How to Crack CAT 2025: Essential Preparation Tips and Strategies

How to Crack CAT 2025: Essential Preparation Tips and Strategies

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 16 Feb 2025, 11:57 PM IST

How to Crack CAT 2025? - The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive and difficult management entrance exams in India. Cracking the CAT exam requires a lot of hard work and dedication. CAT 2025 will probably be held in online mode during November 2025, and aspiring candidates need to start their preparation early to ace the exam. To succeed in CAT 2025, aspirants need to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and the right strategy. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to clear CAT exam, including tips on how to prepare, key strategies to follow, and mistakes to avoid during the exam.

This Story also Contains

  1. How to Crack CAT Exam 2025?
  2. How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?
  3. How to Crack CAT on the First Attempt?
  4. How to Prepare for CAT in 3 Months?
  5. Other Useful Resources
How to Crack CAT 2025: Essential Preparation Tips and Strategies
How To Crack CAT

To crack CAT 2025, aspirants need to focus on building a strong foundation in all the topics covered in the exam. They should also develop a comprehensive study plan that includes regular practice and revision. Regularly taking mock tests can help aspirants assess their progress and identify the areas that need improvement. Also, the candidates must work on their time management skills and develop effective test-taking strategies. Staying calm and focused during the exam is also important to avoid the mistakes made due to the anxiety or stress. By following the tips and strategies as mentioned herein, the candidates will be able to crack the CAT 2025 with a significantly good score. This way you can understand how to crack IIM entrance exam?

How to Crack CAT Exam 2025?

Some basic tips to crack CAT 2025 exam include starting your preparation early, focusing on building a strong foundation in all the topics covered in the exam, and regularly taking CAT mock tests to gauge your progress. In addition to that, it's also important for candidates to work on their time management skills and develop effective test-taking strategies. Aspirants should also stay calm and focused during the exam to avoid making mistakes due to anxiety or stress. By adhering to the following basic tips and strategies, aspirants can improve their performance in the CAT 2025 exam and increase their chances of securing admission to their desired management program.

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Eight Tips to Crack CAT 2025 in First Attempt

  • Time Management
  • Speed and Accuracy
  • Selecting the Right Set of Questions
  • Number of Attempts
  • Section Wise Strategy
  • Join Online Study Groups
  • Mock Test of CAT
  • Last Minute Discussions at Bay
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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Let us look at each point one by one to have more clear description about the CAT 2025 strategies to be followed -

Time Management

As per the experts of CAT exam, a thumb rule which is mandatory for candidates to follow is - they should devote around three hours a day. To be elaborative on time, experts say, having three hours per day will provide 600+ hours to be battle ready till the exam day as CAT 2025 will be conducted probably in the month of November Initially, candidates should start with the sections he/she is relatively sluggish. Candidates should practice more sets of LR starting from the basics. Ideally, all CAT 2025 candidates should start from the drawing board stage in order to understand the basics for all sections. The objective should be to allow flexibility in 2 hours to cover all weak areas in all three sections initially. As candidates are near to CAT 2025, they should scale up their practice hours to 5 or 6 hours.

Quick link - How to do Time Management for CAT?

Speed and Accuracy

Since the CAT entrance exam has a sectional time limit as per the exam pattern of CAT, candidates need to maintain their speed while attempting questions. Moreover, the no. of accurate answers attempted will be counted. One mark for each inaccurate/ incorrect answer will be deducted, while four marks will be given for total marks scored for correct/accurate answers. Hence, candidates while preparing for CAT 2025 should focus on improving their reading and understanding skills especially for the VARC section as the questions themselves are lengthy and time consuming. Make sure you have sufficient time to read and answer the known questions. Candidates also ask is it easy to crack CAT and our answer is Yes.

Quick Link - How to prepare for CAT without coaching

Selecting the Right Set of Questions

Focus of candidates should not be on solving all the CAT 2025 questions, but candidates should focus on the level of accuracy. Hence, candidates are expected to prioritize the set of questions on the basis of strengths and weaknesses. Invest starting time in solving questions that you are sure of. Avoid guessing work in MCQ questions. TITA questions can be attempted with few guesses but candidates should ensure that they have sufficient time for other questions as well. Performance as well as success in the CAT 2025 will be dependent much on candidates preparation level as well as the command over strengthening topics. It can be one of the best preparation tips to crack CAT.

Speed immensely counts in order to attain a grip on CAT 2025. Hence while preparing for CAT candidates should focus on managing their speed along with accuracy. Candidates need to prepare with techniques to complete the test within the stipulated time.

Quick Link - How to tackle TITA questions in CAT?

Number of Attempts

The net score required to obtain 99 percentile and above depends on the no. of questions one attempts. The following table projects the no. of attempts to secure good marks in CAT 2025 as per experts.

How To Crack CAT 2025 With Number of Attempts:

Sections

Number of Questions to Attempt

Net Score

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

22 to 24 attempts

65 to 70

VARC

20 to 24 attempts

55 to 60

Quantitative Ability

23 to 25 attempts

70 to 75

Overall


175

Section Wise Strategy

Keeping in mind the previous track of the CAT question papers, mainly there are three sections in CAT entrance exam. While initiating their preparation candidates are advised to draw a productive section wise strategy.

