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Mastering Time Management for CAT 2025: The CAT exam is 120 minutes long and divided into three sections of each, 40-minutes. This implies you have around 1-2 minutes for each question. Spending more than two minutes on a single question may have an influence on your total score. In this article, we'll go over basic time management methods, an overview of the test pattern, and how to structure your study plan. While you may adapt these recommendations to your particular needs, keep in mind that CAT sections must be completed in a specified pattern. Aligning your strategies with this framework will allow you to get the greatest outcomes.
Time management will be crucial for the CAT 2025 examination. The test consists of three sections, each lasting 120 minutes. To do so successfully, applicants must correctly answer questions 42 to 48. It should be remembered that changing between parts is not permitted throughout the examination. To succeed in the CAT test, MBA candidates must develop efficient time management skills both before and after the exam. Although the amount of questions in each segment varies, the allocated time stays similar. As a result, applicants must grasp how to complete each component within the allotted time.
The advantages of time management during CAT exam 2025 are:
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When we say how to do time management for the CAT, it does not only refer to the overall timings of the CAT exam but includes the sectional timing as well. One of the theories on time management is the “goal-setting theory,” which is based on the concept that a person can be more motivated to perform any task if they have a clear and specific goal to achieve.
As per the topper of the CAT, Vishesh Garg, “Time management should be considered the fourth section of the CAT examination. It is not just preparing verbal ability, reasoning, and quantity, but preparing all three and attempting them within 3 hours of the stipulated time.”. For him, time management & hard work will lead to success for sure.”
Another CAT topper, Ashish Sen, said, “Time management combined with my knowledge of my strong and weak areas benefited me to get 99+, which I never expected. I managed to schedule the preparation time along with placement preparation. During the exam, I found 2 sections in DILR time taking and chose not to attempt them. Coming to QA, I knew which questions I would solve in 60 minutes and attempted only 20 questions.”
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There is no doubt about the fact that the CAT is radically different from entrance exams as it requires candidates to answer a large number of questions in a restricted time period, thus forcing CAT candidates to choose which ones to leave and which ones to answer. Thus proper time management for CAT 2025 becomes crucial. The IIM entrance exam requires focusing on both simultaneously, i.e., accuracy and speed. Remember, CAT is never about solving the maximum number of questions, but the correct ones.
As per the exam pattern of CAT 2025 , candidates will have 40 minutes to solve any particular section. In 40 minutes per section, candidates will have to solve both multiple-choice questions as well as TITA questions. Henceforth, it becomes imperative for candidates to understand and manage their time well. This moves on to another time management theory, Pareto’s 80/20 rule, which states that 80% of the task is completed with 20% of the efforts that you put in.
Always remember that planning before execution should be made compulsory
Another time management theory for CAT is the ABC System theory, which states that to use time more effectively, a person needs to priorities the tasks that need to be undertaken
Shivam Chandak (one of the toppers of CAT) said, “I had not joined any coaching, but I took the test series and also did previous CAT papers. I think self-study is sufficient when one has a clear picture of his/her schedule. That being said, I think good coaching will improve one's chances, provided he/she maintains self-study along with it.”
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Since you have a good 6 to 9 months of time duration in hand, you can always start with those CAT syllabus topics that are unknown or that you find difficult.
Use the technology and search those topics over the internet on Google, Bing, etc.
Make sure to find apparent and meticulous ways of solving questions using time management tricks
If you are unable to understand or find any topic, make sure you contact a few of your friends who are on a similar track and are preparing for CAT or have attempted in previous years
To start ahead with the unknown, it is advisable to spend one hour daily on each topic and simultaneously make notes on the same.
Candidates can take a mock test of CAT 2025 before and after the preparation, depending on their personal preference
Do not take a mock test of CAT for granted. CAT topper Aditya Devalla said, “He used to regularly take the mock test and devote at least four to five hours. He practiced a lot of questions on Geometry so that he was able to solve it with ease, as solving more questions gave him the confidence to respond correctly on the day of the exam.”
