XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
The Common Admission Test 2025 (CAT) is a crucial exam for students aiming to get into top business schools in India. With CAT 2025 likely to be held in November, you still have around two months to prepare. While the timeline is short, many students have successfully cracked CAT with focused effort and the right strategy. This article will guide you on how to prepare for CAT 2025 in 2 months with a clear study plan, tips to manage your time well, and proven strategies to boost your score effectively.
The CAT exam tests various skills through a carefully designed format. Understanding the exam pattern 2025 will help you plan your study schedule more effectively. Know complete details of CAT exam pattern 2025 below:
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your English language skills, reading comprehension skills, and written passages. It also includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section evaluates students' presentation skills by using various forms of data (like tables, graphs, and charts) to draw logical conclusions. It also includes puzzles and problems that test reasoning abilities.
Quantitative Ability (QA): This section focuses on mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills, covering topics from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra, geometry, and more.
Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes, making the total exam duration 120 minutes (2 hours). For candidates with disabilities (PwD), each section has an extended time of 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
Understanding this structure will help you allocate your study time efficiently and develop section-specific strategies
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
Name of the Section |
|
Section-wise CAT 2025 Total Exam Duration |
|
CAT 2025 slot timings |
|
How many questions are in the CAT exam | 66-68 Questions |
Negative Marking | No negative marks for TITA questions -1 for each incorrect MCQs |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
|
It's crucial to prioritise the most important topics that frequently repeat in the exam and carry High weightage. This approach ensures that you secure marks in topics you're already comfortable with while also making progress in challenging areas.
You still have time to crack the CAT if you stay focused and follow a clear plan. In the next 8 weeks, your goal is to cover basics, take mock tests, and keep improving every week without getting too stressed.
Start by taking one full mock test, not to get a high score, but to understand what you’re good at and what needs work. Begin revising simple QA topics like Percentages and Averages. Try 2 easy DI/LR sets daily. For English, read an editorial and solve 2 reading comprehension (RC) passages every day. Keep it simple and steady.
Now focus more on your weak areas. In QA, do topics like Profit & Loss and Simple/Compound Interest. Start solving Para Jumbles and Odd Sentence Out questions in VARC. Try 2to 3 DILR sets daily. Take one test for each section this week and check how you’re doing.
This week, move on to Algebra in QA. In DILR, practice puzzles and Venn diagrams. For VARC, solve more RCs and add Summary questions. Take 2 full-length mock tests. Don’t just solve them, spend time checking your mistakes. Try to avoid repeating them.
Now, start timing yourself. See how much time you take in each section. Practice Geometry in QA. In DILR, focus on solving full sets within 40 minutes. In VARC, try to finish each passage in 8–9 minutes. Take 2 mocks this week and analyse them well.
Try solving your Week 1 mock again. You’ll likely see improvement. Start Modern Math topics like Permutation and Probability. Solve 3–4 DILR sets in one sitting. Keep doing RCs and grammar questions in VARC. Take 2 mocks and write down what you learned from them.
Go back to topics you still find tough. Watch short videos or use notes to revise. Practice tougher DILR sets. In VARC, work on understanding tone, inference, and summaries. Take 3 mocks this week. After each mock, note what worked and what didn’t.
Now it’s time to focus on revision. Don’t start new topics. Go over formulas, shortcuts, and important notes. Take 2–3 mocks this week. Try different solving strategies to see what suits you. Focus more on accuracy than speed now.
The final week should be light. Take 2 mocks at the same time as your actual CAT exam slot. Revise your notes but avoid learning anything new. Practice a few questions daily, just to stay in touch. Sleep well, eat well, and stay relaxed.
Preparing for CAT 2025 requires focusing on the essential topics for CAT 2025 that can significantly impact your performance. The DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section is particularly crucial among the vital issues in the CAT. Identifying the critical DILR topics for CAT will help you allocate your study time more effectively. The most essential matters in DILR for CAT include puzzles, seating arrangements, and data tables.
