How to Do Time Management for CAT 2025 Exam - Expert Tips & Strategies

How to Do Time Management for CAT 2025 Exam - Expert Tips & Strategies

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

Team Careers360Updated on 16 Feb 2025, 01:16 PM IST

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.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode extends registration till September 20; MBA admission criteriaSep 13, 2025 | 9:43 PM IST

Candidates applying for CAT 2025 should keep their documents, including Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, a valid photo ID, graduation certificate, work experience proof (if applicable), and any other relevant papers, ready as these will be required during the registration process.

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This Story also Contains

  1. How to Manage Time for the CAT 2025 Exam?
  2. Toppers' Say on Time Management for CAT Exam
  3. What to Ask Yourself Before Doing Time Management for CAT?
  4. Why Is It Important to Properly Manage Time for CAT 2025?
  5. Before Exam Day - How to do Time Management for CAT?
  6. During Exam Day - How to Do Time Management During the CAT Exam?
  7. Do You Know the Art of Leaving?
  8. Advantages of Time Management During CAT Exam 2025
  9. CAT Exam 2025 Time Management Tips: Section-Wise Strategies
  10. OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
How to Do Time Management for CAT 2025 Exam - Expert Tips & Strategies
How to Do Time Management for CAT Exam 2025

How to Manage Time for the CAT 2025 Exam?

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:

  • Focused Attention
  • Reduced Stress
  • Flexibility
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Toppers' Say on Time Management for CAT Exam

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.

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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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What to Ask Yourself Before Doing Time Management for CAT?

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.

Why Is It Important to Properly Manage Time for CAT 2025?

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.

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
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Before Exam Day - How to do Time Management for CAT?

Before-Exam-Day-How-to-do-Time-management-for-CAT

1. Make a Proper Time Table

  • Making a timetable will allow candidates to move as per schedule.
  • 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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2. Start With The Unknown

  • 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.

3. Practice Mocks With Set Schedules

  • To gain an understanding of the CAT exam day scenario, giving mocks is extensively recommended. The mock test of CAT will help candidates assess themselves, understand the exam pattern well, and see the preparation level required.
  • 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.”

4. Keep Reverse Strategy

  • 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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During Exam Day - How to Do Time Management During the CAT Exam?

During-Exam-Day-How-to-do-Time-Management-for-CAT

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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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Do You Know the Art of Leaving?

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.

Advantages of Time Management During CAT Exam 2025

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.

CAT Exam 2025 Time Management Tips: Section-Wise Strategies

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.

Time Management Tips for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension 2025

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.

Time Management Tips for CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning 2025

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.

Time Management Tips for CAT Quantitative Aptitude 2025

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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OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES

Candidates are highly encouraged to download and review the resources listed below to improve their CAT 2025 exam preparation. These ebooks have been specifically designed to meet the needs of management exam aspirants and can be extremely beneficial for their studies.

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Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can mock exams assist me prepare for the CAT?
A:

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.

Q: How should I manage my time throughout the CAT exam?
A:

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.

Q: How much time should I spend preparing for the CAT exam?
A:

To adequately prepare for the CAT, study for at least 6-7 hours every day for 6-8 months.

Q: Can I prepare for the CAT without taking a coaching class?
A:

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.

Q: How should I begin studying for the CAT exam?
A:

Create a study timetable to keep track of what you need to learn. Prioritize tough subjects and devote an hour every day to them.

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Questions related to CAT

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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