If your dream is to pursue an MBA in India, then the CAT exam is a golden opportunity. Every year lakhs of students appear for CAT (Common Admission Test), but only a few reach 90+ percentile and they are the ones who get admission in India’s best MBA colleges like IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, and IIEBM Indus Business School Pune.
So if you’re thinking “How to crack CAT in the first attempt?” This blog is for you. Here we’ll discuss step-by-step strategy so that you can target 90+ percentile in your first attempt!
Step 1: Understand the CAT Exam Pattern
Firstly, students need to understand the exam format that is very important. CAT consists three sections:
- VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) – 24 questions
- DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) – 20 questions
- QA (Quantitative Ability) – 22 questions
The total duration of the exam is 120 minutes, In which 40 minutes are fixed for each section. The CAT exam tests both speed and accuracy, so using smart strategy is equally important.
Pro Tip: Start with understanding syllabus and previous year papers. This will give you an idea about the question trend and difficulty level.
Step 2: Make a Realistic Study Plan
If you want to crack CAT 2025, then make a structured study plan. Design your plan according to your strengths and weaknesses because every student has a different level.
Example daily schedule:
- 2 hrs – Quant practice (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry)
- 1 hr – Reading & Verbal Practice (RC + Vocabulary)
- 1 hr – DILR sets
- 1 mock test per week (increase to 2-3 before exam)
Pro Tip: Consistency is the key daily 3–4 hours of dedicated study is enough to crack the first attempt.
Step 3: Build Strong Concepts
CAT is not about mugging up formulas, it’s about concept clarity.Understand basic topics first and then gradually solve advanced level questions.
For Quant section:
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Time-Speed-Distance)
- Algebra (Equations, Inequalities)
- Geometry & Mensuration
For VARC:
- Reading comprehension passages (daily 2–3 RCs)
- Parajumbles aur Vocabulary practice
For DILR:
- Data Tables, Charts, Puzzles practice daily
Pro Tip: Revise basics with NCERT Maths (Class 8–10) The foundation will become strong.
Step 4: Choose the Right Study Material
Selecting the right resources is time-saving.
Recommended books for CAT 2025 preparation:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT – Nishit Sinha
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT – Nishit Sinha
- Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
Online mocks and sectional tests are equally important. Use test series of Unacademy, IMS, Career Launcher, TIME, or 2IIM.
Step 5: Practice Time Management
CAT is all about accuracy and time. You only get 40 minutes for each section so don’t waste time on unnecessary questions.
Tips for time management:
- Attempt easy questions before
- Avoid Guesswork (negative marking !)
- Practice with Sectional timer
Pro Tip: After every 3 mock tests analyze your average time per question.
Step 6: Take Regular Mock Tests
Mock tests will give you a feel for the real exam. After each mock test, be sure to do a detailed analysis of what went wrong, where you were slow, and which questions you should have skipped.
Mock test strategy:
- First 2 months: 1 mock test per week
- Next 2 months: 2 mocks per week
- Last 1 month: 3 mocks per week
Pro Tip: Mock tests are just not enough analysis is crucial for improvement.
Step 7: Analyze Weak Areas
Practice is not enough for 90+ percentile, smart feedback systems are also needed. After mock, note your weak topics and spend 1 hour extra on that.
Example:
- If Quant weak → focus on Arithmetic and Algebra
- If you think VARC tough → Practice daily RC and grammar
- If DILR is a problem → Solve puzzles and caselets daily
Pro Tip: Create an “error log book” to record your mistakes.
Step 8: Strengthen Reading & Vocabulary
Reading habit is mandatory for CAT’s VARC section. Spend 30–45 minutes every day reading English newspapers or magazines – like The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Economist, Business Today etc.
This will improve both your reading speed and comprehension.
Pro Tip: Learn 5 new English words every day and write their sentences.
Step 9: Stay Consistent and Motivated
CAT is a type of marathon, not a sprint. During preparation ups and downs will come, mock scores will fluctuate, but do not lose consistency.
Celebrate your small wins, and set a realistic target every week. Physical activity and meditation will also help to maintain your focus.
Pro Tip: Write down your goals and visualize them. Motivation will remain.
Step 10: Know What Happens After CAT
Your journey doesn’t end after cracking CAT – actually, the MB admission process begins from here.
To get admission in top MB colleges in India, you need to:
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
It has to be cleared.
If you have achieved 90+ percentile in CAT, then your doors open to institutes like IIMs, SPJIMR, FMS Delhi, NMIMS, MDI Gurgaon, and IIEBM Indus Business School Pune.
Conclusion
Cracking the CAT may seem tough on your first attempt, but it’s not impossible. If you maintain concept clarity, mock analysis, time management, and discipline, a 90+ percentile is completely achievable.An MBA in India can be a life-changing journey and the CAT is the first step on that journey.
So start your CAT 2025 preparation today and make your MBA dreams a reality!
FAQs
1. Is it possible to crack CAT in the first attempt?
Yes, absolutely! Many students crack the CAT exam in their first attempt by following a smart and consistent strategy. The key is to understand the exam pattern, practice regularly, analyze mock tests, and stay disciplined throughout your CAT 2025 preparation journey.
2. How much time is required to prepare for CAT 2025?
Ideally, 8 to 10 months of focused preparation is sufficient to crack CAT in the first attempt. If you study 3–5 hours daily with consistency, you can easily complete the syllabus and start giving mock tests on time.
3. What is a good score for 90+ percentile in CAT?
To achieve a 90+ percentile, you need to correctly answer around 40–45% of the total questions with high accuracy. Remember, CAT rewards accuracy more than the number of attempts to avoid random guessing!
4. Which section is the toughest in the CAT exam?
It varies for each student. Some find Quantitative Ability (QA) tough, while others struggle with VARC or DILR. The best way to handle this is to identify your weak areas early and devote extra time to improving them through regular practice.
5. How should I start preparing for CAT 2025 from scratch?
Start by understanding the syllabus and exam structure. Then, make a daily study schedule covering all three sections QA, VARC, and DILR. Focus on concept clarity, practice questions daily, and take mock tests regularly.
6. Do I need coaching to crack CAT in the first attempt?
Not necessarily. Many students crack CAT through self-study using online resources and mock tests. However, joining a good CAT coaching institute can give you structured guidance, mentorship, and time-bound preparation.
7. How many mock tests should I take before the CAT exam?
You should take at least 25–30 full-length mock tests before the exam. Start with one mock per week in the initial months and increase to two or three per week as the exam approaches. Always analyze your mocks for mistakes and improvement areas.
8. How can I improve my reading skills for the VARC section?
Make a habit of reading English newspapers, editorials, and business magazines daily. Focus on understanding tone, context, and author’s viewpoint. Reading regularly also helps you during Group Discussions.