1. Home
  2. blogs
  3. How to Crack CAT & MBA Entrance Exams on the First Attempt

How to Crack CAT & MBA Entrance Exams on the First Attempt

CL Team December 05 2025
3 min read


Strategy / Preparation Tips: How to Crack CAT & MBA

Entrance Exams on the First Attempt

 

1. Understand the Exam Pattern First

CAT and most MBA exams test three core aptitude areas:

 VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

  • RC passages

  • Para jumbles

  • Para summary

  • Out-of-context sentence

 DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

  • Caselets

  • Graphs & charts

  • Games & tournaments

  • Logical puzzles

 QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

  • Arithmetic

  • Algebra

  • Geometry

  • Number Systems

  • Modern Math

Before starting preparation, understand:

  • No. of questions

  • Sectional time limits

  • Difficulty level

  • Marking scheme
    This helps you design a realistic study plan.

2. Build Strong Fundamentals (First 60–90 Days)

For the first two to three months, focus on concept clarity, not speed.

Quant:

  • Master Arithmetic first → averages, ratios, TSD, percentages, profit-loss

  • Move to Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math

  • Practice 20–30 questions per chapter

VARC:

  • Read daily: editorials, magazines, long-form articles

  • Practice 2 RC passages daily

  • Improve grammar & vocabulary naturally through reading

DILR:

  • Learn basic chart types

  • Understand different puzzle structures

  • Solve 2 sets daily from beginner to intermediate

3. Start Taking Mock Tests Early

Do NOT wait for syllabus completion
Toppers start mocks within the first 60–90 days.

Benefits:

  • Helps identify strengths & weak areas

  • Builds exam stamina

  • Improves speed and accuracy

  • Teaches time management under pressure

Recommended frequency:

  • First 2 months: 1 mock every 2 weeks

  • Middle phase: 1 mock per week

  • Final 2 months: 2–3 mocks per week

4. Analyze Every Mock in Detail

Mock analysis is more important than the mock itself.

Check:

  • Which sets or questions you should not have attempted

  • Accuracy in each section

  • Time spent per question

  • Repeated mistakes (silly mistakes, traps, misreads)

  • Improvement trend over weeks

Keep a mock error notebook.

5. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics

Quant must-do topics:

  • Percentages, Profit-Loss

  • Ratios, Mixtures

  • Algebra basics (equations, inequalities)

  • Arithmetic-heavy DI

  • Geometry basics

DILR must-do sets:

  • Games & Tournaments

  • Arrangement puzzles

  • Venn diagrams

  • DI tables & graphs

VARC must-do tasks:

  • RC main idea

  • Inference-based questions

  • Para summary

  • Odd-sentence out

These topics account for 70%+ of most CAT papers.

6. Develop a Section-Wise Strategy

VARC Strategy

  • Attempt easy RCs first

  • Do not overattempt

  • Maintain 70–80% accuracy

  • Practice reading fast without losing comprehension

DILR Strategy

  • Identify one easy set quickly

  • Don’t get stuck on a puzzle

  • Aim for 2–3 solved sets in CAT-level mocks

QA Strategy

  • Scan all questions first

  • Attempt arithmetic and your strong areas in the first round

  • Avoid ego traps in algebra or geometry

7. Follow a 6-Month Study Plan (Model)

Months 1–2

Concept building + basic practice
Start reading daily + 1 mock every 2 weeks

Months 3–4

Intermediate-level questions
Start full-length mocks weekly
Sectional tests every alternate day

Months 5–6

Advanced-level preparation
Revise all topics
Take 2–3 mocks weekly
Improve exam temperament

8. Identify Expected Cutoffs & Set Your Target Score

Typical CAT percentile cutoffs:

  • 99+ percentile: Top IIMs

  • 97–98 percentile: New IIMs, IITs, top private colleges

  • 90–95 percentile: Decent B-schools

  • 80–90 percentile: Good colleges via SNAP, NMAT, CMAT

Set a clear score/percentile goal based on your target colleges.

9. Stay Consistent & Avoid Burnout

  • Study 2–3 hours daily on weekdays

  • 4–5 hours daily on weekends

  • Take regular breaks

  • Track progress weekly

  • Avoid comparing your journey with others

Consistency matters more than talent.

10. Use the Right Preparation Resources

  • Standard Quant books (Arithmetic + Algebra focused)

  • Daily RC practice from diverse sources

  • DI-LR sets from previous CAT papers

  • Mock tests from reputed test series

  • Daily GK updates (for XAT, CMAT, SNAP)

Final Advice

Cracking CAT or any MBA entrance exam in the first attempt is a strategy game, not just a knowledge test. With the right preparation plan, mock analysis, and exam temperament, you can secure your dream B-school seat.