Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 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 CAT 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 the most important topics for the CAT 2025 preparation, it is important to understand the nature and structure of the CAT exams. The pattern of CAT 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 in CAT Exam; 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, they will be able to tackle all the different questions asked from the topic and perform well.
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 an assessment of your language skills but is also a critical part of the CAT 2025 examination. A total of 24 questions that are here are subdivided between reading comprehension and verbal ability.
Section | Key Focus Areas |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Makes up approximately 70% of the segment, emphasizing comprehension skills. |
Verbal Ability | Focuses on sentence formation, grammar, and logical 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 the 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 logically. 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.
The odd sentence out 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 analysing 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:
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 the 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 |
E-commerce 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:
Preparation Tips:
Memorise 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 visualising problems for better accuracy.
Number systems often involve conceptual questions about the properties and operations of 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 topic-wise weightages which you can refer to 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 practising 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 are important, but mock tests are equally or perhaps even more important for preparation for CAT. Regular mock tests, previous year papers and 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 it to 2-3 mock tests a week during the last few weeks of preparation.
Mistakes to be Analyzed: Take ample time to analyze 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.
Book Title | Download Link |
CAT 2024 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers PDF | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solutions | |
CAT VARC Study Material |
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 is the slot-wise analysis by the team:
The hardest part of CAT 2025 preparation is keeping up the motivation, especially during 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 several mock tests or mastering a topic each week.
Having a routine with the 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 in 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 in increasing the probability of topping percentiles. Do not forget to balance your preparation and keep practising 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.
Hi Gaurav,
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted annually in India for admission into MBA/PGDM programs at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools.
For registering for CAT 2025, you can follow the given steps:
For more recent details, you can check out the given link.
Best wishes!
Hello Greetings,
With a CAT 2024 score of 93.94 percentile, you can expect calls from newer IIMs like *IIM Udaipur*, *IIM Raipur*, and *IIM Kashipur*. These institutes have relatively lower cutoffs compared to the older IIMs. Additionally, you may also consider other top MBA colleges like *IIT Madras*, *IIT Roorkee*, or *IIT Kharagpur*, which offer MBA programs with slightly lower cut-offs. To get a better idea of your chances, you can use online CAT College Predictor tools, which estimate the probability of receiving interview calls from different IIMs and other top MBA colleges based on your CAT percentile and academic background .
Have a great day
Hi,
With a CAT 2024 score of 93.94 percentile, you have a good chance of getting calls from several prestigious IIMs. Here are some possibilities
IIMs:
- IIM Indore: 90 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Ahmedabad: 80 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Bangalore: 85 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Calcutta: 85 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Lucknow: 90 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Kozhikode: 85 percentile (General Category)
- IIM Shillong: Sectional Cutoffs
Other Top B-Schools:
- SPJIMR (S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research): 90-95 percentile
- MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute): 90-95 percentile
- XIME (Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship): 90-95 percentile
- FMS Delhi (Faculty of Management Studies): 95-99 percentile
- IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay: 90-99 percentile
These are general estimates and cutoffs can vary each year based on the difficulty of the exam and the number of applicants. It's always a good idea to check the official websites of these institutes for the most accurate and updated information.
Hello,
Given that you scored 93.94 percentile for CAT 2024, you should get interview calls from some of the newer and baby IIMs in Nagpur, IIM Amritsar, IIM Bodh Gaya, IIM Sambalpur, IIM Sirmaur, and IIM Jammu. The list will be pre- cut based on your academic profile, work experience, category, and performance in other criteria like WAT/PI.
In addition to IIMs, you may also consider the top B-schools like IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, TAPMI, Great Lakes Institute of Management, FORE School of Management, and KJ Somaiya. All these institutes have good placements and are known for quality management education.
Use the CAT college predictor to explore more of your options. This predicts colleges considering your score, profile, and category, and tools that provide a comprehensive list of institutes that you can consider applying for.
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your CAT 2024 percentile you have chances to get call from some of the IIM including:
Some of the good colleges other than IIM in which you have chances to get a seat are the following
You can predict the colleges in which you have chance to get a seat for MBA course using the CAT 2024 college predictor tool.
Hope this information will help you
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