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CAT 2025 is India’s top MBA entrance exam, and a smart approach is key to cracking it. A well-planned one year study plan for CAT helps cover concepts, practice, and revision without burnout. This 12-month CAT preparation strategy breaks down the vast syllabus into manageable phases. With a clear yearly CAT preparation timetable, you can steadily improve your speed and accuracy. If you're wondering how to prepare for CAT in 1 year, this guide offers expert insights for effective CAT 2025 long-term preparation and achieving your target score.
The CAT score represents the total marks a candidate secures in the exam based on correct answers, wrong answers, and the difficulty level of the questions. Each section carries specific weightage, and the final score reflects overall performance across all sections. On the other hand, the CAT percentile shows how a candidate performed in comparison to others. For example, a 90 percentile means the candidate performed better than 90% of test-takers.
While the CAT score gives an idea of raw performance, the percentile is what matters most during B-school admissions, as it ranks candidates without showing exact marks. Understanding the link between the CAT score vs percentile is vital for aspirants, especially when following a one-year study plan for CAT 2025. This knowledge helps in setting realistic score goals and tracking progress throughout a 12-month CAT preparation strategy. A detailed CAT score vs percentile analysis can guide students in planning their preparation more effectively and aligning their efforts with their target B-schools.
Percentile | Score VARC | Score DILR | Score QA | Overall Score |
99.5 | 42 | 30 | 30 | 86 |
99 | 36 | 25 | 25 | 74 |
95 | 30 | 20 | 22 | 52 |
90 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 42 |
80 | 20 | 11 | 9 | 35 |
70 | 18 | 9 | 7 | 30 |
Understanding the CAT exam 2025 pattern is one of the first major aspects of the CAT preparation roadmap for a candidate. Before any CAT aspirant devises their CAT study plan, they must fully understand the CAT exam pattern.
Particulars | CAT Pattern 2025 and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
Name of the Section | |
Section-wise CAT exam duration |
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CAT slot timings |
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How many questions are in the CAT exam | 68 Questions |
CAT total marks | 204 marks |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme |
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A one year study plan for CAT ensures steady progress, deeper conceptual understanding, and ample time for mock tests and analysis. It aligns perfectly with a 12-month CAT preparation strategy and is ideal for aspirants aiming for CAT 2025 long term preparation success.
Strong Foundation Building
With a full year in hand, aspirants can begin by thoroughly understanding the fundamental concepts of Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. This slow pace ensures conceptual clarity and reduces the chances of confusion during advanced preparation stages.
Regular Practice & Continuous Revision
A 12-month CAT preparation strategy allows time for consistent practice, spaced revision, and understanding of weak areas. Aspirants can revise topics multiple times, solve topic-wise questions, and build memory essential for solving questions under time pressure.
Better Stress and Time Management
Spreading preparation across an entire year reduces the need for cramming or high-stress last-minute preparation. This approach especially benefits working professionals or final-year students, as it allows manageable study hours without compromising other responsibilities.
More Time for Mock Tests & Analysis
One of the key advantages of a long-term CAT 2025 preparation strategy is the availability of time to attempt more mock tests. Aspirants can analyse their performance, work on accuracy and time management, and simulate exam-day conditions to build confidence and exam temperament.
Flexibility and Adaptability in Strategy
Over a year, aspirants can test different preparation methods, switch between resources, and fine-tune their approach based on progress. This flexibility is impossible in short-term plans and allows students to recover from setbacks without derailing the entire plan.
There are more than 1200 leading B-schools that accept the CAT exam for admission. Approximately 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT exam every year, making the IIM entrance exam even more competitive. A one-year study plan for CAT 2025 is the best way to prepare for and achieve a significantly high score in this MBA entrance exam. To begin the preparation, candidates first need to decide which study plan they wish to proceed with. Candidates have two choices before they start their preparation, which are given below:
CAT 2025 with the assistance of coaching institutes
Let's examine each of the two plans in detail below and determine if one year is sufficient for CAT 2025 preparation.
A one-year study plan for the CAT 2025 exam involves breaking down your preparation into manageable stages. Begin by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, then focus on establishing a solid foundation in each subject. Gradually move on to advanced topics and practice regularly with mock tests. As the exam approaches, shift your focus to revision and improving test-taking strategies. This approach ensures comprehensive coverage of all topics and ample time for practice and review.
