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Common Mistakes To Avoid While Preparing For CAT Exam 2025
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Dec 27, 2024 06:39 PM IST | #CAT
When studying for the CAT examination, it is critical to avoid frequent mistakes that might affect your performance. One common error is making a study plan but failing to adhere to it, frequently because the material seems overwhelming. To prevent this, begin by understanding the curriculum and concentrating on your strengths first. Other concerns include poor time management, procrastination, and avoiding self-assessment. To succeed, you must combine dedication with clever methods. To create a firm foundation, ensure that you provide equal attention to all areas early on. Avoiding these errors can enhance your CAT preparation and increase your chances of success. Read the whole article by Careers360 for further advice on issues to avoid when preparing for the CAT 2025.
This Story also Contains
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Not paying attention to the CAT syllabus
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Concentrate on learning, not hours
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Do Not Avoid Conceptual Clarity
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Do Not Procrastinate
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Lack of Regular Revision
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Mismanagement of Time
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Avoiding Mock Test Analysis
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Inconsistency in Preparation
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Stop Getting Demotivated and Develop a Positive Attitude
- Other Common CAT Preparation Mistakes
Also Read- CAT Preparation Strategy- Important Tips & Schedule
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Not paying attention to the CAT syllabus
Before you begin your CAT 2025 preparation, thoroughly review the complete syllabus. Knowing what you need to study allows you to develop a clear and successful approach. Skipping this phase and going directly to studying typically results in a confused approach, making preparation more difficult.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Concentrate on learning, not hours
One of the common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT is to assume that they have done a good job if they have devoted ten to twelve hours for preparation for CAT. What is important is how much has one grasped in the number of hours which they have devoted while studying for the CAT entrance exam. One can study with complete focus and dedication for four to five hours and grasp much more than what he or she does in ten to twelve hours. Therefore, here self assessment is very important. One should gauge correctly how much of the syllabus have they been able to cover within the stipulated time and if they are well versed with it or not.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Do Not Avoid Conceptual Clarity
Conceptual clarity is a "must" for any kind of entrance exam preparation. If one wants to crack the CAT, he or she cannot afford to ignore a thorough comprehension of the subjects covered in the curriculum. A thorough understanding of any topic's fundamental idea strengthens your foundation for preparing. A strong conceptual understanding enables you to handle even the most challenging questions based on the fundamental ideas of the subjects; yet, a lack of conceptual clarity will result in you losing points anytime a trick question from the same subject is asked during the test.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Do Not Procrastinate
Among the common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT is not procrastinate . Procrastination is a major problem with everyone and it is very much harmful for your preparation journey. Delay in action would only help you to lose your time for the preparation. Therefore, one should keep in mind that to start anything, the right time is ‘now’ so start your preparation and avoid waiting for the right time to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Lack of Regular Revision
To retain something for a long time, one has to revise it multiple times on a regular basis.One of the common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT is that the students should not become complacent and be on their toes by revising what ever they have studied on a periodical basis. Regular revision of the CAT topics frees you from overburdening yourself during the last 2-3 months before the exam. Therefore, it is always suggested that during the preparation, one should manage their daily routine in such a way that they would be able to manage time for revision of the topics which they are already done with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Mismanagement of Time
Mismanagement of time is one of the typical errors to avoid when CAT preparation is underway. To finish the CAT syllabus, candidates need to create a well-thought-out schedule that works for them. Candidates will find it easier to answer questions if they practice time management both before and during the test. Candidates should attempt to review the syllabus's contents first to determine which will take up the most time to create the appropriate schedule. The next step for applicants is to create a schedule and make sure they follow it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Avoiding Mock Test Analysis
Needless to mention how important are the CAT mock tests for the preparation of any national level entrance exam preparation. This is one of the common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT and that is evading the analysis of the mock tests. One should know that it is not nough to sit and only attempt mock tests? Absolutely not, the analysis of each mock test is something which is even more important. Analyzing every mock test helps you to know what are your strong and weak weak areas and compels you to think as to how well you should prepare further to convert your weakness into strength.
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 NowCommon Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Inconsistency in Preparation
When you don't prepare consistently, your efforts won't yield positive outcomes. Your preparation journey will become more uneven if you are spending enough time on it one month but not giving it your all the next. Therefore, to prepare effectively and perform well on the test, one must incorporate time into their practice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT: Stop Getting Demotivated and Develop a Positive Attitude
When one starts their preparation journey, there are so many factors which affect their preparation either positively or negatively. Unfortunately, aspirants generally get distressed due to initial hiccups. While one prepares for the CAT 2022 exam, one should try to learn from their mistakes rather than feel demotivated. So, it is advisable that students should not only start their preparation with a positive attitude, but also remain positive throughout the whole preparation journey as then only they will get the desired result.
