Starting CAT 2025 Preparation Late? Here's How To Still Crack It With The Right Strategy

News18

17-07-2025

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Starting CAT prep in July isn't too late, success depends on focused strategy, consistent effort, and smart mock test analysis over the next 4–5 months.
It's July, and if you've only just started thinking about preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) 2025, the question on your mind is likely a daunting one: 'Is it too late?" With less than five months to go until the exam in November, the pressure is real. But here's the truth — while the clock is ticking, it's not game over.
Thousands of aspirants begin serious CAT preparation around this time every year and still manage to score well. What makes the difference is how smartly and consistently you prepare from now on.
Understanding The Challenge
CAT is not a test of memory, but one of aptitude, logic, comprehension, and strategy. It covers three sections:
Each of these demands not only conceptual clarity but also speed, accuracy, and the ability to stay calm under time pressure.
Typically, aspirants start preparing over 8–12 months in advance. But that doesn't mean those starting now are at a fatal disadvantage. The key lies in understanding that quality trumps quantity — and that includes both the hours you put in and the resources you use.
The short answer is no. The longer answer is also no — but it comes with a condition. From this point onward, your approach needs to be extremely focused and disciplined. With limited time left, there's no room for a slow or scattered start. You can't afford to ease into preparation or wait to build momentum gradually. Every single week must be purposeful and productive if you want to make your efforts count.
If you can commit to a structured plan — say, 3–4 hours on weekdays and 6–8 hours on weekends — you can still aim for a strong performance.
Most aspirants can crack CAT within a four to six-month period, provided their approach is focused and data-driven.
There are also numerous success stories of students who started in July and cracked the CAT with 90+ percentile scores. What sets them apart is not necessarily higher intelligence, but consistent, structured effort, ruthless prioritisation, and constant self-evaluation.
What Works? Strategy For Late Starters
Assess Yourself (Day 1–3)
Start with a mock test — yes, even before you start 'studying." This will help you identify:
This diagnostic test will help you personalise your preparation, which is crucial when you're short on time.
Set A 100-Day Plan
Divide the remaining months into three phases:
Phase 1: Concept Building (July–Mid August)
Focus on core fundamentals in QA (algebra, arithmetic, geometry), reading comprehension strategies in VARC, and types of LRDI sets. Use one standard resource per section — this helps avoid confusion and overlap.
Your ability to understand and master fundamentals quickly can dramatically shorten your learning curve — especially if you're starting in July.
Phase 2: Practice & Strengthening (Mid August–Mid October)
Shift gears to practice-heavy preparation. Start solving mid-level mocks, sectional tests, and topic-wise quizzes. Aim to build both speed and accuracy.
Phase 3: Full-Length Mocks + Revision (Mid October–November)
Take 2–3 full mocks per week. Analyse each thoroughly — not just what you got wrong, but why. Were you too slow? Did you fall for a trap? Was it a silly mistake? This phase is as much about building exam temperament as it is about revision.
Many top scorers claim to have improved their VARC section purely through sustained reading and consistent practice of previous years' RCs.
DILR: Pattern Recognition And Speed
QA: Focus On Arithmetic First
Arithmetic makes up 40–50% of the QA section. Prioritise topics like percentages, ratios, averages, and time-speed-distance.
Once confident, move to algebra and number systems.
Practice mental calculations and approximation techniques to save valuable time in the exam.
Mock Tests: Your Best Teacher
Mocks aren't just for assessment; they're a critical part of your learning process. Starting now, take at least:
1 mock every two weeks in July
1 per week in August
2 per week from September onwards
The analysis is more important than the score. For each mock, ask yourself:
Did I spend too much time on one set or question?
Did I panic when I saw unfamiliar RC or DI sets?
Could I have chosen better questions to attempt?
Mocks are a microcosm of the CAT experience — your ability to reflect, review, and adapt after each one makes or breaks your percentile.
Coaching Or Self-Study?
If you need structure, crash courses or online programs can help. But if you're self-disciplined and consistent, self-study using quality resources and mock tests is just as effective.
Study groups, online forums, and peer networks can also offer motivation, support, and guidance when needed.
Mindset Matters
CAT is as much a test of mindset as it is of aptitude. Late starters often carry self-doubt — don't let that hold you back. Stay focused and adopt a problem-solving mindset:
Break goals into smaller, achievable targets
Track progress weekly
Be strategic — don't aim for perfection in every topic
Most importantly, avoid burnout. Get adequate sleep, take short breaks, and remember that effective preparation is a marathon, not a sprint.
Final Thoughts
Starting CAT prep in July may not be ideal — but it's absolutely possible. With smart planning, consistent effort, and the right mindset, you can bridge the gap.
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What matters most now is not when you began, but how you finish. Use each day with purpose. Stay committed to the process.
(The author is the GM of Admissions & Marketing at Great Lakes Institute Of Management. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views.)
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First Published:
July 10, 2025, 19:11 IST
News education-career Starting CAT 2025 Preparation Late? Here's How To Still Crack It With The Right Strategy
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