CAT 2025 Test Taking Strategy: Expert Tips for Maximising Scores

How Attempting Questions Influences the CAT Percentile

Over the past few years, CAT trends have clearly shown that you don’t need to attempt all questions, or even most questions, to hit the 99 percentile mark. For example, in CAT 2023, candidates who scored around 97–105 marks out of 198 often secured a CAT 99 percentile overall. That translates to answering just 32–36 questions correctly out of a total of 66. In CAT 2022, a raw score of about 95–100 was enough for the 99 percentile.

This suggests that accuracy is far more critical than high attempts. If you aim to attempt 40–45 questions across all sections with 85–90% accuracy, you stand a strong chance of reaching the CAT 99 percentile mark. Section-wise, solving 10–12 questions correctly in each section can be sufficient.

For instance, in VARC, even 8–9 correct answers out of 24 may push you above 90 percentile in that section. So, you don’t need to chase 100% attempts.

Instead, your CAT test taking strategy should be to focus on identifying the right 50–60% of the paper, solving it with high precision, and avoiding guesswork.

CAT Percentile Trends for New and Older IIMs

While the older IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta are known for their extremely high cut-offs (often above 99.5 percentile), the newer IIMs, such as IIM Udaipur, Trichy, Kashipur, Ranchi, Raipur, and Nagpur offer excellent MBA programs with comparatively lower percentile requirements, especially for candidates with diverse profiles. However, there’s a significant variation depending on your gender, academic background, and work experience.

Male candidates from engineering backgrounds, especially freshers—tend to face stiffer competition due to the high volume of similar applicants. For them, even newer IIMs may require above 95 percentile to get shortlisted, and often higher in the general category. On the other hand, female candidates or non-engineers may receive calls from the same IIMs with percentiles in the 85–92 range, due to diversity factors considered in the shortlisting process.

Know about the CAT percentile trends for last four years from 2021 to 2024 in the table below.

Overview of CAT Attempts and Accuracy

An effective CAT test taking strategy involves balancing attempts with accuracy. Data shows that as the number of questions attempted increases, accuracy tends to drop, even if the net score remains stable. Understanding this trend helps aspirants prioritise accuracy over blind attempts, improving overall performance in the CAT exam.

Attempt Wise Strategy for 99 Percentile in CAT 2025 Exam

Attempt Wise Strategy for 95 Percentile in CAT 2025 Exam

CAT Test Taking Strategy: Verbal and Reading Comprehension

The VARC section in CAT has 24 questions, so you must use your time smartly. One effective method is to split the section based on question type. Spend about 30 minutes on CAT Reading Comprehension (RC) and 10 minutes on Verbal Ability (VA). Stick to this time limit, even if you don’t finish everything. While solving RC, give around 7 minutes to each passage. Begin with para summary questions, then move to sentence rearrangement and other types.

• Start with RC. Tackle 4 passages in about 28 to 30 minutes. Stay focused and avoid overthinking any one passage. If you're running behind, stop at the 30-minute mark, no exceptions.

• Move to VA. Begin with the high-accuracy, low-effort questions like Para Summary, Sentence Completion, and Odd One Out.

• Use your remaining time wisely. If you still have a few minutes left, try solving Para Jumbles. If time is too short, make smart guesses rather than leaving them blank.

If any passage feels too long or confusing, skip it and return later if time allows. Another smart method is to start with VA. Use 6 to 7 minutes to solve para summary, odd sentence out, and sequencing questions. Then move to RC and tackle as many passages as possible. If you finish early, go back and attempt any leftover VA questions.

• Spend the first 6 minutes on quick, high-accuracy questions like:
  – Para Summary
  – Sentence Completion
  – Odd One Out

• Don’t spend more than 7 minutes here, even if you're mid-way. Aim to finish at least 5 VA questions.

• Spend the next 30 minutes solving all 4 Reading Comprehension passages. Stay focused, and don’t jump back to VA during this time.

• If time allows, go back and attempt Para Jumbles. If not, make quick guesses rather than leaving them blank.

CAT Test Taking Strategy: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

For the DILR section in CAT, you get 40 minutes to solve around 4 sets. Your performance here depends entirely on set selection and time management. If you waste 8-9 minutes on one tough set that doesn’t crack, you may lose the entire section. So, a right CAT test-taking strategy is to start by scanning all five sets quickly.

• Spend 2 minutes on each set to quickly judge whether it's solvable.

• If it looks doable, spend 8–10 more minutes on it.

• If not, move on to the next set without wasting time.

• This way, you’ll get to look at all 5 sets and aim to solve 3 to 4 of them efficiently.

Often, solving 3 out of 4 questions from a set with high accuracy gives a better score than struggling through all of them. If a question takes too long, leave it and move to the next. Another smart CAT 2025 preparation strategy is to mark 2–3 solvable sets based on their core method, like arrangement, calculation, or grouping. Understand the base logic, plan your attempt order, and aim for quality over quantity. Accuracy and calm decision-making are the real game changers in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

• Spend 6-7 minutes reviewing all 5 sets in DILR.

• Choose the sets you will solve based on your familiarity with the topic and the complexity of the set.

