CAT 2025: Last 75 Days Preparation Strategy for 99%ile Success

CAT 2025: Last 75 Days Preparation Strategy for 99%ile Success

By A CAT Mentor

Mentor’s voice, guiding you step by step through:

Why the last 75 days matter the most? How to deal with low mock scores and negative self-talk? How to diagnose what you need to do in the next 45 days? The correct way to analyze mocks (a step-by-step framework)? Whether to focus on strengths or weaknesses at this stage? Tools for benchmarking and self-evaluation, Common doubts on revision, time management, accuracy vs attempts, test-day strategy.

 

Dear CAT2025 exam aspirant,

If you are reading this, chances are that the CAT 2025 exam on 30th November is looming large in your head. You might be asking yourself questions like:

 

• “Have I done enough?”
• “Why are my mock scores so low?”
• “Is 99%ile even possible for me in the next 75 days?”

 

Yes, there are multiple testimonials and success stories from internet sources where individuals claim that sincere, focused effort in the last 75 days (or similar short periods like 45-90 days) significantly improved their CAT percentiles, often leading to 99%ile or higher.

 

A Reddit user (TheGambloor) shared their journey of starting CAT preparation just 75 days before the exam with no prior prep equating to 99.99%ile. They emphasized that CAT is about momentum and strategy, not long-term prep, and that sincere daily effort (20-30 hours/week initially) made the difference despite starting late.

 

Neil Merchant, now at IIM Calcutta, described turning around his performance in just 45 days (a month and a half before CAT 2014, he boosted to 99+%ile in mocks and scored 99.88%ile in the actual exam. He stressed not attempting unsure questions, analyzing every mock deeply, and maintaining optimism, claiming this focused effort optimized results quickly without needing extensive prior prep.

 

In a YouTube interview, Ojas recounted preparing for CAT as a backup while awaiting UPSC results, dedicating about 75 days fully to it. Despite the short time and fatigue from UPSC, his sincere focus on strategy and complete utilization of the period led to a surprisingly high percentile, securing calls from IIMs like Lucknow, Indore, and Kozhikode (where he enrolled). He claimed 75 days is sufficient if one commits entirely, avoiding distractions, and treats it as a high-stakes push.

 

On Quora and similar forums, users report jumps like from low/no prep to 97.09%ile in 3 months (about 90 days) through prioritized efforts, aligning with the idea that the last stretch can transform outcomes.

Other sources, like coaching blogs and videos, echo this with strategies claiming 0 to 99%ile is possible in 75 days via 15 key topics and consistent mocks, backed by user stories of percentile boosts from 20-30%ile to competitive levels in 3 months.

These testimonials substantiate that dedicated effort in the final 75 days can make a substantial difference, often turning average performers into top scorers. However, success depends on factors like prior aptitude, mock analysis, and avoiding burnout—results aren't guaranteed for everyone.

 

The last 75 days before CAT are like the last few overs of a cricket match. The way you play them can completely change the scoreboard, no matter what happened earlier. Some aspirants who have been preparing for a year lose steam at this stage, while some who wake up now with fire in their belly end up hitting it out of the park.

 

1. Can I Catch Up for CAT 2025 If I Haven’t Done Much in the Past?

 

Think of CAT like a marathon with a sprint finish. Many runners may start strong but run out of breath midway. What matters is how you finish.

 

Here’s why these 75 days are game-changing:

1. Compounding Effect of Consistency:

Even if you study 3–4 focused hours daily for 75 days, that’s 225–300 hours of solid prep. More than enough to transform your level.

2. Focused Practice > Random Preparation:

Earlier, you might have studied everything under the sun. Now, it’s about targeted, high-ROI efforts.

3. Mock-Test-Driven Preparation:

At this stage, mocks and their analysis are the biggest teachers. Every mock reveals your CAT blueprint.

4. Fresh Mindset Matters:

Many aspirants who were grinding for months get exhausted now. If you are fresh and hungry, you can easily leapfrog ahead.

 

So don’t judge yourself by the past. Instead, ask: What can I do today that will take me closer to 99%ile in 75 days?

 

1. Dealing with Low Mock Scores and the “CAT is Beyond Me” Mindset

 

One of the biggest demons in these final months is self-doubt. You see a 40, 50, or 60 in your mocks, and your mind whispers — “You’re not cut out for this.”

Let us reframe this:

Mocks are not prediction tools. They don’t decide your CAT percentile. They are practice matches. A bad score is simply feedback, not a death sentence.

 

Percentile inflation is real. Many aspirants peak too early. The ones who improve steadily and peak on the final day win.

 

Your mock graph will fluctuate. Don’t expect linear growth. You’ll have ups and downs. What matters is the trend and learnings.

 

Action Plan if you feel CAT is slipping away:

Write down 3 mocks where you scored “poorly.” For each, note:

 

• How many questions you attempted?
• How many were silly mistakes?
• Which areas consumed extra time?

 

You’ll realize — it’s not that you’re “bad at CAT.” It’s usually avoidable errors + time management issues.Remember this: CAT doesn’t test syllabus, it tests decision-making. And decision-making can be mastered in 75 days.

