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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.
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.
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.
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.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Duration | 2 hours |
Total no. of questions | 68 MCQs |
Mode of CAT 2025 | CBT i.e. Computer-Based Test |
Marking scheme |
|
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.
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.
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 |
|
3 Months |
|
1 Month |
|
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.
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 -
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Quick Links-
Why, When, and How to Take a CAT Mock Test
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hello Ashish,
Yes, you can get admission to MBA programs at IISWBM without a CAT score, but only for certain courses. Note that IISWBM has MBA programs under the University of Calcutta and flagship courses like MBA (Day) or MBA-HRM typically require a CAT score. Other programs like the PGDM or Executive MBA/Course may have other entrance examinations on which consideration would be made, or considerations may be based on merit, and of course work experience. Always run any eligibility detail checks with the official IISWBM (https://www.iiswbm.edu/) website or The IISWBM prospectus.
Hello,
Yes, a state (Delhi) NC-OBC certificate is valid for CAT 2025 , but it must be in the central government format (for appointment to posts under Government of India).
Also, it should be issued after 31st March 2025, as required by IIMs. If your certificate meets these conditions, it will be accepted.
Hope it helps !
Hello aspirant,
With 375 marks and an AIR of around 2.6 lakh in NEET 2025, getting admission to Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College (AUTC), New Delhi under the state quota is quite difficult. The cutoffs for government BAMS seats in AUTC generally stay below AIR 50,000, especially for the General and EWS categories. Your score may not meet the cutoff in the first or second rounds, but you might still have a slim chance in the mop-up or stray vacancy rounds, depending on how many seats remain and how other candidates opt. If you're a Delhi domicile and have all your documents ready, you should definitely apply and fill AUTC as a top choice. It’s also good to keep backup options in other AYUSH colleges open.
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
If your son’s first preference is CSE, then Amrita Bangalore clearly leads among the three, simply because CSE opens more doors in terms of placements, internships, and future-proof careers. Amrita is also NAAC A++ and has a strong reputation, especially for CSE. Category 2 is also manageable fee-wise compared to higher categories.
VIT Chennai is a decent campus, and their ECE program is solid, but Category 5 means much higher fees and very low chance of branch upgrade later. CSE at VIT Chennai would have been more competitive here — but ECE at that fee tier is not as strong a deal unless your son has a strong interest in core electronics.
Manipal Bangalore (MIT Bengaluru campus) is a newer campus. ECE there is still developing in terms of placements and faculty compared to the main Manipal campus. Unless your son strongly prefers Bangalore or is getting some advantage here like scholarships or internship access, it doesn't stand out above Amrita.
So, recommendation: Go with Amrita Bangalore CSE (Category 2). It balances a strong branch with a decent campus and better long-term potential in the tech industry. If your son is open to core electronics and you’re okay with the higher cost, VIT Chennai is fine, but still comes second to CSE at Amrita.
All the best!
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