CAT 2025 exam in 27 days: revision tips for VARC, DILR, QA; difficulty level as per trends

With only four weeks left for the CAT 2025 exam, it’s revision time. First, focus on three core sections, VARC, DILR, and QA, by picking each for a 40-minute mock practice under time restrictions to analyse your preparation. IIM Kozhikode will conduct the Common Admission Test (CAT) on November 30.

In the next week, do mixed-section full-length mocks and review your section-wise weak spots for further preparation. In the final two weeks, focus on high-yield topics, speed drills, and exam-day strategy: question selection, skipping wisely, and maintaining stamina.

However, proper sleep, nutrition, and mock practice count heavily in the coming weeks.

Also read CAT 2025 exam pattern unchanged; all you need to know about section-wise questions, selection process

IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT 2025 exam for 120 minutes across 170 test cities. CAT 2025 syllabus comprises three sections only: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

As per the latest update, IIM Kozhikode will issue the CAT 2025 admit card on November 12 on the official website, iimcat.ac.in. Candidates will also be able to access the CAT mock test 2025 link to get familiar with the exam pattern.

Also read CAT Syllabus 2025: What to expect in VARC, DILR, QA sections; must-know topics

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, QA revision tips

Candidates are advised not to chase 100% syllabus coverage and only prioritize on high high-weightage topics. You can use a mock analytics tool to track your performance and improvements.

Week 1: Concept Reinforcement + Sectional Mocks

• Revise all formulas (QA), key question types (VARC), and puzzle frameworks (DILR).
• Attempt one sectional test per day (40–45 minutes each).
• Analyze every test: note down recurring mistakes and timing issues.

Focus on main topics for each section:

• QA - Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
• VARC - Reading Comprehension, Para Summary
• DILR - 2-set practice daily, emphasizing data graphs and logical grids

Week 2: Mixed Practice + Full-Length Mocks

• Take 2-3 full-length mocks this week (on alternate days).
• Simulate exam conditions (same time slot as actual CAT).
• Continue revising weak areas identified from mocks.

Focus areas:

• Learn smart question selection, attempt easy/moderate questions first.
• Track accuracy vs. speed

Week 3: Revision + Time Management

• Revisit formula sheets, RC notes, and DILR patterns
• Take 3 full mocks this week
• Focus on error logs — avoid repeating the same mistakes
• Solve past year CAT sets (2020–2024) for realistic difficulty exposure

Week 4: Strategy and Calm

• Take 2 light mocks early in the week, then rest before exam day.
• Focus on mental composure and sleep schedule.
• Revise only key notes and short tricks, no new topics.

Also read CAT 2025: IIMs see more women, fewer engineers as MBA programmes diversify intake

CAT 2025: Last year’s analysis as per trends

The difficulty level of last year’s CAT exam 2025, according to the Careers360 experts, is as follows.