How to Maximize Your Score Without New Preparation
CL Team November 28 2025
CAT Day Strategy: How to Maximize Your Score Without New Preparation
The final hours before CAT are not about learning something new — they’re about using what you already know with maximum efficiency. Most aspirants lose marks on exam day not because of lack of knowledge, but because of poor strategy, panic, or mismanaging the 2-hour window. This guide shows you exactly how to extract your highest possible score without touching any new concepts.
1. Start With the Right Mindset: Calm > Chaos
CAT rewards clarity, not aggression.
Instead of thinking “I have to attempt everything,” shift to:
“I have to pick the right questions.”
A stable mind gives you +20 to +30 marks effortlessly.
2. Final 24 Hours: The Only Things You Should Do
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Revise your own notes, not new videos or new questions.
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Quickly glance through:
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Arithmetic & Algebra formulas
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Grammar basics for VA
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DILR puzzle structures you’re comfortable with
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Set your sleep cycle right: sleep early, wake early.
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Pack essentials: admit card, ID, water bottle, directions to center.
No new mock. No stressful debates. No heavy revision.
3. Slot Strategy: Play to Your Strengths
Every section must follow a simple philosophy:
VARC (First Section)
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Attempt RCs in the order you’re comfortable, not in sequence.
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Don’t force accuracy — skip fast if the passage feels dense.
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VA: Go for Para-jumbles & Odd-One-Out first if they’re your strength.
DILR (Second Section)
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Spend the first 3 minutes scanning all sets.
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Lock one easy + one moderate set first.
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If a set feels like a time trap in 90 seconds → leave it.
Your goal: 2 sets clean > 4 sets chaos.
QA (Final Section)
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Emotionally be ready: this section decides your mood.
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Start with topics you love (Arithmetic/Algebra).
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Don’t let a tough early question shake your confidence.
4. The 10-Second Rule: Your Secret Weapon
For every question, decide within 10 seconds:
Attempt, Skip, or Park.
This prevents time wastage and panic spirals.
5. Time Blocks That Work Best (Proven by Toppers)
VARC (40 min)
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RC1: 10 min
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RC2: 10 min
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RC3: 10 min
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VA: 10 min
DILR (40 min)
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Scan: 3 min
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Set 1: 15–18 min
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Set 2: 15–18 min
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Backup guesses: 2 min
QA (40 min)
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Round 1 (easy): 12–15 min
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Round 2 (moderate): 12–15 min
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Round 3 (leftovers): 8–10 min
6. Emotion Management: The Real Game
CAT is designed to intimidate.
If you feel shaken, tell yourself:
“Easy questions are hiding. I just have to locate them.”
This keeps your brain problem-solving instead of panicking.
7. Exam Centre Mistakes to Avoid
Discussing with friends before the exam
Rushing through instructions
Spending >4 minutes on one question
Re-attempting a puzzle you abandoned
Checking answers after the exam
Comparing your slot with others
Preserve your mental energy.
8. Golden Rule: CAT is a Test of Selection, Not Knowledge
Your percentile is determined not by how much you studied,
but by how smartly you filter questions.
Final Note
You don’t need new preparation on CAT day.
You need clarity, composure, and selective aggression.
If you follow this strategy, you will unlock the score your preparation truly deserves — without touching a single new topic.