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CAT 2025 Preparation Tips: The CAT 2025 exam is likely to be held by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) on November 30, 2025. A well-formulated preparation plan is important to perform well in this ultra-competitive exam. Achieving success in CAT needs a mix of conceptual clarity, strategic planning, and persistent practice of its three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI).
To improve performance, candidates must prioritize knowing the pattern of the exam, practicing previous year papers, and regularly solving CAT sample questions. A study plan will help in enhancing speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills. In this article, we share expert tips for preparation, important strategies, and a step-by-step study plan to increase confidence and score high marks in CAT 2025.
Before knowing how to prepare for the CAT, it is better to know what the CAT exam is. IIM CAT has a lot of topics, so it always helps to have a clear schedule. To make a CAT 2025 strategy, it is very important to understand the CAT exam syllabus before jumping straight into your CAT 2025 preparation. After that, analyze the paper pattern by referring CAT previous year papers. This analysis will help you identify your weak and strong areas. Using this information, you will understand which topic needs your most of your attention and time.
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When it comes to the CAT exam preparation, you must be aware of the most important CAT preparation topics. Through this, you will be able to secure a good portion of the CAT exam syllabus within a limited time. Now, let us discuss a few important topics from each section that are most likely to be asked in the exam and will enhance your CAT preparation and ensure you score well in your CAT exam.
The candidates are advised to emphasize these CAT quantitative aptitude topics more to enhance their CAT exam preparation.
Number System: Ensure that you are clear with the basic concepts of this topic.
● Arithmetic: Though Arithmetic has a vast number of subtopics, in the last 3 years, only
a couple of questions have featured from this topic.
● Algebra: Considering this has been one of the most dominant topics in CAT in the last
three years, it makes a lot of sense to place extra emphasis on this topic.
● Geometry: Another topic that has featured quite a lot in the last 3 years.
● Permutation and Combination /Probability: This is another topic that contributes around 1 to 2 questions to the exam.
● Miscellaneous Topics: This includes Set Theory, Trigonometry, and Logarithms
A few topics that you must cover in the DI section and that you must prepare well are given below:
1. Bar Graph
2. Data Sufficiency
3. Pie Chart
4. Caselets
5. Line Graph, etc
A few topics that you must cover in the Logical Reasoning section and that you must prepare well are given below:
• Family Tree
• Assumptions
• Sets
• Match
• Prepositions
The candidates are suggested to practice the following CAT VARC topics to improve their CAT percentile scores.
• Para jumbles
• Grammar
• Sentence corrections
• Vocabulary
• Para corrections
The most frequently asked question by CAT aspirants during the last leg of the CAT exam is "Can I prepare for CAT in 2 months?". The answer to this question is yes. The CAT exam will be conducted tentatively on November 30, 2025. With the right CAT exam preparation tips and guidance, along with a planned strategy, one can ace the CAT 2025 exam with a good percentile.
Before starting the CAT preparation for MBA, candidates should go through the exam pattern and syllabus to make themselves familiar with the test scheme and the types of questions and structure of the examination. The CAT 2025 exam pattern is what can be called the layout/structure of the exam. It gives details about the duration of the CAT exam, the total number of questions to be asked, the mode of the test, the marking scheme, the number of sections, etc.
There might be some changes in the CAT exam syllabus and pattern; however, it is expected to be much more similar to last year's exam pattern. Candidates preparing for CAT 2025 are advised to go through the exam pattern and CAT syllabus, as this will help to know what and how much they should study.