Subject | Topic | Difficulty Level |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension | Very High (40-50% of the section) |
Para Jumbles | High | |
Para Summary | High | |
Para Completion | Medium | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Reasoning-based DI | Very High |
Table-based DI | High | |
Scatter Graphs | Medium | |
Bar Graphs | High | |
Routes and Networks | Medium | |
Quantitative Aptitude | Number Systems | Very High |
High | ||
Geometry | Very High | |
Equations | High | |
Functions | ||
High | ||
High | ||
Sequence & Series | Medium | |
Medium | ||
Maxima-Minima | Low |
Focusing on these critical topics can optimize your preparation in the limited time. However, don't completely ignore other topics, especially if they are your strengths.
If a CAT aspirant is looking for "Can I prepare for CAT in 2 months?", they will get all their answers by reading this piece. Careers360 will give you tips on formulating a study plan that will help you prepare for the CAT 2025 in less time. This study plan will also ensure peak performance, which gives maximum output. Read the article further to know about the CAT 2025 preparation strategy to be followed in two months.
Understanding the challenge for CAT 2025
First, let's be realistic about what you can achieve in 2 months. With focused preparation, you can:
Cover the most important topics in each section
Develop effective problem-solving techniques
Improve your speed and accuracy
Learn test-taking strategies
Gain confidence through regular practice
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
Highest CTC: Rs 18.33 LPA | Average CTC: Rs 7.39 LPA | Experiential Learning | Classes by Industry Professionals | Alumni Mentorship Program
However, you'll need to be disciplined and consistent in your efforts. This is not the time for procrastination or half-hearted studying.
Candidates who registered for CAT 2025 and started their preparation two months before are required to review the basic strategies listed below to better understand the exam. Check out the brief on the CAT two-month study plan.
Do not start a new topic.
Maintain speed and accuracy through revision.
Increase the number of mock tests.
Time Allocation for CAT 2025 Preparation
Let's examine each CAT 2025 strategy one by one to determine what a candidate is looking for. Is it possible to crack the CAT in two months?
As per the exam pattern of CAT 2025, candidates will have to face a sectional time limit in which three sections, each with a 40-minute limit, will be there. Make a timetable that allows you to study each section for 3 hours daily.
For example, if you devote three hours daily to each section, i.e., three hours to verbal ability and reading comprehension, three hours to data interpretation and logical reasoning, and three hours to quantitative ability, only nine hours out of 24 are used. You can do what you want in the remaining time, i.e., 24–9 = 15 hours.
One of the most important things to remember while starting their CAT 2-month preparation is that they should not start any new topics. Take some time, get a printout of the CAT syllabus 2025, and note the familiar issues. Now, candidates should be careful not to choose a new topic from the CAT syllabus because starting a new one will be time-consuming. Moreover, the known issues might be affected, too. Thus, instead of starting new topics, the candidates should practice the already prepared ones.
Once you are halfway through the CAT syllabus 2025, revise the topics you have already learned and covered to maintain momentum. Ensure that speed and accuracy are on par, as both are equally important. Note that CAT 2025 is never about attempting all questions; instead, it is about getting one more right than your fellow test-takers.
Both speed and accuracy can be maintained by solving more and more CAT question papers/sample papers. Search Google and try to find a simpler, easier, and yet faster way of solving tricky questions. Apart from solving MCQs, try to study TITA questions as well. Revise all the known topics, and make sticky notes of essential formulas so they get into your head easily.
The importance of mocks is known only after they are taken as described by CAT toppers. Mock tests help you analyze your relative performance across a variety of different kinds of papers. Along with that, critically analyze them to identify clear concepts. Specifically, roughly 100 hours should be spent practicing the CAT mock tests. After each test, analyze your performance and ensure a balance between the strongest and weakest sections.
Last but not least, the CAT 2025 is an exam that tests not only your subject knowledge but also your mental grit and determination. Remember that everyone faces low points during preparation, and there will be a time when even you will, but that should not let you down.