 

• How to Diagnose What Needs to Be Done in the Next 45 Days

 

Before we talk strategy, you need to diagnose yourself like a doctor.

Here’s a 4-step self-diagnosis process:

 

1. Take 2 recent mocks (from different institutes if possible).
2. Break down section-wise scores:
   • VARC: % accuracy, type of RCs solved, VA attempts.
   • DILR: Which sets cracked, which ones wasted time.
   • QA: Chapter-wise attempts & accuracy.
3. Find your Top 3 Strength Areas & Top 3 Weak Areas.

Example:

• Strengths: Arithmetic (QA), Short RCs (VARC), Easy DI sets.
• Weaknesses: Algebra (QA), Para Jumbles (VARC), Games & Tournaments (DILR).

4. Prioritize action plan:
   • Strengths → make them rock-solid.
   • Weaknesses → choose 1–2 “convertible weak areas” to improve. Ignore others.

 

Golden Rule: In the last 45 days, it’s not about covering everything. It’s about sharpening weapons you can actually use in battle.

 

1. The Right Approach to Analyzing Mocks (Step-by-Step Method)

 

Most students write mocks but don’t analyze them well. That’s like going to the gym and not tracking your form.

Here’s a proven 5-step mock analysis method:

 

Step 1: Section-Wise Snapshot

• Note your score, accuracy, attempts in VARC, DILR, QA.
• Compare with target: For 99%ile, typically
  • VARC: 42–45 marks
  • DILR: 30–35 marks
  • QA: 35–40 marks

 

Step 2: Question-Wise Breakdown

For each section, categorize every question into:

• Knew & Attempted Correctly →
• Knew but Got Wrong → Silly mistake, misread, rushed.
• Didn’t Know → Gap in concept/strategy.
• Could Have Done but Left → Time/strategy issue.

 

Step 3: Time Mapping

See how much time you spent per section and per set/question. Identify time leaks.

 

Step 4: Improvement Notebook

Maintain a “Mock Learnings Notebook.”

• For each mock, note down 3 key learnings for each section.
• Before your next mock, revise these learnings.

 

Step 5: Action Points

Convert every mock into 2–3 actionable changes for the next one. Example:

• “In DILR, I’ll scan all 4 sets in 3 minutes before solving.”
• “In VARC, I won’t spend more than 2.5 minutes on one RC question.”

This iterative improvement cycle is what converts 80%ilers into 99%ilers.

 

1. Should You Focus on Strengths or Weaknesses Now?

 

This is a common question, so let me simplify it:

• Strengths are your scoring areas. They give you confidence and guaranteed marks.
• Weaknesses are of two types:
  • Convertible weaknesses (with 10–15 hours of work, you can improve).
  • Non-convertible weaknesses (require too much effort, not worth it now).

 

Strategy:

• 80% focus on strengths + convertible weaknesses.
• Ignore non-convertible weaknesses. CAT is not about solving everything. It’s about maximizing your return on investment.

Example:

• If Arithmetic is your strength in QA, double down on it.
• If Algebra is shaky but doable, spend some hours there.
• If Geometry terrifies you — leave it. No regrets.

 

1. Benchmarking and Self-Evaluation Tools

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Here are tools you should use:

 

1. Sectional Targets

• VARC: Aim 70–80% accuracy.
• DILR: Crack at least 2 sets fully.
• QA: Attempt 15–18 with 70%+ accuracy.

 

2. Weekly Mock Tracker

Create an Excel/Google Sheet with columns:

• Date
• Mock Source
• Scores (VARC/DILR/QA)
• Accuracy %
• Key Learnings

 

3. “Red Zone” List

Maintain a list of question types you often get wrong. Example:

• VARC: Para Jumbles with 5 sentences.
• DILR: Games & Tournaments.
• QA: Geometry questions with circles.

Before every mock, revise this list to avoid repeating errors.

 

4. The “One-Pager” Formula Sheet

• For QA: All formulas + key shortcuts.
• For DILR: Common tricks (ratios, averages, distribution methods).
• For VARC: Summary of RC approaches & elimination techniques.

This becomes your revision goldmine in the last 2 weeks.

 

• Other Common Doubts Answered

 

1. How should I revise in the last 30 days?

• QA: Revise formula sheet + practice 20–25 mixed questions daily.
• DILR: Solve 1–2 sets daily for variety.
• VARC: 2 RCs + 5 VA questions daily.

 

2. How many mocks should I write?

• Ideally 2–3 per week → ~20 mocks in 75 days.
• But remember:quality of analysis > number of mocks.

 

3. How to balance accuracy and attempts?

• Don’t chase attempts blindly. A 70% accuracy with fewer attempts often beats high attempts with 50% accuracy.

Example:

• 20 attempts with 70% accuracy = 14 correct = 42 marks.
• 25 attempts with 50% accuracy = 12–13 correct = 39 marks.

 

4. What should be my test-day strategy?

• Section 1: VARC → Don’t panic if RCs look tough. Everyone faces the same paper.
• Section 2: DILR → Scan all sets, pick easiest 2 first.
• Section 3: QA → Begin with your comfort areas, avoid ego battles with hard sums.

