How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in 3 Months - Tips by Toppers and Expert
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
Registration - To be notified
CAT 2025 preparation is to be done in phases. The final phase starts three months before the exam. Aspirants must know what and how to prepare for CAT exam in three months! Get 90-day CAT plan here. By Deekshant Sehrawat
Three months before CAT exam is perhaps the most decisive phase of your preparation. It is the time when you will need to not only speed up your preparation but ensure that your accuracy level continues to increase. All the hard work of previous months will be put to use in the last three months of CAT 2025 preparation. The most important thing to keep in mind is that just like any game, sport or race, the result gets decided in the final stages and a lot can change during the last quarter of CAT preparation 2025. When three months are left for the exam, you should start assessing your CAT exam preparation level to make the strategy until the exam day, i.e what should be the focus area and point of action?
CAT 2025 exam date is November 30, 2025 so by September have a focussed study plan viz. you topics coverage, practice tests and revision. Whether you are ahead or behind in your exam preparation, making the best use of the last three months will finally decide how you perform in the CAT 2025 exam.
- CAT 2025 Preparation in 3 Month: Key Highlights
- How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in Three Months?
- CAT Preparation in 3 Months: CAT Mock Tests
- How Many Hours to Study for CAT Preparation 2025?
- CAT Preparation in 3 Months- Practice Sessions
- CAT Mock Test By Shiksha
CAT 2025 Preparation in 3 Month: Key Highlights
CAT exam preparation is possible in three months. If you start from now, you will be well prepared by the exam day. However, you will need to put in extra effort, because time is less and CAT syllabus is vast. Here are some key tips to prepare for CAT in 3 months:
Know the CAT exam pattern and syllabus
Focus on the following topics of CAT sections:
- DILR: Tables, Charts, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, etc.
- VARC: Reading comprehension, Para-jumbles, Para completion, Odd Sentence.
- QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Percentages, Time & Work, etc.
Create a Timetable- Three-month plan
Three months will get over in the blink of an eye, if you do not have a definite plan. Make a weekly plan, which should include CAT syllabus coverage, practice session and revision.
- Aim to cover main topics of CAT syllabus in first month.
- Dedicate second month to practice and application.
- The last one month should be dedicated to achieving accuracy and speed, i.e. CAT mock test practice and analysis.
CAT Mock Tests & Practice
Take CAT mock tests every two days to familiarize yourself with the actual exam atmosphere and online practice. Analyze your performance in each mock test to know the gaps.
Develop Time Management Skill
CAT has sectional time limit, so it is critical to have complete control on time. Practice answering questions in a time bound manner. CAT mock tests will be of great help in this.
Give Extra Time to Weak Areas
Topics that are not your strength will need extra focus. Keep aside extra time to devote on such topics. There is no set pattern of sectional composition in CAT and you would not want to appear for the exam ill prepared.
Stay Consistent
Three months is less time for CAT. What can help you crack it in such a short time is consistency and discipline. Have a dedicated routine of 6-7 hours of study daily. Even on days when you don’t feel like studying, push yourself to practice some DILR or vocabulary puzzles.
It is difficult but not impossible. If you give yourself a good enough time to improve English comprehension, grammar and vocabulary, you will be able to do it. Yes, a non- English medium student will require longer time for CAT preparation as they will have to start reading and improving English comprehension. So, may be they need to start English preparation for CAT in the second year of graduation, instead of final year (much earlier than English medium students). They may also need two attempts to crack CAT with high percentile. But that's not true for all. If you work hard and study smartly, you will be able to crack it.
The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should check previous years’ question papers. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is important.
Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.
How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in Three Months?
With this perspective firmly planted in your mind, you should try and make a consistent daily/weekly effort across various CAT sections as per the following indicative plan. While it is not necessary that the same plan that will work equally well for every individual, it is important to prepare a plan with the basics in mind. Your CAT 2025 preparation plan should adapt to your individual needs. The following is just a roadmap, with an inbuilt flexibility at each step to allow you to adapt it to your own specific needs. Know here how to prepare for CAT exam in three months.
