CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation?

CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation?

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 20 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 05 Jun 2025, 03:28 PM IST

CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation? When to start CAT preparation 2025? It is one of the most frequently asked questions by the CAT aspirants now. It is important that the candidates understand how to start preparing for CAT 2025. With almost 5 months left for the CAT examination, now is the ideal time to start CAT preparation. Planning for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a crucial step toward your dream of studying at India's most prestigious management institutes. The CAT exam is conducted every year by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It is a computer-based entrance exam that serves as the gateway to not only the IIMs but also hundreds of other top management institutes across India.

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation?
  2. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  3. CAT Exam Pattern
  4. CAT 2025 Syllabus
  5. CAT 2025: Strategic Preparation
  6. CAT 2025 Preparation without Coaching
  7. CAT 2025 in 6 Months? Yes, Possible!
  8. CAT 2025 in 3 Months? Yes, Possible!
  9. CAT 2025 in 1 Month? Yes, Possible!
  10. Know The Toppers of the CAT Exam
CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation?
CAT 2025: When and How to start preparation?

For those aiming to secure admission to top B-Schools for the academic year 2025-27, the time to start preparing is NOW. The question of when? And how? It will disappear after students confidently navigate the CAT Exam preparation. This article will give insights into every aspect of CAT 2025 preparation – from when to begin studying to how to structure your preparation plan across different timeframes. This article in depth goes in-depth on how to start preparing for CAT 2025 by also specifying the ideal time to start CAT preparation.

CAT 2025: When and How to Start Preparation?

The question is when and how to start preparing for CAT 2025. The answer is 'NOW'. If you are an absolute beginner, you must have a comprehensive CAT study plan from zero. With almost 5 months left for the CAT examination, now is the best month to begin CAT preparation. A national-level management exam, the Common Admission Test (CAT), marks the participation of more than 2 lakh candidates every year. The CAT 2025 is expected to be held tentatively in November. To know about the preparation plan and timing, the best books for CAT 2025, and the strategy to devise a study plan for CAT, candidates must go through this complete article on CAT 2025, as well as when and how to start preparation by Careers360. The test evaluates your analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and comprehension capabilities. The candidates can also make use of the CAT 2025 early preparation guide if they are in need of one to enhance their CAT 2025 preparation.

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Understanding the CAT exam structure is the first step toward creating an effective preparation plan. The exam pattern helps you know what to expect on the test day and how to distribute your study time across different sections. Each section requires a different approach and preparation strategy.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Scoring a good percentile will require extensive preparation for CAT 2025. Candidates who are going to fill out the CAT 2025 application form must check the exam pattern beforehand to prepare and do well in the CAT exam. The exam pattern of CAT 2025 is expected to be similar to that of 2025, but the candidates can expect some changes. Given below is an exam pattern for CAT 2025.

CAT Exam Pattern

Particulars

Details

Exam Duration

2 hours

Total no. of questions

68 MCQs

Mode of CAT 2025

CBT i.e. Computer-Based Test

Marking scheme

  • A correct answer will carry three marks

  • For an incorrect answer, one mark will be deducted

Sections (3)

Quantitative ability

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

The vast CAT 2025 syllabus covers numerous concepts across the three main sections. However, the IIMs have not explicitly released the official syllabus yet. The Ideal time to start CAT preparation is now.

CAT 2025 Syllabus

Along with the CAT exam pattern, candidates must also know the CAT 2025 syllabus to prepare in advance. According to some management experts, six months of committed preparation will push you toward becoming a CAT topper. In this time frame, the candidates will understand all the important concepts related to how to start preparing for CAT 2025.

Based on the past year, the CAT syllabus 2025 will likely be the same with a few changes. The overall question paper will be divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. Candidates will be required to solve 68 questions in total.

Creating a structured preparation plan is essential for CAT 2025 success. Without a clear roadmap, you might study inefficiently or miss important topics.

