CAT 2025 Study Plan: Step-by-Step Timetable & Preparation Strategy

CAT 2025 Study Plan: Step-by-Step Timetable & Preparation Strategy

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Komal MiglaniUpdated on 18 Aug 2025, 03:25 PM IST

To be successful in an entrance examination such as CAT depends greatly on the extent to which a candidate practices for the examination. The candidates are advised to create their own personalised CAT preparation timetable conducive for them to secure a good score in the CAT examination. Now, with the CAT examination approaching fast, the need for creating a personalised CAT 2025 study plan is the need of the hour. But a candidate cannot simply create a CAT study plan. There are a lot of factors that determine how the candidate should structure their CAT 2025 study plan to make the most out of it. But the candidates are often not very aware of these factors and end up devising an improbable or less effective study plan for themselves, which is one of the common mistakes made by the candidates in their CAT preparation. This article from Careers360 will help candidates guide them on how they create the best CAT preparation study plan, which will help the candidates to bring the most out of the remaining time for CAT preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Personalised CAT Study Plan
  2. Tools to Help You Stay on Track
  3. CAT Preparation in 4 Months
  4. Best CAT Resources to Prepare from Careers360
CAT 2025 Study Plan: Step-by-Step Timetable & Preparation Strategy
CAT 2025 Study Plan: Step-by-Step Timetable & Preparation Strategy

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Personalised CAT Study Plan

When it comes to designing a personalised CAT study plan, the candidates should take care of a lot of factors. Only by keeping these points in mind, the candidates will be able to secure a good CAT score and perform well on the CAT exam day. There are six key steps involved in designing an effective CAT preparation timetable for ensuring the success of the candidates. All the necessary factors are provided below.

Step 1 – Understand the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Important Topics

The very first step, even before the candidate sets a plan for preparing for any entrance examination, is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus of the particular examination. This is a very vital component, and without a solid understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, it is very difficult to master the preparation for any examination. The same applies to the CAT examination as well. Understanding the CAT exam pattern and CAT syllabus is the first step in creating a personalised CAT 2025 study plan. This will help the candidates understand how they must structure their CAT preparation plan.

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CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT exam pattern is dynamic. In 2024, 2 extra questions were asked under the CAT DILR section, making the total number of questions asked in the CAT exam 68 instead of 66. There has been no official update about any change in the CAT exam pattern by IIM Kozhikode, the institute which will be taking care of conducting the exam for this year. According to the previous year's CAT exam question paper, the expected CAT 2025 exam pattern is provided below for the reference of the candidates.

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
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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

CAT 2025 Syllabus

As usual, the IIMs have not released any standalone CAT syllabus. It is by close inspection of the previous year's question papers that the candidates can identify the CAT syllabus. Analysing the previous year's question papers has become highly necessary for the candidates as this helps them to identify the most important CAT topics as well. The comprehensive CAT syllabus for 2025 is provided below for the reference of the candidates.

CAT Section

Topics

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Inferences, Odd One Out, Syllogism and Analogies, One-word Substitution, Sentence Correction, Para Summary, Para Completion

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Games & Tournaments, Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Scheduling, Sequencing, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic, Blood Relations, Selection, Distribution, Team Assignments (Matrix Grids), Routes, Directions, Networks, Decision Making, Logical Deductions, Analytical Reasoning Puzzles, Syllogisms, Cubes and Dice, Visual Puzzles, Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Spider/Radar Charts, Scatter Plots, Reasoning-based DI, Caselet-based DI

Quantitative Aptitude


Percentages, Profit, Loss & Discount, Averages, Weighted Average, Speed, Time & Distance, Relative Speed, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligations, Applications of Averages, Boats and Streams, Escalator Questions, Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Algebraic Identities, Simplification, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Functions, Constant Product Rule, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Angles, Points, Lines and Planes, Similar Triangles, Graphical Division Geometry, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Conditional Probability, Set Theory & Function, Laws in Set Theory, Progressions & Series (AP, GP, HP), Derangement, Application of Power Cycle, Number System, LCM & HCF, Remainder Concepts, Power Cycle, Factorials, Number System Shortcut Techniques

CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics

While preparing for the CAT 2025 examination, it is important that the candidates are aware of the most important CAT topics from which they can expect the most number of questions to be asked. This will help them learn a lot of topics within a limited time. The most effective method to identify the high-weightage CAT topics is by performing a comprehensive analysis of the previous year's CAT question papers and solving a lot of CAT mock tests and CAT sample papers. The section-wise CAT important topics that the candidates should prioritise throughout their CAT 2025 preparation are provided below for the reference of the candidates.

