CAT Preparation Material 2025, How To Prepare For CAT 2025 - Expert Tips

CAT Preparation Material 2025, How To Prepare For CAT 2025 - Expert Tips

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Team Careers360Updated on 14 Oct 2025, 05:22 PM IST

Cracking CAT 2025 requires more than just long hours of study—it demands a smart and well-planned approach. To excel, you need to know the exam structure, syllabus details, sectional topics, and key dates, and then focus on high-quality CAT study materials that match the exam level. In this article, you’ll find expert tips, recommended books, section-wise eBooks, and study resources to prepare effectively for CAT 2025 and maximize your score potential.

LiveCAT 2025 Admit Card LIVE: IIMCAT hall ticket release on November 12, confirms IIM KozhikodeNov 5, 2025 | 10:33 PM IST

Candidates can follow the steps given below to download the CAT 2025 admit card. 

  • Visit the official website at iimcat.ac.in.
  • Log in using your User ID/Registration Number and Password/Date of Birth
  • Click on the “Download Admit Card” link
  • Verify your details, including name, photograph, and exam information
  • Download the admit card as a PDF
  • Print at least two copies of the admit card
  • Read and follow all instructions mentioned on the CAT 2025 admit card
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This Story also Contains

  1. CAT Preparation Material 2025
  2. Best Preparation Material of CAT 2025
  3. Best books for CAT 2025 preparation
  4. CAT Previous Year Question Papers
  5. CAT 2025 Mock Test
  6. CAT 2025 Sample Papers
  7. Preparation e-Books for CAT 2025
  8. Subject-Wise CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
  9. How to use Preparation Materials for CAT 2025
  10. CAT High Weightage Topics Based on Previous Year Analysis
CAT Preparation Material 2025, How To Prepare For CAT 2025 - Expert Tips
CAT Preparation Material

CAT Preparation Material 2025

Analyse what a candidate would do if they had a suggestion that could not be carried out. Difficult? Whether you choose to do self study for CAT 2025 or crack CAT 2025 with coaching, keep in mind that the CAT 2025 preparation material will be the most critical factor in your success. If applicants are looking for preparation materials, there are many options available both online and offline.

Below is a general CAT exam preparation strategy that any candidate can follow to build an overall preparation plan.

  • Check the CAT 2025 syllabus completely and understand the CAT exam pattern 2025 better.

  • Get books and other CAT study materials recommended by experts.

  • Join online MBA study groups on Telegram, Quora, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.

  • Create a monthly timetable, a weekly timetable, and a daily timetable.

  • Stick to the CAT preparation strategy and timetable for the best results

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Best Preparation Material of CAT 2025

Candidates who are well-prepared for the CAT 2025 will have a better chance of scoring well. Candidates who prepare with coaching institutions may find it easier to get excellent material. However, such applicants must not be comfortable with minimal resources like the CAT 2025 books. However, candidates can also prepare for CAT without coaching using self-study.

What are the features of CAT 2025 Preparation Material?

Well, for all those candidates who are preparing for CAT for the first time, it might be difficult to figure out what books they should purchase. From where can I get sample papers? Should they rely on the self-preparation of notes or buy them from online/offline sources? Well, wait, all these things that we discussed just now are all part of your CAT 2025 preparation material. Let's take a look at each component carefully.

Features of Good Preparation Material for CAT 2025:

  • The richness of Content: Preparation material that is rich in content will only be good for the CAT. The preparation material’s information must be according to the reader’s requirements. Complete details related to the topics that help in understanding the syllabus content easily and accurately will be considered good material

  • Author’s Credibility: Before picking any preparation material, applicants should ensure it is reputable enough to be referred to. CAT 2025. Preparation materials are reasonably priced on the market. Some are first-time writers attempting to give appropriate preparation material, while others are seasoned authors who will provide excellent CAT 2025 preparation material. As a result, before picking CAT 2025 important topics for preparation, applicants ought to examine the author and consider using them as a CAT preparation guide.

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.
Download Now

List of CAT Preparation Material 2025:

  • Best books for CAT preparation

  • CAT question papers

  • Mock test of CAT entrance exam

  • CAT sample papers

  • E-Books of cat

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Let’s see each component one by one in the descriptive form:

Best books for CAT 2025 preparation

After analysing the syllabus for CAT 2025, it is most likely that all candidates will find books that cover the overall topics. Getting the best books for CAT may be complicated and hectic if you do not know where to find them. Some of the books based on each section are given below.

