CAT 2025 Preparation Guide: Strategies to Crack the Exam

The CAT 2025 notification was released on 27th July, and the exam is scheduled for 30th November. Now is the perfect time to kick-start preparation in full swing. Early, focused practice helps build a strong foundation, identify weak areas, and improve speed and accuracy across VARC, DILR, and QA sections. This guide offers strategies, tips, and resources to approach the exam confidently and maximize your chances of success.

8/18/202515 min read

The notification for CAT 2025 was released on 27th July 2025, with the application process scheduled from 1st August to 13th September 2025. Candidates who successfully register can download their admit cards from 5th November 2025. The much-awaited CAT 2025 examination (D-Day) will be conducted on 30th November 2025, marking an important milestone for aspirants preparing to secure admission into prestigious management institutes across the country.

With these dates now officially announced, the most pertinent question for aspirants is: How should one prepare effectively for the exam? Success in CAT requires a well-structured approach, consistent practice, and smart time management. To address this, here is a comprehensive preparation guide that will walk you through the essential strategies, tips, and resources needed to bell the CAT with confidence.

The following walkthrough, along with detailed FAQs, will help you gain a clear understanding of the CAT exam, resolve common doubts, and provide clarity on essential aspects. This structured insight will equip you with the confidence and direction needed to approach preparation more effectively and achieve success.

A. Frame CAT Preparation Strategy

A solid CAT preparation strategy begins with a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, followed by an honest assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses and the methods best suited for continuous and quick improvements in the desired fields. Success lies in the optimum utilization of resources including standard books, online platforms, coaching material, and mock tests supported by a disciplined routine of regular practice. Most importantly, preparation demands dedication, consistency, and commitment, helping aspirants sharpen their skills, build confidence, and rise above the competition.

B. Decode CAT Syllabus

Your first step in CAT preparation should be to decode the syllabus. A thorough understanding of it will help you plan your strategy more effectively. Although CAT has not officially released the CAT syllabus, previous exam patterns and trends give us a clear picture of what to expect. Typically, the CAT syllabus is divided into the following three sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section is the first part of the CAT exam and is usually attempted before the other sections. It is divided into two sub-parts: Verbal Ability (VA), which carries about 10% weightage, and Reading Comprehension (RC), which carries around 24% weightage. The total time allotted for this section is 40 minutes, making it essential for candidates to have a clear understanding and a focused strategy to tackle it effectively.

The Verbal Ability part tests your command over the language and your ability to use it correctly and meaningfully. It includes topics such as grammar, sentence completion, para jumbles, para completion and inference, idioms, analogies, word usage (vocabulary), antonyms, one-word substitutions, sentence correction, contextual usage, and verbal logic. Practicing these topics helps improve your understanding of sentence structure, vocabulary, and the ability to reason through language-based problems.

The Reading Comprehension part evaluates how well you can understand, interpret, and analyse passages. The passages are usually drawn from a wide range of subjects including literature, history, social science, science, environment, mythology, technology, and culture. Questions may ask you to make inferences, identify the author’s tone, recognize key points, or understand supporting details. Developing strong reading habits and practicing diverse passages is key to performing well in this section.

Overall, the VARC section tests not only your language skills but also your logical thinking and analytical abilities. Focusing on these areas and practicing consistently will help you answer questions accurately and efficiently, allowing you to complete the section confidently within the 40-minute time limit.

2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI)

The DILR section is the second part of the CAT exam and is attempted after completing the VARC section. It consists of two sub-parts: Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR), with a total time limit of 40 minutes. Both DI and LR carry 16% weightage each, making this section a crucial part of the exam. A clear understanding of the types of questions in this section is essential for effective preparation.

The Data Interpretation part assesses your ability to read, analyze, and draw conclusions from various types of data. Questions may be based on bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, combinations of graphs, caselets, or data sufficiency problems. Practicing these questions regularly will help you interpret data accurately and solve problems quickly.

The Logical Reasoning part tests your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics commonly included are assumptions, blood relations, binary logic, clocks and calendars, constraint-based puzzles, data arrangement, family trees, matching puzzles, propositions, statements, seating arrangements, sets, syllogisms, and Venn diagrams. These exercises develop your ability to analyze patterns, organize information, and reach conclusions logically.

Overall, the DILR section evaluates both your quantitative interpretation and logical reasoning skills. Consistent practice, along with careful analysis of each type of problem, will allow you to manage time effectively and attempt the section confidently within the 40-minute limit.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The QA section is the last part of the CAT exam, with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. It carries the highest weightage at 34%, making it a critical section for overall scoring. A strong grasp of concepts, regular practice, and speed are essential to perform well in this section.

