CAT Preparation 2025: Strategy, Books, Study Material, Toppers Tips

Your CAT preparation must begin with understanding CAT exam pattern. CAT Exam pattern is divided in three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Each section can be further divided into sub-sections. Over the last five years, the CAT exam pattern has undergone several notable changes in its pattern, number of questions, and difficulty level. CAT exam pattern has become more focused on conceptual clarity, time management, and reasoning ability. CAT 2025 Exam pattern (expected) and CAT 2024 pattern is given below. 

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern (Expected) 

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern 
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern was same across all the three slots. Check table below. However, there were minor changes in section wise compositions. Check complete CAT 2024 exam analysis for details.  

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Slot 1, 2, 3 

Having understood the exam pattern, the next important question is: what is the CAT 2025 exam syllabus?  CAT 2025 exam syllabus covers all the three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. While IIMs do not release a fixed syllabus, the CAT exam syllabus can be derived from CAT exam pattern. For more details, read this in-depth article on CAT Syllabus.

Next, read about CAT 2025 preparation strategy for each section in detail.

To prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section of CAT exam, you should understand topics and type of questions asked in the previous year paper. Check details of questions/topics that appeared in this section in CAT 2024.

CAT 2024: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Section Questions & Topics 

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus

Based on previous year papers, VARC section syllabus includes Reading Comprehension (RC), Paragraph Completion, Summary Writing, and Odd Sentence questions, testing candidates on their reading speed, comprehension, and verbal reasoning.

CAT 2025 Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Preparation Strategy 
Arun Sharma, author of CAT preparation books, has recommended to move from easy passages to complex passages on complex topics. Below are a few tips to help you prepare for VARC: 

• Improve your vocabulary and grammar: Make a habit of reading regularly. You must read a book/novel, a magazine, or a newspaper every day. As a result, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your reading speed. 
• Select the appropriate reading material: Select suitable reading material to help you understand the basics of the verbal ability section. Your material should include grammar and verbal reasoning segments in VA and detailed explanations for every question. 
• Understand the “underlying meaning” of passages: CAT requires accuracy and speed to score well, rather than carefully focusing on each reading comprehension passage, practice reading it briefly and identifying the gist.
• Practice reading comprehension questions per day: Aspirants should practice answering a reading comprehension passage with 4-5 questions daily. It will help you understand the section better. 
   

To prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Section of CAT exam, you should understand type of questions and topics asked in the previous year paper. Check details of questions/topics that appeared in this section in CAT 2024.

CAT 2024 - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Section Breakdown

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Section Syllabus 
CAT DILR section assesses analytical and problem-solving skills through data-based caselets, logical puzzles, seating arrangements, tournaments, and graphs/charts-based interpretation.
CAT 2025 Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Preparation Strategy 

• Practice mock tests: Candidates should practice mock tests regularly to understand the type of questions, and understand their current capability in the DILR section. 
• Don’t attempt the entire DILR section: Candidates should focus on identifying and answering the most straightforward sets first. Do not focus on attempting the entire section of DILR.
• Focus on accuracy and speed: The DILR section depends on an aspirant’s speed and accuracy in answering questions. Revision and practice of the syllabus are essential to increasing speed and accuracy.
   

The structure and content of Quantitative Ability section in CAT exam is shared below. Following details on QA section in CAT will help you to take the right path on your CAT preparation journey. 

CAT 2024 Section wise Exam Pattern: Quantitative Ability 

Quantitative Ability Syllabus for CAT
Once you know about the QA question Pattern in CAT exam, your next step for preparation is to scan the CAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability section. Please note that CAT exam QA syllabus is not pre-defined by IIMs and is based on latest topics that appeared in past CAT exams.

CAT 2025 Quantitative Ability Strategy 
The Quantitative Ability (QA) section of CAT primarily tests a candidate’s mathematical concepts, problem-solving ability, and speed. A structured approach with concept clarity, regular practice, and time management is key to scoring well in this section. Here’s an effective strategy to prepare for QA:

• Understand the syllabus and prioritize topics: As shared above, the topic-wise breakdown includes arithmetic (percentages, profit & loss, ratios, time & work, time-speed-distance, averages), algebra (quadratic & linear equations, inequalities, logarithms), geometry & mensuration (triangles, circles, polygons), number system (factors, divisibility, remainders, base systems), and modern math (permutation & combination, probability, set theory).
• Build strong conceptual clarity: After understanding the topics covered, start by understanding formulas and basic concepts for each topic. Refer to NCERT Class 9 & 10 books or CAT preparation book like Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. 
• Focus on topic-wise practice: Begin with solving easy questions, then gradually move to moderate and difficult ones. Solve sectional topic-wise tests after completing each chapter. Maintain a formula book or notes for quick revision.
• Strengthen calculation speed: Practice mental calculations to save time in the exam. Avoid calculator during mock and practice tests.
• Develop problem-solving approach: Learn different approaches to solving a question, such as the traditional method, approximation, and options elimination. Identify shortcut techniques. Work on reducing time taken per question by improving efficiency.
• Take mock tests and analyze performance: Start with sectional tests, then move on to full-length mocks. Analyze mistakes thoroughly, check where you went wrong, and improve weak areas. 
• Use the right study materials and resources: Recommended books include Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma. Coaching material from IMS, TIME, Cracku, Rodha and 2IIM are also good. Check more details below. 

