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More than 2.95 lakh candidates are preparing for the Common Admission Test 2025, making it more competitive and intense. As we approach the final date of the exam, every step we take and decisions we make in these last days matter and can make or break our performance. The right strategy can strengthen your long-standing preparations, while the wrong strategy can cost you valuable percentage points.
To help you make the most of the time left, here are some common mistakes candidates make in the final countdown and how you can avoid them.
overloading new topics
This is the time to refine and revise what you already know, rather than trying to learn new concepts or cover an untouched chapter, which can often backfire. Since the CAT syllabus is vast, including Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), instead of jumping into topics that you have not touched like Modern Mathematics or Permutations and Combinations, focus on working on your strong areas and make them even stronger. If you are good at arithmetic or reading comprehension, spend more time on them, hone them, because getting those questions right will not only help you partially understand new topics.
The most effective approach is to identify your strengths and weaknesses and spend your remaining time strengthening what you know best. Go back to basics and refine them to the best of your ability. This will not only help you in revising but will also boost your confidence.
CAT 2025: Expert shares section-wise tips and scoring strategies for Common Admission Test
work on speed and accuracy
Speed and accuracy both go hand in hand and form the backbone of the CAT exam. Many candidates focus only on solving more number of questions, but this is of no benefit to them, as negative marking for wrong answers also reduces their profit from correct answers. This results in a decline in percentage even if the total number of attempts is high.
Let’s say, to crack the Quant section, start with the questions you know well and practice basic skills like quick math and estimation. In VARC, read smartly by scanning for main ideas and tone rather than every word. For DILR, save time by working on common puzzles like arrangements and case studies. This will help you remain calm during the test. The aim is to attempt questions in which you can maintain at least 80-90% accuracy. Schedule your practice sessions and aim to improve your solving speed gradually rather than rushing to solve questions in the exam hall.
Mock Test vs Sectional Practice
It is one of the widely debated topics among the aspirants, whether to take the full-length test or invest energy in sectional exercises. In fact, improving your overall performance requires a balanced approach. Full-length mock tests help build exam stamina and get comfortable with the two-hour exam structure, while sectional tests let you hone in on particular areas that keep your scores down due to lack of speed. Apart from taking these assessments, it is equally important to analyze your results thoroughly, identifying why you lost marks, what type of questions took more time, and where you can improve.
time management
Time management is also an important aspect of the CAT exam, and each section (VARC, DILR, and QA) comes with a high-stakes limit and a strict time limit of 40 minutes, making it essential to utilize each minute effectively. The real challenge lies in deciding which questions to solve and which to leave, as spending too much time on a single question may cost you easy marks later. A practical strategy is to quickly scan all the questions in a section and start with the questions you are most confident about. This ensures that you don’t miss scoring opportunities that match your strengths. Practicing with a timer during mock tests trains your brain to make quick and confident decisions under pressure. On exam day, stick to your time plan and trust your intuition.
Avoiding the Guess Game
Since there is negative scoring (you will get -1 for each wrong answer), just guessing can really mess up your percentage. Instead of guessing randomly, try to eliminate answers that are wrong to increase your chances of getting it right. When you are reading and considering questions, eliminate answers based on logic, not just emotion. If two options look similar, read the question again to make sure, as CAT exam tests comprehension more than factual recall. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to just leave it and move on.
last words
This last month before CAT is not about doing more, but doing better. Avoiding these common pitfalls can make a big difference between the 95th and 99th percentile. Stay calm, trust your preparation and remember that it is the clarity of your mind that will help you win this exam.
(The author Gautam Puri is Vice President, CL Educate Ltd. Views are personal.)
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