A structured week-by-week plan can help you organize your preparation effectively when you have only 2 months left. This plan ensures comprehensive coverage of all critical topics while leaving time for revision and mock tests.
Week | Topics |
Week 1 | Basic concepts of Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Arithmetic |
Week 2 | Basic concepts of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Sentence Correction |
Week 3 | Basic concepts of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Tables Bar Graphs Line Graphs |
Week 4 | Advanced topics in QA – Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration |
Week 5 | Advanced topics in VARC – Para Jumbles, Critical Reasoning: Statements, conclusions Vocabulary |
Week 6 | Advanced topics in DILR – Puzzle Caselets |
Week 7 | Mock Tests and Revision – Full-length mock tests, analysis, and revision of weak areas |
Week 8 | Final Revision – Focus on weak areas, practice papers, and strategy planning for the exam day |
Candidates need a focused and strategic approach to preparing for CAT 2025, which is scheduled for November. Here are some essential strategies to help you make the most of your time. By following these strategies and staying dedicated, you can effectively prepare for CAT 2025 in two months and boost your chances of achieving a high score.
Take Tests in Exam-like Conditions: Regularly take CAT full-length mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam. This will help you manage your time better and get accustomed to the pressure of the exam day.
Seek Help from Mentors and Subject Matter Experts: If you're struggling with specific topics or sections, don't hesitate to contact mentors, tutors, or subject matter experts. They can provide valuable insights and help clarify your doubts quickly.
Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Make sure to dedicate time each day to practice questions from all sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Daily practice will help you build and retain your skills.
Refer to a Lot of CAT Study Materials: Use various CAT study materials, including books, online resources, and question papers from previous years. This will expose you to different types of questions and problem-solving techniques.
Stay Motivated: High motivation is crucial during this intensive preparation period. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you meet them. Stay positive and remind yourself of your end goal.
Practice a Variety of Mock Tests: Apart from regular mock tests, try different types of mock tests, such as sectional tests, topic-specific tests, and full-length tests. This will help you identify and improve your weak areas and ensure comprehensive preparation.]
Aspirants can improve their CAT 2025 preparation by 70% when opting for rthe ight study resources. Remember that the quality of preparation matters more than quantity, especially when time is limited.
Below is a comprehensive list of the best CAT 2025 books for exam preparation, along with their key features and how to use them effectively within your 2-month plan.
Book Title | Authors | Features |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Provides comprehensive coverage of quantitative topics, emphasizing shortcuts and effective problem-solving techniques. |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT | Introduces fundamental mathematical concepts with clear and straightforward explanations, ideal for building a solid mathematical foundation. |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Sharma | Offers extensive coverage of quantitative topics, including advanced problems and detailed solutions for deeper understanding. |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | Delivers in-depth coverage of a wide range of quantitative topics, featuring numerous practice questions and solved examples. |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay | Provides a step-by-step approach to enhancing verbal ability and reading comprehension, complemented by various practice questions. |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis / Simon & Schuster | Enhances vocabulary through practical exercises and quick learning strategies, designed for efficient improvement in a short time. |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | The complete English grammar syllabus is covered, supplemented with practice exercises and self-assessment sections for thorough understanding. |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | It focuses on topics related to verbal ability, offering a practical approach with ample practice questions and insights from past papers. |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Provides comprehensive coverage of Data Interpretation topics, offering sufficient material for thorough preparation. |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Builds a strong foundation in logical reasoning and data interpretation through practical problem-solving exercises with graded difficulty levels. |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | Specializes in data interpretation and information sufficiency, presenting a practical approach to mastering these topics. |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Adopts a practical approach to Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning topics, supplemented with practice questions and mock tests. |
Starting a new topic will be time-consuming. Moreover, the known topics might get affected too as well as candidates will be uncertain on how many commands they can attain in the new topics.
Both speed and accuracy can be maintained by solving more and more CAT question papers/sample papers.