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

CAT 2025: Strategic Preparation

Once aware of the CAT 2025 syllabus, candidates must divide their preparation to answer the question of when to start preparing for CAT 2025. It is common for candidates to get confused even after knowing the exam pattern and syllabus, and waste a lot of CAT 2025 precious time. Better scores than others will open your gateway to top B-Schools. Candidates can break their preparation into three stages as mentioned below-

Month-Wise Preparation Plan for CAT 2025

Month-wise Strategy Division

Target Points

6 Months

  • Time Management

  • Concept clarity with shortcuts

3 Months

  • Break preparation into sections

  • Work on areas of improvement

  • Practice sample paper/past years' questions

1 Month

  • Mock tests

  • Focus on Strong Topics

CAT 2025 Preparation without Coaching

How to start CAT preparation? There is no better way than starting your CAT preparation at home. Preparing for the CAT 2025 exam at home can be effective with the right approach. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, then create a study schedule covering all the sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning/Data Interpretation. Use high-quality study materials and online resources, and practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' papers to improve your speed and accuracy. Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorising them. Additionally, maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and adequate sleep to keep your mind sharp and focused. Consistency, discipline, and a positive mindset are key to successful CAT preparation at home.

Self-study allows you to learn at your own pace and focus more on areas where you need improvement. It also gives you the flexibility to study according to your schedule. Use high-quality CAT study materials and online resources, and practice regularly with CAT 2025 mock tests and previous years' papers to improve your speed and accuracy. Focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than just memorising them.

CAT 2025 in 6 Months? Yes, Possible!

Most CAT toppers admitted that a significant portion of their preparation started when the CAT was 6 months away. The points mentioned below can be referred to by candidates if they are planning to start their CAT 2025 Preparation within 6 months of duration -

Time Management

CAT Toppers say, “Time management should be considered as the fourth section of the CAT exam. It is not just preparing Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability, but preparing all three and attempting them within the stipulated time”. Attempting questions with a time allotment of 40 minutes for each section makes the CAT exam difficult. To achieve fruitful results, candidates must try to divide their study timetable such that, within 24 hours, they practice each section daily.

Join Coaching Groups

If some candidates feel that they will be unable to study and prepare for CAT 2025 on their own, then such candidates should join some coaching institutes. Another answer to the question, CAT 2025: When and how to start preparation, is that nowadays, popular social media groups are trending and helping candidates to crack CAT and other management exams. One Topper of CAT told us that he joined the coaching institute and began preparing from their study material to learn new and efficient approaches to solving the questions.

Concept clarity with shortcuts

In the initial 6 months of CAT preparation, candidates should only focus on clearing their concepts. One of the assets of CAT toppers is the clarity of fundamental concepts. Most of the toppers believe that it is easy to guess what type of questions will form part of the data interpretation & logical reasoning, and quantitative ability sections. But even guessing what will come in VARC, i.e., verbal ability and reading comprehension, is very challenging. To clear concepts, candidates must be aware of the CAT exam pattern and the CAT 2025 syllabus.

CAT 2025 in 3 Months? Yes, Possible!

Once they have completed their basic knowledge of the CAT exam 2025, candidates will be closer to the CAT exam day. Agitation and stress are the most common during this period. Do not panic and follow the points below for CAT 2025;

Break preparation into sections

Keeping track of previous year question papers, mainly there are three sections in the CAT. Candidates are advised to draw an efficient section-wise strategy as the CAT 2025 is almost near.

  • How to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension): Candidates should start reading newspapers, journals, blogs, articles, etc, to enhance their skills. They should try to solve comprehension, and inferencesfillll in the blanks with the right vocabulary choice, and read passages. Try adding a new word each day to your vocabulary.

  • How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability: Focus on building up mathematics basics. Candidates should focus on topics like profit and loss, number systems, and geometry, as they might form key questions in the question paper of CAT 2025.

  • How to prepare for CAT DI & LR: Try to study basic topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, etc, to grip on this section. It is advisable for candidates not to use a calculator while solving questions from this section.

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

Work on areas of improvement.