For Quantitative Ability Section:

S.NoBook NameAuthor / PublisherWhy It’s Useful for CAT 2025
1How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CATArun SharmaComprehensive coverage of all QA topics, with step-by-step methods and practice questions.
2Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CATSarvesh K. VermaOffers advanced-level problems, shortcut techniques, and past CAT questions for practice.
3Quantitative Aptitude for CATNishit K. SinhaProvides topic-wise practice, detailed solutions, and tricks to improve speed and accuracy.
4Fast Track Objective ArithmeticRajesh VermaCovers all important arithmetic concepts, with solved examples and shortcut methods.
5CAT QA WorkbookTIME / Career LauncherIncludes a variety of problems, sectional tests, and strategies for effective CAT 2025 preparation.

For Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Section

S.NoBook NameAuthor / PublisherWhy It’s Useful for CAT 2025
1How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CATArun Sharma & Meenakshi UpadhyayComprehensive coverage of RC, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning exercises.
2Word Power Made EasyNorman LewisHelps build strong vocabulary with contextual usage, essential for RC and verbal sections.
3High School English Grammar & CompositionWren & MartinClassic guide for grammar, sentence correction, and usage questions in CAT VARC.
4Logical & Analytical Reasoning for CATNishit K. SinhaFocuses on comprehension-based reasoning and analytical passages.
5Objective English for Competitive ExamsHari Mohan PrasadOffers practice in grammar, vocabulary, and RC questions with detailed explanations.
6CAT VARC WorkbookTIME / Career LauncherIncludes section-wise practice, RC passages, grammar exercises, and solved examples for CAT 2025 preparation.

Note that for this section, reading and improving vocabulary is the key. Read newspapers like The Hindu, The Economist, Business Standard etc.,

For the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Section

S.NoBook NameAuthor / PublisherWhy It’s Useful for CAT 2025
1How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CATArun SharmaCovers all types of DI sets, step-by-step methods, and practice questions for speed and accuracy.
2How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CATArun SharmaOffers diverse reasoning problems, tricks, and shortcut techniques to improve problem-solving skills.
3Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CATNishit K. SinhaIncludes sectional strategies, practice exercises, and detailed explanations for quick learning.
4Quantum CATSarvesh K. VermaProvides advanced-level reasoning and DI sets, past CAT questions, and time-saving techniques.
5Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CATNishit K. SinhaFocused approach for mixed sets, puzzle-type questions, and sectional mock tests for practice.
6CAT DILR WorkbookTIME / Career LauncherOffers a large set of practice problems, previous years’ questions, and structured solutions for exam readiness.

CAT Previous Year Question Papers

The importance of solving previous year's questions cannot be ignored by candidates. Topper of CAT, Vishesh Garg, said that he solved question papers for CAT entrance exams to know what kind of questions came. He practised the question papers of CAT to make his time management skills strong while solving all the questions. In CAT, sectional timing is allotted to each section; hence, candidates must know the best possible way of solving the questions. Hence, the toppers of CAT suggest that solving previous years' or CAT sample papers helps a lot.

Practice Now with Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Solutions

CAT 2025 Mock Test

The Indian Institute of Management administers the CAT and will offer students a CAT mock test 2025 to simulate the actual exam day atmosphere. Mock tests may assist applicants in understanding how much time they need to finish each question and how to travel between various parts based on the difficulty level of the CAT. The CAT 2025 mock exam is quite comparable to the actual CAT. It will feature three components.

You can practice for CAT 2025 with CAT 2025 Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts

Attempt Now: CAT 2025 Mock Test

CAT 2025 Sample Papers

According to CAT topper Ashish Sen, all candidates who wish to crack the CAT entrance exam must try to solve the sample CAT papers. After solving a set of more than 30–40 sample papers for CAT, candidates will reach a point where they will not find any new types of questions. The wording or arrangement of questions may change; however, the basic structure of the question remains the same. Solving previous year question papers gives an added advantage to candidates.

Practice Now with CAT 2025 Sample Papers with Solutions

Preparation e-Books for CAT 2025

CAT 2025 preparation e-books provide focused digital study material for Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and DILR sections. They include structured content, practice questions, and detailed solutions to help aspirants revise efficiently. These e-books allow flexible study anytime, making CAT preparation 2025 more organised and effective.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Here

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Download Here

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Here

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

Download Now

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Here

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Here

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

Subject-Wise CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

Scoring the 99th percentile in CAT 2025 requires a strategic, high-performance approach that goes beyond basic preparation. Here are some go-to tips that will help you outperform the competition across all three sections.

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

Reading Comprehension Strategies

  • Focus on passages from business, science, and philosophy; these make up ~60% of RC questions in past 5 CAT papers.

  • Practice skimming techniques to identify main ideas and tone quickly.

  • Solve 3–5 RC passages daily to maintain 80–90% accuracy under time pressure.

