CAT 2025 Preparation Tips: 10 Tips to Get into IIMs

CAT 2025 exam is on November 30, 2025, and the application is still open. There is approximately 2 months left before the exam. Now candidates should focus on revision and building concepts in Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) simultaneously. This blog on "CAT 2025 Preparation Tips: 10 Tips to Get into IIMs" will help candidates to manage their time, focus on important topics, and build good study habits. These tips guide students to prepare smartly by covering areas based on their importance: Quantitative Aptitude (30-34%), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (32-34%), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (32-34%). Following these tips can boost accuracy, speed, and confidence for CAT 2025.

CAT 2025 Preparation Tips: 10 Tips to Get into IIMs

Preparing for CAT not just requires a study plan, but also requires the basics to get strong. For this, a candidate requires regular practice of mock tests, taking breaks to avoid burnout, and a strong candidate profile will help a candidate navigate through all the sections of the CAT Exam.

1. Prepare a Study Plan for the CAT Exam

Whether a person is a working professional or a recent graduate, dedicating a minimum of 2 hours daily to studies becomes important. If a candidate is currently unemployed or a student, consider utilizing 3-4 hours daily, depending on their memory ability.

Creating a reasonable, structured timetable is essential. Before beginning, the candidate needs to understand CAT 2025 Exam Pattern, which plays an important role in shaping strategy. Allocate similar time to all sections, as sectional cut-offs are applicable. While a candidate should focus more on weaker areas, he should not neglect strengths. Consistent practice across all sections is the key.

2. Strengthen Basics for All CAT Sections

In the first one month, focus on building a strong foundation. First try to jot down all important QA formulas to understand the application process. To enhance your vocabulary, aim to learn at least five new words each day. Engineering students should prioritize developing their verbal and logical thinking skills, while non-engineering students should focus more on improving their numeric skills.

Read: Important Quant Formulas for CAT Preparation 2025, Check Key Formulas

3. Attempt CAT Mocks Regularly

Mock exams are very helpful for CAT prep In the last two months before the exam, focus only on practice sections and mock exams After CAT Mock Test, review it carefully to find mistakes and improve accuracy. Try one mock every two days, with one day for analysis and one day for the test Aim to complete about 23–25 practice tests before the real exam.

4. Analyse Performance in Mocks

It’s important to check how a candidate did on every practice test. Find the part a candidate struggles with and try to work on it. Keep track of practice tests to see where the score was low. Strategize and analyse the mock test, and notice what you notice about your scores to change your plan.

5. Practice Consistently

The core of CAT prep is regular practice. Think of it like a workout, and the best results come from daily effort. While you keep doing well in your strong topics, spend more time on the topics you struggle with. Focus on accuracy first, then speed as you improve. Do questions chapter by chapter, try sectional tests, and regularly take full-length mock exams.

6. Develop a Strategy for the Exam

Spend the last month getting ready. Study up to eight hours a day. Start with the part understand best on test day. Don’t spend too long on one question. If you’re stuck, move on and come back later. When you do practice tests, try different methods to see what works best for you. Keep your rough work organized so you can find it quickly when you review previous questions.

7. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Long study sessions can be tiring. Take short breaks to clear your head, but don’t let them last too long. Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to stay focused. Keep a steady pace by picking up where studies were left.

8. Read Extensively to Improve VARC

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) part is hard for many applicants. Reading every day can help a candidate understand what to read and how to read faster. Reading books, articles, magazines, and topics that a candidate likes. This will also help in individual interviews and group discussions. Later in the IIM admission process, reading about current events from local, national, and international levels will help a candidate stay informed.

9. Build a Strong Profile

Don’t forget to develop a strong profile while focusing on your CAT scores. People with work experience have an advantage, but those without it can improve their profile by interning at reputable companies, working with NGOs, or freelancing. The importance of extracurricular and academic achievements varies for each IIM. Having a well-rounded profile greatly improves the chances after the CAT exam and the GD-PI rounds.

10. Stay Composed on the Exam Day

What matters the most is how a candidate performs on test day. Anxiety can make it hard to remember concepts. To feel more confident, start with the easier questions if you see hard ones. Look at the questions and try the ones you are sure about if a part seems tough. This plan helps a candidate stay calm and keep going. Some people find it helpful to stay focused before the test by drinking energy drinks or listening to music.

Also Read: CAT 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage, Topics, Best Books, Marks Distribution

Wrapping Up

With 60 days left, candidates must evenly focus on all sections: QA, DILR, and VARC as neglecting any can reduce scores by up to 20%. Attempting 23 to 25 mocks with analysis can boost accuracy by 15-20%. Learning 5+ new words daily enhances VARC by 12–18%, and proper sleep/hydration improves focus by 30%, because smart study today is the difference between making the cut and falling short.