The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam for admission into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools in India. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare and succeed in CAT 2025:
A.Understanding the CAT Exam
- Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- Duration: 2 hours (40 minutes per section).
- Question Types: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs.
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs, no negative marking for non-MCQs.
- Syllabus:
- VARC: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning.
- DILR: Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables), Logical Reasoning (arrangements, puzzles).
- QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math.
To begin the CAT exam 2025 preparation, you first must familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, including the number of questions, marking scheme, and sectional time limit for all the sections.
Sl. No | Sections for CAT Exam Preparation | Total No. of Questions | MCQs | Non-MCQs | Marks | Duration |
1 | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 21 | 3 | 72 | 40 min |
2 | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) | 20 | 14 | 6 | 60 | 40 min |
3 | Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 | 66 | 40 min |
4 | Total | 66 | 49 | 17 | 198 | 120 (2 hours) |
- Preparation Strategy
- Create a Study Plan:
- Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Include daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Ensure a balanced approach to cover all topics.
- Study Materials:
Here is the list of recommended books for the CAT exam 2025 listed below,
Sl. No | Book Title | Authors |
1 | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
2 | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
3 | Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
4 | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
5 | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
6 | High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin |
7 | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
8 | How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
9 | The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
10 | CAT 2025 Solved Papers | Arihant Experts |
Note: Online Resources-Use platforms like Prep Academy for free online classes and additional resources.
- Practice and Mock Tests:
- Regularly solve previous years’ question papers.
- Take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve time management.
- Analyze your performance to identify and work on weak areas.
- Time Management:
- Practice time-bound exercises.
- Learn to prioritize questions based on difficulty level.
- Develop strategies to maximize your score within the given time frame.
- Coaching and Guidance:
- Join a coaching institute if you need structured guidance.
- Utilize online coaching platforms if you prefer self-study with flexible timings.
- Peer Study Groups:
- Join or form study groups to discuss and solve problems collectively.
- Participate in group discussions and mock interviews to enhance communication skills.
- Exam Day Tips
- Revision:
- Revise important concepts and formulae.
- Avoid starting new topics at the last moment.
- Relax and Stay Positive:
- Get adequate sleep before the exam day.
- Stay calm and composed during the exam.
- Time Allocation:
- Stick to the time limits for each section.
- Avoid spending too much time on a single question.
- Accuracy Over Attempts:
- Focus on accuracy to minimize negative marking.
- Attempt easier questions first to secure marks.
- Post-Exam Strategy
- Answer Key and Score Calculation:
- Check the official answer key once released.
- Calculate your estimated score to gauge your performance.
- Preparation for GD-PI:
- Start preparing for Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) immediately after the exam.
- Stay updated with current affairs and business news.
- Application Process:
- Keep track of application deadlines for various B-schools.
- Prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and other required documents.
By following this comprehensive guide, you can effectively prepare for CAT 2025 and increase your chances of securing admission into a top management institute. Stay focused, practice diligently, and maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey. Good luck!