Topper Abhilasha Balakrishnan said, “He attempted mocks regularly, identified his strengths and weaknesses in every mock, capitalised on his strengths and worked on his weaknesses, and repeated this cycle. By the time CAT arrived, he had given around 20–25 mocks, which gave him exposure to a lot of questions and DILR sets. Rest; it was just being present on the day of the exam and applying all of this properly.”
Do not try to work out your brain on what is unimportant. Solve the previous question papers of CAT using the reverse strategy, especially for those questions that seem difficult to leave. Understand the questions and look out for the options. In the reverse strategy, candidates first have to go through the options given and then try to put the question with options to find the most suitable answer.
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Solve Easy Questions First: On exam day, as soon as you start your CAT question paper, it is advisable to start with easy questions. Here, easy questions mean those that candidates are comfortable solving, i.e., easily understandable questions, quickly solved, and require less time. Finding such questions becomes easy only when you know the time management for CAT. For questions that appear to be unknown or time-consuming, mark them for later on. While you are in the exam hall to give the CAT, before starting a section, spend some initial time scanning the questions. On the top right corner, a small button on the screen will allow candidates to look at the entire section in a single view.
Attempt TITA Questions at the End: Every year, IIMs include more than five TITA questions in the question paper. TITA questions are attractive because there is no negative marking. Candidates tend to waste a lot of time on TITA questions on account of no negative marking, as they forget they have MCQs to solve as well. However, candidates forget that TITA questions are time-consuming. Henceforth, it is advisable to do TITA questions at the end when you are done with the MCQs of that particular section.
Make an Average Time for Each Question: Before starting the CAT question paper, it is advisable to set an average time per question. If you are unable to do so, try taking an average time per section, and along with that, leave some additional time to review what you have answered to ensure chances of accuracy.
Apply Reverse Strategy For MCQs - To properly utilize the technique of time management for CAT, try solving the multiple-choice questions with the reverse strategy for those questions that are difficult and non-understandable.
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To save time and do sectional time management for CAT, it is crucial to remember that you know the art of leaving. Leave those questions unanswered that you think are difficult, time-consuming, or out of your reach.
Effective time management during the CAT exam 2025 can significantly enhance your performance. By allocating time wisely across different sections, you can ensure that you attempt all questions without spending too long on any single one. This helps in avoiding unnecessary stress and prevents you from missing out on easier questions. Good time management allows you to maintain a steady pace, making it easier to tackle complex questions with a clear mind. Additionally, it allows you to revisit challenging questions if time permits, improving your chances of maximizing your score. Overall, mastering time management strategies can lead to a more organized and less rushed exam experience.
Now let us go in-depth on section-wise time management strategies for each section of the CAT examination to effectively attempt the CAT 2025 exam.
For CAT VARC 2025 , manage your time by quickly skimming through passages to understand their main ideas before diving into questions. Start with questions you find easier to build confidence and ensure you get marks early. Set strict time limits for each passage and stick to them to avoid spending too long on any one part. Practice regularly under timed conditions to improve your reading speed and comprehension. Use the process of elimination on tricky questions to save time and make better choices. Lastly, stay calm and maintain a steady pace to handle the section efficiently.
For CAT DILR 2025, manage your time effectively by starting with questions or sets you find easier to boost your confidence. Quickly scan the entire section to identify which sets you can solve faster and prioritize those. Allocate a specific amount of time for each set and stick to it to ensure you don't spend too long on any single one. Practice regularly with timed exercises to improve your ability to analyze data quickly and accurately. Stay organized and avoid getting stuck on difficult questions—move on and come back if time permits. Keeping a steady pace and staying calm will help you efficiently handle the data interpretation and logical reasoning challenges.
For CAT QA 2025, improve your mental math skills and use shortcuts and formulas to speed up problem-solving. Familiarize yourself with question patterns by practising with previous years' papers. Track your time during practice to gauge your pace and make adjustments as needed. If a question is too complex or time-consuming, move on and return to it if time allows. Keeping a steady pace and focusing on efficient problem-solving will help you navigate the quantitative section effectively.
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Do not spend more than two or three minutes on any one question. If you can't figure it out fast, on to the next one. Instead of feeling slowed down by difficult questions, concentrate on answering simple ones quickly.
