Passing the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a goal for many students. Coaching institutes provide guidance, but you can definitely prepare for the CAT and pass the exam on your own with self-study. The important thing is to work smart and stay focused. Let’s know how you can achieve this on your own.
Analyzing the CAT Exam Pattern
Before starting your preparation, it’s helpful to get a clear understanding of the CAT exam. Knowing the exam format and what kinds of questions you’ll see will help you to plan your study more effectively.
CAT Exam Format
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Limit |
|
Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability (English Language ) |
24 |
40 minutes |
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
20 |
40 minutes |
|
Quantitative Ability (Mathematics) |
26 |
40 minutes |
Each section has a fixed time limit, and you must manage your time well to answer all questions.
Importance of CAT Mock Tests
CAT mock tests are another important way to make your preparation more effective. It can help you get comfortable with the time limit and the kind of pressure you may feel on the exam day. Mock tests also give you an idea of the topics you're doing well in and the ones that require more practice.
Previous Year Question Papers for CAT
One of the best ways to prepare for the exam is by solving CAT previous years’ question papers. CAT Previous year papers give you a good knowledge of the actual exam pattern, the types of questions, and the level of difficulty. By solving them regularly, you can improve your speed and accuracy, which is very essential for your preparations.
CAT Previous Year Cutoffs and Strategies
Understanding the previous year’s cut-offs is important for setting your goals. The cutoff can vary based on your category and the institute you're aiming for. Here’s a general idea of the cutoffs for some of the top institutes:
|
Institute Name |
General Cut-off (Percentile) |
OBC Cut-off (Percentile) |
SC Cut-off (Percentile) |
ST Cut-off (Percentile) |
PWD Cut-off (Percentile) |
|
IIM Ahmedabad |
99.5+ |
90+ |
70+ |
65+ |
60+ |
|
IIM Bangalore |
99.5+ |
90+ |
70+ |
65+ |
60+ |
|
IIM Calcutta |
99+ |
90+ |
70+ |
65+ |
60+ |
|
IIM Lucknow |
98+ |
85+ |
65+ |
60+ |
55+ |
Preparation Strategies for CAT Exams
A regular study routine can really help you stay focused. It’s also useful to spend time understanding the basic concepts well, especially in Quant and Logical Reasoning. Practicing mock tests with a timer can give you an experience of the actual exam and help you to increase speed. After each mock test, check where you made mistakes so you can work on those areas and get better results.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for CAT 2025 Exam
Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test for CAT 2025 Exam
Yes, you can clear the CAT exam through self-study with the right strategy. Focus on practicing CAT previous year question papers, practice regular CAT mock tests, and use the best CAT preparation books to enhance your learning. Stay disciplined, be consistent, and keep focusing on your time management skills. With the right preparations, it's absolutely possible to crack CAT through self-study.