Also Read: CAT books and study material
With an average of three hours of effort per day, apart from your college classes/job/CAT coaching classes, etc. you will have have around 350 hours of CAT preparation in the last three months. How you invest these 350 hours will have a decisive impact on your chances of success.
CAT Preparation in 3 Months: CAT Mock Tests
Out of these 350 hours, roughly 100 hours should be spent in practicing CAT mock tests. While 15 mocks (1 per week) will mean only 45 hours, at least an equal amount of time has to be invested in analyzing these full-length mock tests and then working upon the areas that need improvement.
This leaves you with around 250 hours out of which you will invest a certain amount of time on every section of CAT (QA, VARC, DILR) of CAT 2025. The first thing to do would be to divide this time in such a manner that you allot maximum time to the sections you are weak at and minimum time on sections which are your strength. Why? Simply because it will ensure a better return on invested time. Putting in more where the scope of improvement is more is analogous to investing more in a stock that is likely to appreciate more. The fundamentals of investment remain fairly similar to that in any other asset class.
Download:
- CAT 2024 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2023 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2022 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2021 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2020 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2019 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2018 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
- CAT 2017 Question Paper: Download Free PDF
Also Read:
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
CAT syllabus is vast. It has numerous topics from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Covering the CAT syllabus also includes practicing a variety of sample questions on the topics included. Thus, it requires a lot of time. Candidates must given themselves atleast 3-4 months to cover CAT syllabus and keep in mind the following:
· Check the previous years' CAT papers to know topics which carry more weightage so that you can focus on those topics more.
· List down topicsin order of easy, moderate and tough and allot time to them accordingly.
· Make sure to study about 6-8 hours per day to complete the syllabus 2-3 months before the exam.
· After studying every topic, practice sample questions. Balance theory with practical.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
How Many Hours to Study for CAT Preparation 2025?
If you feel this time frame is too less, you will need to put in more hours daily. So, four-hours daily for instance, would mean your total investment will move up to roughly 450 hours, and subtracting the 100 hours for CAT mock tests and their analyses, it would leave you with 350 hours for practice at the section/topic-wise levels. In such a case you could look at investing somewhere between 100 to 140 hours for each section of CAT exam, depending upon how strong/weak you are in them currently.
However, to ensure balance, even your strongest section should not get less than 70 hours (roughly 30 per cent) out of the 250 hours we talked about. The weakest one should not get more than 100 hours (roughly 40 per cent). This ensures that your investment is sufficiently diversified and hence, relatively balanced and safe.
Within each section of the CAT exam, more time should go into a studying and practicing topics that you are weak in and less into topics that you are already strong in. Why? Simply because you should be practicing all questions starting from the simplest ones to tougher ones in a topic that you are weak in; whereas a topic in which you are relatively stronger, you need to practice only tougher questions. For any given level of ability and preparation, how well you adapt the CAT preparation plan and invest your time according to your own specific needs will get you far better CAT 2025 result.
Moreover, you cannot be less prepared in any of the topics, because you don't know the definite topic wise weightage of CAT 2025. It may happen that there are more questions from the topic you thought was unimportant. For example, Arithmetic dominates CAT but that doesn't mean questions will not be asked from Number System. In CAT 2024, there was no parajumble question at all.