To adequately prepare for the CAT, study for at least 6-7 hours every day for 6-8 months.
Yes, you can. There are several free materials accessible online, such as videos on YouTube. Practice regularly, focus on your weaknesses, and use past CAT papers for studying.
Create a study timetable to keep track of what you need to learn. Prioritize tough subjects and devote an hour every day to them.
Mock exams provide a genuine exam experience. They assist you in understanding the test structure, assessing your preparation level, and identifying your strengths and shortcomings.
Hello aspirant,
The question papers for CAT MGU University can be found on their official website, or you can also visit careers360 website for the same.
The link of which, I am attaching here,
https://university.careers360.com/articles/mgu-cat-2025
Regards
Hello Anshuman!!!
You have gotten 86% in 10th, which is a good score. 70% in graduation is not the best but decent. But the main problem is your 12th score which is 62%.
You would be already aware that the Top IIMs (BLACKI) give a big emphasis on your academic score. Let me tell you one example of IIM Ahmedabad,
According to a research i read a few days ago, in IIM Ahmedabad,
70.8%
of students has 90+ percent in 12th,
25.8%
has 80-90 percent and around
3.8%
has less than 80% with the bracket of 60-69 having only
0.26%
students of the total batch. Nearly same is the case of the other top IIMs like IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore.
Statistically, getting into these TOP IIMs is possible with 62% in 12th is possible (0.26% has done it) but practically you cannot get into these TOP IIMs unless you top the CAT exam.
See, I don't wish to dishearten or demotivate you but I wish to tell you the truth. Although the probability of you getting into these TOP IIMs is very less, but trying is better than doing nothing. You have a good score in 10th which will certainly help you. The least you could do is try your best.
My advice would be that you should not focus on these things like "Will I get top IIM" or negative talk like " I got low marks I won't qualify" etc.
The main focus should be on your preparation.
Give 100% in your preparation because that's the only thing in your hand. You can't change your 10th/12th/Graduation scores but you can put some more effort in your preparation which would certainly help to get better percentile.
Keep working hard and give your best. You might surprise yourself!!! And if not BLACKI, there are many other good colleges like FMS, MDI, newer IIMs etc.
Hello,
Yes, with a 622 rank in IPU CET for MBA and being a Delhi candidate, you have a good chance of getting admission in MAIT (Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology).
You don’t need to worry about not giving the CAT exam. IPU CET rank is enough for admission in MAIT under the CET quota.
Just make sure to keep MAIT high in your preference list during counselling.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
A NEET 2025 score of 333 marks, an All India Rank (AIR) near 3,56,000, and belonging to the SC category from Andhra Pradesh suggest a fair possibility of obtaining an MBBS seat within the state quota, especially in private medical colleges under Category A (government quota seats in private institutions).
In Andhra Pradesh, SC category cut-offs for Category A seats in private institutions generally vary from 320 to 370, influenced by the college and the counselling round. Government medical colleges tend to be more competitive, with the SC cut-off for MBBS frequently rising, often exceeding 400 marks.
Although obtaining a government MBBS seat is improbable, you stand a feasible opportunity in private medical colleges within A category (which offer lower tuition than B and C categories). In Round 2 or the Mop-Up round, you can anticipate improved opportunities, since cut-offs generally decrease when other students move to superior colleges or vacate seats.
Colleges such as NRI Medical College (Guntur), Katuri Medical College (Guntur), Great Eastern Medical School (Srikakulam), Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (Eluru), and Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences (Kadapa) are among those where seats could become available for SC students in subsequent rounds under Category A.
Hope this helps. All the best!
Yes, candidates who qualify in CUSAT CAT can gain admission to various participating institutes based on their rank. These include engineering colleges associated with CUSAT, such as its own School of Engineering in Kochi, Model Engineering College, and over 20 government and private engineering colleges across Kerala like College of Engineering Thrikkaripur, Co-operative Institute of Technology Vadakara, and MG College of Engineering Thiruvallam. The final seat allotment is based on your rank and your choice of program during the counselling process.
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