Are you starting your CAT 2025 preparation and feeling overwhelmed by where to begin? Whether you’re a fresher or have some work experience, beginning your CAT journey with the right strategy is crucial. Many aspirants make common mistakes that waste precious time and hamper their chances of scoring high. In this article, we’ll break down the key mistakes to avoid and share actionable tips to help you prepare for CAT 2025 efficiently.

Why the First Few Months Matter in CAT Preparation

The initial months of your CAT preparation set the tone for your entire journey. Starting early (ideally from February or March) gives you ample time, but only if you use it wisely. Many students realize their mistakes too late—sometimes as late as June or July—when it becomes difficult to recover lost ground. Avoiding these pitfalls from day one can save you months of effort.

Top Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2025 Preparation

1. Over-Focusing on Theory, Under-Practicing Problems

A common error is spending too much time reading theory and not enough on problem-solving. CAT is a problem-solving exam, not a theory test. For every topic—be it Quant, LRDI, or Verbal—ensure you solve at least 50-60 problems after covering the basics. This hands-on approach cements your understanding and builds speed.

Actionable Tip:
Limit your theory study to a few hours per topic, then dive into solving a variety of questions. Use coaching material or standard books, but don’t get stuck in endless reading.

2. Inconsistency in Study Routine

Consistency beats quantity every time. Studying two hours daily is far more effective than cramming eight hours on a single day and then taking long breaks. Regular practice helps you retain concepts and improves your test-taking stamina.

Actionable Tip:
Create a weekly checklist of topics to cover. Review your progress every Sunday and adjust your plan as needed. If you’re enrolled in coaching, stay in sync with their schedule.

3. Ignoring Reading and Puzzle-Solving Habits

For VARC, reading a wide variety of articles—especially editorials from newspapers like The Hindu—improves comprehension and speed. For LRDI, developing a puzzle-solving mindset by practicing Sudoku or puzzles from books like Shakuntala Devi’s can be very beneficial.

Actionable Tip:
Dedicate 20-30 minutes daily to reading and puzzle practice, even if you don’t see immediate results. The benefits become clear when you start taking mocks.

4. Using Too Many Books

With so many books available, students often feel they’ll miss out if they don’t use every resource. This leads to confusion and wasted time. Most toppers rely primarily on coaching material and mock tests.

Actionable Tip:
Pick one reliable book per section and stick to it. Focus on depth, not breadth.

5. Delaying Mock Tests

Many aspirants postpone taking mock tests until they’ve completed the syllabus, which is a big mistake. Mocks are essential for understanding time pressure, identifying weak areas, and building exam temperament.

Actionable Tip:
Start taking mock tests by May or June, even if your syllabus isn’t complete. Analyze each mock thoroughly to identify areas for improvement.

6. Not Making Notes from Day One

CAT preparation is a long journey, and it’s easy to forget formulas, shortcuts, and problem-solving tricks. Making concise notes helps in quick revision and ensures you don’t forget important concepts.

Actionable Tip:
Maintain a dedicated notebook for formulas, tricks, and difficult problems. Revise these regularly, especially during the last few months.