The QA section covers a variety of mathematical topics, starting with arithmetic, which includes number systems, HCF and LCM, ratio and proportion, simplification, percentages, averages, age calculations, time and work, and distance problems. These form the foundation of problem-solving and are frequently tested in CAT.

Algebra is another major area, including topics such as theory of equations, quadratic equations, permutations and combinations, and sequences and series. These questions test your ability to apply algebraic concepts to solve numerical problems efficiently.

Geometry questions cover angles, lines, triangles, and circles, while mensuration focuses on calculating areas and volumes of rectangles, squares, triangles, circles, cubes, cones, spheres, and problems involving pipes and cisterns. Additionally, the section may include calculus questions on maxima, minima, and functions, as well as trigonometry problems involving trigonometric ratios, heights, and distances.

Overall, the QA section evaluates your numerical ability, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. A focused preparation on these topics, combined with regular practice, will help you solve questions accurately and quickly, enabling you to complete the section confidently within the 40-minute time frame.

C. Commit Fully to Systematic Preparation

After understanding the syllabus and creating a clear plan, the next step is to go all out with systematic preparation. Consistency and focus are key at this stage. The following pointers will provide you with detailed section-wise guidance, ensuring balanced effort and effective progress across every important area.

1. VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Preparation

Read Regularly and Widely – Build reading habits by exploring newspapers, novels, journals, and online articles. Exposure to diverse topics like science, history, and culture improves comprehension skills, expands vocabulary, and develops familiarity with different writing styles, which is crucial for handling long and complex RC passages effectively.
Practice Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement – These questions test logical sequencing and coherence. Regular practice enhances your ability to identify the flow of ideas and link sentences correctly, improving speed and accuracy while handling structured verbal reasoning questions in the exam.
Enhance Vocabulary and Word Usage – Focus on learning new words, their meanings, and context-based usage. Techniques like flashcards, apps, and reading with attention to unfamiliar words strengthen verbal reasoning and help in questions on synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and one-word substitutions.
Focus on Grammar and Sentence Correction – Understand basic grammar rules and sentence structures. Regular practice with sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks, and contextual usage questions ensures accuracy in identifying errors and applying proper language conventions.
Solve Previous Year RC Questions – Attempting past RC passages builds familiarity with common themes and question types. Analyze answers to understand inference, tone, and author’s intent, which enhances comprehension skills and helps manage time effectively during the exam.
Work on Time Management – Allocate specific time to each passage and verbal question. Practice sectional tests to develop pacing strategies, ensuring you can attempt all questions without compromising accuracy under the 40-minute time limit.
Analyse and Revise Regularly – Review mistakes in practice sessions and mocks. Understand recurring errors, weak areas, and difficult question types. Consistent revision helps consolidate learning and improves confidence in tackling VARC questions efficiently.

2. DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) Preparation

Understand Question Types – Categorize DI questions (tables, graphs, pie charts, caselets) and LR questions (blood relations, seating arrangements, syllogisms). Familiarity with question formats allows quicker comprehension and more accurate problem-solving during exams.
Practice Daily with Mock Sets – Solve DI and LR sets regularly. This strengthens your ability to interpret data, recognize patterns, and apply logical steps. Daily practice builds speed, accuracy, and confidence, which are critical under the sectional time limit of 40 minutes.
Develop Shortcut Techniques – Learn strategies for fast calculation, approximation, and elimination in DI questions. Similarly, use logical shortcuts for LR puzzles. These methods save time and reduce errors, giving you an advantage during timed tests.
Analyse Previous Year Questions – Studying past papers highlights frequently asked question types and common traps. This helps in prioritizing topics, understanding difficulty levels, and developing efficient solving techniques.
Focus on Accuracy Before Speed – Initially, prioritize solving questions correctly over solving them quickly. Once accuracy improves, gradually build speed. A balance of speed and correctness ensures better sectional performance.
Work on Visual and Analytical Skills – Train your mind to interpret charts, graphs, and complex arrangements quickly. Visualization exercises, practice puzzles, and logical reasoning drills enhance analytical thinking and problem-solving efficiency.
Review Mistakes and Track Progress – Maintain a log of errors and difficult questions. Analyse recurring mistakes and adjust strategies accordingly. This continuous feedback loop improves weak areas and enhances performance in subsequent practice sessions.