CAT Section

Important Topics

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension, Para Summary, Para Completion, Odd One Out

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Games and Tournaments, Routes and Networks, Logical Arrangement and Ordering, Quant-Based Logical Reasoning, Graphs, Table-Based DI, Quant-Based DI

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Mixtures and Alligations, Time, Speed and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Percentages, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Sequence and Series, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Permutations and Combinations, Remainders, Factors and Exponents

Step 2 – Assess Your Current Preparation Level

The preparation levels of all the CAT aspirants will not be uniform. The CAT exam will be taken by candidates of varying preparation levels. Some candidates might have started their CAT preparation as early as a year before, while some others may not have started it yet. A few candidates, such as a lot of engineering students, might already have a good grasp of Quantitative Aptitude topics, while arts students might be good at the CAT VARC questions. Hence, it is necessary for the candidates to understand their current preparation levels to move ahead with planning how to structure their CAT preparation. The candidates can take a CAT mock test to analyse their current CAT preparation level to know where they stand in terms of CAT preparation. This will help the candidates to understand their strengths, weakness and all their problem areas. The candidates should make a note of the areas which they feel are lagging and put a lot of effort into those sections. Over time, this will help them to master that particular section. The candidates are also advised to segment topics based on comfort level to make the preparation easier.

Step 3 – Define Your Goal (Percentile Target)

Once the candidates have gained a complete understanding of the CAT exam pattern and syllabus, as well as their current preparation level, they must move towards defining their goal. This includes both their CAT percentile target as well as the best B schools that the candidates are hoping for. It is important that the decision is taken based on the potential of the candidates and their current preparation levels. Once the goal is set, there is no looking back, only consistent efforts and dedicated practice. Normally, a CAT percentile of 95+ is considered very good and helps the candidates in getting shortlisted for the CAT GDPI rounds.

Step 4 – Create a Section-wise Time Allocation

Creating the section-wise time allocation is a very important part of the candidate’s CAT preparation. It begins with identifying the topics that the candidates find difficult and prioritising these topics during the CAT exam preparation. Usually, difficult CAT quantitative aptitude questions and complex and lengthy CAT DILR questions consume the most time out of the candidate’s CAT preparation. Based on the results of the first mock test that the candidate had taken, time allotment must be done per topic to ensure that the candidate does not miss out on any topic. While the weaker areas are given importance, the candidates should not completely neglect the strong areas either. The division of time must be consistent and flexible throughout.

Step 5 – Choose the Right Study Resources

Choosing the right CAT study resources is very important for candidates. A wide selection of CAT preparation books is available in the market for all the CAT sections. But not all the books are conducive to every candidate. After analysing the preparation level of the candidates, they must make a decision on selecting the books which will specifically cater to their needs. The most important aspect to keep in mind is that the difficulty level of each book varies, and the candidates should carefully review each book before making a decision on buying it. A few of the best CAT preparation books that the candidates can choose from are provided below.

CAT Section

Book Name

Author Name

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R.S. Aggarwal

Beginner-Friendly

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh Verma

Advanced

NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10)

NCERT

Beginner-Friendly

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Arun Sharma

Intermediate to Advanced

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Intermediate

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

Intermediate to Advanced

A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

R.S. Aggarwal

Beginner-Friendly

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Ananta Ashisha

Intermediate

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

Intermediate

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Beginner-Friendly

PSC for VA for CAT

Nishit Sinha

Intermediate to Advanced

High School English Grammar & Composition

Wren & Martin

Beginner-Friendly

Step 6 – Plan in Phases

Properly planning the CAT preparation in phases is essential to ensure a smooth flow in the CAT preparation of the candidates. It is a good practice to divide the candidate’s CAT preparation into phases, in which an important aspect of the candidate’s CAT preparation is taken care of during a particular phase. CAT toppers have suggested dividing the candidate’s CAT preparation into three phases: namely, foundation phase, practice. It can be inferred as:

Phase

Duration

Focus Area

Foundation Phase

Months 1–2

Concept building and complete topic coverage

Practice Phase

Months 3–4

Timed practice and weekly mock tests

Mock Phase

Last 2 Months

Intensive mock test practice and in-depth performance analysis

Tools to Help You Stay on Track

Some of the tools that can help the candidates stay on track and monitor their progress throughout their CAT 2025 study plan are provided below. The candidates should always keep in mind that consistency is the key to success in the CAT examination.

  • Candidates should devise their own CAT preparation timetable, which will help them to stay focused throughout their CAT 2025 preparation. This will help them to cover the important CAT topics in a consistent manner. It is important for the candidates to ensure that they do not miss any important CAT topics while creating the CAT preparation timetable.

  • To plan their CAT preparation timetable, candidates can seek help from tools like Google Calendar, Notion, Excel planners, etc.

  • To track the performance of the candidates, they can use various charts, such as the Section-wise improvement chart. Also, all the questions that the candidates find issues in solving must be written and kept separately in an error log book. This must be used from time to time during the candidate’s CAT revision. Error log and accuracy tracker must be used periodically to track the progress of the candidates.

  • To keep the candidates motivated, they can also use a Weekly goals vs achievements sheet where the accomplishments of the candidates can be noted down and can be used whenever they are in need of motivation.

