The Indian Institute of Management will release the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 admit card on November 12. Candidates can download it from the official CAT website. The national-level entrance exam, scheduled for November 30, 2025, determines admission to IIMs and other leading business schools across the country. As the exam date approaches, experts emphasize the importance of mindset, composure, and time management alongside academic revision. Prof. Bharat Bhushan Singh, Director of Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, shared critical advice on avoiding common preparation mistakes during the final phase. He stressed that CAT tests not just knowledge but the ability to think under pressure. Candidates are advised against merely aiming for cutoff scores and instead should target top percentile performance. A structured approach to attempting questions, avoiding common errors, and maintaining mental well-being are essential for success in this competitive examination.
Key Mistakes and Expert Strategies for CAT 2025 Preparation
Dr. Singh highlighted ten frequent preparation errors candidates must avoid: ignoring weak areas, taking mock tests without thorough analysis, not practising under timed conditions, random practice for data interpretation and logical reasoning, cramming new concepts late, neglecting formula or error notes, passive reading comprehension practice, over-dependence on lengthy calculations, inconsistent study routines, and ignoring rest and well-being. He recommended a tiered approach to attempting questions—first answering questions with 100% familiarity, then moving to 75% familiarity using logic and elimination, attempting 50% familiarity questions sparingly, and avoiding blind guessing due to negative marking. This structured method maintains clarity, prevents panic, and improves accuracy. Dr. Singh emphasized that aiming for the top 10% of test-takers builds confidence and resilience rather than merely targeting cutoff scores, which fluctuate yearly based on difficulty and competition.
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