3.QA (Quantitative Aptitude) Preparation

Strengthen Fundamentals – Focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and number systems. A strong conceptual foundation allows you to solve questions efficiently and reduces dependency on rote learning or guesswork.
Practice Topic-Wise Questions – Start with one topic at a time, mastering formulas and methods. Gradually combine topics into mixed problem sets to simulate real exam conditions and build confidence in handling a variety of questions.
Solve Previous Year Papers and Mocks – Attempting past CAT questions familiarizes you with question patterns, difficulty levels, and frequently tested topics. Analyze solutions to learn alternative approaches and refine problem-solving techniques.
Develop Shortcuts and Approximation Skills – Learn mental math, approximation methods, and formula-based shortcuts to save time. Quick calculations allow you to attempt more questions accurately within the 40-minute sectional time limit.
Regular Time-Bound Practice – Solve questions and full-length mocks under strict time constraints. This improves speed, pacing, and stress management, ensuring you can attempt the maximum number of questions without rushing or making careless mistakes.
Focus on Weak Areas – Identify topics where you struggle and allocate extra practice time. Repeated practice and revision in weaker areas ensure gradual improvement and reduce chances of losing marks in the exam.
Analyse and Revise Frequently – Maintain an error log for mistakes made during practice. Analyse the cause conceptual gap, calculation error, or misreading the question and revise regularly. This helps in minimizing repeated mistakes and boosts overall accuracy.

D. Essential Tips

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: After reviewing the CAT 2025 syllabus, divide topics into your strong and weak areas. Spend more time on weak areas while maintaining practice on your strengths. This approach ensures balanced preparation and helps you focus efficiently on topics that need the most improvement.
Focus on Important Topics First: While CAT may have unexpected questions, most questions are based on the basics. RC makes up around 70% of VARC, DILR splits evenly between DI and LR, and QA mainly covers algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. Prioritizing these key topics increases your chances of scoring well.
Build a Strong Foundation: QA tests your mathematical skills, so memorizing formulas and equations is essential. Understanding the basics and practicing them repeatedly gives confidence and speed. A solid foundation helps you solve questions accurately and efficiently, reducing mistakes during the actual exam.
Learn Shortcuts for Faster Calculations: Identify quick methods and shortcuts for solving problems in QA, DILR, and VARC wherever possible. Using these techniques saves time and reduces errors, allowing you to attempt more questions accurately within the limited time available in each section.
Practice Time Management: Track the time you take for each question during practice. Gradually reduce the time by applying strategies, shortcuts, and consistent practice. Good time management ensures you can complete all questions without rushing or leaving any section incomplete.
Use Focused Study Materials: Choose study resources that are specifically designed for CAT preparation and follow the latest exam patterns. Focused materials help you understand the important topics, question types, and exam trends, making your preparation structured and effective.
Set Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Targets: Make a study schedule with small daily goals, weekly milestones, and monthly targets. Review your progress regularly to stay on track. This approach keeps you motivated, ensures consistent preparation, and helps cover the entire syllabus before the exam.

E. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who can apply for CAT?
Ans. Graduates with at least 50% (45% for reserved categories) or final-year students from a recognized university are eligible to apply for CAT.
Q. When is CAT conducted?
Ans. CAT is conducted annually, usually in November, as a computer-based test across multiple slots in various cities in India.
Q. How can I register for CAT?
Ans. Registration is online via the official CAT website during the application window. Candidates need valid personal details, academic info, and payment of the application fee.
Q. What is the CAT exam pattern?
Ans. CAT has three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability, each with multiple-choice and non-MCQs.
Q. How many questions are in CAT?
Ans. Typically, CAT has 66–76 questions divided across three sections. The exact number varies each year as decided by IIMs.
Q. How long is the CAT exam?
Ans. The exam is 2 hours long, with 40 minutes allocated per section. Time management is crucial due to sectional time limits.
Q. Is CAT a computer-based test?
Yes. CAT is fully computer-based, conducted online, requiring candidates to answer questions on a computer within the allotted time.
Q. Are there negative markings in CAT?
Ans. Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect multiple-choice question. Non-MCQs have no negative marking.
Q. Are sectional scores equally important?
Ans. Yes, each section has separate cutoffs in IIMs, so performing well in all sections is crucial for overall selection.
Q. Are calculators allowed in CAT?
No physical calculators are allowed. CAT provides an on-screen virtual calculator for basic arithmetic calculations.
Q. Is CAT conducted in multiple slots?
Ans. Yes, CAT is conducted in two or three slots on the exam day. Percentiles are normalized across slots for fairness.
Q. How is sectional cutoff applied in CAT?
Ans. Each IIM sets minimum percentile cutoffs for each section. Candidates must meet or exceed these to qualify for further selection rounds.
Q. How is CAT percentile calculated?
Ans. Percentile is derived using normalized scores to rank candidates relative to others. It shows the percentage of candidates a student has outperformed.
Q. Is previous academic performance important for CAT selection?
Ans. Yes, IIMs consider graduation marks along with CAT scores during shortlisting, making academic consistency advantageous.
Q. What is the difference between CAT score and percentile?
Ans. Score indicates the number of marks obtained; percentile ranks candidates relative to others, showing the percentage of candidates scored below a candidate.
Q. What is the CAT application fee?
Ans. The CAT registration fee is approximately ₹2300 for general/OBC candidates and ₹1150 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, payable online during the application process.
Q. Can CAT be taken offline?
Ans. No, CAT is completely computer-based; there is no offline or pen-paper mode. Candidates must answer all questions on the official online platform.
Q. What is the marking scheme of CAT?
Ans. Each correct answer earns 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for incorrect MCQs. Non-MCQs have no negative marking.
Q. What is the CAT syllabus?
Ans. Syllabus covers Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. No official detailed syllabus exists, but topics are derived from previous years.
Q. How is CAT score calculated?
Ans. CAT score is based on correct answers, negative marking, and section-wise performance. Percentile is calculated to compare performance among candidates.
Q. What is a good CAT percentile?
Ans. A percentile above 95 is considered excellent for top IIMs, while 85–95 can get admission into reputed non-IIM B-schools.
Q. How many attempts can one take at CAT?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts; candidates can appear multiple times, even in consecutive years.
Q. When are CAT results announced?
CAT results are usually declared in the first week of January, along with sectional and overall percentile scores.
Q. How is CAT used for MBA admission?
Ans. IIMs and other B-schools use CAT percentile for shortlisting candidates for interviews, group discussions, and final selection into MBA programs.
Q. Can I apply for multiple B-schools using one CAT score?
Ans. Yes, a single CAT score can be used to apply to multiple IIMs and other affiliated B-schools that accept CAT results.
Q. How can we do registration for CAT exam?
Registration is online via the official CAT website. Candidates must fill personal, academic, and contact details, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
Q. What documents are needed for CAT registration?
Ans. Candidates need academic certificates, ID proof, photograph, signature, and payment method details to complete the CAT registration process online.
Q. What is the validity of CAT score?
Ans. CAT scores are valid for one year, primarily for admission to MBA programs in the immediate academic year following the exam.
Q. How many sections are in CAT?
Ans. CAT has three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA), each timed separately.
Q. Can I change my CAT exam centre?
Once submitted, the exam centre can only be changed in exceptional cases before the registration deadline, subject to availability and official approval.
Q. Can working professionals appear for CAT?
Ans. Yes, there’s no age or work-experience restriction. Professionals can take CAT for MBA admission while continuing their jobs.
Q. Can I apply for CAT while in final year?
Ans. Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must provide proof of graduation by the admission deadline.
Q. Is work experience considered in CAT admission?
Ans. Yes, some IIMs give weightage to work experience during the selection process after CAT scores, especially for executive MBA programs.
Q. Can I retake CAT if unsatisfied with my score?
Ans. Yes, candidates can reappear in subsequent years to improve their score and percentile for better B-school opportunities.
Q. Can I bring rough sheets to CAT?
Ans. No, rough sheets are provided at the exam center by officials. Candidates cannot carry their own papers or notes.
Q. How is the CAT exam scheduled across India?
Ans. CAT is conducted in multiple cities nationwide, with candidates allocated centers based on their preferences, ensuring access for students in urban and semi-urban locations.
Q. What documents are required on CAT exam day?
Ans. Candidates must carry their admit card and valid photo ID proof. No other personal materials or electronic devices are allowed.
Q. How is the CAT admit card issued?
Ans. Admit cards are available online on the CAT website after registration. Candidates must download and print it before the exam day.
Q. Are non-MCQs included in CAT?
Ans. Yes, CAT includes non-MCQ questions, where candidates type answers directly. These have no negative marking.
Q. Can I skip questions and return later in CAT?
Ans. Yes, questions can be marked for review. However, time management is crucial as each section has a strict time limit.
Q. What is the typical cutoff for top IIMs?
Ans. Top IIMs generally require 95–99 percentile overall, with individual section percentiles usually above 85–90 to qualify for further rounds.
Q. Can CAT scores be used for executive MBA programs?
Ans. Yes, some IIMs and B-schools accept CAT scores for executive or part-time MBA programs, though work experience may be weighted.
Q. Is there a specific age limit for CAT?
Ans. No, CAT does not impose any age restrictions. Anyone meeting educational eligibility can appear.
Q. How should final-year students handle result delays?
Ans. Final-year students must provide proof of degree completion by the admission deadline. Colleges may allow conditional admission based on expected results.
Q. Are mock tests necessary for CAT preparation?
Ans. Yes, mocks help understand exam format, improve time management, identify weak areas, and simulate real exam conditions for effective preparation.
Q. Can I apply to multiple IIMs using one CAT score?
Ans. Yes, a single CAT score can be used to apply to any number of IIMs and other participating B-schools for that admission cycle.
Q. What is the role of CAT in non-IIM B-schools?
Ans. Many top private and government B-schools accept CAT scores for shortlisting candidates for admission into MBA programs, sometimes alongside their own tests or interviews.
Q. Which are the top 5 colleges where the highest CAT percentiles are accepted?
Ans. These are: IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA), IIM Bangalore (IIMB), IIM Calcutta (IIMC) –IIM Lucknow (IIML) and IIM Kozhikode (IIMK).
Q. Which are the top 5 Non IIM colleges where the highest CAT percentiles are accepted?
Ans : These are : FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon (Management Development Institute), IMT Ghaziabad (Institute of Management Technology), JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies)
Q. At what percentile do we get top 10 B-schools?
Ans. Typically, a CAT percentile of 95+ is required for top 10 B-schools like IIMs. Some schools may consider 90–95 percentile depending on profiles and reservations.
Q. Is CAT score valid for XLRI?
Ans. No, XLRI does not accept CAT scores. Admission is based on the XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test), which is XLRI’s own entrance exam.
Q. CAT exam is conducted by which governing body?
Ans. CAT is conducted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. The organizing IIM changes every year.
Q. What is the total marks of CAT exam?
Ans. CAT does not have a fixed “total marks” system; scores are section-wise, and percentiles are used for ranking. Scores are calculated based on correct and incorrect answers.
Q. How many questions are there in CAT?
Ans. CAT generally has 66–76 questions divided across three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The exact number may vary slightly each year.
Q. Who conducts CAT exam?
Ans. CAT is conducted annually by one of the IIMs, which is responsible for the exam design, registration, and result declaration for that year.
Q. Can I edit or make changes to CAT 2024 application form, once I have made payment?
Ans. Yes, limited corrections are allowed before the specified correction window announced by the conducting IIM. No changes can be made after this period.
Q. How many CAT attempts can one give?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear multiple times in consecutive years to improve scores.
Q. Is there any age criteria for CAT?
Ans. No, there is no age limit for CAT. Eligibility is based on academic qualifications, not age.
Q. What is the fee for the CAT exam?
The application fee is ₹2300 for General/OBC candidates and ₹1150 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, payable online during registration.
Q. Can I appear for more than one slot for CAT 2025?
Ans. No, candidates can appear in only one slot. CAT is conducted in multiple slots, but each candidate is assigned only one slot.

