CAT Exam Tips & Tricks

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the gateway to top MBA colleges in India, including the prestigious IIMs and other leading B-schools. With CAT 2025 scheduled on 30th November 2025, lakhs of aspirants will compete for limited seats. To stand out, you need more than just hard work—you need innovative strategies, time management skills, and proven preparation techniques.

In this article, we share plagiarism-free, SEO-friendly tips & tricks to help you crack the CAT 2025 and secure admission into your dream MBA program.

1. Know the CAT Exam Pattern

Before preparing, understand the structure of CAT:

• Duration: 2 hours (40 minutes per section)
• Sections:
  • VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
  • DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
  • QA (Quantitative Ability)
• Scoring: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong answers

Tip: Analyze the past 5 years’ CAT papers to understand question weightage.

2. Time Management – The Ultimate Key

Since CAT is a time-bound test, efficient time management is crucial.

• Practice solving questions with a timer.
• Attempt easy questions first, then move to moderate ones.
• Don’t get stuck on a single question—move ahead quickly.

Trick: Divide each section into two rounds – Round 1 for quick solvable questions, Round 2 for difficult ones.

3. Create Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

Each section requires a different approach:

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• Read newspapers and journals daily.

• Practice RC passages regularly.

• Build vocabulary with books like Word Power Made Easy.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• Solve puzzles, Sudoku, and logic-based games.

• Practice DI sets from past CAT papers.

• Focus on accuracy since questions are interlinked.

QA (Quantitative Ability)

• Revise the basics of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

• Keep a notebook of formulas for daily revision.

• Use mental math tricks to save time.

4. Take Mock Tests Seriously

Mock tests are game changers for CAT aspirants.

• Begin with one mock test per week, increasing the frequency as the exam approaches.
• Analyze performance—accuracy, speed, and weak areas.
• Revise all incorrect questions until you understand the concept.

Trick: Maintain a mistake log to avoid repeating errors.

5. Practice Shortcuts & Tricks

Since CAT is about solving smartly, not solving everything:

• Use approximation techniques in DI.
• Apply option elimination in RC questions.
• Learn Vedic Math tricks to boost your QA speed.

Tip: Saving 10 seconds per question can increase your attempts by 5–7 questions.

6. Accuracy Over Attempts

Attempting more questions doesn’t guarantee a higher percentile.

• Aim for 80–85% accuracy.
• Attempt only the questions you’re confident about.
• Remember, negative marking can bring your score down.

7. Work on Weak Areas, Strengthen Strong Ones

Balanced preparation is the secret.

• Allocate extra time to weaker topics.
• Don’t neglect strengths—make them scoring areas.
• Track weekly progress across sections.

8. Smart Revision Before the Exam

Last-minute preparation should focus on clarity, not cramming.

• Revise essential formulas and shortcuts daily.
• Review vocabulary and grammar rules.
• Revisit mock tests and note common mistakes.

Trick: Use the last 3 days for light revision and stress-free practice.

9. Stay Motivated & Stress-Free

CAT is not only about academics but also about handling pressure.

• Practice meditation to stay calm.
• Avoid burnout by maintaining a healthy routine.
• Sleep well before the exam day.

10. Learn from CAT Toppers & Mentors

Top performers often stress:

• Consistency in practice.
• Focused revision.
• Smart exam-day strategy.

Tip:  Reading interviews of CAT toppers can give valuable insights.

Final Thoughts

Cracking CAT 2025 requires discipline, practice, and brilliant execution. With proper planning, time management, and consistent mock practice, you can aim for a 95+ percentile and secure admission into top MBA colleges in India.

At MyCollegeRoute.com, we help aspirants with the CAT College Predictor, ROI-based MBA rankings, and expert admission guidance to make your MBA journey smoother.

FAQs on Tips & Tricks to Crack the CAT Exam 2025

Q1. How many months are enough to crack the CAT 2025?

A: 6–9 months of preparation is ideal, but even 90 days with focused study can work.

Q2. What is the minimum number of attempts required to achieve a 95th percentile?

A: Around 40–45 questions with high accuracy.

Q3. Which section is toughest in CAT?

A: DILR is often the toughest due to unpredictability.

Q4. Can I crack the CAT without coaching?

A: Yes, with discipline, online resources, and mock tests.

Q5. How important are mock tests?

A: Extremely important—they build speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Q6. Is 90 days enough for CAT preparation?

A: Yes, with a structured 3-month plan focusing on basics, mocks, and revision.

Q7. Which books are best for CAT preparation?

A: Arun Sharma series (QA, DILR) and Word Power Made Easy (VARC).

Q8. How to improve VARC quickly?

A: Daily RC practice, reading editorials, and analyzing past papers.

Q9. What percentile is needed for IIMs?

A: 98+ for top IIMs (A, B, C), 90–95 for new IIMs and top private MBA colleges.

Q10. Should I focus on all three sections equally?

A: Yes, since sectional cut-offs are mandatory for IIM calls.