CAT Exam Preparation for Beginners: Complete Guide for 2025

The CAT is all set to be conducted on November 30, 2025 and there are almost 6 months left for preparation. Students who are beginners and are attempting the exam for the first time have enough time to start from scratch and ace the examination. The complete CAT preparation plan for beginners is provided here with all crucial steps and insights. Students who plan to take CAT 2025 must be aware of the exam pattern and syllabus primarily to plan their preparation strategy accordingly.

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CAT is a computer-based test conducted by the IIMs for admission into top management institutes across India. The exam consists of three major sections including the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Students must focus on regular practice and maintain a disciplined strategy to obtain good marks in CAT and pursue their desired goals. To know how to prepare for CAT being a beginner, kindly refer to the following.

→ CAT Study Material 2025: Download Free Study Material PDFs & Check CAT 2025 Preparation Tips

CAT Exam Preparation Tips for Beginners

1. Analyze Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme Carefully

Start preparing by being aware of the CAT exam pattern. It has three sections of 40 minutes each. The exam has MCQs and non-MCQs, with a penalty for incorrect answers (except for TITA questions).

2. Be Familiar with CAT Syllabus First

Students must know the complete syllabus for all the sections of CAT 2025 before starting the preparation. This will help them figure out what topics to focus on and how to collect study material.

3. Make Ideas Stronger with Basic Parts

For Quantitative Aptitude, start with Class 6 to Class 10 NCERT books, and for the basic concepts, use basic logical reasoning books. It is easier to handle difficult problems later by understanding the basics.

4. Create a Good Study Plan

Take 6 to 8 months on the test and break it up into phases. In the initial phase, take 2 to 3 months on skill building, and then practice thoroughly and take full-length practice tests.

5. Read for VARC every day

Reading comprehension plays a crucial role in scoring. To enhance reading speed and comprehension, read The Hindu, Indian Express, and non-fiction books.

6. Practice Sectional Tests Every Week

As you complete the workbooks, test yourself on each topic every week. This will help candidates to know their weak and strong areas and they can work on them accordingly.

7. Take Full-length Mock Tests Regularly

Students are advised to take mock tests weekly to keep themselves updated on their overall preparation level and further requirements.

8. Prepare Revision Notes and an Error Log

Maintain short notes and formulas for rapid revision. Maintain a log to record repeated errors and practice them on a regular basis.

9. Practice Speed and Accuracy Simultaneously

Don't linger too much on hard questions. Answer the familiar questions primarily and save the time to solve difficult problems at last.

10. Be Consistent and Track Progress

It is very important to be consistent with your preparation plan as CAT is a highly competitive exam and there is much competition this year. Progress tracking will help students know if they are improving with their current preparation plan or do they need to modify it accordingly.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The official CAT exam pattern has not been released yet by the authorities; however, it is expected that it will be the same as last year. Based on the previous year CAT exam pattern, we have provided an expected outcome for the examination pattern of the current academic year. Refer to the following to know the same.

CAT Examination Pattern