Mock tests help you analyze your relative performance across a variety of different kinds of papers.
The duration of CAT 2025 will be two hours, that is, 120 minutes.
Yes, 2 months period is enough if the candidate has the proper determination and strategy to cover the CAT syllabus. There are various preparation tips and techniques to crack this exam in a short period.
A maximum of 8 months to 1 year can be considered as sufficient for CAT preparation, depending on the calibre and determination of the candidate.
Yes, the CAT exam can be cracked in 2 months but with strong grasp of concepts and solving previous year papers, mock tests, to gain confidence and accuracy.
Self-studying for CAT 2025 can be effective if you approach it systematically. Start by gathering the right study materials, like books and online resources tailored for CAT. Create a study schedule that covers all sections of the exam, allocating time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to include plenty of practice with mock tests and previous years' papers to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your problem-solving speed. Regularly review and analyze your performance to identify areas needing improvement.
Yes, 2 months can be enough if you already have a basic understanding of the CAT syllabus and are willing to follow a focused, daily study plan. Prioritize mock tests, high-weightage topics, and regular analysis.
Aim for 6–8 hours a day. Divide your time between Quant (2–3 hrs), VARC (2 hrs), DILR (2 hrs), and at least one hour for mock analysis or revision. Take one full-length mock test every 3–4 days.
Focus on high-scoring and frequently asked areas like Arithmetic and Algebra in Quant, Reading Comprehension in VARC, and Logic-based puzzles and Data Interpretation sets in DILR.
Ideally, you should take 12–15 full-length mocks, starting with 1–2 per week and increasing frequency closer to the exam. Analysing each mock is equally important to identify and fix weak areas.
With a CAT rank of 5419, your percentile is around 95 to 97. This means you may not get into the top IIMs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, or Calcutta, because they usually take students above 98 or 99 percentile. But you still have good chances at newer IIMs and other top MBA colleges.
You can get admission into IIMs like Amritsar, Raipur, Jammu, Udaipur, and Bodh Gaya. These IIMs accept students with lower percentiles, usually between 90 and 94.
Apart from IIMs, you can also get colleges like MDI Gurugram, IMI Delhi, Great Lakes Chennai, and maybe even FMS Delhi or JBIMS Mumbai depending on your category and performance in interview rounds.
You should now start preparing for the interview, group discussions, and written tests that most colleges will conduct after shortlisting you based on your CAT rank.
Here are websites you can check for cut-off and admission details:
https://www.imsindia.com/blog/cat-cutoff/
Hello Sahitya
For FMS Delhi, your percentile should be 99%+ and it should be 99.5%+ to be on the safer side.
Now coming to the academics:
1. 10th marks: 75%+ are given 10 out of 10
2. 12th marks: 75%+ are given 10 out of 10
3. Graduation marks: FMS doesn't considers graduation marks for screening.
So if you have 75%+ in both 10th and 12th, you will get full marks in academic score.
To know more about FMS: FMS
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
Hello Ayush
This is definitely a myth that with 0 work-ex you can't get IIM ABC because freshers still get into them although the competition is brutal but if you have good academics (9/9/9) and a good CAT (99.5%+), you have a chance.
These are some other good colleges except IIM ABC which you can aim for:
TIER 1:
Tier 2:
To know more about CAT: CAT by Careers360
Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!
Hello Aspirant,
With an AIR (All India Rank) of 1,60,000 in NEET and in the OC (Open Category) there is a very slim chance of getting an MBBS seat in a government medical college, especially in General Category seats through All India Quota (AIQ), but here are some options:
You can also participate in state counselling rounds, as sometimes, seats remain vacant/unfilled, including mop-up rounds.
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
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 identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
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 leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
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.
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.
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 30th July | Limited seats available in select program
25+ years of legacy | NAAC A+ Grade | 800+ Recruiters | 1.5 CR-Highest Package
NAAC A+ Grade | Ranked No.1 Private University in India (QS World University Rankings 2025)