Some of the pros or benefits of the good CAT coaching are:

• Faculty Interaction: Faculty can interact well during the session and clear your doubts
• Peer Learning: Facility of good peer learning is available in CAT coaching. Many of your doubts can be cleared with peer learning only
• Syllabus Coverage: Complete CAT Syllabus is covered with number of CAT replica tests to enable you to analyse your weakness
• CAT Mock Series: You can get the opportunity to take different difficulty level Mock tests for CAT exam – sectional and full length.

The biggest con or disadvantage of CAT coaching is that it is not designed for individual student. So sometimes it can lead to time wastage. 

Most Recommended CAT Coaching & Resources

Here are the most recommended CAT Coaching Institutes according to CAT 2024 aspirants:

• IMS & TIME – Suggested by candidates mainly for Mocks and Test Series, with many users combining these with other coaching.
• Elites Grid (EG) – Highly recommended for Quant and LRDI, but some candidates feel its VARC section is weaker.
• VARC 1000 – Popular for VARC preparation, with Gejo Sir often regarded as a top VARC mentor.
• Rodha – Frequently suggested by candidates for Quant and LRDI, with Ravi Prakash Sir being highlighted as an excellent instructor.
• Cracku – Well-regarded for its Quants section and comprehensive question bank.
• Arun Sharma’s Mindworks – Considered a good choice for Mock Tests 

 If you are searching for best CAT preparation books, check the list of CAT preparation books with latest edition and prices below. 

CAT preparation material free is also available online. YouTube channels of top CAT Coaching Institutes has free CAT preparation material. CAT preparation websites like MBAUniverse.com are also good resources.  

Mock tests play a crucial role in CAT preparation, helping aspirants develop time management skills, exam temperament, and accuracy. Regular mock practice is key to success in CAT exam. Check why CAT Mocks are important and top CAT Mock Tests. 

Why Are Mocks Important?

• Simulates the Actual CAT Exam: Helps in adapting to the exam pattern, difficulty level, and time constraints.
• Improves Time Management: Enables aspirants to distribute time effectively across VARC, DILR, and QA sections.
• Helps Identify Strengths & Weaknesses: Performance analysis highlights topics that need improvement.
• Builds Exam Stamina: Sitting for a full-length test for 2-3 hours improves concentration and endurance. This helps during the actual exam. 

Best CAT Mock Test Series
Here are top CAT Mock Tests according to CAT Toppers. 

How to Effectively Use Mocks?

• Start with one mock per week, gradually increasing to 2-3 per week closer to the exam.
• Analyze each mock thoroughly—identify incorrect answers, time-consuming questions, and weak areas.
• Develop a section-wise strategy based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Experiment with different strategies (order of attempting sections, time allocation, etc.).
• Review previous CAT papers along with mocks to recognize recurring question patterns.

You can buy online Mock CAT Tests from various coaching companies listed above. But if you are looking for free high quality CAT Mock Tests, check 20+  free CAT Mock Tests available on MBAUniverse.com. They are 100% based on last 10 Years’ Actual CAT Papers. 

A well-planned month-wise CAT Preparation Time Table is key for scoring well in CAT exam. Ideally, preparation should begin 6-9 months before the exam. Here is a month wise CAT Preparation Strategy.  

January – April: Build Strong Fundamentals

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern (VARC, DILR, QA).  
• Strengthen concepts in all three sections using books or preparation material by CAT coaching companies.  
• Practice daily reading of The Hindu, Business Standard/ Mint and AEON to improve VARC comprehension skills.  
• Attempt one sectional test per week to benchmark progress.
• Create a CAT preparation group online or in-person to keep yourself motivated 

May – June: Practice & Speed Building  

• Time to shift from theory to problem-solving with timed practice.  
• Identify weak areas and work on them.  
• Start taking mocks (one every 10-15 days) and analyze them well  

July – September: Intensive Practice & Mocks  

• Increase mock frequency to one per week, followed by deep analysis of every question attempted and not attempted.  
• Fine-tune time management strategies—learn which types of questions to attempt or skip.  
• Attempt topic-wise revision tests for QA, LRDI, and VARC.  