  • For Quantitative Ability: For this section candidates focus on building up basics of mathematics. Topics like profit and loss, geometry, number system as these topics are frequently asked and for CAT 2025 might form the key questions

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Quick Link: How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability

  • For Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: Reading habit should be inculcated in candidates to know how to prepare for VARC CAT? Reading anything be it blogs, newspapers, articles, journals to enhance skills will be helpful for the CAT 2025 VARC section. Try to give one hour daily to this section just for reading purposes and focus on improving vocabulary. Solving comprehension, inferences, passages will be helpful

Quick Link: How to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension)

Quick Link: How to prepare for CAT DI & LR

Join Online Study Groups

Due to technological advancements, candidates nowadays have the options to join online study groups. Nowadays popular social media groups are coming up, trending and providing relevant tips on cracking CAT and other management exams. Ronit Banerjea Topper of CAT 2019 on one on one interview told Careers360 that he joined the coaching institute and began his preparation with the study material in order to learn new and shortcut techniques of solving the questions.

Mock Test of CAT

According to Shashidhar Unni, Academic Head for CAT, T.I.M.E. Chennai, “To expect an IIM entrance test to be a breeze is living in La La Land by candidates. They should try to understand concepts across various fields and then apply a sensible preparation and acing strategy to gain maximum accuracy”. CAT Mock Test helps candidates to evaluate their preparation level and also helps them to have a better understanding of the pattern beforehand. Rishi Mittal, another previous year topper says, “His strategy was nothing out of the ordinary honestly. He solved the material provided in the classes, attempted mocks regularly, identified his strengths and weaknesses in every mock of CAT, capitalized on strengths and worked on his weaknesses, and repeated this cycle. By the time of the CAT exam arrived he had given around 20-25 mocks which gave him the exposure of a good amount of questions.

Quick Links -

Last Minute Discussions at Bay

Combination of concentration and cynosure should be the only mantra that candidates should follow for the day of CAT 2025. Before the D-day, it is a usual practice for candidates to discuss preparation with friends as well as peers. But it is advisable that one should refrain this practice. It is imperative that candidates should be confident about their preparation and not indulge in the preparation/discussions that are done last minute. This may affect the state of mind of the test takers and the whole preparation may go in vein. Therefore, before appearing for CAT 2025, the focus should not be invested in the last minute futile discussions. This way you can understand how to crack IIM CAT?

Quick links-

How to Prepare for CAT Without Coaching?

Preparing for the CAT exam without coaching is achievable with the right approach. Start by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, then create a structured study plan covering all sections: Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Use quality CAT study materials, including recommended books and online resources. Practice regularly with mock tests to simulate exam conditions and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement. Join online study groups for support and stay consistent and positive in your preparation efforts.

How to Crack CAT on the First Attempt?

To crack the CAT on your first attempt, start by creating a structured study plan that covers all sections: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Focus on understanding the exam pattern and types of questions asked. Regularly practice with mock tests to build speed and accuracy, and analyze your performance to identify weak areas. Use CAT preparation materials and resources, and consider joining a coaching program if needed. Stay disciplined, maintain a positive mindset, and ensure you manage your time effectively during preparation and on the exam day.

How to Prepare for CAT in 3 Months?

Preparing for the CAT in three months requires a focused and strategic approach. Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus. Create a daily study schedule that allocates time to each section: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Focus on building your fundamentals, then move on to advanced topics and practice regularly with mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Analyze your performance after each test to identify weaknesses and adjust your study plan accordingly. Join study groups or forums for support and resources, and stay consistent and motivated throughout your preparation.

Other Useful Resources

Candidates should download and go through the resources below to enhance their CAT 2025 preparation. These ebooks are specially created for management exam aspirants and can be very helpful in their studies.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Here

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases



Download Here

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Here

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Here

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Here


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How to prepare for CAT 2025?
A:

CAT 2025 preparation requires good strategy coupled with the determination to crack the CAT exam. Candidates must analyse the CAT exam pattern and prepare for this MBA entrance exam accordingly. 

Q: How to crack CAT exam in first attempt?
A:

In order to crack CAT in the first attempt, candidates must have an impeccable study plan drawn in line with the CAT 2025 exam pattern and, keep the past trends in mind. The key to crack CAT 2025 is to have a clear-cut timetable, basic clarity of the concept of exams, questions, and an understanding of your weak and strong points.

Q: What is the best time to start preparing for CAT 2025 ?
A:

The best time to start preparing for CAT 2025 is ideally six months before the CAT exam date. However, candidates who are focused and determined can crack this MBA exam in two months as well. Candidates can refer to the above article to understand the tips and tricks to crack this exam with 99+ percentile.

Q: How to crack CAT exam without coaching?
A:

Cracking CAT without coaching can be achieved by the candidates if they have the right zeal and preparation skill to complete the CAT syllabus within the given time. Candidates must focus on CAT paper pattern and plan their study accordingly using a good mentor and preparation books. 

Q: How can I crack CAT Exam?
A:

The CAT Exam is acknowledged for its moderate level of difficulty; however, its challenge varies based on individual candidates' preparedness. This examination is conducted at a national level, and the volume of applicants and participants is notably substantial.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

Here's why:

  • "a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.

  • "The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.

  • "an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."

  • "a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.

  • "the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."

Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

Here's the link: CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!


Hello Divya,

Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.

Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.