• Select 2-3 sets, depending on your ability.

• Implement a 'stop loss' of around 4 minutes for each set.

CAT Test Taking Strategy: Quantitative Aptitude

For the Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT, where 40 minutes are allotted for around 22 questions, a round-wise attempt strategy can help you maximise your score. Begin with Round 1, where you spend about 26 minutes scanning and attempting all the easiest questions. Your CAT test taking strategy here is to solve 8 to 9 questions with high speed and accuracy. Don’t get stuck. If a question looks time-consuming, skip it. In Round 2, use the next 12–14 minutes to tackle 3 to 4 moderate-level questions, focusing entirely on accuracy.

Time Allocation: Divide your time into two rounds:

• Round 1: 26 minutes

• Round 2: 12 minutes

First Round:

• Solve all easy questions.

• Mark other questions that you believe are solvable.

Second Round:

• Solve the questions that you marked in the first round.

• Review your answers.

Another way to manage this is by dividing the section into 4 short rounds of about 10 minutes each, aiming to solve around 5 to 6 questions per round. This keeps you alert, focused, and prevents burnout. The key is to read every question carefully and quickly decide whether you can solve it. Don’t blindly guess, CAT Quant rewards smart filtering over brute speed. Your target should be to attempt at least 10 to 11 questions with above 90–94% accuracy. Even this can push your percentile above 97 if you choose wisely.

Stress Management During the CAT Exam

Stress management during the CAT exam is crucial for optimal performance. High pressure can impair focus and decision-making, but with the right approach, you can maintain calm and confidence. Effective stress control helps maximise accuracy and speed, directly influencing your CAT percentile and admission prospects. Know about the go to CAT test-taking strategy below.

• Allocate time wisely across sections to avoid last-minute rush and stress.

• Consistent daily planning keeps you on track, reducing anxiety about an incomplete syllabus.

• Regular practice of mock exams builds familiarity, alleviating exam day nervousness and boosting confidence.

• Avoid negative thoughts; believe in your preparation to overcome exam phobia and stress.

• Use deep breathing and short meditation breaks during the exam to stay calm and focused.

• Maintain good sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise to keep stress levels low and energy high.

• Trust your preparation and avoid second-guessing answers during the exam to reduce unnecessary stress.

CAT Mock Test Planning and Analysis

CAT mock tests are essential resources for aspirants aiming to excel in the CAT exam. They simulate the actual test environment, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the exam format, question types, and time constraints. Taking CAT 2025 mock tests helps identify strengths and weaknesses and helps in exam preparation. Additionally, they build confidence and reduce anxiety by providing a realistic experience of the exam day. Know the complete CAT test taking strategy for mock test analysis below.

• Create a study timetable that includes specific dates for taking mock tests. Ensure that you allocate time for both preparation and revision before each test.

• Select a reputable CAT mock test series that closely resembles the actual CAT exam in terms of difficulty and format. This will provide a more accurate assessment of your readiness.

• When taking a CAT 2025 mock test, replicate the actual exam environment as closely as possible. Find a quiet space, limit distractions, and adhere to the time limits strictly.

• After completing each mock test, take time to review the questions you found challenging. Focus on revising those topics to strengthen your understanding.

• Calculate your CAT score and analyse your performance in each section. Identify areas where you performed well and those that need improvement.

• Review the questions you answered incorrectly. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and identify any patterns in your mistakes, such as careless errors or conceptual misunderstandings.

• Analyse how you managed your time during the test. Note if you spent too long on certain questions or sections, and adjust your CAT preparation strategy accordingly for future tests.

• Maintain a record of your scores and performance trends over time. This will help you gauge your improvement and adjust your CAT study plan as needed.

• If possible, discuss your performance with peers or mentors. They can provide valuable insights and tips for improvement based on their experiences if you are preparing for CAT without coaching.

Why Most CAT 2025 Aspirants Plateau and How to Break Through

Many aspirants preparing for CAT 2025 reach a stage where their CAT 2025 percentile stops improving. This plateau is not due to lack of effort, but often because their CAT test-taking strategy is repetitive, unfocused, or fails to address weak areas. Simply solving more questions without analysing patterns, adjusting approaches, or improving speed rarely increases your percentile.

Recognising the CAT Plateau

A plateau becomes visible when mock test scores stagnate despite consistent practice. Aspirants often continue with the same study routine, ignoring mistakes, sectional imbalances, or time management issues. A strong CAT 2025 exam preparation strategy requires identifying these bottlenecks to break through and increase percentile.

Analyse Performance Beyond Raw Scores

Focusing only on overall scores can be misleading. Analyse each mock test section-wise, noting recurring errors. Perhaps you consistently struggle with Data Interpretation in DILR or miss comprehension questions in VARC. Recognising these patterns is essential for refining your question selection strategy and targeting improvement effectively.

Adjust Your Study and Question Selection Strategy

After pinpointing weak areas, integrate targeted practice into your daily routine. Adjust your CAT 2025 exam preparation strategy by prioritising high-impact sections and question types. Even focused 30–45 minute sessions on challenging topics can yield significant percentile gains over time.