October – Mid-November: Final Revision & Exam Strategy  

• Take 2-3 full-length mocks per week, simulating actual test conditions.  
• Revise all important formulas, shortcuts, and strategies.  
• Develop a final exam strategy (which section to attempt first, how to manage time).  

Final 2 Weeks: Light Revision & Mental Preparation  

• Revise all important formulas, shortcuts, and strategies.  
• Solve previous CAT papers for last-minute revision.  
• Avoid unnecessary stress—don’t try to learn anything new.  
• Maintain a consistent sleep cycle for exam day readiness.  
• Stay confident and positive—trust your preparation.  

MBAUniverse.com presents proven CAT 2025 Preparation Tips from CAT toppers who are now studying at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode and SPJIMR. These preparation tips will help you utilize your time effectively and increase your performance. Links to full Topper interviews are also given below. 

• Finalize your own Test Taking Strategy: First CAT Preparation 2025 Tips from CAT toppers is on the importance of developing your own strategy. The focus is on discouraging blind imitation, and acknowledging the uniqueness of individual strengths and weaknesses. Padmasandhya S, an IIM Ahmedabad student says, “The biggest mistake I have seen, is students following another “successful” student’s exam-taking strategy. You must realize that the strategy works for them because it suits them! You need to find out, by trial and error, what works for you. Do not follow the herd!”
   
• Prepare a Day-wise Study Plan: The second CAT Last Minute Tips is to prepare a day-wise study plan. Now that you have just a few days to do, you must have a clear day-wise study plan keeping last 24 hours free. CAT toppers, who are now studying at top IIMs and IITs advocate for developing effective day wise study strategies. Akshat Agarwal, a student of IIT Delhi MBA 2023-25 batch recommends, “In the few weeks to CAT exam day, create a well thought out day-wise study plan and then stick to it. Consistent, daily effort is crucial.” Soumik Banerjee, IIM Calcutta MBA 2023-25 student adds, “As I was a working professional, I had prepared a day wise schedule for myself, to effectively utilize my time.”  
   
• Focus on your Strengths: The next CAT exam tips is obvious but important! As simple as it may sound, CAT toppers stress the importance of planning their last-minute CAT preparation based on individual strengths. Sashank Kartik, a student of IIM Kozhikode PGP 2023-25 batch recommends, “As I knew that my strengths were LRDI and Quant, so I was prepared for managing my time efficiently.” Bhanu Pratap, IIM Calcutta MBA student of the 2023-25 batch shares, “I realized that my stronghold lies in RC rather than VA so I kept my plan simple to solve RC and then move to VA.” 
   
• Ignore your Weaknesses: Closer to the exam dates, you should avoid focusing on your weaknesses. Shreyasee Sarkar, IIM Calcutta student of MBA 2023-25 said, “Closer to the exam, I ignored my weak area in the exam. I had the target of solving 2 out of 4 problems which constituted 10 questions because that was enough to get a good percentile in DILR as this was my weakest Section.” 
   
• Take Mocks and Analyse Thoroughly: CAT Tips from several CAT aspirants stress the vital role of mock tests in their preparation. They highlight the significance of these tests in identifying weaknesses, refining strategies, and enhancing problem-solving speed. Kunal Singh Bhadauria, MDI Gurgaon PGDM 2023-25 said, “By taking Mocks and analyzing them properly I was able to identify the areas of improvement and work upon them to increase my scores. The solution provided for the Mock tests helped me discover better methods to solve a particular problem and thus helped me increase my solving speed.” 
   
• Watch Motivational Movies During CAT Exam preparation: A few CAT toppers revealed that they watched motivational movies like 3 Idiots, The Pursuit of Happyness, Forrest Gump, Rocky and Forrest Gump during exam preparation to keep motivated. 

Conclusion 
In conclusion, CAT 2025 Exam will be held on November 30, 2025. CAT Preparation 2025 requires a 6-9 months of preparation period. So now is the right time to focus on your CAT Preparation! Here is a quick summary of the article: 

• Understand the CAT exam pattern and syllabus – Focus on high-weightage topics in VARC, DILR, and QA.
• Develop a strong foundation – Build conceptual clarity before moving to advanced-level questions.
• Make mock tests a priority – Take at least 15-20 mocks and analyze them thoroughly.
• Use the right study materials – Choose quality books, online resources, and coaching programs.
• Manage time effectively – Practice solving questions under timed conditions.
• Stay consistent and track progress – Follow a month-wise study plan, identify weak areas, and revise regularly. Consistency is key. 
• Maintain a positive mindset – CAT is a test of both knowledge and mental strength. So, stay focused, avoid burnout, and trust your preparation.

So, make the best use of CAT Exam Preparation Strategy and Tips in this article to excel in your CAT exam. Best of luck!