 

5. How to manage time between job/college and CAT prep?

• Prioritize 2–3 focused hours daily instead of scattered study.
• Use weekends for full mocks.
• Micro-practice: Solve 2 RC questions or 3 QA sums during commute/lunch breaks.

 

The Final 15 Days Before CAT 2025

• Reduce new learning. Focus on revision & mocks.
• Simulate exam conditions. Take mocks at 8:30 AM (same as CAT slot timing).
• Revise “One-Pager” notes. Keep them handy.
• Don’t burn out. Sleep well, eat well.

 

75-Day Action Plan for CAT 2025 (Sept 16 – Nov 29)

 

Phase 1: Foundation + Stabilization (Days 1–30)

Goal: Build rhythm, strengthen fundamentals, identify strengths/weaknesses.

• Mocks: 2 per week (Sat/Sun preferred).
• Daily Study Time: 3–4 hours on weekdays, 5–6 hours on weekends.

Weekly Structure (Repeat for 4 weeks):

Day 1 (Mon): VARC focus – 2 RCs + 5 VA Qs (Para Jumbles, Odd One Out, Para Summary).

• Day 2 (Tue): QA focus – Pick 1 topic (Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry/Modern Math), solve 20–25 mixed Qs.
• Day 3 (Wed): DILR focus – 2 sets (different types: DI table + Logic Puzzle).
• Day 4 (Thu): Mixed Practice – 1 RC + 1 DI set + 10 QA.
• Day 5 (Fri): Revision + Weak Areas – Review mistakes from week.
• Day 6 (Sat): Mock Test (Full) – Simulate exam conditions.
• Day 7 (Sun): Mock Analysis – Deep dive into mistakes, prepare “Learning Notebook.”

 

By Day 30:

• 8 full-length mocks completed.
• Clear idea of strong vs weak areas.
• A personal “Red Zone List” of mistakes.

 

Phase 2: Acceleration + Fine-Tuning (Days 31–60)

Goal: Sharpen strengths, convert 1–2 weak areas, build exam stamina.

• Mocks: 3 per week (Wed, Sat, Sun).
• Daily Study Time: 4–5 hours weekdays, 6–7 hours weekends.

 

Weekly Structure (Repeat for 4 weeks):

• Day 1 (Mon): VARC heavy practice – 3 RCs (different difficulty) + 6 VA Qs.
• Day 2 (Tue): QA drilling – Solve sectional test (34 Qs, 40 mins). Analyse thoroughly.
• Day 3 (Wed): Mock Test #1 – Simulate exam slot time.
• Day 4 (Thu): Mock Analysis + Focus Practice – Work on mistakes from Wed’s mock.
• Day 5 (Fri): DILR sectional – Solve 3 sets, time yourself strictly.
• Day 6 (Sat): Mock Test #2.
• Day 7 (Sun): Mock Test #3 + Deep Analysis.

 

By Day 60:

• 20–22 full-length mocks completed in total.
• Accuracy >70% in your strength areas.
• Stamina to sit through 3 hours without fatigue.

 

Phase 3: Final Lap (Days 61–75)

Goal: Peak performance, test-day simulation, revision only.

• Mocks: 2–3 per week (alternate days).
• Daily Study Time: 4–6 focused hours.

 

Weekly Structure (Repeat until last 5 days):

• Day 1: Mock Test (same slot as actual CAT) → Strict exam-like conditions.
• Day 2: Mock Analysis + Error Revision.
• Day 3: QA Mixed Practice – 20–25 Qs from formula sheet.
• Day 4: VARC RC Practice – 3 RCs + quick VA practice.
• Day 5: DILR Drill – 2 sets under timer.
• Day 6: Mock Test again.
• Day 7: Light revision + “One-Pager Notes” update.

 

Last 5 Days (Nov 25–29):

• No new learning.
• 1–2 light mocks (not full, just sectional).
• Daily revision of formula sheet + error log.
• Keep mind and body fresh.

 

Quick Glance: Mock Test Calendar

• Phase 1 (Days 1–30): 2 mocks/week → 8 mocks.
• Phase 2 (Days 31–60): 3 mocks/week → 12 mocks.
• Phase 3 (Days 61–75): 2–3 mocks/week → 6–8 mocks.

Total = 26–28 full mocks before CAT 2025.

 

Daily Rhythm Template (if you want a fixed plan)

• Morning (if possible): 1 RC + 5 QA warm-up (30 min).
• Evening (2 hrs): Sectional focus (rotate VARC → QA → DILR).
• Night (1 hr): Error log revision + quick practice (5–10 Qs).

This structure gives you flexibility (not rigid hourly slots) but ensures mock-based preparation + practice + revision cycle every week.

 

Call to Action:  Forget past scores, forget what others are doing. This is your personal battle. Believe in yourself. Trust the process. And remember — when you walk out of the CAT exam hall on 30th November 2025, you should feel: “I gave it my all.”

Your IIM call letter could just be waiting for you.