One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025: Expert Strategies to Ace the Exam

One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025: Expert Strategies to Ace the Exam

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Team Careers360Updated on 23 Sep 2025, 03:27 PM IST

Cracking CAT 2025, one of India’s most challenging MBA entrance exams, requires a strategic and disciplined approach. A well-structured one-year preparation plan allows aspirants to systematically cover the entire syllabus and is in accordance to the CAT exam pattern 2025, practise mock tests consistently. Dividing the 12 months into focused phases ensures steady improvement in speed, accuracy, and problem-solving abilities. This yearly plan for CAT 2025 also helps monitor progress and concentrate on high-weightage areas.

This Story also Contains

  1. Why is CAT One-Year Plan Important?
  2. Comprehensive One-Year CAT 2025 Study Plan
  3. CAT 2025 One-Year Study Plan: Month-Wise Plan
  4. CAT 2025 Mock Test by Careers360
  5. Importance of Regular CAT Mock Tests and Performance Analysis
  6. CAT 2025 Preparation Without Coaching
  7. Self-Study vs. CAT 2025 Coaching: Making the Right Choice
  8. Methodology for One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025
  9. CAT 2025 Study Plan for 1 Year
  10. CAT 2025 with the Assistance of Coaching Institutes
  11. Understanding the CAT Score and Percentile System
One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025: Expert Strategies to Ace the Exam
CAT 2025 study plan

In this article, we will have a look at:

  • CAT one year plan

  • Self study vs CAT 2025 Coaching

  • CAT mock test

Why is CAT One-Year Plan Important?

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.

Comprehensive One-Year CAT 2025 Study 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:

  1. CAT preparation without coaching

  2. 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.

CAT 2025 One-Year Study Plan: Month-Wise Plan

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

Divisibility Rules

Remainder theorem

HCF and LCM

Line Graph, Tables, Spider

Conjunctions, Articles, Prepositions, Reading

Month 3

Percentage

Profit and Loss

Simple Interest

Compound Interest

Caselett, Data Interpretation, Blood Relation

Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Sentence Correction

Month 4

Loans and Installment

Linear Equations in Two Variables

Quadratic Equations

Types of Polynomials

Order and Ranking, Seating Arrangement

RC and PYQs, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech

Month 5

Inequality

Functions and Graph

Maxima and Minima

Logarithm and Modulus

Distribution, Selection, Miscellaneous, Decision Making

Verbal Analogies, Participles, Parallelism

Month 6

Average

Problems involving Ages

Mixture, Alligation

Ratio and Proportion

Logical Deductions and Connections

Reasoning

Venn Diagram

Syllogism , Data Sufficiency in LR

One-word Substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms

Month 7

Ratios in partnership

Time and Work Time

Speed and Distance



Seating Arrangement

Binary Logic

Parajumbles and PYQs, Idioms and Phrases and PYQs

Month 8

,Trains and Stream

Linear Races and Circular Races

TSD in Elevator

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

CAT 2025 Mock Test by Careers360

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.

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CAT 2025 Mock Test

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CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

Importance of Regular CAT Mock Tests and Performance Analysis

Regular CAT mock tests are essential for effective preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern, manage time during CAT, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. By analysing your performance after each mock, you can improve accuracy, speed, and confidence. Consistent practice with mock tests for CAT 2025 significantly boosts your chances of a higher CAT score.

Importance of Regular CAT Mock Tests

Regular CAT mock tests are crucial for effective preparation. They familiarise you with the exam pattern, help manage time during the test, and highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Analysing each mock’s performance improves accuracy, speed, and overall confidence, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a higher CAT score.

Tracking Progress in a 1-Year Study Plan

In a one-year CAT preparation plan, taking regular mocks allows you to track progress systematically. Reviewing mistakes helps pinpoint topics or question types that need more focus, making your study plan more targeted and efficient.

Improving Time Management and Accuracy

CAT mock tests train you to complete each section within the allotted time. Practising under exam-like conditions enhances both speed and precision, which is essential for securing a high percentile in CAT 2025.

Reducing Exam-Day Stress

Practising under real CAT exam conditions helps reduce stress on the actual exam day. Over time, you build the mental endurance and confidence required to stay calm and focused during the test.

