With one month to go for the CAT 2025, it is time now change the preparation strategy and get in speed mode. From now on focus on regular mock test practice and revision. Shared below are some key tips for CAT preparation in one month.
CAT 2025 exam is one month away. So, you need to have a clear direction of what to do and what no to do till November 30, 2025. By now, all of you would have completed the CAT syllabus and also attempted a good number of CAT mock tests. Now, is the time to speed up practice and increase revision. This one month is also critical from self assessment point of view. You must analyse every performance of CAT mock test and tie up the loose ends.
CAT is a speed test and has sectional time-limit, so it is extremely important that in this last one month, candidates further strengthen their strong areas. At the same time dedicate a few hours on topics which are still the pain points. It is also the time to lay emphasis on the physical aspect of CAT exam preparation. The CAT last month preparation should be extremely focused and exam centric. Focus on the CAT pattern and types of questions. Let's take a look at last month preparation for CAT 2025.
One-Month CAT Preparation Strategy 2025
Each candidate is different and so is their approach towards exam preparation. Here are a few basic tips you can try to improve your CAT 2025 exam preparation in the last month.
Daily CAT mock tests: Attempt as many mock tests as you can in this last month of CAT 2025 preparation and assess your performance with each attempt. But don't over do it. Once you start getting consistent results, reduce the number and frequency of mock tests. Focus on filling the gaps. Also, don't only go after numbers. Attempt a variety of mock tests and of various difficulty levels, so that you are well prepared for any type of question in the exam. Since, a mock test is a replica of the actual exam, you will get a good practice of handling the pressure of the two-hour long exam. You will also be able to learn time management as CAT has sectional time limit.
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Build stamina for a two-hour marathon
CAT exam is a two hour test without any break. CAT is not only a test of the knowledge acquired but also one's mental and physical stamina. The sequence of CAT exam is VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude, which means the most calculation intensive section of the exam will appear at last. Thus, you need to be mentally alert from beginning to the end. There is no scope for anxiety.
Those, who are attempting CAT 2025 for the second time, may be aware of the pressure the mind and body goes through during the exam, but for the first timers, it will be a new experience. In order to not run out of steam at any point of time during the CAT 2025 exam, candidates must practice full length CAT mock tests and sectional mock tests in this last one month.
Also Read:
- CAT 2025 preparation: Tips from toppers
- 10 popular CAT myths busted
- How many questions to attempt in CAT to score 99+ percentile
Take regular break from studies
Do not study for longer hours in this phase of CAT preparation 2025. You might feel, you are not studying for enough hours but remember- quality matters not quantity. Take adequate breaks, indulge in your favourite sport, go for a walk, watch movies and read books to refresh your mind. Avoid burnout.
Take CAT mock tests at the same time as your CAT 2025 slot
CAT 2025 will be held in three slots - from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, this year. The CAT admit card will be issued well in advance you will know your shift. Attempt at least three to four CAT mock tests in the time duration same as your exam slot. Follow the same routine for two to three days as you intent to follow on the exam day. This will help you in getting your mind and body aligned to the CAT exam day events thereby performing up to your full potential.
Number of mocks to attempt in the last month before CAT 2025
Check the table below to play your CAT mock test practice strategy during last month preparation for CAT 2025:
| Percentile score in CAT mocks |
Strategy |
|---|---|
| Consistent score below 90 percentile |
At least 3-5 mock tests, work on basics, revision and build exam day strategy |
| Consistent score between 90-95 percentile |
At least 5-8 mock tests, analyse performance, revise concepts, build exam day strategy |
| Consistent score above 95 percentile |
At least 10 mock tests, revise concepts and build exam day strategy |
Do not leave any topic
Keep aside 15 days for revision of section-wise topics of CAT exam. Do not ignore any topic on the basis of previous years' question papers as CAT is known for springing surprises. Also, topic-wise weightage of questions is not consistent. You may encounter more than expected number of questions on a topic that you skipped. Do not take such chance. As part of you CAT last month preparation, work on the basicx understanding of the concepts if not more.
Commonly asked questions
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.
There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.