F. Recommended Books For CAT Preparation

1. VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT – Arun Sharma
High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin
Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
Objective English – RS Aggarwal
English for Competitive Exams – RS Aggarwal
Reading Comprehension for CAT – Arun Sharma
Test of English Language Proficiency (TELP) – TMH
501 Challenging Logical Reasoning Problems – LearningExpress
Power of Vocabulary – Norman Lewis
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha

2. DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT – Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for the CAT – Nishit K. Sinha
Analytical Reasoning – MK Pandey
Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability – RS Aggarwal
Data Interpretation & Reasoning – Sarvesh K. Verma
CAT DILR Topic-Wise Solved Papers – Career Launcher
How to Crack LRDI for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha
Logical and Analytical Reasoning – A. K. Gupta
Practice Book on Data Interpretation – Arihant Publications
Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics – V. Krishnamurthy (for analytical thinking practice)

3. QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – RS Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT – Sarvesh K. Verma
Magical Book on Quicker Maths – M. Tyra
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma
Higher Algebra – Hall & Knight
Tricks, Shortcuts & Formulae for Quant – Arihant
Geometry for CAT – G. Nagarajan
Data Interpretation & Problem Solving – Nishit K. Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha

Thus, CAT 2025 demands strategic planning, disciplined practice, and focused execution. Starting early allows aspirants to strengthen fundamentals, identify and improve weak areas, and master time management across VARC, DILR, and QA sections. Consistent revision, analysis of mocks, and targeted practice are key to building confidence and maximizing scores. With dedication, smart strategies, and structured preparation, aspirants can approach the exam with clarity and achieve success.