Refining Strategy Through Analysis

Analysing multiple mocks reveals patterns in your performance, enabling you to refine your one-year study plan. This insight allows you to prioritise high-yield topics, perfect shortcuts, and optimise your preparation to maximise your CAT score efficiently.

CAT 2025 Preparation Without Coaching

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.

Self-Study vs. CAT 2025 Coaching: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between self-study and CAT coaching is a crucial decision in your 1-year CAT study plan. The right approach depends on your learning style, discipline, and access to resources. Understanding the pros and cons of each method helps you maximise preparation efficiency, improve performance, and achieve a higher CAT score.

  1. Flexibility and Personal Pace
    In a 1-year CAT study plan, self-study allows you to learn at your own pace. You can focus more on weak areas and adjust your schedule according to your strengths. However, CAT coaching provides a structured timetable and guided lessons, which is helpful if you need discipline and expert support.

  2. Access to Expert Guidance
    CAT coaching classes give access to experienced mentors who can clarify doubts, teach shortcuts, and provide strategies to tackle tough questions. Self-study requires finding reliable resources and sometimes takes longer to solve complex concepts on your own.

  3. Cost and Convenience
    Self-study is budget-friendly and allows you to prepare from home using books and online resources. Coaching involves fees and commuting, but offers regular practice, mock tests, and peer interaction.

  4. Tracking Progress and Accountability
    CAT Coaching often comes with regular mock tests, assignments, and feedback sessions, helping you stay accountable. In self-study, you must maintain a discipline-based 1-year CAT study plan and track progress through self-assessment and mock test analysis.

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Methodology for One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025

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.

CAT 2025 Study Plan for 1 Year

Below is a detailed CAT 2025 study plan for each CAT topic, covering a one-year period.

1. Division of Syllabus:

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.

For Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation:

  • 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

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
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For Quantitative Ability:

  • 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

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For Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:

  • 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

2. Monthly Planning

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. Candidates can plan their preparation based on guidelines for when and how to start CAT preparation.

Division on a Month-wise Basis:

Monthly Division

CAT 2025 Major Focus

9 Months

(March-May)

  • Time Management

  • Concept clarity with shortcuts

6 Months

(June-August)

  • Work on areas of improvement

  • Practice sample paper/past year's questions

3 Month

(September-November)

  • Mock tests

  • Focus on Strong Topics

3. Create a study group

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.

4. Get the right study material

In CAT, accuracy matters more than attempting a high number of questions, as negative marking applies, just like in previous years. Scoring well requires knowing the right resources and selecting the best books for CAT preparation. The market offers numerous CAT books, but not all are equally useful. Before buying, review the syllabus carefully and ensure the book covers most or all topics. Prioritise books with high-quality content that align with your preparation needs to maximise your performance in CAT 2025.

Section / Topic

Book Title

Author

Quantitative Aptitude

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Arun Sharma

Data Interpretation

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT

K. Sinha Nishit

Verbal Ability

Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT

Ajay Singh

CAT 2025 with the Assistance of Coaching Institutes

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 -

  1. Competitive environment to stay focused

  2. Sufficient study material

  3. Mock Test series

  4. 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.

Understanding the CAT Score and Percentile System

The CAT score reflects a candidate’s raw performance, calculated from correct and incorrect answers and question difficulty across all sections. Each section has a specific weightage, and the total score indicates overall achievement. In contrast, the CAT percentile ranks candidates against others—so a 90 percentile means outperforming 90% of test-takers.

While scores show raw results, percentiles matter most for B-school admissions. Understanding the CAT score vs percentile relationship is crucial for aspirants, helping them set realistic targets and track progress during a one-year CAT 2025 preparation plan.

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should I start taking CAT 2025 mock tests?
A:

Start taking CAT 2025 mock tests after 4–5 months of preparation, once your basics are strong. Increase the frequency to 2–3 mocks per week in the last 3 months. Analyse each mock to improve accuracy, speed, and exam strategy.


Q: Should I join coaching for one-year CAT preparation?
A:

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.

Q: What is a good CAT score for IIMs?
A:

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).

Q: Is 1 year enough for CAT preparation?
A:

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.

Q: How to prepare for CAT in 1 year?
A:

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.

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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:

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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