Para Jumbles & Summary Questions

  • Para jumbles contribute ~10–15% of VARC marks; practice sequencing 15–20 per day.

  • Summarisation questions appear in 5–8% of CAT VARC; focus on capturing core meaning without details.

  • Use past 3 years’ papers to identify recurring patterns in question framing.

Vocabulary & Grammar Focus

  • Learn 400 high-frequency words; they cover ~70% of vocabulary-based questions.

  • Focus on idioms, phrases, and commonly confused words.

  • Practice grammar-based questions for sentence correction accuracy; they account for 5–8% of VARC questions.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

Data Interpretation Sets

  • Bar charts, line graphs, and tables appear in ~50% of DI questions.

  • Prioritize these to improve accuracy and save time for complex sets.

  • Solve 5–6 DI sets daily from previous CAT papers to build speed.

Logical Reasoning Puzzles

  • Seating arrangements, blood relations, and grid-based puzzles make up ~40% of LR questions.

  • Practice pattern recognition to attempt questions in under 4–5 minutes each.

  • Track recurring puzzle types from last 3–4 years to focus efforts efficiently.

Mock Analysis & Accuracy Tracking

  • Track attempt vs. accuracy ratio; 80–85% accuracy is typical for top scorers.

  • Identify weak puzzle types and dedicate 1–2 daily sessions for improvement.

  • Time sectional mocks to replicate exam conditions and refine pacing.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

High-Yield Topics

  • Arithmetic (~30%), Algebra (~20%), Geometry (~15%) account for ~65–70% of QA marks.

  • Focused practice of these areas increases accuracy and confidence.

  • Solve 150–200 targeted questions per week to master patterns.

Speed & Time Management

  • Top percentile scorers solve ~28–30 QA questions in 60 minutes with 90%+ accuracy.

  • Use sectional timed tests to simulate CAT exam conditions.

  • Prioritize easier questions first to maximize score within limited time.

Error Analysis & Weak Area Improvement

  • Track mistakes by topic; consistent analysis improves score by ~10–15 percentile points.

  • Revise weak topics weekly and integrate short daily practice sessions.

  • Focus on problem-solving shortcuts and elimination strategies to reduce errors.

How to use Preparation Materials for CAT 2025

Top CAT 2025 scorers don’t just study harder—they study smarter. They follow a structured approach, carefully selecting the right CAT preparation books, e-resources, and mock tests, while keeping track of trends from previous exams. By focusing on accuracy, speed, and consistent revision, these toppers consistently achieve 99+ percentile scores.

Prioritising High-Weightage Topics

Successful candidates focus on topics that carry the most marks. In Quantitative Ability (QA), sections like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry make up a large portion of the exam. For Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), reading comprehension passages on business, science, and philosophy dominate the scoring. By targeting these high-frequency topics, aspirants improve both efficiency and overall CAT 2025 scoring potential.

Mock Tests for Speed and Accuracy

Top scorers attempt 4–6 full-length CAT 2025 mock tests weekly under timed conditions. Sectional mocks help improve accuracy and manage time effectively. Practising mocks regularly trains aspirants to tackle tricky questions, maintain a consistent pace, and boost performance across all three sections.

Analysing Previous Year Question Papers

CAT toppers spend time studying 5–7 years of previous CAT papers to identify recurring patterns. For instance, grid-based puzzles often appear in Logical Reasoning sets. Analysing past papers allows aspirants to prioritise frequently tested topics and anticipate question difficulty, making targeted preparation for CAT 2025 more effective.

Combining Books and E-Resources

Around 70% of toppers use a mix of traditional books for conceptual clarity and digital resources like PDFs, apps, and online question banks. E-resources provide instant solutions, detailed explanations, and adaptive quizzes, helping aspirants track progress and increase learning efficiency for CAT 2025 preparation.

Focusing on Weak Areas Through Analysis

High scorers dedicate time daily to topics where mistakes occur frequently. By reviewing mock test results, they gradually reduce errors in QA, VARC, and DILR, ensuring weak areas improve without neglecting strong sections. This targeted approach is key for boosting overall CAT 2025 scores.

Strategic Revision

Disciplined revision sets CAT toppers apart. Revisiting solved questions weekly and practising 3–4 hours daily over several months strengthens shortcuts, formulas, and concepts. Consistent revision combined with mock tests is one of the most reliable ways to reach 99+ percentile in CAT 2025.

CAT High Weightage Topics Based on Previous Year Analysis

A close analysis of past CAT exams (2018–2024) reveals recurring topics that contribute differently to overall scores. Understanding these high weightage CAT topics areas allows aspirants to prioritise study time, focus on scoring questions, and optimise performance under timed conditions. We have provided below sectionwise CAT high weightage topics, based on previous year question paper's analysis.

