Students must make a realistic and well defined plan for an online preparation of CAT 2025. Candidates can opt for an online coaching program or online test series in case they require assistance or systematic learning. Pay attention to trends and question patterns of past years. Above all, remain consistent, practice regularly, and focus on accuracy when time is insufficient. A disciplined and well-planned strategy of 6 to 9 months can lead students to clear CAT 2025 with a high score.
Students can start with understanding the CAT 2025 exam pattern, which is divided into three major sections including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Start with a sample mock test to understand your preparation level till date and then strategise a study plan accordingly. This will help students identify their weakest and strongest areas in CAT syllabus 2025.
Applicants are advised to start preparing with basic concepts of math and English grammar initially, and then proceed gradually to a tougher level. Reading newspapers, editorials, and business articles daily will improve student's reading speed and understanding, which are required for the CAT VARC section. Invest the time wisely for every section and practice the tests from the very start of your preparation. Go through each mock test in depth to find issues and update your preparation strategy accordingly.
Best Online Platforms for CAT Preparation
Below is the list of best online platforms that help students in CAT exam preparation online.
- 2IIM CAT
- Handa Ka Funda
- Unacademy
- IMS India
- TIME4Education
- Career Launcher
- Cracku
- BYJU’S Exam Prep
- Hitbullseye
- iQuanta
CAT Online Preparation Plan 2025
Refer to the following to know how to prepare for the CAT 2025 exam online without any coaching.
Phase | Timeframe | What to Focus On | What to Do Online |
1. Build Your Base | June – August 2025 | - Master basics of QA (Arithmetic, Algebra) - Strengthen reading habit - Get comfortable with puzzles | - Watch concept videos on YouTube (Rodha, 2IIM) - Read editorials daily - Solve 2 to 3 DILR sets/week |
2. Practice Smart | Sept – Oct 2025 | - Improve speed and accuracy - Handle moderate to tough questions - Learn to manage time per section | - Take 1 mock every 10 days - Use Cracku/IMS quizzes - Analyze mocks in detail |
3. Simulate the Real CAT | November 2025 | - Test stamina and accuracy under pressure - Revise key topics - Finalize test-taking strategy | - 2 to 3 mocks/week - Take mocks in CAT time slot - Revise via Google Docs/Notion/Flashcards |
Mistakes to Avoid While CAT Online Preparation
- Without a well-planned schedule or time period, learning leads to inadequate preparation and incomplete syllabus attainment.
- Procrastination during the past one to two months and not doing mock tests leads to loss of time management, accuracy, and strategy for taking the test.
- Depending solely on one platform or source limits your exposure to different kinds of questions and levels of difficulty.
- Too much TV watching with not enough practice doesn't cut it; passive learning has to be reinforced by active problem-solving.
- Failing to properly check mock test results indicates that you don't identify weak points and continue to commit the same mistakes on future tests.
- Failure to practice VARC and DILR early is a mistake; these sections are time-consuming and require a lot of correction and are usually skipped in favor of Quant.
- Not taking revision notes or formula sheets leads to disorganized and inefficient revision as the exam approaches.
- Learning through long, informal study sessions is less effective; quality, not quantity, is desired, and breaks during short study sessions help to consolidate ideas.
- Blindly following someone's preparation strategy: Candidates must make a realistic and convenient preparation plan that doesn't hamper their mental health. Comparing your preparation strategies or efforts with someone can lead students to be under confident and unprepared.
- Ignoring mental health: while preparing for the CAT exam, students must not comprise with their personal life and mental health. Make a study plan that doesn't come in between your health and you.
Recommended: CAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Topics, Weightage and Exam Pattern
