CAT exam is one of the biggest challenges that you can get in, as far as getting into a The is concerned. There are around 2 -10 lakh candidates every year competing to get a few seats in the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other premium MBA institutes. You should begin early, have a serious studying schedule and use the confirmed strategies to achieve success.
This is a practical guide on how to do the preparation of CAT exam
. We are also going to be answering some of the frequently asked questions such as what is CAT exam, how many questions are there in CAT exam, how many times CAT exam is offered in a year, and so on.
What is CAT Exam?
CAT exam or Common Admission Test is a national entrance exam that is conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on rotation basis. It is a computerized examination aimed at checking the quality of a candidate in relation to business management.
The test will challenge you on three aspects:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – English skills and understanding of the language.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – The possibility to analyze the information and solve the logical tasks.
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) –This is the ability to do mathematics and solve problems.
The IIMs do not use the CAT score only but over 1,000 other MBA colleges in India are having acceptance of the score. The graduate/final year level individuals can take the exam.
How Many Questions Are in CAT Exam?
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step in effective preparation. As of the most recent pattern, the CAT exam has 66 questions:
- VARC: 24 questions
- DILR: 20 questions
- QA: 22 questions
The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes for each section. You cannot switch between sections during the test. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and each wrong answer has a penalty of -1 mark (for MCQs).
This structure might change slightly every year, so always check the official notification. However, the overall framework has remained consistent for the past few years.
Also Read:- CAT Exam Eligibility 2026
Also Read:- CAT 2025 Exam Date
How Many Times Is CAT Exam Conducted in a Year?
The CAT test is administered once in a year normally in the final week of November. The process of registration would start in August and the admit card would be issued in October.
The test has several slots on the same day to take all the participants. Results are usually announced in January after the exam, and MBA admission process takes place thereafter.
How Much Time Is Required to Prepare for CAT Exam?
Depending on your skill level at present and daily routine, the preparation time will be needed:
- 12 Months (1 Year): It is a perfect option to follow to become a novice. You are able to work on establishing good basics in VARC, DILR and QA.
- 6 Months: This is ideal for students who have had a hang of the fundamentals but require the order of practice and practising examinations.
- 3 Months: This is possible only under the condition that you have awesome dedication and that you are well aware of the basics. There should be a lot of mock tests during this phase which is revision intensive.
To working professionals, organization of study hours is of importance. You do not have to do 2-3 hours of intense preparation each and every day to be on track.
How to Start Preparation for CAT Exam
Preparing a CAT-level exam, especially for the first time can be intimidating, but never an impossible task. Here are some simple steps to follow on how to prepare for CAT exam:
- Know the syllabus: Learn all the topics in VARC and DILR and QA. Separate them into small and manageable bits.
- Study last year papers: Get familiar with the kind of questions to be asked, level of difficulty and percentage weightage of each subject.
- Create a study plan: Allocate time for each subject daily. Keep 70% for learning and 30% for practice initially.
- Select the right material: Stick to the regular books such as Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha and Norman Lewis.
- Measure your progress: Frequently check your level of performance and revise your timetable.
How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home
There are so many students who get ready to take CAT without any coaching. When you want to practice at home follow the following steps:
- Follow a schedule: Set aside special time every day to study. Most of the time, deadlines are met during the morning hours
- Take online mock tests: Take standard test series of well-known networks. Mock exams will resemble the real exam and they will improve speed.
- Lectures – free videos: There are numerous websites to get even the most difficult lessons.
- Write notes: Write important formulas, short cuts and the basics in a nutshell for quick revision.
- Memorize catabolic pathways: Important to learn catabolic pathways by heart so that they can easily be used BY learning them.
A disciplined approach can make home preparation just as effective as coaching.
Effective Strategies to Prepare for CAT Exam 2025
Here’s a section-wise approach to how to prepare for CAT exam effectively:
1. VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
- Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Economic Times daily to improve comprehension.
- Practice para-jumbles, odd sentence out, and summary-based questions.
- Develop vocabulary through word lists and flashcards.
- Take sectional tests regularly to track improvement.
2. DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
- Solve 2–3 sets of puzzles every day.
- Work on analyzing charts, tables, and graphs.
- Focus on accuracy before speed.
- Learn different methods for solving logical reasoning questions.
3. QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
- Start with arithmetic and algebra before moving to geometry and modern math.
- Revise formulas frequently.
- Practice speed-building exercises and mental math.
- Attempt topic-wise tests before full-length mocks.
Importance of Mock Tests
CAT preparation is based on mock tests. Initially have one mock test after every 2 weeks and later after every week (increase mocks to 2 to 3 mocks per week) near exam. Take time to identify your errors in case of a test and go back to study weak points.
Final 3-Month Plan Before CAT Exam
The last 3 months are critical. Here’s how you should prepare:
- Focus on mock tests: Take 3–4 mocks weekly.
- Revise thoroughly: Go through all formulas, shortcuts, and frequently asked question types.
- Analyze mistakes: Keep a record of errors and avoid repeating them.
- Improve time management: Practice solving sections in strict time limits.
- Stay calm and confident: Develop an exam-day strategy and stick to it.
This is the phase to polish your skills, not to learn new topics.
FAQs
1. Is 6 months sufficient preparation time for taking CAT exam?
Yes. When you have the right strategy and work every day, 6 months will be more than sufficient. Pay attention to high-paying questions and simulation exams.
2. Is it possible to pass CAT without training?
Yes, a number of toppers train for CAT at home by referring to books, online lectures and series of tests. It is discipline that matters rather than coaching.
3. What is a good score in CAT?
The score within the range of the 99 percentile is a great score and may get the calls of great IIMs.
4. What are the attempts of CAT?
The amount of the attempts is not limited. Provided that you are fit to appear, you can always sit for CAT annual examination.
5. Is CAT so difficult?
CAT is not easy but it is not impossible. You can also get good marks with proper preparation plan and by practicing.
Conclusion
Studying to appear in the CAT exam is not merely a difficult affair, it is also an intelligent one. With an idea of the exam pattern, preparing a proper plan and sticking to it with discipline, you can achieve your goal. The key element of how to prepare for CAT exam is to be regular. Such practices as even brief yet frequent studies can produce meaningful outcome in the long run.
Begin by creating a solid base in the three parts, VARC, DILR, and QA. And step by step, progress to advanced practice, mock tests and thorough performance analysis. Practice using online resources and be very disciplined, in case you are training at home.
It is important to remember that CAT is aimed at assessing your skills in logical thinking and time management as well as knowledge. Keep all your wits about you, and do not do last-minute cramming; trust your preparation. Adopting the right strategy, you will not only crack CAT 2025 but also get the chance of making it to your dream B-school. The travel begins today.