Other Common CAT Preparation Mistakes
Now let us discuss a few more other frequent common CAT preparation mistakes made by the candidates and tips to remedy them.
Not Strategizing a Preparation Schedule/Study Plan
Mistake: Many students try to prepare for the CAT without a clear study schedule, which results in a disorganized and ineffective schedule. This may cause important subjects to be overlooked and preparation to become uneven overall.
Tips: Make a thorough study schedule that includes all the parts and subjects, then follow it thoroughly. Set up particular timeslots for every subject and incorporate frequent breaks to prevent burnout.
Not Revising Periodically
Mistake: If crucial concepts and strategies are not examined regularly, they may eventually be forgotten. This lack of study can make it harder for you to understand important concepts and lower your exam confidence.
Tips: Make time in your study schedule for frequent review sessions. Every week, go over your notes, formulas, and important ideas to ensure you remember everything. Use summary sheets or flashcards to make rapid adjustments.
Skipping Topics/Not Completing the Syllabus
Mistake: Ignoring certain topics or sections can leave gaps in your knowledge, making it difficult to tackle a variety of questions in the exam. This can significantly lower your overall score.
Tip: Make sure to cover the entire syllabus. If you find a topic difficult, dedicate extra time to understanding it rather than skipping it. Use different resources like videos, books, and online forums to get a better grasp.
Not Taking/Evaluating Mock Tests
Mistake: Without regular mock tests, you miss out on understanding the exam pattern, time management, and identifying weak areas. Not analyzing your mock test performance means you won't learn from your mistakes.
Tip: Take mock tests regularly to simulate the exam environment. After each test, spend time analyzing your performance, noting down mistakes, and working on areas that need improvement. This will help in fine-tuning your preparation.
Not Understanding/Exam Requirements
Mistake: If you don't fully comprehend the exam's format, structure, and requirements, you may concentrate on the wrong topics or employ unproductive tactics. This can lead to subpar performance even with a lot of effort.
Tips: Read and comprehend the CAT syllabus and exam structure in detail. Learn about the different kinds of questions that are asked and the marking system. This will assist you in customizing your study to fit the unique requirements of the exam.
Not Starting Early
Mistake: Starting your preparation late leaves less time to cover the entire syllabus, practice mock tests, and revise. This can cause unnecessary stress and reduce your chances of performing well.
Tip: Begin your CAT preparation early, ideally a year in advance. This will give you ample time to understand concepts, practice extensively, and revise thoroughly, ensuring a more relaxed and confident approach to the exam.
No Personalized Preparation/Exam-Taking Strategies
Mistake: Following a generic preparation strategy without considering your strengths and weaknesses can lead to suboptimal performance. Each student's learning style and pace are different.
Tip: Develop a personalized study plan that suits your strengths and addresses your weaknesses. Experiment with different exam-taking strategies in mock tests to find what works best for you. Tailor your preparation methods to fit your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is paying attention to the CAT syllabus significant?
It is very much important for an aspirant to thoroughly go through the whole syllabus as it helps you to plan for further strategy for the preparation.
2. What is the most frequent error students make while preparing for the CAT?
The most typical error is making a study schedule but not following it due to the vast syllabus. To prevent this, create a realistic strategy and prioritize easy problems first.
3. How can I better manage my time during CAT preparation?
To successfully organize your time, set out defined hours for each section every day. Make sure to cover all of the areas, including Quant, DI & LR, and Verbal Ability, so that none of the sections is overlooked.
4. Why is procrastination bad for CAT preparation?
Procrastination causes a rush through difficult topics at the last minute, resulting in stress and poor performance. Avoid this by dividing down your study plan into smaller tasks that you can do on a regular basis.
5. How significant is revision in the CAT preparation?
Revision is critical for reinforcing ideas and boosting preparation. Without frequent review, you may lose what you've learnt. Schedule some of your time each week to review previous topics and answer practice questions.
6. When should I start preparing for the CAT?
Start at least 9 months before the exam to ensure proper preparation.
7. How can I improve my VARC section?
Develop a habit of reading diverse genres to boost comprehension and vocabulary.
8. Is it important to focus on basics for Quant?
Yes, build a strong foundation in Quant before jumping into advanced practice.
9. Should I focus equally on all sections?
Yes, divide your time and attention across all sections to avoid imbalance.
10. Why is consistency important in CAT prep?
Consistency helps you stay on track and improve steadily over time.
11. How should I plan my CAT preparation?
Create a strategy that includes completing the syllabus, taking mocks, and regular revision.
12. How important is revision for CAT?
Revision strengthens your concepts and helps turn weaknesses into strengths.
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Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
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.
gopi 30 June,2025
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 !
Prachi Kumari 28 June,2025
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.
OISHEE BANERJEE 01 July,2025
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.
OISHEE BANERJEE 24 June,2025
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!
OISHEE BANERJEE 22 June,2025
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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