Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
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How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in 4 months? - Candidates who want to pursue a management program from IIM or from any other premier B-school of India must necessarily appear for CAT 2025 and crack it with a good percentile. Apart from other MBA entrance tests, the CAT exam is the toughest one to crack. But as they say, one can climb Everest with preparation, commitment, approach, and targeting. The same applies to CAT 2025 preparation. Read the full article to learn “how to prepare for CAT in 4 months.”
Four months seems like a short span to complete the CAT 2025 self-preparation. However, with the right exam strategy and practice, one can score a high percentile in CAT 2025. If one has already started their CAT preparation for 2025 it means their basics are clear and now they need to focus on speed, accuracy, shortcuts, tips, and tricks.
However, for those who are going to start their preparation from now on, then this article is a must-read. In this article of Careers360, one will get to know “How to prepare for CAT 2025 in 4 months”, and how one can draw their study plan so that they crack the exam without any difficulty and make their way to the premier B-School of India. Check out the 4 months CAT preparation plan below.
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Before making any study plan or preparation strategy for the CAT exam, one should get familiar with the CAT exam pattern and its detailed syllabus. As per the past year's trend, the exam pattern for CAT 2025 consists of three sections, namely, Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). There are 20 questions for the QA and 24 questions in the VARC section and DILR consists of a total of 20 questions with a total of 66 questions.
While taking CAT 2025, candidates can not switch between the sections due to the sectional time limit. Candidates get 40 minutes for each section. The total time duration is 2 hours for CAT 2025, which means candidates have to manage their time accordingly so that they can avoid the hassle and anxiety.
If one has only four months to prepare for CAT 2025, then they should divide their preparation plan stage-wise. It makes their preparation easy and they can handle the CAT preparation pressure with ease. Here are some tips for 4 months CAT preparation.
Before starting the CAT 2025 preparation, candidates need to check where they stand currently such as whether their basics are clear or not, did they know the basic formulas to solve Quantitative Aptitude questions, etc. After knowing this, candidates can get an idea of their strong and weak areas. If one is unable to assess their level of preparation, then moving forward can be a herculean task.
After making a diagnosis report, candidates can categorise in which sections they have a good accuracy rate and which are the ones where they need to work hard. It will hardly take 2 to 3 days to spot where one is standing.
Once candidates have gone through the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT 2025, they need to start working on the fundamentals of every topic during the four months of CAT preparation. Through this candidates can get conceptual clarity and strengthen their basics. While preparing for the Verbal Ability section, one should do their reading on a regular basis to get a hold of it.
Apart from the VARC section, the other section demands a good amount of time to practice the concepts. When one is well versed in the basics, they should start their preparation chapter and section-wise and at a swift pace.
The Quantitative aptitude section actually carries the major chunk of CAT preparation. Apart from other sections, Quant has a very vast syllabus from algebra to percentages, basically, the Quant section tests the fundamentals of a candidate. It needs a proper strategy to prepare for each topic in a systematic way. Through this process, candidates can understand the basics and can set a benchmark for CAT preparation. One can make the Quant section easy for them, they only need to include Learning and practice while preparing for CAT in 4 months.
There is no fixed syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning syllabus, which makes it a bit difficult as compared to other sections. Among the three sections, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is the most crucial and challenging in the CAT 2025. If one is good at solving puzzles then they can tackle the Logical Reasoning section very easily. Those who are not familiar with DILR questions have to solve previous year's CAT papers and solve questions from standard templates, Einstein puzzles, the grid puzzle, etc.
Self-study is very important when it comes to taking any exam. The best part of self-study is one can get to know where he or she stands and anticipate accordingly. Sometimes, self-study might be frustrating but this is the only way to achieve any goal. One can include the following factors while doing self-study.
Read the textbook
Read the class notes
Make colourful and proper notes
Look up other online resources
Teach someone what you have learned
CAT preparation is considered incomplete if one has not attempted the mocks. CAT mock tests, test series, or CAT sample papers are basically designed to make aspirants understand the structure and level of the CAT entrance test. The result of the CAT mock test will indicate the candidate's strengths and weaknesses. Taking mocks at the beginning of preparation, candidates have ample time to improve their weak areas, and simultaneously they can strengthen their strong portions.
Candidates should set a target to solve at least six past-year papers in a week. After solving every paper, candidates should spend time analysing it. See where you scored well as well as where you could be good and what are the main reasons for not doing better. This step should be performed in the second last month of preparation. The main benefit of solving past years' papers is, that candidates can get to know whether they are making progress or not.
