How to Start Preparing for the CAT 2025 Exam from Scratch

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive exams for MBA aspirants in India, attracting lakhs of candidates every year. It serves as the gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. While preparing for CAT 2025 may seem daunting, starting early and following a structured approach can significantly increase your chances of success. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to start preparing for CAT 2025 from scratch, covering key strategies, resources, and tips to help you ace the exam.

1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Before diving into preparation, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern. CAT consists of three sections:

Section	Topics Covered	Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Critical Reasoning	40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Data Tables, Graphs, Logical Puzzles, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency	40 minutes
Quantitative Ability (QA)	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Probability, Permutation & Combination	40 minutes

The exam has a total of 100 questions with a 3-hour time limit. The questions are divided into multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (type-in-the-answer). The marking scheme awards 3 marks for correct answers and -1 mark for incorrect answers for MCQs, while non-MCQs have no negative marking.

2. Start With a Diagnostic Test

The first step in your preparation should be to take a diagnostic test. This test will help you understand your current strengths and weaknesses, giving you a baseline to measure your progress over time. Use this test to identify areas that need improvement, whether it's Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability, or Logical Reasoning.

3. Create a Study Plan and Set Realistic Goals

Once you understand the exam pattern and your starting point, create a study plan. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and consistent. Here’s how you can structure your study plan:

Step 1: Divide the Preparation Into Phases

• Phase 1: Concept Building (3-4 months)

  • Focus on building a strong foundation in all the topics. Refer to standard books like "How to Prepare for CAT" by Arun Sharma for Quant and "Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension" by Meenakshi Upadhyay.

  • Spend time understanding concepts rather than just memorizing formulas. Practice regularly.

• Phase 2: Practice and Speed Building (2-3 months)

  • Start solving mock tests and previous year’s CAT papers. Try to attempt at least 2-3 full-length mocks per week.

  • Focus on time management, as speed plays a crucial role in the exam.

• Phase 3: Final Revision and Strategy (1-2 months)

  • In the last phase, focus on solving more mock tests and revising important formulas and shortcuts.

  • Work on improving your accuracy, and practice solving questions under timed conditions.

    
    

Step 2: Break Down Topics and Set Weekly Goals

Divide your preparation into weekly goals, focusing on specific topics. For example:

• Week 1-4: Basics of Quantitative Aptitude (Number Systems, Arithmetic)

• Week 5-8: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (Tables, Graphs, Puzzles)

• Week 9-12: Advanced topics in Quantitative Ability (Algebra, Geometry)

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4. Focus on Your Weaknesses

While it’s important to strengthen all areas, dedicating more time to your weaker subjects is crucial. If you struggle with verbal reasoning, for example, focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary-building exercises. Similarly, if Quantitative Ability seems challenging, devote extra hours to practicing problem-solving techniques.

Weak Area	Recommended Resources	Tips
Verbal Ability	"Word Power Made Easy", Practice RCs	Improve reading speed, vocabulary
Quantitative Ability	"Trishna's Quantitative Aptitude for CAT", "RS Aggarwal"	Practice arithmetic, time-bound quizzes
Data Interpretation & LR	"How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT" by Arun Sharma	Focus on patterns, logical puzzles

5. Use Quality Study Material

Selecting the right study material is key to preparing effectively for CAT. Relying on multiple sources can confuse you, so it’s best to stick to standard books and online resources. Here are some highly recommended study materials:

• Quantitative Aptitude:

  • “How to Prepare for CAT” by Arun Sharma

  • “Trishna’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Trishna’s

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:

  • “Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension” by Meenakshi Upadhyay

  • “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:

  • “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT” by Arun Sharma

  • “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” by Nishit Sinha

You can also subscribe to online coaching platforms like BYJU's or Unacademy to get personalized lessons and mock tests.

6. Regular Practice and Mock Tests

After you have covered the basics, move to the second phase of your preparation: regular practice. Practice as many questions as you can across all sections. Focus on:

• Speed: CAT is a time-bound exam, so practice solving questions quickly.

• Accuracy: Focus on improving the accuracy of your answers.

Mock tests are crucial to your preparation. They help you simulate the actual exam environment, improve time management, and track your progress. Analyze the results after each mock test to identify patterns in your mistakes, allowing you to focus on specific areas for improvement.

7. Improve Time Management

Time management is critical for success in CAT. The exam has a time limit of 3 hours, and with a large number of questions in a limited time, you need to learn how to prioritize and manage your time wisely. Here are some time management strategies:

• Set a timer while practicing to get accustomed to the time constraints.

• Prioritize questions based on difficulty level. Solve easier questions first to build momentum.

• Use shortcuts for quant questions, and practice methods like elimination for verbal reasoning.

  
  

8. Stay Consistent and Motivated

Consistency is key when preparing for CAT. Stick to your study plan and maintain a routine. Set daily and weekly goals, and track your progress to stay motivated. Regular breaks are also essential for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout.

9. Stay Updated and Prepare for Interviews

Once you start gaining confidence in your CAT preparation, it’s important to also prepare for the next stages—group discussions (GD) and personal interviews (PI). Keep up with current affairs, business news, and trends in the industry to stay prepared for the interview process.

Stay Focused and Committed

Starting your CAT 2025 preparation from scratch may seem overwhelming, but with a well-structured study plan, consistent effort, and a strategic approach, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Focus on understanding the concepts, practice rigorously, and improve your weaknesses. Most importantly, stay motivated and committed to your goal. By following these steps and using the resources mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to acing the CAT 2025 exam. Good luck!