CAT Preparation in 3 Months- Practice Sessions
Last three months of CAT exam preparation should be all about capitalizing on what you learnt in the earlier months. In other words, it is time to practice sample papers and mock tests. During the last three months of CAT preparation 2025, make sure you solve at least 25-30 full length mock tests. This will not only prepare you for the actual exam but will also instill confidence in you. Shiksha has compiled some CAT questions for candidates to practice. Check them below.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
22 Feb '26
23 Feb '26
28 Feb '26
3 Mar '26
10 Jan '26 - 20 Feb '26
20 Feb '26
22 Feb '26
25 Feb '26 - 28 Feb '26
14 Feb '26 - 10 Apr '26
CAT Mock Test By Shiksha
Check out these free CAT mock tests by Shiksha. Take these mock tests to see how well you have gained control on CAT questions and topics.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read more CAT preparation articles:
- Best books for CAT recommended by experts
- CAT 2025: How to prepare without quitting your job
- Quantitative Aptitude preparation plan for CAT 2025
- CAT preparation: Your love for reading can get you the desired result
- CAT Preparation 2025: Best strategy to crack CAT
- CAT Preparation plan for verbal ability
- CAT Preparation plan for data interpretation & logical reasoning
- CAT 2025: Simple tips to optimize exam preparation
| Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice | Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice | Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice |
About the Author
Deekshant Sehrawat is a man of many facets. An IIT Delhi, IIM Calcutta alumnus Deekshant, is the founder of a popular MBA coaching institute. Deekshant is also a lyricist and has co-written a number of songs with Dr. Palash Sen, lead singer of Hindi rock band Euphoria.
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
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
29 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 Cut Offs Release |
16 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 result |
9 Jan '26 | SNAP 2025 result announcement |
20 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 3 |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
23 Feb '26 | MAT Feb 2026 PBT Registration ... |
26 Feb '26 | MAT Feb 2026 PBT admit card |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
27 Dec '26 - 28 Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
17 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 result |
31 Jan '26 - 2 Feb '26 | CMAT 2026 exam answer key obje... |
7 Apr '26 - 8 Apr '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2 |
Feb '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '26 | TANCET admit card download |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
IIM Lucknow MBA cutoff for the general category generally goes upto 90 percentile. Students must aim to score 90 & above to get admission in the institute. For other categories, the cutoff is generally lower and ranges from 60 percentile to 85 percentile. However, this changes every year. Students c
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 15 hours ago
Students can get admission in IIM Lucknow without CAT score. But only for courses, such as EFPM, FPM, EPGP programmes. Those seeking flagship PGP/ MBA course admission must have valid CAT score. The IIM Lucknow courses for which CAT is not needed are as below:
- IPMX
- PGPX
- FPM
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 16 hours ago
Candidates who have not appeared in any entrance test should have a Bachelor's Degree with at least 55% marks. They will have to give a written test: same as I-CET. Students have to qualify in Written Test, Group Discussion and Personal Interview for taking admission in MBA at Vignan's Foundation
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, there is no mention of CAT scores being accepted to decide MET Institute of Management MMS admissions. The institute only mentions accepting the scores of the MAH-CET to admit candidates for the MMS course.
Thus, candidates with a valid CAT score must appear for MAH-CET to be eligible to apply.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Major topics under XAT and CAT syllabus are similar. Common sections include Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability. While the sections are same the syllabus is not identical. XAT also includes unique sections, namely Decision Making and General Knowledge.
V
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
Students of GIBS Business School participate in internships and live projects which are cross-functional opportunities to gain practical experience in key functional areas (marketing, sales, finance, HR, business development, and operations). Students engage in internships to gain practical exposure
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
No, candidates can no longer appear for the CAT to qualify for Prestige Institute of Global Management PGDM admissions. Candidates who wish to apply for Prestige Institute of Global Management admissions must now wait for CAT 2027 or any other entrance exam to qualify for the Prestige Institute of G
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Check CUSAT CAT exam pattern below:
Subject | Total Questions | Marks | Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 90 | 360 | 75 |
Physics | 75 | 300 | 60 |
Chemistry | 60 | 240 | 45 |
Total | 225 | 900 | 180 |
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
The CUSAT CAT question paper will have 225 questions from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology. Candidates will get three marks for every correct answer, while there is a deduction of one mark for every incorrect response.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
NMIMS does not accept scores of the CAT exam for admission in its MBA courses. Even if you have a good percentile in CAT, you have to qualify the eligibility criteria for NMIMS MBA as well as take the NMAT exam. NMAT exam is a national level exam conducted by GMAC as an entrance exam for admission i
S
Contributor-Level 9
Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.