Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
How to Crack CAT 2025 in the First Attempt: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam for MBA aspirants in India. It is the most difficult MBA entrance exam, and cracking it in the first attempt can be a daunting task. However, with proper planning, preparation, and a strategic approach, it is achievable. If you're planning to take CAT 2025 and want to increase your chances of cracking it on the first attempt, then this article is going to be very helpful for you. Here, you will learn some of the best tips and tricks suggested by toppers on how to crack CAT in first attempt.
Know how to prepare for CAT in 3 months
The first step towards cracking the CAT exam in the first attempt is to understand the exam pattern and CAT syllabus thoroughly. CAT is a computer-based test, consisting of three sections - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern, the number of questions in each section, the duration of the exam, and the marking scheme. With a clear idea of the CAT exam pattern, you can get your CAT preparation right by improving your weak areas and strengthening your strong areas. Time management is also crucial while preparing for CAT 2025, as it is a time-bound exam, and you will need to solve a large number of questions in a limited amount of time.
Quick Link:
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Application Deadline: 1st Dec 2024
250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
To crack the CAT exam in first attempt, candidates are advised to follow the steps below;
No one knows you better than you do. So, candidates are advised to assess themselves and try to know where they stand in the race for the most difficult entrance exam for MBA admission in India. When they know their weak and strong points, they will be able to diligently study for CAT 2025. After having analyzed it, candidates will know that they would need the guidance of the coaching institute.
Many resources will be helpful. Also, in this article, some of the best tips on how to clear CAT exam in 1st attempt is given. Coaching may help understand the basic concept of the exam and draw the right CAT preparation study plan. But it is not a guarantee of success.
Through self-preparation, candidates can crack the exam and achieve a good score enough to get a call from the IIMs, and other top MBA colleges in India. All you will need is to remain focused, set targets, and draw the right strategies to crack CAT to achieve the target score.
To get the fruitful results for any task, one must put time and effort into it. It is usually believed that six months to one year is a good amount of time to crack CAT 2025 in the first attempt. One of the biggest advantages of starting early for CAT preparation is that in the fag end, candidates will not panic in case they had difficulty understanding any topic or subject.
Early preparation would mean that they would have a good amount of time to revise whatever they had studied during the early stages of CAT preparation. They would have ample amount of time to prepare for CAT 2025 and would not be jostling towards the end. Therefore, aspirants, who are only aiming to crack CAT 2025, must start preparation as early as possible.
An answer to the question of “how to crack CAT exam for MBA” is that one should have a good grasp of the syllabus of CAT. Though the IIM which conducts the exam does not prescribe any specific CAT syllabus, the relevance of the topics can be understood by going through past years question papers on CAT. Based on the CAT sample papers and question papers, one gets to know the topics and sub-topics from which the questions are primarily asked.
By knowing this, the candidates will be able to determine for themselves how much time they would need to devote to each of the topics. Having a good understanding of the CAT 2025 syllabus will pave the way for being studying well and answering the questions with ease.
After going through the syllabus thoroughly, the candidates need to start section-wise preparation. Here are some tips that are given below for the same.
Preparation for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section - This section broadly consists of questions based on Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Verbal Reasoning. Each area in this section needs a different approach to preparation. To prepare for the reading comprehension part, students should inculcate the habit of reading newspapers and novels, for Vocab and Grammar, part one should go for a good book for regular practice of both and should practice lots of questions based on verbal reasoning.
Preparation of Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section - This section in the CAT is there to check one's analytical skills and logical rationale or reasoning. To deal with this section it is important to understand and clear the basic concepts. The DILR section consisted of questions based on Line charts, Pie charts, Bar charts and Mixed charts. Candidates should regularly practice lots of questions based on the mentioned topics to have a strong grasp and better concept clarification.
Preparation for Quantitative Aptitude section - This section requires lots of practice and excellent command of the formulas, concepts and theorems as it is the section in which questions are asked from Maths topics only. Usually, candidates find this section the most rigorous one among all but having a strong command of basic concepts of the topics would lead you to have an edge over others. This section includes questions based on Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Mensuration. Strong mental calculation serves a lot to cater for this section.
Quick Links:
While you prepare for each section, make sure that you proceed towards learning the basic concepts first and then move towards more difficult ones. If your basics are strong then you will be able to do well as you will be able to solve the most complex problems without much difficulty. You should build your preparation on the principle that a durable house has a strong foundation and will be able to survive in all kinds of adverse situations. Similar is the case with CAT preparation.
With regards to reading comprehension, start with reading books written in simple language and after each paragraph or completion of a chapter comprehend what was mentioned in it. In the initial stages, it might be difficult, but later on, it will prove beneficial. Similarly with quantitative ability, first be thorough with your class ninth and tenth maths and after knowing the formulae and their applications in easy questions move on to the more difficult ones.
It is normally stated that time lost never returns. Therefore, the candidates must divide the time that they have in hand as they prepare for CAT and how to crack IIM entrance exam itself. An average to brilliant student might easily prepare for CAT in six months. Therefore, going by the past years' trends, one can assume that questions will be asked from three sections.
Hence out of the six months, candidates must try to finish all three sections within a span of three to four months and keep the last two months before the exam to take the mock tests as they will be able to know the type of questions that are asked in the entrance exam.
Mock tests are an elixir to the preparation of any entrance exam. Candidates must take two to three mock tests in a week and should analyze them thoroughly to make their SWOT analysis. While taking the CAT mock tests, candidates must ensure that they adhere to the sectional and overall time limit.