In the last 10 to 15 days of CAT preparation, do not explore any new topics. Only practice what you know and extract the maximum benefit. Just polish your strength and do a revision of all sticky notes that you have made during exam preparation.
According to CAT topper, Satya Sripada (99.51 percentile), focuses on basics. Revise what you have studied in the day before going to sleep and have a revision day once a week where you go through all the notes again. Note down important questions or tricks in a different notebook. Give mocks regularly and analyse them properly. Revisit the same mock a second time after a couple of weeks. You need to go through the syllabus and past papers and build your own strategy to counter the exam.
Preparing for the CAT exam in 4 months requires using a range of effective study resources. Focus on books that cover quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, andLogical Reasoning comprehensively. Look for materials that include detailed explanations of concepts, plenty of practice questions, and strategies for solving problems efficiently. Additionally, using resources that offer a variety of mock tests and previous years' papers is crucial for getting familiar with the exam pattern and improving time management. By using these kinds of study materials, you can create a solid preparation plan for the CAT exam preparation in 4 months. Some of the most essential CAT preparation books are given below:
For CAT preparation in four months, concentrate on mastering core quantitative aptitude concepts. Regular practice is essential, starting with basic problems and gradually increasing difficulty to enhance your problem-solving skills effectively.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Detailed coverage of quantitative topics, includes shortcuts and tips for solving problems |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT | Fundamental concepts of mathematics, clear explanations, essential for building a strong foundation in maths |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of quantitative topics, includes advanced level problems and solutions |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | Detailed coverage of quantitative topics, includes numerous practice questions and solved examples |
For CAT preparation in four months, prioritize improving verbal ability and reading comprehension skills. Focus on practicing a variety of passages and questions to enhance comprehension, vocabulary, and speed. Regularly review and analyze different types of texts to strengthen your understanding and interpretation abilities effectively.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay | Step-by-step approach to improve verbal ability and comprehension, includes practice questions |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/Simon & Schuster | Enhances vocabulary through practical exercises, quick learning strategies |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin | Covers entire syllabus of English grammar, includes practice exercises and self-assessment sections |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Covers verbal ability topics, practical approach with practice questions and previous year papers |
For CAT preparation in four months, concentrate on enhancing your skills in data interpretation and logical reasoning. Use practice books that offer a range of exercises and strategies to improve your ability to analyze data and solve logical puzzles. Regular practice and systematic review of different types of problems will help you build confidence and proficiency in these areas essential for the CAT exam.
Book Title | Author(s) | Features |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of DI topics, self-sufficient for preparation |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Strong concept building, practical application of problems, graded difficulty levels |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | Focuses on interpretation of data and sufficiency of information, practical approach |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Practical approach to DI and LR topics, includes practice questions and mock tests |
Some people can crack CAT in 4 months even if they are an average student and some may take 6 months. By this, you can understand that an average student needs at least 6 to 7 months to prepare for CAT exam.
Generally, candidates should give at least 4-5 months of time to prepare for CAT. This way, they will have enough time to go through all the material, practice questions and mock tests, and improve their weak areas. If you are short on time, you can also opt for a crash course.
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.
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your CAT 2024 percentile you have chances to get call from some of the IIM including:
Some of the good colleges other than IIM in which you have chances to get a seat are the following
You can predict the colleges in which you have chance to get a seat for MBA course using the CAT 2024 college predictor tool.
Hope this information will help you
Based on your CAT and NMAT scores, here's a suggested preference order for the colleges you've applied to, keeping in mind that MBA Finance specializations often have specific cutoffs:
You must make considerations on specialization, placements, faculty, curriculum and campus life and go for the college that you believe suits you the best.
All the very best!
Hello,
CAT percentage score: 92.4%ile; Educational background: B.Sc. Botany; Work Experience: 34 months; CGPA 9 in Class 10 With such a profile, the niche programs like IIMA FABM (Food and Agribusiness Management) and IIML ABM (Agri-Business Management) present a competitive edge. This is because these programs offer good diversity in academic backgrounds that align well with your profile.
While your 12th (65.7%) and graduation (65.2%) scores may eliminate opportunities at the older IIMs for their core PGP programs, newer IIMs in the list are IIM Udaipur, IIM Raipur, and IIM Kashipur; the MBA programs at the IITs like IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, or IIT Kharagpur are also worth examining with their slightly lower cut-offs.
Emphasise academic diversity, work experiences, and career goals that are in agribusiness to strengthen your application and prepare for interviews to eventually apply strategically to maximise your chances at institutions whose values align with yours.
You can use the online CAT College Predictor tools to estimate the probability of receiving interview calls from different IIMs and other top MBA colleges based on your CAT percentile of 92.4% and academic background.
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