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CAT 2025 Preparation Mistakes: The Common Admission Test isn't just an exam; it's the gateway to IIMs and other top MBA colleges for millions of MBA aspirants. After months of hard work, countless sleepless nights, and acing mock tests, as the exam draws near, a strange pressure sets in. This is a crucial time when even the smallest mistake can ruin your entire preparation.

During final CAT preparation, candidates often make mistakes that unknowingly impact their confidence and concentration. Instead of studying new chapters or taking more mock tests, it's crucial to strengthen your strategy and maintain mental balance. Remember, CAT is a game of speed and accuracy. A calm and focused mind is your best weapon. To prevent your hard work from going to waste, it's important to recognize and avoid these 5 common mistakes.

What are the 5 mistakes you should avoid before the CAT exam?
The CAT exam will be held on November 30, 2025 (Sunday). The CAT 2025 admit cards were originally scheduled to be released in the first week of November, but the date has now been changed. The CAT admit cards will be released on November 12, 2025. All the latest updates related to the CAT 2025 admit card and the exam can be checked on the official website, iimcat.ac.in.

1. Studying New Topics at the Last Minute
The biggest mistake is starting untested topics right before the exam. Thinking that a question might come from this topic, students waste time revising old, strong concepts.

What happens: Not only is the new topic not completed, but it also creates a feeling of confusion and insecurity.

What to do: During this time, revise only your prepared short notes, formula sheets, and important tricks. Leave aside topics you've missed and become so confident in your strong areas that you won't get any questions wrong.

2. Changing your strategy due to fear of mock test scores
It's normal to receive low mock test scores just a few days before the exam. Each mock test has a different pattern and difficulty level. However, changing your test-taking strategy immediately because of this can be dangerous.

What happens: Repeated sectional timing and changing the order of solving questions can lead to a lack of a stable strategy for the actual exam.

What to do: Instead of focusing on the score, conduct a deep analysis of the mock test. Correct your mistakes and stick to the strategy you've practiced for months.

3. Neglecting sleep and mental health
Many students, under stress, cut down on their sleep during the final days, thinking this will give them extra time to study.

What happens: Lack of sleep reduces concentration, impairs decision-making, and leads to mental fatigue on exam day.

What to do: Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, starting a week before the exam. Eat light meals, and take 15-20 minutes daily for meditation or a walk.

4. Procrastinating or ignoring revision
Many students get so busy taking mock tests at the last minute that they skip regular revision. This proves to be a big mistake.

What happens: Old concepts and formulas start to fade from their minds. You end up forgetting formulas or making small mistakes even on simple exam questions.

What to do: Spend 30-45 minutes every day revising Quantitative Aptitude (QA) formulas and Logical Reasoning (LR) patterns.

5. Skipping a Section Completely
To crack the CAT exam, clearing the sectional cut-off is mandatory for most top MBA colleges. It's a big mistake to completely abandon your weaker sections (like DILR or VARC) out of fear.

What happens: Even if you have a good overall score, failing to clear the cut-off in one section could ruin your chances of getting into top IIMs.

What to do: Continue practicing identifying and solving basic questions, or "dual sets," even in your weaker sections. Maintain preparation to at least clear the minimum cut-off in each section.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can achieve a top score in the CAT exam.

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