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 Crack CAT 2025: 10 Tips to Get into IIMs
In India, getting into an IIM is a dream for every MBA aspirant. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the key to unlocking this opportunity. Many students abandon their preparation midway due to the misconception that CAT is too tough. In reality, it is just another exam that requires strategy and perseverance. Let's dive into the 10 essential tips to crack CAT 2025 and secure a spot in the prestigious IIMs.
1. Prepare a Study Plan for Your CAT Exam
Whether you are a working professional or a fresh graduate, dedicating at least 2 hours daily for studies is crucial. If you are currently unemployed or a student, consider utilizing 3-4 hours daily, depending on your grasping ability.
Creating a well-structured timetable is essential. Before starting, understand the CAT exam pattern, which plays a vital role in shaping your strategy. Allocate equal time to all sections, as sectional cut-offs are applicable. While you should focus more on weaker areas, do not neglect your strengths. Consistent practice across all sections is the key.
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2. Strengthen Your Basics for All CAT Sections
Spend the initial months strengthening your fundamentals. Work on vocabulary, mathematics, and logical reasoning. Aim to learn at least five new words daily and solve five new problems to enhance your problem-solving ability.
Students from non-engineering backgrounds must focus more on quantitative aptitude, while engineering students should improve their verbal ability and logical reasoning skills.
3. Attempt CAT Mocks Regularly
Mock tests are a game-changer for CAT preparation. Devote the last two months before the exam exclusively to solving mock tests and sectional tests. Ensure that every mock is followed by a thorough analysis to identify mistakes and improve accuracy.
Start taking one mock per week (6 to 4 months before CAT) and gradually increase the frequency. In the last month, attempted one mock every two days, using one day for the test and the next for analysis. Ideally, you should complete 23-25 mocks before the actual exam.
4. Analyze Your Performance in Mocks
Evaluating your performance in each mock test is crucial. Identify your weak areas and work on turning them into strengths. Track your mock scores to ensure consistency and pinpoint sections where you frequently lose marks. Understanding your performance trends will help fine-tune your approach.
5. Practice Consistently
Consistent practice is the backbone of CAT preparation. Treat it like a workout routine—daily efforts yield the best results. Focus more on weaker areas while maintaining proficiency in strong ones.
Initially, do not time yourself while solving practice questions. Prioritize accuracy first; once that improves, start working on speed. Solve chapter-wise questions, attempt sectional tests, and take full-length mocks regularly.
6. Develop a Strategy for the Exam Day
Dedicate the last month to intense preparation, studying for up to 8 hours daily. On the exam day, begin with the section you are most confident in. Avoid spending too much time on a single question; if stuck, move on and return to it later.
Test different strategies while solving mock papers to identify what works best for you. Keep your rough work organized to save time when revisiting previous questions.
7. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout
Studying for long hours can be exhausting. Take short breaks to refresh your mind, but ensure they don’t become too long. Stay hydrated and well-rested to maintain focus.
Consistency is key—make sure you resume studying after every break to maintain a steady learning rhythm.
8. Read Extensively to Improve VARC
Many aspirants struggle with the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Developing a reading habit can significantly enhance your speed and comprehension skills.
Read newspapers, articles, books, and trending topics. This will also help you during group discussions and personal interviews. Staying updated with current affairs—regional, national, and international—is beneficial for the later stages of IIM admissions.
9. Build a Strong Profile
While focusing on CAT scores, don’t forget to build your overall profile. Work experience gives candidates an edge, but those without it can strengthen their profiles by working with NGOs, freelancing, or interning at reputed firms.
Each IIM assigns different weightage to academic and extracurricular achievements. A well-rounded profile significantly boosts your chances of conversion after the CAT exam and GD-PI rounds.
10. Stay Composed on the Exam Day
Your performance on exam day is what ultimately matters. Anxiety can affect your ability to recall concepts. If you come across tough questions, start with the easier ones to build confidence.
If you find a section difficult, scan through the questions and attempt the ones you are confident about. This approach prevents panic and helps maintain momentum. Some candidates find it helpful to listen to music or have an energy drink before the exam to stay focused.
Conclusion
We hope these 10 tips help you to crack CAT 2025 and secure a seat in IIMs. Whatever your academic background, cracking CAT is possible with dedication and the right strategy. Stay motivated, practice consistently, and believe in yourself!
