CAT Exam 2025: Complete Preparation Guide + Free Mock Tests

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive MBA entrance exams in India, opening doors to prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools. If you are planning to appear for CAT 2025, you need a smart, structured, and consistent preparation strategy.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need — from exam pattern and syllabus to preparation tips, study plans, and free mock tests provided by eliveclass.com.


1. CAT 2025 Overview

Particular Details
Exam Name Common Admission Test (CAT)
Conducting Body Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
Frequency Once a year
Exam Level National
Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration 120 minutes
Sections VARC, DILR, QA
Marking Scheme +3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong (MCQs)
Eligibility Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)

2. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is divided into three sections, each with a strict time limit:

Section Time Number of Questions Difficulty Level
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) 40 min 24 Moderate-Difficult
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) 40 min 20 Moderate
QA (Quantitative Ability) 40 min 22 Moderate-Difficult
Total 120 min 66

Key Notes:

  • No switching between sections during the test.

  • Some questions are TITA (Type in the Answer) without negative marking.

  • Speed and accuracy both matter.


3. CAT 2025 Syllabus

While CAT doesn’t release an official syllabus, it is based on standard topics from Mathematics, English, and Logical Reasoning.

a) VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

  • Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages

  • Para Jumbles

  • Para Summary

  • Odd Sentence Out

b) DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

  • Tables, Graphs, Charts

  • Caselets

  • Bar Graphs & Pie Charts

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Logical Puzzles & Games

c) QA (Quantitative Ability)

  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)

  • Geometry & Mensuration

  • Number System

  • Probability & Permutation-Combination


4. How to Start CAT 2025 Preparation

Step 1 – Understand the Pattern & Syllabus

Spend your first week going through previous year CAT papers and mock tests to understand the question types.

Step 2 – Build Strong Fundamentals

Before diving into mocks, strengthen your basics from NCERT books (Class 6–10) for Maths and improve vocabulary and reading habits for VARC.

Step 3 – Make a Realistic Study Plan

Divide your preparation into phases:

  1. Foundation Phase – Focus on basics.

  2. Practice Phase – Solve topic-wise questions.

  3. Mock Test Phase – Take full-length timed mocks.


5. Section-wise Preparation Tips

a) VARC Tips

  • Read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express.

  • Practice 2 RCs daily with detailed analysis.

  • Learn to eliminate wrong options in verbal questions.

b) DILR Tips

  • Solve at least 2–3 sets daily.

  • Practice mixed sets (graphs + reasoning).

  • Work on speed calculations.

c) QA Tips

  • Start with Arithmetic & Algebra.

  • Learn mental math shortcuts.

  • Practice 20–30 questions daily from mixed topics.


6. Recommended Books for CAT 2025

Section Books
VARC How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & RC by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
DILR Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation by Nishit K. Sinha
QA How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma

7. Importance of Mock Tests

Mock tests are essential to simulate real exam conditions.

Benefits:

  • Identify weak areas.

  • Improve time management.

  • Build exam stamina.


8. Free CAT 2025 Mock Tests on eliveclass.com

We provide full-length CAT mock tests with:

  • Real exam pattern

  • Detailed solutions & analysis

  • Section-wise performance reports

👉 Take a Free CAT Mock Test Now


9. 6-Month CAT 2025 Preparation Plan

Month Focus Area
1–2 Basics & NCERT practice
3–4 Advanced concepts & sectional tests
5 Full mocks & revision
6 Intensive mocks & final revision

10. Final Tips for CAT 2025

  • Practice daily and track progress.

  • Don’t ignore your weak areas.

  • Analyze every mock test in detail.

  • Stay consistent and confident.


Conclusion

With the right strategy, dedication, and free resources like those on eliveclass.com, cracking CAT 2025 becomes achievable. Start early, stay disciplined, and use mock tests to sharpen your skills.

📌 Start your free preparation today and move one step closer to your MBA dream!

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