Know about the Best Online Platform for CAT Preparation
Particulars | Details |
Exam Duration | 2 hours |
Total no. of questions | 66 |
Mode of CAT 2025 | Computer-Based |
Marking scheme |
|
Sections | Verbal ability and reading comprehension |
Data interpretation & logical reasoning | |
Quantitative ability |
Also read:
Features | CAT 2023/ CAT 2022/ CAT 2021 | CAT 2020 | CAT 2019 |
Number of CAT exam slots | Three | Three | Two |
CAT exam time duration | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | 180 minutes |
Sectional time limit | 40 minutes | 40 minutes | 60 minutes |
Total number of questions | 66 | 76 | 100 |
Total marks | 198 | 228 | 300 |
Total questions in the VARC section | 24 | 26 | 34 |
Total questions in the DILR section | 20 | 24 | 32 |
Total questions in the QA section | 22 | 26 | 34 |
Candidates can check the details of the CAT exam syllabus 2025 below.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Syllabus | Verbal Reasoning Syllabus |
Tables | English Usage or Grammar | |
Caselets | Vocabulary-based (Synonyms/ Antonyms) | |
Bar Graphs | Fill in the blanks | |
Line Charts | Sentence Correction | |
Column Graphs | Cloze Passage | |
Reading Comprehension | Jumbled Paragraph | |
Pie Chart | Meaning-Usage Match | |
Other Basic Reasoning Questions | Analogies or Reverse Analogies | |
Summary Questions | ||
Complex Numbers | Verbal Reasoning | |
Facts-Inferences-Judgments | ||
Algorithm | ||
-- | ||
Exponent and Surds, and Indices | Logical Matching | |
Set Theory & Function | Logical Sequence | |
Trigonometry | ||
Coordinate Geometry | -- | |
Geometry | ||
Candidates who are interested in taking the CAT exam 2025 usually come up with questions like "Can I prepare for CAT in 3 months?" during the last few months before the exam. To prepare for CAT in 3 months, candidates must follow a structured study plan, attempt several mocks, the CAT previous year paper, and analyse their performance. They should start the preparation in sync with the CAT 2025 exam pattern and syllabus.
Preparing with the CAT exam syllabus in mind becomes easy and more effective. This way, students can cover more topics in less time as they precisely know what to study and what not. Moreover, instead of having a single strategy for the entire CAT syllabus, make a separate strategy for every section. Section-wise CAT preparation strategy provided below will be of great help to candidates.
Focus on enhancing your basics of mathematics.
Learn topics like profit and loss, number systems, and geometry, as they will form key questions in CAT 2025.
Practice as much as you can and go for mock tests.
Mensuration Formula | |
Binomial Theorem |
Reading as much as possible is the best way to crack this section and score good marks. This way, you will understand how to prepare for the CAT VARC section.
Go through newspapers, journals, blogs, articles, etc., to enhance your reading skills.
Try solving questions based on comprehension, inferences, and para jumbles. Candidates can join any private tuition or take CAT coaching and prepare from the foundational booklets provided to them.
Prepositions with Exercises | Pronouns with Exercises |
Phrases Modifiers | Types of Clauses |
Errors in Tenses | Subject-Verb Agreement |
Para jumbles with Exercises | Examples of Articles |
Parts of Speech |
Considered to be one of the toughest sections in the CAT exam 2025, needs a lot of hard work to be done from the candidate’s side.
Check the CAT previous year question paper and try to re-attempt those questions.
Try to study basic topics like seating arrangements, Blood Relation, Syllogism, etc, to grip on this section. Do not use a calculator while solving questions.
Number Systems | Approximation and Conversion Techniques |
Also check: How to prepare for CAT DI & LR
Candidates are advised to choose and buy the best CAT study material for exam preparation wisely. A list of the best CAT 2025 preparation books for each section has been provided in tabular form below.