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CAT Preparation in 4 Months

Now, with the candidates having around four months left for the CAT examination, which is most likely to be conducted towards the end of November 2024, it is important for the candidates to follow a timetable which will help them to cover all the necessary topics in case they have missed out on any. If a candidate is yet to start their CAT preparation, they can refer to this four-month CAT preparation timetable designed by Careers360 to focus better.

4-Month CAT Preparation Timetable (Aug–Nov)

Week

VARC Focus

DILR Focus

QA Focus

Mock/Test Focus

Month 1: Foundation Phase – Basics & Concepts

Week 1

RC + Para Jumbles

Linear & Circular Arrangements

Percentages, Averages, Ratios & Proportions

1 RC + 1 QA Sectional

Week 2

Sentence Correction, Para Summary

Venn Diagrams, Selection, Distribution

TSD, Mixtures & Alligation

1 Full VARC Sectional

Week 3

Odd-One-Out, Sentence Completion

Tables, Line Graphs, Bar Graphs

Time & Work, Profit & Loss, SI

1 DILR Practice Set

Week 4

Para Completion, Inferences

Binary Logic, Syllogisms, Reasoning DI

Algebra Basics (Linear & Quadratic)

1 Full-Length Mock

Month 2: Foundation Phase – Continued

Week 5

Summary Writing, One-word Substitution

Scheduling, Directions, Routes

Logs, Indices, Surds, Simplification

1 VARC + 1 DILR Sectional

Week 6

RC Practice (Aeon, Economist)

Matrix Grids, Blood Relations

Inequalities, Functions, Coordinate Geometry

Full-Length Mock

Week 7

Dense RCs, Grammar Practice

Decision Making, Puzzles

Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Quads)

2 Sectional Tests

Week 8

Para Completion, RC Revision

Mixed Graphs, Caselet DI

Mensuration, Set Theory, Progressions

Full-Length Mock

Month 3: Practice Phase – Timed Sets + Mocks

Week 9

Timed RC + VA Practice

Radar Charts, Visual Puzzles, Mixed DI

Probability, Permutation & Combination, Number Basics

2 Full-Length Mocks

Week 10

Inference-based RCs, Tough Passages

Cubes, Games & Tournaments

Number Theory, Remainders, LCM & HCF

2 Full-Length Mocks

Week 11

VA Revision (Para Types + Grammar)

Puzzle Sets, Networks

Series (AP, GP, HP), Algebra Recap

2 Full-Length Mocks

Week 12

Vocabulary + RC Sets

DI Mix Practice + Logical Deductions

Geometry + Algebra Revision

2 Mocks + Full Review

Month 4: Mock Phase – Strategy & Revision

Week 13

Section-Wise Full Revision

Accuracy Boost + Puzzle Practice

Formula Sheet + Error Analysis

3 Full-Length Mocks

Week 14

Targeted Weak Area Practice

Reattempt Past DI Sets

Timed QA Recap

3 Full-Length Mocks

Week 15

Final RC + VA Push

Visual & Reasoning Sets

Final Touch to Geometry, Algebra, TSD

3 Full-Length Mocks

Week 16

Quick Revision of All Topics

Adaptive Strategy Practice

Mental Conditioning

3 Mocks + Strategy Finalisation

Best CAT Resources to Prepare from Careers360

Candidates can download the various important CAT preparation resources designed by Careers360 using the links provided below for improving their CAT practice and ensuring a good CAT score. The eBooks can be accessed using the links provided in the table below.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Now

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Download Now

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Now

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Now

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Now

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: Which study materials and tools are most effective for CAT preparation?
A:

Use recommended books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and Norman Lewis for section-wise prep, and track your progress using planners, error logs, and performance charts. Digital tools like Google Calendar and Excel help maintain consistency and motivation.

Q: What’s the best way to structure CAT preparation in the final 4 months?
A:

Divide your prep into foundation, practice, and mock phases—starting with concept building, moving to timed practice, and ending with intensive mocks and strategy refinement. A phased plan ensures full coverage and avoids last-minute burnout.

Q: How do I allocate time between VARC, DILR, and QA while preparing?
A:

Time should be divided based on difficulty and familiarity—typically, QA and DILR require more hours due to complexity, while VARC needs daily practice. Prioritise weak areas while maintaining fluency in your stronger sections.

Q: What role does self-assessment play in study planning?
A:

A mock test early on is essential to gauge your strengths and weaknesses across the three sections. This baseline allows you to build a realistic and focused preparation plan tailored to your current level.

Q: How should I begin creating a personalised study plan for CAT 2025?
A:

Start by understanding the CAT exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly—VARC, DILR, and QA each have dedicated 40-minute sections with varying question types. Knowing high-weightage topics helps you allocate your preparation time effectively right from the beginning.

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Do not make another payment.

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

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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.