It is then only that they will be able to solve the questions with ease on the day of the exam. If one adopts a leisurely approach, then in such a case they would be decisive themselves and once the CAT result is out, then it might not be to their liking. The primary objective of the mock tests is to identify one’s strong and weak areas.
Candidates should also practice from the model test papers of the different coaching centres as they are updated and consist of new types of questions based on the same concept that you have studied throughout the preparation. Aspirants should practice a question of a new type at least two to three times to understand the pattern
The above-mentioned preparation tips will help you to land in one of the premier MBA colleges in India. So, pull up your socks and start preparing for CAT 2025.
Here are some tips and strategies by previous year toppers. Rahul Gupta (100 percentiler) of CAT 2019 shares his section-wise preparation strategy of CAT. Rahul says “Since I appeared for the CAT last year, also, this time I gave four to five months for serious preparation for the CAT. I started preparing for the CAT in June and took up the basics in each section”. Check the section-wise preparation strategy of Rahul.
For the English Section - As far as my preparation for reading comprehension and verbal ability is concerned, I used to read a lot of fiction novels as well as newspapers. In order to ensure that I could answer the questions with ease, again I used to practice with CAT mock tests.
For DI and LR Section - I used to practice a lot of questions from particular topics and also focussed a lot on them while taking the mock test.
For Quantitative Ability - I studied basic theory, arithmetic, and number systems. Two months before the exam I used to regularly take mock tests and used to devote at least four to five hours. I practised a lot of questions on Geometry so that I can solve it with ease as solving more questions gave me the confidence to respond correctly on the day of the exam
Preparing for CAT in just three months requires focused and efficient planning. Here’s how you can approach it:
Firstly, familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. Understand the types of questions in each section: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). This will help you prioritize your study areas.
Secondly, create a detailed study plan for each section. Allocate time based on your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving your weaker areas while maintaining your strengths through regular practice.
Thirdly, practice consistently. Solve previous years’ CAT papers and mock tests to get accustomed to the exam format and time constraints. Analyze your performance to identify areas needing more attention.
Lastly, revise strategically. In the final weeks leading up to the exam, focus on revisiting concepts, formulas, and shortcuts. Stay calm and confident, and remember to take care of your health and well-being during this intensive period of preparation. With dedication and smart studying, you can make significant progress in preparing for CAT within three months.
The CAT entrance exam is not as easy to crack. It is one of the toughest MBA entrance exams in India and requires thorough practice and preparation.
With the proper strategy and dedication, a focused aspirant can aim for the top CAT percentiles even on the first attempt.
Hello Greetings
With a CAT 2024 percentile of 68.28%, you may face a challenging time getting into IIT Delhi, as their cutoffs are typically higher. However, being an SC female student, you may be eligible for relaxation in the cutoff criteria .
To give you a better idea, here are some general CAT cutoff percentiles for IITs and other top B-schools:
- *IIT Delhi*: Typically above 90 percentile for general category students.
- *Newer IIMs*: Such as IIM Vishakapatnam, IIM Shillong, and IIM Udaipur, may have lower cutoffs, around 80-90 percentile.
- *Other top B-schools*: Like IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, and TAPMI, may also consider students with lower percentiles.
It's essential to note that CAT cutoffs can vary from year to year, and other factors like your academic background, work experience, and performance in the personal interview (PI) and written ability test (WAT) also play a significant role in the admission process.
To explore more options and predict your chances of getting into various colleges, you can use online CAT college predictor tools .
Have a great day
Hello Greetings
Considering your 82.58 percentile in CAT and 22 months of industry experience in IT and Financial analysis, you have several options for General Management PGDM or PGPM programs.
*Decent Colleges Accepting Low CAT Percentile:*
- _SPJIMR_: Offers PGDM and PGPM programs, accepting CAT scores, with a minimum eligibility criterion of 50% aggregate in graduation ¹ ².
- _SOIL_: Provides PGPM and PGDM programs, considering CAT scores, with a focus on experiential learning ³.
- Other institutes like _IMT Ghaziabad_, _XIMB_, and _IRMA_ might also accept candidates with lower CAT percentiles, but this may vary depending on the program and intake.
*Key Factors to Consider:*
- _Work Experience_: With 22 months of experience, you might be eligible for PGPM programs, which typically require more work experience than PGDM programs ¹.
- _Career Gap_: Explain your career gap effectively in your application, highlighting any relevant activities or skills gained during that period.
- _Profile-Based Selection_: Some institutes consider profiles, including work experience, academic background, and extracurricular activities, in addition to CAT scores ¹.
*Next Steps:*
1. Research the institutes mentioned above and their programs.
2. Review the eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees for each program.
3. Prepare your application, ensuring you effectively communicate your strengths, work experience, and career goals.
4. Be prepared for interviews, focusing on your profile, experience, and motivation for pursuing a PGDM or PGPM program.
Remember, a lower CAT percentile doesn't necessarily limit your options. Focus on showcasing your strengths, experience, and fit with the program to increase your chances of admission.
Have a great day
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.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Jan 2024
Highest CTC 35 LPA | Median CTC 9.27 LPA | 172+ Recruiters
250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Highest CTC: INR 28.25 LPA | Average for Top 100 offers: INR 17.34 LPA | Ranked #63 in India under Management category by NIRF | 148 Recruiters
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 21st Jan
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)