Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in 5 Months: Top Strategies for Success
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is just around the corner, and with approximately 145 days left, it’s time to kick your preparation into full gear. Whether you are aiming for the IIMs or any other top-tier business school, a systematic, consistent, and focused approach can help you secure your dream MBA seat. Let’s break down an effective 5-month CAT preparation plan, using strategies followed by top scorers who have made it to the best business schools.
Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Before diving into your preparation, it's crucial to understand the updated CAT 2025 exam pattern.
| Section | No. of Questions | MCQs (With Negative Marking) | Non-MCQs (No Negative Marking) | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) | 26 | 20 | 6 | 78 |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) | 24 | 18 | 6 | 72 |
| Quant (Quantitative Ability) | 22 | 16 | 6 | 66 |
Total Questions: 72
Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect (MCQs only), no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Pro Tip: Understanding the exam structure is key to mastering time management, a crucial skill for the CAT.
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Effective 5-Month CAT Preparation Strategy
While many students start thinking about CAT in June and July, if you plan your strategy well, five months is more than enough to prepare efficiently and score high. Here's how you can maximize your preparation in each of the upcoming months.
1. Focus on Fundamentals (Month 1 & 2)
Key Focus Areas:
Concept Clarity: Use online courses or CAT preparation books to strengthen the fundamentals of Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
Practice Daily: Solve basic to intermediate-level problems. Aim for 1-2 hours of study per section each day.
Action Plan for These Months:
Quantitative Ability (QA): Cover all major topics, especially Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Arithmetic.
Verbal Ability (VARC): Focus on reading newspapers, editorials, and improving comprehension skills. Dedicate time to practice Para Jumbles, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension passages.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Solve puzzles, data sets, and logical reasoning questions. Online DI-LR courses can be very helpful.
Mock Tests:
Take one mock test every two weeks to gauge your strengths and weaknesses.
Start analyzing each mock test to understand where you can improve.
2. Consistent Practice & Speed Building (Month 3)
As you move into Month 3, it’s time to increase the intensity. The goal now is to develop your speed and accuracy while continuously reinforcing your concepts.
Action Plan:
Increase Mock Tests: From now on, take at least 2-3 full-length mocks every week.
Analyze Mocks: Post-test analysis is crucial to understanding your mistakes, identifying weak areas, and fine-tuning your test-taking strategy.
Topic-wise Practice: Focus on high-weightage topics like Percentages, Profit & Loss, and Time-Speed-Distance in QA, and Logical Reasoning puzzles in DILR.
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3. Strengthening Weak Areas & Concept Reinforcement (Month 4)
By Month 4, your foundation should be strong, and you should now be honing your weak areas. This is also when you should perfect your exam strategy.
Key Areas to Focus On:
Sectional Tests: Dedicate time to focus on specific topics that are giving you trouble. Practice sectional tests regularly.
Advanced Mocks: Tackle CAT-level mocks to simulate exam conditions. Speed and accuracy are your focus now.
Final Push for VARC:
Reading Practice: Reading comprehension passages should be a daily practice.
Critical Reasoning: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to Critical Reasoning and Para Jumbles.
4. Full-Length Mocks & Strategy Refinement (Month 5 - Final Lap)
As you approach the final month, Month 5 will be critical for polishing your strategy and focusing on time management.
Action Plan:
Take Full-Length Mocks: By now, aim to take 4-5 mocks per week.
Fine-Tune Your Exam Strategy: Experiment with different strategies, such as sectional time allocation or question selection strategies.
Revision: Focus on quick revision of formulas, key concepts, and shortcuts.
Mindset Tips for Final 25 Days:
Stay Calm & Focused: Don’t panic; instead, focus on reducing mistakes and maximizing your accuracy.
Selective Revision: Focus on core topics that are commonly tested.
Top Tips from CAT 100 Percentile Toppers
Consistent Daily Practice: The key to success is daily, focused practice. Set a study routine and stick to it.
Mock Analysis: After each mock, spend an hour analyzing your mistakes and improving them.
Mental Toughness: CAT is not just about preparation but also about handling pressure during the exam. Practice under time constraints to simulate actual test conditions.
Focus on Accuracy: While speed is essential, accuracy is even more crucial. Avoid random guessing, especially in MCQs.
Why Choose CAT Online Coaching for 2025?
Online coaching has several advantages over traditional classroom programs, including:
Flexible Schedule: Study at your convenience without being tied to fixed class times.
Expert Guidance: Learn from CAT 100 percentile mentors and top educators.
Mock Tests & Performance Analytics: Get access to real-time performance feedback, helping you identify weak areas.
Affordable & Convenient: It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to prepare for CAT.
CAT 2025 Aspirants! CATKing’s New Batch Starts This Monday — Book Your Seat!
Start Your IIM Journey Today with CAT Online Coaching
Don’t wait until the last minute — start your CAT preparation now with a structured online coaching program that is designed to get you IIM-ready. With the right strategy and consistent effort, CAT 2025 can be your stepping stone to a successful MBA career.
Best of luck! Prepare smart, stay consistent, and the top IIMs could be yours.