As for CAT 2025, candidates can focus and try improving the areas in which they feel are not as strong as compared to others. Instead of being melancholy about what all new can be learned, candidates should take the initiative to focus on and enhance their preparation for weaker areas.

Practice sample paper/past years' questions

Candidates are advised to check the previous year's question papers of CAT. After finishing the syllabus, candidates should try to revise at least 2-3 sample papers on a daily basis. It will help in improving speed as well as let candidates know how accurate they are. While solving the question papers or sample papers of CAT rigorously, there will be a time when candidates will not find any questions of a new type.

CAT 2025 in 1 Month? Yes, Possible!

When there is almost a month left until CAT 2025, candidates will be required to keep calm and emphasise only what is majorly required. Below points mentioned below will help candidates in scoring great and most likely a call from any of the IIMs.

Mock tests

IIM will release the official CAT mock Test to give candidates a gist of the actual exam simulated environment. Solving the mock tests helps candidates to understand and assess the difficulty level of CAT 2025. Lakshya, the topper of CA, T said that “he was regular at testing myself via mock tests (once a week). Post any mock test, he gave some time to analyse the test and figure out what went wrong and then focused on that”. The most effective method of evaluating the current preparation level is the mock test.

Focus on Strong Topics

Starting any new topic will lead to confusion. So, candidates should focus on and improve their strong areas. Do not waste your time figuring out new topics or trying to learn new concepts.

Know The Toppers of the CAT Exam

CAT results will be declared by the authorities on the first of January 2025, in online mode. Around 2.0 lakh candidates will appear for the exam. To learn and read the success stories of the toppers, when and how they started their CAT preparation, and their message for future candidates, go through the complete article on CAT toppers.

We wish you all the best for your CAT 2025 preparation journey. With the right approach and dedicated effort, you can certainly achieve your dream of studying at India's premier management institutes.

Read more-

Quick Links-

Why, When, and How to Take a CAT Mock Test

How to prepare for CAT 2025

CAT Sample Paper

CAT Exam: Important topics for preparation

How do I do Time Management for CAT?

How to do Time Management for CAT?

How many questions should I attempt in the CAT to get the 99th percentile?


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the best time to start preparing for CAT 2025?
A:

The ideal time to start preparing for CAT 2025 is now. With about 5 months left for the exam, starting your preparation at this stage will give you ample time to understand the syllabus, practice regularly, and improve your skills.

Q: What is the CAT 2025 exam pattern?
A:

The CAT 2025 exam will consist of three sections: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. The exam will have a total of 68 questions, and it will be a computer-based test (CBT) lasting for 2 hours. Correct answers will earn 3 marks, while incorrect answers will result in a 1-mark deduction.

Q: How can I prepare for CAT 2025 without coaching?
A:

You can prepare for CAT 2025 at home by creating a structured study plan, focusing on conceptual clarity, and practicing regularly with mock tests and previous years’ papers. Utilize high-quality study materials and online resources. Staying disciplined, maintaining consistency, and managing your time effectively are crucial to succeed in self-study for CAT.

Q: Is it possible to prepare for CAT 2025 in 6 months?
A:

Yes, with 6 months of dedicated preparation, you can certainly achieve a strong performance. Focus on time management, clearing your concepts, and practicing regularly. Start by mastering the basics, and then gradually work on improving your speed and accuracy through mock tests and sample papers.

Q: What should I do in the last 1 month before the CAT 2025 exam?
A:

In the final month, focus primarily on taking mock tests to evaluate your preparation. Analyze the results of these tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Refrain from starting new topics; instead, focus on refining your strong areas and continue practicing regularly.

Q: What should my preparation strategy be for the three sections of CAT 2025?
A:

For the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, read newspapers, journals, and blogs regularly to improve reading skills and vocabulary. For Quantitative Ability, focus on key topics like profit and loss, number systems, and geometry. In the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section, practice basic concepts like seating arrangements, blood relations, and syllogisms to build your problem-solving skills.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

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

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

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.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects