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Common Admission Test (CAT) is the toughest entrance exam expected to take place on November 2025, for candidates who want to pursue an MBA. The CAT exam 2025 is basically required for admission to MBA and applied programmes offered by IIMs. Besides, many top MBA colleges accept scores from the CAT to shortlist students for the admission process. The CAT exam is a test of candidates' ability to solve problems in a time-bound manner.
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The CAT exam consists of three main sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Each section has a specific number of questions and an allotted time of 40 minutes. The QA section includes 22 questions, focusing on mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. The VARC section has 24 questions, testing comprehension and verbal skills. The DILR section contains 22 questions, assessing the candidate's ability to interpret data and solve logical problems. The entire exam has a total of 68 questions, to be completed in 120 minutes, requiring efficient time management and strategic answering.
Section | No of Questions | Time Allotted |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 Minutes |
Total | 68 | 120 Minutes |
Candidates appearing for CAT 2025 must be significantly good at time management. The paper for the CAT exam 2025 will have three sections, and for each section, candidates will be given 40 minutes. Also, moving from one section to another is not allowed.
Keeping this in mind, it is vital that MBA aspirants learn time management skills to manage time effectively before and during the exam, to ace the CAT exam. Going by past trends, the number of questions will vary across the sections. But the time for each section will be the same. For that, candidates must know how to answer CAT questions in each section within the stipulated time. Here in this article, you will know tips on how to manage time.
Check out below the section-wise time management tips for the CAT exam 2025.
Now that you are familiar with the CAT syllabus, you must have been able to identify your strong and weak areas. This will enable you to understand how much time you require to complete the CAT syllabus for each section. For a person who is from either a science background or an engineering background, he or she might have an edge in quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.
They might take less time to complete the CAT 2025 syllabus as compared to the verbal ability and reading comprehension sections. Vice versa would be the case with the student who is from a humanities background.
Candidates must devote at least two months each from January onwards and become well-versed in the syllabus of CAT by July. For each section, candidates must devote two months each. Depending on your weakness and strength, one can decipher how much time you need for a particular section, as in, they can complete it in a month and devote approximately three months to the other one.
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Candidates must divide their week by devoting two days to each CAT section, and one day they must keep revising all three sections and whatever they studied during that week. On a daily basis, depending on one's grasping power, one should divide the hours in a day. Devote four hours to each section. Similarly, at the beginning of the week and the month, draw a plan stating what you will cover and make sure that you meet those deadlines, or else all the effort will be futile.
At the start of the CAT preparation, one should focus on the detailed topics of each section because one needs more time to understand these topics. So, initially, one will have an ample amount of time and would be able to allocate more time to understand the topics which they might find complex or detailed. Aspirants can get the advantage of the strategy two or three months before the CAT 2025 exam because then they will have to concentrate on the small and easy topics and would have to just brush up on the detailed topics.
Once the candidate has completed his or her CAT syllabus and is confident about it, they must start taking the CAT mock test. Candidates can start taking CAT mock tests for each section. It is when approximately three to four months are left for the exam that the candidates should take the CAT mock test along with CAT previous year papers, as this will help them to know how well they have studied and which areas they are lagging behind.
While the sectional time limit sounds like a limitation, it is actually a boon in disguise for all MBA aspirants. Below, we have decided how to handle the challenge of the time limit that you face while appearing for the CAT 2025.
Must-Read- List of CAT Toppers
The thumb rule for attempting any exam is to start with comfortable CAT questions, as they are expected to be less time-consuming. CAT Topper, Abhilasha Balakrishnan says, "From my CAT mock test preparation, I already knew one thing, that is, the one thing that puts me off is the timer. I always start getting worried whenever I see a timer. So I made it a point that I would never see a timer unless only a few minutes were left.
That really helped me to keep calm. Since one of my strong sections was VARC, the first section was pretty good, so I had the confidence that I could scale through with the exam."
Yes, you read it right. Practicing the art of leaving questions is how you will survive on the CAT exam day. It is one of the most important tricks you should have up your sleeve to crack CAT 2025. You have to let go of the rotten eggs so you go to the golden ones which are easy to crack. It must be noted that just giving as many answers as attempting the doubtful questions will lead to a negative marking thereby lowering your entire CAT marks.
Be sensible and quick enough to recognize the difficulty level of the questions that come at you and accordingly invest time on them as and when required or simply skip them.
Keep a maximum of two to three minutes for a question. If you are not able to figure out the way to solve it, move ahead to the next question. Another CAT topper, Ashish Sen says, " For the exam, I just keep an eye out for the timer, so that I don't end up spending too much time on one question. Also, I had kept the last 12 mins of the VARC section solely for the VA questions irrespective of how far I had progressed on the RC part."
Considering the paucity of time, with each section in the CAT exam given 40 minutes as per last year's CAT exam pattern, spending it pondering on one question can prove to be lethal. Thus, spend a maximum of 2 to 3 minutes on one question. If you are still unable to recollect go to the next question.
Also Read- CAT Exam: 10 Dos and Don'ts for the exam day
While juggling between sections is not allowed in CAT 2025, the possibility of candidates switching between questions within a section can also lower their chances of scoring. Thus, dividing each section into three rounds will help ease the process.
Revision is equally important for ensuring a good percentile. After the completion of the CAT paper, revise the answers to ensure that there are no mistakes. Allot at least 10 minutes at the end of the CAT exam for the revision of each section. Tanya Gupta, an IIM Kozhikode student mentions, “I made sure that I attempted all the questions that I was sure of. After this, I revised my answers in whatever time I was left with.”
Mark the time-consuming questions for review and revisit them once you complete the section. After a thorough revision, try and solve those questions. “In the first step, I solved all the questions which I could do in one go till the end. In the second step, I attempted those questions which I thought I would be able to do after giving it a try. After attempting all such questions, if there was some time left, I attempted those which I thought were the hardest for me,” mentions CAT topper Shubrajyoti Saha of IIM Shillong.
Effective time management is crucial for success in the CAT exam, as each section—Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). andidates need to allocate their time wisely within each section to maximize accuracy and attempt as many questions as possible. Balancing speed with precision is key, ensuring that sufficient time is given to all questions without compromising on accuracy.
CAT Management Tips for VARC 2025 | CAT Management Tips for QA 2025 | CAT Management Tips for DILR 2025 |
Focus on improving reading speed and comprehension. | Start with basic concepts and gradually move to complex topics. | Practice different types of DI and LR sets daily. |
Practice para jumbles and odd one out questions regularly. | Solve a variety of questions to strengthen problem-solving skills. | Analyze each set to identify patterns and shortcuts. |
Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and editorials. | Focus on accuracy before attempting to increase speed. | Work on improving calculation speed and accuracy. |
Take mock tests to get used to the exam pattern. | Take mock tests and analyze your performance to find weak areas. | Time yourself while solving DILR sets to improve efficiency. |
Work on vocabulary by learning new words daily. | Practice mental math to reduce dependency on calculators. | Regularly review and revise key concepts and techniques. |
As per experts, dividing the CAT exam into sections limits candidates from spending much time switching between them. As they are supposed to attempt one section at a time, it also gradually increases the chances of gaining higher sectional scores. Moreover, taking a buffer time of approximately 10 minutes for each section also aids in saving more time at their disposal and completing the CAT exam beforehand.
The advantages that applicants can have with this pattern of the CAT 2025 exam that has been a constant over the last couple of years are:
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Right after entering the examination hall, the countdown begins, and aspirants taking the CAT exam have only two hours to complete all the questions. It is necessary to manage 120 minutes accordingly. The most important thing is to keep calm and not let the anxiety take over. Here are some suggestions that one should follow on the day of the exam.
The CAT exam has a sectional time limit, which means each section needs to be completed in 40 minutes. Due to the sectional time, limited candidates cannot switch to the other section. As per last year's trend, the sequence is VARC, DILR, and QA.
When one starts to solve questions from any section, they should take a look throughout the section and try to mark which one they will attempt first. Candidates can select such questions on the basis of their strength or interest level or the difficulty level of the section.
While taking questions from the RC or DILR section, always read CAT passages or questions thoroughly. Through this, candidates get an idea of what set or passages hold in it.
If, in this case, any particular CAT question is taking more than your estimated time, then it is better to skip such a question and solve it later if the sectional time limit permits.
While taking the DILR section, it may be hard to solve all the CAT DILR questions. The expert says, even if a candidate is able to solve all the questions from the DILR section, they still solve any 2 questions per set, leave the rest for that moment, and solve them later if they still have time left in hand for the DILR section.
Try to keep 2-3 minutes for revision. So, one can take a look at all the attempted CAT 2025 questions in a particular section.
Here are some of the most important tips that candidates must consider to avoid so that they can successfully manage their time during the CAT exam.
Don’ts | Why? |
Don’t spend too much time on one question. | Move on quickly if you can’t solve it to avoid wasting time. |
Don’t start with the toughest section. | Begin with a comfortable section to build confidence and manage time effectively. |
Don’t skip regular practice and mock tests. | Consistent practice is essential to improve speed and accuracy. |
Don’t neglect analyzing mock tests. | Reviewing mistakes helps identify weak areas and refine strategies. |
Don’t ignore time management strategies. | Practice with a timer to ensure you complete sections within the allotted time. |
Don’t overlook sectional time limits. | Monitor time per section to maximize the number of questions attempted. |
Don’t panic under pressure. | Staying calm helps you think clearly and make better decisions during the exam. |
Stick to Sectional Time Limits: Each section—QA, VARC, and DILR—has a strict 40-minute limit. Ensure to stay within this time frame, as there’s no option to move between sections.
Prioritize Easy Questions First: Start with questions you find easier or more familiar to secure quick marks, leaving more time for tougher problems later.
Avoid Getting Stuck: If a question is taking too long, move on and return to it later if time permits. It's important not to spend too much time on one question.
Monitor Your Progress: Regularly check the time remaining to ensure you’re on track to complete all sections within the allotted time. Adjust your pace as needed.
Book Title | Author(s) |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis / Simon & Schuster |
High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren & Martin |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri |
Yes, CAT has a sectional time limit of 40 minutes for each section. Candidates must complete the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) sections within this time. Once the 40 minutes for a section are over, the system automatically moves to the next section, and you cannot return to the previous one.
Begin each section by quickly scanning the questions to identify easier ones, and attempt those first to secure marks. Allocate time wisely, ensuring you don’t spend too long on a single question; if a question feels too challenging, move on to the next. Regular practice with mock tests helps improve speed and accuracy, making it easier to balance time across sections.
Studying 2 hours a day might not be enough for CAT preparation, especially if you are starting late or have gaps in your understanding of the syllabus. A minimum of 3 hours a day is generally recommended to cover all topics thoroughly, practice questions, and analyze mock tests effectively.
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query:-
Determination of the best time to start the journey of CAT examination is based on individual factors like your current skill level, knowledge ,potential, learning pace and availability. To give yourself the best chance of success on the CAT exam, which usually takes place in November, it's advisable to begin studying between January and March of that same year. This 8 to 12-month preparation window is widely recommended by experts. But if you're managing your college along with the CAT preparations make sure you start from 2nd year onwards. It will hep you manage stress and you'll have ample amount of time to get along with the syllabus , pattern and various practice and mocks .
You'll be able to build a strong foundation in each sections and be able to know your strengths and weaknesses in different topics. The CAT syllabus is extensive, and early preparation allows for thorough coverage. Assess your learning speed and adjust your preparation timeline accordingly.
Essentially, while the ideal start time is subjective, beginning your CAT preparation well in advance is generally considered the most effective strategy for achieving optimal results.
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
Hey Shathvika,
Let's dive deep into MBA Entrance Exams (Other than CAT)
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: No negative marking for General Knowledge.
Key Highlights:
- The Decision-Making section tests analytical and situational judgment skills.
- General Knowledge is evaluated during interviews, not for percentile calculation.
Official Website: https://xatonline.in
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2. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed) University
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Marks: Total 60 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for admission to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.
- Easy-to-moderate difficulty level.
Official Website: https://snaptest.org
---
3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: 400 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes.
- Includes an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.
Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
---
4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Held multiple times a year in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes.
- Accepted by more than 600 MBA colleges in India.
Official Website: https://mat.aima.in
---
5. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 360 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Allows three attempts, with the best score considered.
- Accepted by NMIMS and partner universities worldwide.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat
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6. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can also apply).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 300 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for IIFT’s flagship MBA in International Business.
- General Knowledge plays a significant role in shortlisting.
Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in
---
7. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: English Proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Duration: 100 minutes.
- Marks: 100 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Focused on social sciences, HRM, and public policy programs.
- General Awareness is crucial (with emphasis on current affairs).
Official Website: https://admissions.tiss.edu
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8. MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: MICA, Ahmedabad
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Psychometric Test, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Awareness, Divergent-Convergent Thinking, and Descriptive Test.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Psychometric Test is a qualifying section.
- Specifically for MICA’s flagship PGDM-C program in Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Official Website: https://www.mica.ac.in
---
9. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: No specific eligibility; bachelor’s degree recommended.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Marks: 800 (scaled score).
Key Highlights:
- Globally recognized for MBA programs.
- Popular for Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com
---
10. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Maharashtra State CET Cell
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by top Maharashtra B-schools like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
- Known for its speed-intensive nature with 200 questions in 150 minutes.
Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Let me know if you have any doubts regarding a specific exam or any other query.
Have a nice day !!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
Hello,
Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:
1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
2. Give equal time to all subjects.
3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.
You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-
Hope it helps !
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