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CAT Preparation 2025 - Strategy, Books and Study Material

CAT 2025 Result Out

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CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy and Study Time table

Tips for CAT preparation

Scoring more than 95 percentile requires sheer determination and continuous hard work. A systematic approach along with the preparation tips may prove to be fruitful for beginners as well as intermediates.

How to start CAT preparation?

An analysis of the previous year’s papers proves to be a great source to determine the trend of exam patterns. Since the CAT examination does not have any prescribed syllabus, the candidates thus count upon the previous year’s papers for the difficulty level, paper pattern, time limit, etc.
Once the candidates solve a decent number of previous papers, they are advised to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

How to make the timetable?

Preparation for the CAT examination requires discipline. Making a timetable to strengthen the strengths as well as weaknesses would help the candidates.
All sections need equal practice and attention for scoring very good marks. Thus aspirants should not ignore the strong section.
Practicing questions should be done regularly.
The candidates must turn their weaknesses into their strengths.

How many mocks should be taken?

Practicing questions regularly is a must. However, aspirants should also take the mock tests for understanding their level of preparation. They are also advised to attempt sectional mock tests.
The number of mock tests solely depends upon the level of preparation. On average five to six mock tests are taken by the aspirants. Some also take more than 20 mock tests.

Joining coaching institute for CAT

Joining a coaching institute surely helps for proper preparation for CAT. Nevertheless, they can attempt a mock test for understanding their preparation and decide afterward.
Aspirants can also opt for online methods for CAT preparation.

Books for CAT Preparation

Choosing the best books helps the aspirants to prepare for their overall development. Candidates can also find out a guide in some of the following best books for preparing for the CAT exam. A list of the best books is given below.

Sections	Book name
VARC	How to prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Minakshi Upadhyay
QA	How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
DILR	How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma

Mock Test

Is there any official mock test for CAT?

Candidates registering for the CAT exam are provided with mock tests on the official website of CAT. One can simply log in to the website and attempt the mock test on the respective dates announced for mock. The mock test gives applicants an idea of the pattern of the exam, marking scheme, and other aspects. It also makes an aspirant used to giving the CBT model of CAT examination. Mock tests are just like the main examination whose duration is 2 hours.

Best mock test series for CAT

There are three most popular mock test series taken by the candidates. One can opt from the IMS SimCATs, Career launcher test series, and AIMCAT test series from TIME.

Free mock tests for CAT

several coaching institutes offer free mock tests. One can also take the help of the online free test series for the CAT examination. The previous year’s papers could also be given as mock tests. Given below are the free mock tests available to the candidates preparing for CAT.