Books | Author | Details |
How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT exam | Arun Sharma |
|
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT 2025 | Nishit K. Sinha |
|
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT exam | Sarvesh K Verma |
|
Books | Author | Details |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT Exam | Arun Sharma |
|
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT exam 2025 | K. Sinha Nishit |
|
Books | Author | Details |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
|
Mastering the Verbal Ability for the CAT exam | Ajay Singh |
|
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT 2025 | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
|
Common Admission Test is a test of your speed, accuracy, and knowledge, which means it is not a good idea to study more and more. Instead, focus on speed improvement, time management, and mock practice. Apart from sectional preparation, here are some other, yet most important, CAT preparation tips and tricks for aspirants to follow. Some basic, easy-to-follow strategies are -
Time Management | Analyze and Understand |
Reverse Action | Focus on Strengths & Goal Accomplishment |
Attempt Mock Tests | Practice Everything |
Also Check:
With 40 minutes of time allotted to each section, candidates must devise their strategy so they can answer all questions. Managing their time will help candidates turn their efforts into fruitful results. Divide your 24 hours in such a way that you practice each section daily. Speaking about time management, Rounak Tikmani, CAT topper, considered time management as the fourth section apart from the other three provided by IIM. For candidates appearing in the CAT for the first time, time management will provide them with the following benefits at the time of CAT preparation-
Enhance your efficiency
Increase your productivity
Lower stress level
Sharing his experience, the CAT topper Nishakar Kumar said, “I believe time management is much easier when you are passionate about what you are doing, so simply realizing that makes a lot of difference”.
Quick Links:
Before making any kind of strategy on how to prepare for CAT 2025, it is advisable that candidates first check the exam pattern of CAT 2025. Analyse the number of sections, topics, and subtopics asked in previous years' exams, along with the difficulty levels. Candidates must also decide how they want to prepare for the CAT exam, whether it is better to prepare for CAT online or offline. For CAT preparation online or offline, candidates must do thorough research on the institutes providing coaching for the CAT exam. If they are opting for offline mode, consider all the factors like fees, travelling expenses, timings, etc.
Opting for online CAT preparation is more convenient and cost-effective, as the candidate must maintain their discipline while preparing for the CAT exam. Before taking any kind of tests, analyze these points and try to figure out what your major areas are, which subjects require improvement, etc. The analysis is not only done before your CAT 2025 preparation, but is also important and to be done in between and at the end of your CAT preparation.
Focus on strengths & Goal Accomplishment.
After analyzing which are your strong areas, make them stronger by regular practice. Devise proper strategies for overcoming and correcting your areas of improvement. In the words of CAT topper Ronit, “candidates must develop a concrete idea of their strengths as well as weaknesses”. In order to achieve good scores, candidates must capitalize on their strengths first and then move towards the less strong areas.
CAT topper Aditya Devalla said that he had a calm attitude and focused only on what was necessary. Cracking the CAT exam with a good percentile is no less than a challenge, but everything is possible if you focus your mind on what you wish to achieve. CAT 2025 will be no different than previous exams.
CAT toppers accept that their success was somewhat dependent on the mock test they attempted during their CAT preparation. One of the best strategies for preparing for CAT 2025 is to give the CAT Mock tests, as it gives candidates a simulated environment of the exam and necessary feedback on their progress. Benefits of the mock test include self-assessment, time management, accuracy in answering the questions, and understanding the exam day nervousness level.
Quick Links:
Experts in CAT advise candidates to practice what they preach. Regularly practicing what you know will help you assess what more is required at the time of CAT preparation. Study each topic and then practice it weekly to keep it fresh in your mind. For CAT topper Abhilasha Balakrishnan, “Regular practice and a lot of mock tests helped him achieve his goals”.
Reverse Action
While solving the CAT mock test or the actual CAT exam, if you find yourself surrounded by questions getting a little difficult, you may choose the reverse action and scan the answers given first. Many times, it happens that answers contain imperative clues that can help you solve the questions more accurately.
Careers360 brings you a set of preparation materials for the CAT 2025 preparation. All the important links are attached below:
CAT Sectional Preparation | CAT Preparation Materials | CAT Preparation Tips |
For CAT 2025 preparation, solving sample papers and taking mock tests are crucial. Sample papers give you a feel for the types of questions and the exam's difficulty level, while mock tests simulate the actual test environment, helping you manage time and build stamina. Regularly practicing with these resources allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, adjust your study plan, and improve your test-taking strategies. Analyzing your performance in these tests also helps you understand common mistakes and improve your approach for the actual exam.
Title | Download Link |
CAT Sample Papers | |
Mock CAT Questions | |
Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Answers | |
CAT Sample Paper 2021 |
The major mistakes that the candidates commit during their CAT preparation 2025 are listed below. You must refer to these common CAT mistakes are improve your CAT preparation by avoiding them.