As per the latest CAT exam pattern, there will be 68 questions. The format will be MCQ and non-MCQ. VARC will have 24 questions, DILR will have 22 questions and QA will have 22 questions. Each question will carry 3 marks and there will be negative marking of -1 for incorrect answer. Sectional time limit will be 40 minutes.
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CAT 2025: Topic-wise preparation in the last month
MBA expert, Ravi Handa suggests the following plan for last month preparation of CAT 2025:
- Attempt two Reading Comprehension passages daily
- Attempt two Data Interpretation sets daily
- Attempt two Logical Reasoning sets daily
- Attempt 10-15 questions on Number System / Modern Math on alternate days
- Attempt 10-15 questions on Parajumbles / Critical Reasoning / Verbal Ability on alternate days
- Attempt 10-15 questions on Geometry / Algebra / Arithmetic on alternate days
Last Month Preparation for CAT 2025 :Quick Tips
Here are some quick tips for CAT last month preparation. Have clarity of what to do and what not to do.
- Work on your weak areas in the last month but do not ignore your strengths. Keep revising.
- Avoid new topics. Let go of what is left behind. Focus on the chapters you have completed.
- Avoid new topics: and focus on thoroughly reinforcing what you've already covered.
- Through CAT mock tests, practice time management. You can practice sample questions also in time bound manner.
- Keep revising key concepts and formulas from all three sections – VARC, DILR and Quant.
- Solve previous years' question papers to understand sectional break up and pattern of questions.
- Attempt official IIM CAT mock test to know the expected CAT 2025 exam pattern and have a real-time experience of the exam.
- Take care of your health. Sleep well, eat healthy and keep a positive outlook towards expectation from CAT 2025.
Try these last month CAT preparation tips and see the difference. All the best!
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Yes. IIMB does require the CAT exam, but the rest of the top B-schools in Bangalore also take in candidates through the state-level CET, ie, the Karnataka PGCET exam, or through MAT or CMAT.
Top B-schools in Bangalore without CAT | Cutoffs Required |
|---|---|
26690 | |
29592 |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
IIM Calcutta has only mentioned accepting GMAT score for admission into EMBA courses.
However, CAT is commonly accepted by other similar institutes for both MBA and MBAEx courses. Thus, candidates are advised to ask admission desk for confirmation on this question.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
It is not possible to determine a candidate's admission in IIM Calcutta MBA course through CAT score alone. In Stage 1, a score 85% in CAT will be enough for a general category candidate to be selected for PI+WAT admission stage.
Final admission cutoffs are based on many factors other than CAT score.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, IIM Calcutta cannot get into MBA courses without appearing CAT first. CAT is a mandatory entrance exam and it is conducted every year for admissions into all MBA courses offered by this institute.
However, candidates who are applying for MBAEx course will be required to appear in GMAT for admissi
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
To get a seat at IFMR Chennai, students have to first appear for any one of the entrance exams accepted by the institute for the MBA/PGDM course admission. CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, Andhra Pradesh ICET, IPAMT and SAT India are the entrance exams accepted by this institute for admission to the management
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
No, you cannot use the CAT score for direct admission to the MBA/PGDM course at this university.
You would need to first appear for the CAT entrance exam, and then get shortlisted for the PI and or GD rounds to be considered for a seat. Since the CAT cutoff is not released publicly, the closest esti
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The Vishwakarma University CAT cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MBA/PGDM course for the All India quota.
For the General AI category, the estimated Vishwakarma University MBA cutoff 2025 was 50. Students who gained this percentile are then eligible to enter the second round of admission
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
The National Institute of Bank Management Cutoff 2026 for General AI category in CAT exam is 80.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
No, you cannot use the CAT exam result for direct admission to the MBA/PGDM course at AIMS Institutes, Bangalore.
The college accepts the CAT, XAT and MAT exam results for admission to the management programme. Students have to first attain the qualifying cutoff percentiles and then sit in the select
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Candidates applying for admission in MBA at IIM Raipur should have qualified the CAT exam. Check below the application fee of CAT:
- INR 2,300 for general category students
- INR 1,150 for SC/ST/PwD students
R
Contributor-Level 10
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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