Month | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
Month 1 | Basic Numbers, Classification, conversions (Decimal to Fraction), Base conversion, Unit Digit, Last Two Digit of a number | Bar Graph, Pie Chart | Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs |
Month 2 | Line Graph, Tables, Spider | Conjunctions, Articles, Prepositions, Reading | |
Month 3 | Caselett, Data Interpretation, Blood Relation | Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Correction | |
Month 4 | RC and PYQs, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech | ||
Month 5 | Functions and Graph Maxima and Minima Logarithm and Modulus | Distribution, Selection, Miscellaneous, Decision Making | Verbal Analogies, Participles, Parallelism |
Month 6 | Problems involving Ages | Logical Deductions and Connections Syllogism , Data Sufficiency in LR | One-word Substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms |
Month 7 | Parajumbles and PYQs, Idioms and Phrases and PYQs | ||
Month 8 | Mathematical Grid, Miscellaneous (Part 1) | Critical Reasoning | |
Month 9 | Revision of all topics covered so far, with a focus on weak areas | Revision of all topics covered so far, with a focus on weak areas | Revision of all topics covered so far, with a focus on weak areas |
Month 10 | Advanced problems, Mock Tests | Advanced problems, Mock Tests | Advanced problems, Mock Tests |
Month 11 | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes | Full-Length Practice Tests, Review Mistakes |
Month 12 | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas | Final Review, Focus on Key Areas |
The CAT 2025 mock test designed by Careers360 serves as an important preparation respurce for aspirants preparing for the CAT 2025 examination. Careers360 additionally offers a detailed analysis of the CAT mock test structure and format, ensuring aspirants gain complete familiarity with the question varieties and test layout they will encounter in the CAT exam 2025.
TITLE | DOWNLOAD LINK |
CAT Mock Test |
Some experts and past year CAT toppers agree that mentoring or joining a coaching program for the CAT may be beneficial. However, merely joining a coaching program does not guarantee you will ace the entrance exam and score high marks. Pulkit Daga, a CAT topper, said that joining a coaching class for CAT is not obligatory, but it can help a candidate consider getting into top B-schools. Walking in the footsteps of Suvam Debnath, who self-prepared for the CAT without being part of any coaching institute, he took advantage of the internet. CAT preparation without coaching is possible.
Some experts acknowledge that approximately 500 hours of dedicated preparation for CAT 2025 will be sufficient to reach your peak potential and excel in the exam, securing admission to the top B-schools in India. If candidates plan to study for CAT 2025 independently without coaching, they can follow the CAT 1-year study plan mentioned below.
When you have 12 full months to prepare for CAT, the smartest way to approach it is by breaking the year into clear phases. Each phase has a specific focus, starting with building basics and ending with polishing performance. This long-term plan helps you study without stress and steadily improve your score.
Months 1 to 3 – Build Your Basics
Start slow and focus on getting the fundamentals right. Cover each topic from scratch in Quant, Verbal Ability, and DILR. For example, begin with arithmetic, grammar rules, and simple puzzles. Watch beginner-friendly videos, use standard books, and practise a few questions every day. Don’t rush, this is the base you’ll build everything on.
Months 4 to 6 – Practise by Topic
Once the basics are done, start solving questions topic-wise. Set targets like “finish percentages this week” or “five reading passages a day.” Spend more time on the topics you find tricky. Also, start timing yourself a little, just to get used to solving under mild pressure. This is when you start feeling more confident.
Months 7 to 9 – Begin Full-Length Practice Tests
Now that you’ve practised enough topics, begin taking full-length tests once a week. After every test, check what went wrong and why. Maybe you spent too long on one DI set or misunderstood an RC question. The idea here is to understand your mistakes and improve bit by bit. Track your scores, but don’t worry too much, this is the learning stage.
Months 10 to 11 – Sharpen Your Strategy
By now, you’ll know which sections need more attention. Use this time to revise the tricky parts, practise short tests on weak areas, and improve question selection. Go back to earlier mock tests and re-solve questions you got wrong. Make your own notes, shortcuts, formulas, or tips that worked for you. Focus on what you need rather than what others are doing.
Month 12 – Final Practice and Staying Calm
In the last month, keep things simple. Take two or three mock tests per week at the same time as your actual exam slot. Don’t pick up new topics, just revise and solve what you’ve already studied. Keep your mind calm, sleep well, and stay away from unnecessary comparisons. Trust the effort you’ve put in.
Below is a detailed CAT 2025 study plan for each CAT topic, covering a one-year period.
According to the CAT 2025 exam pattern, the paper will be divided into three sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and logical reasoning and data interpretation. Upon deciding to take the CAT exam, candidates must follow the CAT 2025 syllabus to develop a preparation plan. Remember that the CAT 2025 preparation time is now. Follow the strategy outlined below to begin preparing for each section.
Keeping in view the past records, this section of LR & DI is considered to be a difficult nut to crack and hence requires a tough grind to be done on the side of candidates
For this, it is advisable to thoroughly go through the previous year's CAT question papers
Basic level mathematics preparation is a must to score in this section of QA
Major topics in the QA section include questions on seating arrangements, number systems, profit and loss, geometry, blood relations, and more.
Practising mock tests for the section will be more beneficial
At the time of solving QA questions, candidates avoid using calculators
According to CAT topper Alamuri Kumar, candidates can develop vocabulary skills through regular reading habits and explore different topics in the CAT with detailed information.