Quantitative Ability (QA) High-Weightage Topics

In Quantitative Aptitude, arithmetic (30% of questions), algebra (20%), and geometry (15%) dominate the syllabus, collectively contributing 65–70% of total QA marks. Within arithmetic, topics like percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, and time-speed-distance appear most frequently. Geometry questions often include triangles, circles, and coordinate geometry. Targeted practice in these areas significantly improves attempt rate and accuracy.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Trends

Reading comprehension passages constitute 60% of VARC questions. Business, science, and philosophical passages are most common, with 10–15 questions per exam. Para jumbles (10–15% of VARC marks) and summary questions (5–8%) are recurring patterns. Vocabulary and grammar questions are fewer but high-yield when answered correctly. Focusing on frequent passage types improves reading speed and comprehension accuracy.

Data Interpretation (DI) High-Yield Sets

Bar graphs, line graphs, tables, and pie charts appear in 50% of DI questions. Multi-set problems with 3–4 linked datasets are increasingly common. Toppers focus on speed-reading numbers, recognising patterns, and using elimination techniques to solve 80–90% of DI questions accurately. Practising previous year DI sets enhances time management and reduces errors.

Logical Reasoning (LR) Recurring Patterns

Seating arrangements, blood relations, and grid-based puzzles dominate LR (40% of questions). Circular seating and linear arrangements are consistently asked in Logical Reasoning. Top scorers analyse past 5–6 years to identify pattern frequency, allowing them to attempt 70–80% of LR questions confidently. Recognising puzzle types saves 5–10 minutes per set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are online mock tests essential for CAT preparation?
A:

Yes, online mocks simulate actual CAT conditions, helping aspirants manage time and exam pressure. Data shows toppers attempt 4–6 full-length mocks weekly for best results. They also allow instant performance tracking and topic-wise error analysis.

Q: How can previous year CAT papers help in preparation?
A:

Previous papers reveal recurring question types, topic weightage, and exam patterns. Analysing them helps aspirants identify high-scoring areas and design focused practice. Regular practice with past papers also improves speed and accuracy under timed conditions.

Q: Which books are considered best for CAT 2025 preparation?
A:

Top-recommended books include Arun Sharma for QA & DILR, Nishit K Sinha for LR, and Wren & Martin for VARC grammar. These books provide concept clarity, practice questions, and previous year insights. Choosing books aligned with your weak areas improves efficiency.

Q: How do I start preparing for a CAT?
A:

Ideally, you should begin studying 8 to 10 months prior to your exam to completely cover every topic and devote enough time for revision and sample examinations.

Q: Why is a mock test important?
A:

Mock test is important because it helps us to analyse our mistakes, understand the level of preparation for CAT Exam and the exam pattern

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You can get all the papers on the Careers360 website. To access the paper and download it for practice, just visit here:

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Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.

As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.

Thank you.

If you got 802 marks in Telangana Intermediate and belong to the ST category, you have a fair chance to get admission in a BPT course in 2025, but it depends on the college and cut-off. Most BPT colleges in Telangana ask for 12th marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and some also use the TS EAMCET rank for admission. The cut-off for ST students is usually lower than for general students, but it changes every year. It is better to check the previous year’s cut-offs of the colleges you want to apply to.

Hello, Getting shortlisted for IIM Lucknow or IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) with your profile is challenging, primarily due to your 58% in Class 10th, which significantly impacts the composite score calculation for both institutes. While your 98 percentile CAT score is excellent, and your 24 months of work experience, B.Com (Hons) background (providing academic diversity, especially for IIM-L), and KVS National player status are valuable additions, top IIMs and IITs heavily weigh consistent academic performance. Your 74% in 12th is also on the lower side. IIM Lucknow places substantial weight on 10th and 12th marks, making a call quite difficult despite your strengths. You likely have a relatively better, though still uncertain, chance at IIT Bombay, as their weighting might be slightly less penalizing for past academics compared to IIM-L, and your high CAT score is a major factor. However, the low 10th score remains a significant hurdle for both prestigious institutions.

I hope you found this information helpful and for study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day and!

Hey,

You already have a strong profile with the score of 58% in Class 10, 74% in Class 12, and 80% in graduation, but admission in IIT Bombay, Shailesh J Mehta School of Management is quite competitive, especially if you are in general category because the cutoff for general goes to 98.5-99%. Your CAT percentage is impressive but your 10th marks might reduce your score during the shortlisting process. If you perform well in Written Ability Test and Personal Interview, and present your commerce background you still stand a fair chance. But it would also be wise if you have some backups like MDI Gurugram, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, where your marks and profile will fit well in their selection range.