CAT Preparation 2025: VARC, DILR & QA Study Plan, Common Mistakes to Avoid

CAT 2025 is the gateway for students aiming for IIMs and other top B-schools across India. The forms are expected to be released around July 25, with the exam likely scheduled for November 30. This year, IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct the exam in its usual computer-based format. With just about four months left for CAT 2025, it’s the right time for aspirants to start their preparation seriously to work on their basics, practise regularly, and take mock tests without last-minute stress. Also, cracking CAT isn’t about studying all day; it’s about studying smart. It involves understanding the syllabus, focusing on high-weightage topics, and regularly practising with CAT PYQs and mock tests.

For VARC, preparation should be more focused on reading comprehension, para jumbles, para summaries, and para completion, as these form the core of the section. For Quantitative Ability, it is suggested to spend the majority of your preparation time on arithmetic, and the remaining time on algebra, geometry, and number systems to cover the key topics properly. Lastly, DILR preparation requires calculation speed and practising many question sets to improve accuracy and speed. Most toppers and mentors recommend referring to CAT preparation books by Arun Sharma and Nishit K. Sinha, while those preparing without coaching can benefit from free YouTube lectures by reputable coaching institutes.

Read this article to know more about CAT 2025 preparation- from the updated syllabus and section-wise strategies to mock test analysis and time management tips to help one prepare with a better approach.

Check: CAT Syllabus Changes: What’s New in 2025?

CAT 2025 Exam Dates & Notification

CAT 2025 is expected to be held in the last week of November 2025, with the notification expected to be released around the fourth week of July 2025. Here is a table with the necessary CAT 2025 details to help candidates stay updated with important dates and updates:

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CAT 2025 will be conducted in the usual computer-based format, having three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). In the CAT test, each of the three sections has a specific time limit, requiring candidates to manage their speed and accuracy carefully. The table below shows the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern for candidates' reference.

CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus

CAT Syllabus 2025 basically tests the candidate’s performance in verbal reasoning, quantitative ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning. There are three sections: the first section, VARC, includes reading skills, grammar, vocabulary, analysing written materials, and reading comprehension. The second section, DILR, involves interpreting data from tables, graphs, and charts, and also candidates’ ability to solve logical reasoning problems. The third section, Quantitative Aptitude, evaluates candidates’ mathematical skills, which include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, etc. Here is a table mentioning the detailed CAT Syllabus 2025 for candidates to check and prepare for the exam accordingly:

CAT 202025 Section-Wise Preparation Strategy

CAT 2025 preparation requires a little different approach for each section, and it helps to understand what each demands before you plan your study routine.

• For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), it’s advisable to start early since it carries around 34% weightage, and building a reading habit might take time. If you already read regularly, you might only need to focus on practising reading comprehension passages. But if reading isn’t something you enjoy yet, begin with short articles, editorials, and gradually move on to different types of books and novels. Since RCs make up about 70% of the VARC section, as 16-18 questions are RC-based, getting comfortable with various passage types and difficulty levels will help you manage time and accuracy during the exam.
• The second section, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), tests how well candidates can handle data in the form of charts, graphs, and tables and holds around 30-32% weightage in CAT. It requires comfort with quick and accurate calculations, so it helps to brush up on basic maths and calculation speed. Since questions come in sets, choosing the right set to attempt can save time and help you maximise your score. For Logical Reasoning, the key is to develop the ability to understand and break down patterns and puzzles. There are no formulas here, so practice is your best tool. Try taking sectional, time-bound mock tests to improve your speed and selection strategy in DILR.
• The third and last section, Quantitative Aptitude, is all about candidates’ comfort with maths. If you’re already strong in maths, regular practice will keep you sharp. If you need to build your basics, it’s recommended to revise Class 9 and 10 NCERT Maths to understand the basic concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic before moving to advanced-level problems. Since many questions in the QA section come from arithmetic (35-40%) and algebra (25-30%), make sure these areas are strong while also practising a wide range of problems from past papers and sample questions.

Check: CAT Total Marks 2025: Marking Scheme, Pattern Trends, Benefits

CAT 2025 Study Plan and Timetable

CAT 2025 preparation requires a balanced approach that suits your daily routine while keeping your progress consistent. Here are a few tips on how one can approach CAT 2025 strategically:

• Start Early: If you’re starting now, aim for 2 to 3 hours of focused study daily, increasing gradually as the exam approaches.
• Focus on Basics First: Spend the first 2 to 3 months working on your basics in Quant, practicing RCs regularly, and getting comfortable with DI sets.
• Set Weekly Targets: Plan your week with clear goals, like completing a chapter, solving a set number of RCs, or taking one sectional test.
• Include Mock Tests: From the fourth month, start taking one mock test every two weeks, analysing your mistakes carefully. Increase the frequency to once a week, closer to the exam.
• Balance All Sections: Don’t ignore any section. Allocate time for VARC, DILR, and QA on different days or split them within your study slots.
• Revision is Key: Keep one day each week for revision to revisit weak areas and consolidate what you have learned.
• Personalise according to needs: Adjust your plan if you find certain areas need more attention or if you’re taking longer to understand a topic.

Read: How to Prepare for CAT 2025 in 6 Months, Check Toppers’ Advice

CAT 2025 Preparation: Common Mistakes to Avoid

While preparing for CAT 2025, many candidates tend to make small mistakes that can affect their scores later. Here are a few things for the candidates to keep in mind to prepare better and avoid these common mistakes:

• Starting too late: Begin your preparation early to understand basic concepts properly and avoid last-minute stress.
• Ignoring basics: Don’t skip strengthening your basics before moving to advanced questions and mocks.
• Skipping regular revision: Without proper revisions, it’s difficult to remember concepts and maintain accuracy under exam pressure.
• Neglecting mock tests: Mock tests and their analysis are essential to improve speed, identify weak areas, and adjust strategies.
• Incomplete syllabus coverage: Avoid skipping tough topics, as every section can impact your overall score.

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