With over 2.95 lakh aspirants preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025, competition is at an all-time high. As the exam approaches, every decision in this final stretch can significantly impact performance. While the right strategy can elevate months of preparation, a single wrong move can cost valuable percentile points.
To help you optimise your final preparation phase, here are the key mistakes to avoid in the final countdown and how to stay ahead.
1. Overloading Yourself With New Topics
The last few days are not the time to tackle entirely new concepts or untouched chapters. Given the extensive CAT syllabus QA, DILR, and VARC attempting new topics like modern math or permutation and combination can backfire.
Instead, focus on your strong areas. If arithmetic or RC is your strength, refine those. Strengthening what you already know will benefit you far more than half-learning new topics.
Revising basics, solving familiar question types, and sharpening comfort-zone topics will boost both accuracy and confidence.
2. Ignoring Speed Accuracy Balance
Aspirants often chase more attempts, overlooking that CAT rewards accuracy, not just quantity. Negative marking can pull down even a high-attempt score.
To master this balance:
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Quant: Start with familiar problems; practice quick maths and estimation.
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VARC: Read strategically scan for ideas, tone, and structure.
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DILR: Practise common puzzle types to save time on the exam day.
Aim for 80–90% accuracy, and train with timed practice to build steady speed without rushing.
3. Choosing Between Mock Tests and Sectional Tests
The debate continues—but the right approach is balanced.
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Full-length mocks build exam stamina and train you for the real 2-hour structure.
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Sectional tests strengthen weak areas and improve speed in specific sections.
More importantly, analyse every mock thoroughly. Identify:
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Time-consuming question types
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Accuracy gaps
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Topics that consistently pull down your score
Improvement lies in analysis, not just taking tests.
4. Poor Time Management
Each section VARC, DILR, and QA comes with a strict 40-minute cap, making time management critical.
A smart strategy:
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Scan all questions quickly
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Attempt the ones you’re most confident about first
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Skip time-consuming or confusing questions initially
Practising with a timer helps your mind adapt to pressure and make quick decisions. On exam day, stick to your plan and trust your instincts.
5. Guessing Blindly
With -1 negative marking, random guessing can hurt your percentile.
Use elimination instead:
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Rule out clearly incorrect choices
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Re-read the question if two options look similar
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If still unsure, move on it’s better to skip than lose marks
CAT rewards logical thinking and comprehension rather than blind risk-taking.
Final Words
The last month before CAT isn’t about doing more it’s about doing better. Avoiding these common mistakes can be the difference between a 95th percentile and a 99th percentile. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and approach the exam with clarity and confidence.
You’ve already done the hard work. Now, make it count.