Do Mock Test Analysis Strategically

Treat mock tests as diagnostic tools, not just practice. Analyse time per question, accuracy, and attempt patterns. By refining your mock test strategy for for CAT 2025, you can enhance your speed, accuracy, and decision-making skills. Continuous analysis ensures that every practice session contributes to breaking through the plateau.

Maintain the Right Mindset for CAT 2025

Psychological barriers often reinforce plateaus. Avoid frustration and focus on improvement rather than raw scores. High scorers use each mock and practice session to optimise their CAT test taking strategy, which steadily increases confidence and improves CAT 2025 percentile.

High-Impact Question Selection: Which CAT Questions to Attempt First and Why

A crucial part of any CAT test-taking strategy is knowing which questions to attempt first. Many aspirants jump randomly across the paper, which often reduces their CAT 2025 percentile. Strategic question selection saves time, increases accuracy, and builds confidence during the exam.

Start with Your Strengths

Identify your strongest sections first. For instance, if you excel in QA or DILR, begin there to secure marks early. In VARC, skim passages and answer the questions you feel most confident about. Starting with strengths helps you gain points quickly and reduces early exam anxiety.

Categorise Questions by Difficulty and Impact

Divide questions into easy, medium, and hard based on your comfort level. Easy questions should be attempted first since they offer maximum marks with minimal time. Medium-difficulty questions can follow, and hard questions should be tackled last or only if time allows. This ensures efficiency and prevents stress from wasting time on tough questions.

Track Time While Selecting Questions

Time awareness is key to a high CAT 2025 percentile. Allocate roughly 2–3 minutes for easy questions and 4–5 minutes for medium ones. Use a watch or an on-screen timer to maintain pace. This methodical approach is a critical component of time management for the CAT exam and prevents rushed mistakes.

Maintain Accuracy Alongside Speed

High-impact question selection is not just about attempting questions quickly; it’s about maximising marks while avoiding errors. Answering in a logical order, combined with careful time management, helps you attempt more questions correctly and keeps confidence levels high throughout the exam.

Integrate Question Selection into Your Mock Test Strategy

Practising this approach in mock tests helps refine your CAT test-taking strategy. Analyse which types of questions you handle efficiently, note recurring patterns, and adjust your selection plan accordingly. By doing so, you enter the CAT 2025 exam fully prepared to prioritise questions effectively.

Psychological Traps That Lower CAT Percentile and How to Outsmart Them

Many aspirants struggle to score their best in CAT 2025, not because of knowledge gaps, but due to psychological traps that silently lower their percentile. A smart CAT test-taking strategy recognises these traps and provides simple ways to overcome them. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can maximise your accuracy, speed, and overall score.

1. Overthinking Questions

One of the most common issues in CAT preparation is overthinking questions. Spending too much time on a tricky problem can eat into your overall exam time, leaving less room for other questions. Students aiming to maximise their CAT 2025 percentile often waste minutes perfecting a single answer, which increases stress and lowers accuracy. The most effective CAT exam strategy is to limit yourself to 2–3 minutes per question. If the solution isn’t clear, mark it for review and move on. This approach ensures you maintain momentum and secure marks efficiently.

2. Panicking During Difficult Sections

Stress and panic can significantly impact your performance in the CAT exam. When faced with challenging questions, many aspirants start doubting answers they have already attempted or rush through sections without thinking clearly. To score high in CAT 2025, develop a calm exam-day mindset as part of your CAT test taking strategy. Pause for a few deep breaths, visualise your preparation, and approach each question with a fresh perspective. Staying calm helps you maintain accuracy and improves your chances of maximising your percentile.

3. Ignoring Strengths and Weaknesses

Another trap is attempting all sections or question types randomly. Many aspirants waste valuable time on their weaker areas and leave questions they could solve easily unanswered. A strong CAT 2025 exam preparation strategy focuses on your strengths first. Start with the sections you are confident in, secure marks early, and then move to tougher questions. This ensures efficient time allocation and maximises your overall CAT percentile.

4. Comparing Yourself to Others

Peer comparison is a subtle but damaging psychological trap. Observing mock test ranks or preparation progress of others can lead to unnecessary stress or overconfidence. To truly boost your CAT 2025 percentile, concentrate solely on your own preparation and planned strategy. Let your practice results guide improvements, but avoid letting others’ performance influence your exam-day decisions. A focused mindset is a key component of any high-performing CAT test taking strategy.

5. Poor Time Awareness

Time management is critical for achieving a top percentile in CAT 2025. Losing track of time often results in rushed answers and careless mistakes toward the end of a section. Integrating a time management strategy for CAT is essential. Divide each section into smaller blocks, for example, 30–45 minutes per segment, and use a watch or timer to monitor progress. This methodical approach helps you attempt the maximum number of questions accurately and confidently.

CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360

The CAT 2025 eBooks by Careers360 are a great CAT test-taking strategy for serious aspirants. These free PDFs cover everything from the updated CAT 2025 syllabus and high-scoring topics to previous year papers and important formulas. Each eBook is designed to simplify your preparation and help you focus on what matters. Whether you’re revising concepts or practising question patterns, these downloadable PDFs are a smart addition to your CAT 2025 study plan.