Avoid irregular study habits, as they can disrupt your progress. Stick to a regular study schedule, setting aside specific times each day for CAT preparation. This helps ensure you cover all topics systematically and build a strong study habit.
Don’t skip the basics. Make sure you understand fundamental concepts in math, verbal ability, and data interpretation. A strong grasp of these basics is crucial for solving more complex problems and performing well on the test.
Time management is key. Practice answering questions within the time limits to get used to the pace of the exam. This helps you handle the pressure and complete the test on time, which is critical for performing well.
Mock tests are essential for your preparation. They replicate the actual exam environment and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Regularly taking mock tests allows you to adjust your study plan based on your performance and get comfortable with the test format.
It’s important to work on all areas of the exam, not just your strengths. Spending too much time on what you’re already good at can leave your weaker areas underdeveloped. Balance your study time to improve in every section of the exam.
Previous years’ CAT papers are valuable resources. They give you an idea of the exam pattern and the types of questions that commonly appear. Reviewing these papers helps you get familiar with the format and improves your problem-solving skills.
Your health affects your performance. Don’t let stress or poor health undermine your preparation. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to keep your mind and body in good shape for studying and taking the exam.
The time needed to prepare for the CAT exam varies based on each candidate's efficiency, clarity of concepts, and overall understanding. Since everyone aims to achieve a high percentile for admission into top IIMs, the question of preparation time is crucial. For someone with an average academic record, CAT preparation might take over a year. Candidates with an excellent academic background may need around 6-8 months, while those with a strong track record could be ready in just 3-4 months.
The time needed to prepare for the CAT exam varies based on individual ability. It depends on how quickly a person can understand the fundamental concepts, so there isn't a set time required to pass the CAT if starting from scratch. Usually, it takes about two to three months to complete the basics of the three sections for beginners. On average, dedicated preparation for the CAT takes around 6-7 months. Ideally, candidates should aim to study for two hours on weekdays and six to eight hours on weekends.
A comprehensive preparation for the MBA entrance exam or the CAT exam requires understanding the exam pattern, being consistent, practicing regularly, and solving mock tests. CAT is a test of speed, accuracy, and knowledge, so time management is the most crucial aspect in the preparation for CAT.
Yes, a negative marking scheme is applicable in CAT exam. One mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Candidates can start their CAT 2025 preparation 6-8 months in advance and complete the CAT exam syllabus within the given time. CAT 2025 is a tough exam but can be cracked with the right strategy and determination.
To appear for the CAT, candidates must hold a graduation degree with at least 50 % marks if they belong to the General category. For those in the SC or ST categories, a graduation degree with a minimum of 45 % marks is required. Additionally, final-year students and those with equivalent qualifications can also apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria by the time of admission.
A time period of 6 months is generally advised for a holistic preparation for CAT with proper analysis of important topics, regular and dedicated study, and practice of mock tests. This may vary depending on the hours of dedicated study daily.
Hi aspirant,
The IIM admissions procedure is multifaceted .
Cracking the CAT demands a smart and systematic strategy .
Success relies on
discipline
,
dedication
, and a
good outlook
.
All the best!
Hey Paridhi ,
I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query , you have to understand the exam pattern first. Its syllabus, the type of questions and so on. Here i am mentioning some tips i hope this will be helpful for you.
To know more you can refer this :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-preparation-strategy
Revert for further query!
Good luck !
Hello Abhishek,
No, you cannot take admission into B. Tech Marine Engineering at CUSAT if you do not take the CAT 2025 exam. CUSAT CAT is a mandatory exam for admission into all undergraduate programs including B Tech Marine Engineering. Admission to the program will only be possible for candidates with valid CAT scores.
350s is below typical general category cutoffs for private MBBS seats.
Only realistic route is through management/NRI quota in lower-tier colleges with high fees.
Government seats are highly unlikely .
Hi aspirant,
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam, and practicing sample questions is essential for efficient preparation.
Kindly refer to the link attached above for the sample papers.
All the best!
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