Go through journals, blog posts, articles, podcasts, etc., to improve this section
Practice topics like inferences, comprehension and para jumbles
Candidates must divide their preparation strategy to determine when exactly they should start preparing for CAT 2025. Most candidates become confused and end up wasting a significant amount of their precious time. To begin with, candidates can start their preparation with 9 months, 6 months and 3 months of planning. When and how to start CAT preparation can be divided by candidates as follows:
Division on a Month-wise Basis:
Monthly Division | The focus of the CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy |
9 Months (March-May) |
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6 Months (June-August) |
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3 Month (September-November) |
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Seeking help from like-minded people will certainly accelerate one's performance. Hence, try to search for other candidates who are planning to appear for CAT 2025. A good company can help significantly and lead to better outcomes. Therefore, candidates should seek out individuals who are planning to attend Business School for the upcoming academic year. Study group participants can help and motivate others to create a lively and competitive environment.
According to CAT 2023 topper Shreemant Singi, forming a focused friend circle with the same objective can help clear doubts and formulate a better strategy. Apart from the helping hand, friends who understand the importance of CAT can help one start studying after a decent amount of recreational time has passed.
CAT is about attempting questions with accuracy rather than solving more questions. Please note that negative marking will be applicable in CAT 2025, just as it has been in previous years. To score well in all sections will be possible only when candidates know where to prepare. Candidates must try to identify and select the best books for CAT preparation.
If you look for CAT books, the market will provide you with a large selection of books. But what will you do if those books don't serve the purpose? Before purchasing books, it is advisable to review the syllabus carefully. Check whether the book you plan to buy covers all the topics, most of them, or none of them. Purchase books that offer high-quality content.
How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT - Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT - K. Sinha Nishit
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT - Ajay Singh
Nishakar Kumar, the topper in CAT 2023, who achieved a straight 99.83 percentile, told Careers360 that he received coaching and feedback from a professional regarding his preparation strategy. "A good coaching institute will prove beneficial along with regular CAT mock tests," says Rahul. Whereas CAT 2023 topper Rounak Tikmani says, “Coaching institutes provide guidance and content and make the preparation path easy; however, it is not always necessary to join one.
Below are the benefits associated with CAT coaching, if you are planning to join a coaching institute for CAT 2025 -
Competitive environment to stay focused
Sufficient study material
Mock Test series
Shortcut methods of solving difficult questions
According to Soham Katkar, Topper of CAT, clearing CAT requires both self-study and coaching institutes. Self-study can make a difference, whereas coaching institutes provide the right foundation, clear concept understanding, and straightforward guidance.
CAT preparation can take more than a year, for a CAT aspirant with an average past academic record, 6-8 months for a student with a better-than-expected past academic record and 3-4 months for an aspirant with an amazing past academic record.
Focus on understanding the basic concepts of Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern and start solving practice questions to build your problem-solving skills.
Hard work is possible. Try searching for some good coaching institutes around you. CAT exam has 3 sections verbal, DILR and quants quants is the section where students face difficulties so keep practicing and get your doubts cleared by teachers.
Mock tests are crucial for achieving success in the CAT. They help improve time management, identify areas for improvement, and build exam temperament. Take at least 50-60 full-length mocks before the actual exam.
A CAT student should aim to study for around 3 to 5 hours daily. The key is consistency and quality of study rather than just the number of hours. Regular practice and review are crucial for good preparation.
A percentile above 95 is generally considered suitable for old IIMs, while an 85-90 percentile can get you into newer IIMs and other top B-schools. The exact cutoff varies by category and specific Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
Yes, one year is more than enough if you follow a structured plan. With regular study, practice, and mock tests, you can easily cover the entire syllabus and improve your score.
In the beginning, 2–3 hours a day is enough. You can increase it to 4–5 hours later, especially during mock test and revision phases.
Coaching can help if you need guidance or are starting from scratch. But many students also crack CAT with self-study by using online resources and books.
Start giving full-length mock tests after 5–6 months of preparation, once your basics are clear. Before that, practise with topic-wise tests and small quizzes.
Yes, many working professionals and students crack CAT with a one-year plan. Just create a realistic schedule, use weekends wisely, and stay consistent.
Important topics for NIFT CAT are mostly based on your creativity, observation, design thinking, and visual communication skills. So here's list of important topics you should focus on:
- Observation and drawing skills: Human figures & gestures, nature & Scene drawing are important
- Creative Visualisation: In this you'll have to convert 2d shapes into 3d, making imaginary scenes from a theme, and story illustration from given situations.
- Design & Concept Development: You'll be making logo, posters with creative slogans, book cover design and many more designs.
- Color theory, creative use of texture & patterns.
- Imagination & Innovation: merging two object to make new thing, designing eco friendly or festive based products
Hello Aspirant,
On the CAT form, you should put your name exactly as it is on your class 10 marksheet, as that will be the official educational record. Then during document verification, you can bring a Gazette notification or affidavit for name change so that documents can match your Aadhaar.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
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