous year's questions on topics such as games and tournaments and routes and networks for more practice.
  • Solve 1-2 DI sets each day and try to improve speed and accuracy. Solve sets of varying difficulty levels. Include questions from various types of graphs. You can refer to the CAT preparation books and previous year questions to get in touch with the questions.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

  • Strengthen basic math concepts like arithmetic, algebra, and number systems. The recent trends have suggested that the CAT exam is becoming more arithmetic-dominated. Hence, you should focus on this section to score well in the examination.
  • Solve problems regularly to improve problem-solving speed. Only practice can bring results when it comes to attempting management entrance examinations. Without practice, candidates will not be able to perform well in the QA section because it is all about speed and accuracy, which can only be achieved with the help of practice.
  • Revise formulas and key concepts frequently to avoid forgetting them. For solving the quantitative aptitude questions, it is necessary for the candidates to understand the concepts well and remember the formulas. They should practice often to remember the formulas and use them when required.
  • You can also go for shortcut techniques and quick calculation methods, such as Vedic Maths, to perform even better in the examination.

Importance of Mock Tests and Sectional Tests

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in May

Here are 5 common mistakes to avoid in May preparation:

  1. Skipping the Basics – Don't rush into advanced topics without mastering the fundamentals first.

  2. Overloading Yourself – Avoid studying for long hours without breaks; balance is key.

  3. Ignoring Mock Tests – Don’t wait too long to start taking mock tests; they help you gauge progress.

  4. Neglecting Weak Areas – Don't ignore topics you find difficult; spend extra time on them.

  5. Lack of Consistency – Don’t skip study days; consistency is more important than cramming.

CAT Preparation Resources by Careers360

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

Download Now

CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

Download Now

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration

Download Now

500+ Idioms And Phrases List With Meanings & Examples For MBA Entrance Exams

Download Now

Permutation & Combination - Important Concepts, Videos, Questions for CAT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

Download Now

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

Download Now

CAT VARC: 3000+ Most Important English Words

Download Now

CAT 2025 Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the CAT 2025 cutoff date?
A:

IIM-specific cut-offs differ, but top IIMs typically demand 90–99 percentile.

Q: In four months, can I reach the 95 percentile in CAT?
A:

It is feasible with diligent study, astute planning, and consistent practice.

Q: Which IIM is going to set the CAT 2025?
A:

IIM Kozhikode will set the CAT 2025 question paper.

Q: What is the CAT 2025 pattern?
A:

The two-hour CAT consists of three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA) and contains both multiple-choice and TITA questions.

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

For consistent preparation, it is best to begin in May or May 2024.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

The results for the CAT 2025 entrance, which is conducted on November 30, 2025, were declared on December 22, 2025. Candidates can download and see their results on the official IIM CAT website. On the website, click on the "CAT 2025 Result/Scorecard" link to download the result by entering the required details.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

The link to the website where you can check the published result is attached herewith.  The result will be out soon. You can also check the cutoffs on the website of Careers360.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-result

Thank you.

CAT does not restrict eligibility based on stream. Candidates from commerce, arts, science, engineering or any other background can appear for CAT and apply to MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top B-schools.

The basic eligibility criteria for CAT are:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST and PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.

Being a commerce graduate can actually be an advantage in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and business studies, especially during MBA coursework in finance, marketing and operations.

After qualifying CAT, admission depends on multiple factors including CAT percentile, academic background, work experience (if any), performance in GD, WAT and personal interview rounds. Many IIMs and B-schools follow a diverse academic background policy, which means non-engineering candidates, including commerce graduates, often receive additional weightage.

Apart from IIMs, several reputed institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many state and private universities also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.

So, as a commerce graduate, you are fully eligible to appear for CAT and pursue an MBA, provided you meet the minimum academic requirements and perform well in the selection process.

If you want, I can also help you with realistic CAT percentile targets based on your academic profile or suggest suitable MBA colleges.


Hello aspirant,

With a CAT 2025 raw score of 84 and strong sectionals, your expected percentile may fail in the high 98 range , depending on scaling. Your excellent academics and 2 years of work experience strengthen your profile .IIM Lucknow calls are possible but competitive for EWS engineers , while FMS Delhi looks mainly at CAT score and VARC , so you have a reasonable chance there . Final calls depend on cutoffs and composite score.

FOR REFERENCE : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutoff

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU

Hello aspirant ,

For MANAGE Hyderabad MBA , the OBC cutoff in CAT 2024 was generally around 85-90 percentile for shortlist consideration , tough exact figures vary by section and profile . For CAT 2025, if fewer candidates appeared , the cutoff might slightly adjust , but percentile based cutoffs dont change drastically year to year. A minor decrease is possible , but you should still aim for 90+ percentile to be competitive. Factors like VARC, QA-LRDI and overall profile influence the final shortlist.

FOR REFERENCE : https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-cutof f

Hope the details will help you.

THANK YOU