60 DAYS TO CAT:
The Final Countdown: What to Do in CAT’s Last 60 Days
With just 60 days left for the CAT exam, the countdown feels both thrilling and terrifying. For some, it’s the final lap of a long race and for others, it’s a wake-up call to start running. But no matter where you stand today, this is your chance to turn anxiety into action. These next two months can shape your future, not just with books and mocks, but with focus, and belief. Remember, it’s not always the early runner who wins the race, but the one who finishes strong. So take a breath, pick up the pace, the journey is still yours to write.
Some students have been preparing for months, solving questions, finishing topics, and giving mock tests regularly. They’ve built a routine and are working on fine-tuning their performance. On the other hand, there are many who are just starting now or feel like they haven’t done enough. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you look at the syllabus or compare yourself with others. But here’s something important to remember, CAT is not just about how much you know or how fast you are. It’s about how calmly you think under pressure, how well you manage your time, and how smartly you attempt the paper. Even in the last 60 days, you can make a big difference if you plan wisely and stay consistent.
Based on you preparation, Here is your effective guide to crack CAT 2025, with the right strategy, smart schedule, and focused practice, to score high:
- If you are already prepared and covered enough syllabus, what to focus on now:
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
1. Shift to full-length mock tests (2–3 per week):
Start taking complete mock tests regularly to build exam stamina, improve time management, and get used to the 3-hour pressure.
2. Analyze mocks deeply: accuracy, speed, weak sections:
After each mock, spend time checking your accuracy, how fast you solved each section, and where you're making mistakes. This helps you improve faster.
3. Focus on sectional timing (VARC, DILR, QA):
Practice managing time within each section to avoid getting stuck. Learn how much time to spend on each question to maximize your attempts.
4. Practice high-yield topics and repeated patterns from past papers:
Focus more on topics that often appear in CAT, like Arithmetic in QA or RCs in VARC. These give you better returns for your time.
5. Work on mental stamina – simulate exam conditions:
Give mocks in the exact CAT time slot, without breaks, in a quiet room. This builds your mental strength and focus for the real exam.
6. Revise shortcuts, formulas, and vocabulary regularly:
Keep revising important formulas and tricks so they stay fresh in your mind. It helps save time during the exam and improves confidence.
WHAT TO AVOID:
1. Stop practicing thinking you’re done:
Even if you’ve covered the syllabus, stopping now can reduce your sharpness. Regular practice keeps your mind in shape and your skills fresh.
2.Don’t Ignore mock analysis:
Just giving mocks is not enough. Without analyzing your mistakes, you won’t know what to improve, it’s like studying with your eyes closed.
3. Panic about percentile predictions, focus on improvement:
Don’t waste time stressing over expected scores or rankings. Focus on improving your own performance every week, that’s what actually helps.
- If you are midway in your preparation, what to prioritize:
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
1. Build a realistic 60-day schedule (study mocks revision):
Create a daily plan that includes topic-wise study, mock tests, and revision. Make sure it's achievable so you can stick to it without burning out.
2. Cover the most important topics first (based on past paper trends):
Prioritize high-weightage and frequently asked topics like Arithmetic in QA or RCs in VARC to get maximum marks in minimum time.
3. Start giving sectional mocks now and transition to full mocks soon:
Begin with individual section tests to improve focus, then gradually shift to full-length mocks to build exam temperament and time management.
4. Join a study group
Discussing doubts and concepts with peers helps you understand better, stay motivated and pick up new tricks or shortcuts.
WHAT TO AVOID:
1. Try to finish everything ,focus on strengthening core areas:
You don’t need to cover the entire syllabus. Master the topics you already know and improve your accuracy in them before touching new areas.
2. Compare yourself to toppers –focus on personal improvement:
Everyone’s journey is different. Focus on your growth, not on others' scores. Even small improvements in your own performance matter a lot.
3. Waste time on too many sources, stick to 1 or 2 max per section:
Using too many books or apps can confuse you. Choose one or two trusted resources for each section and revise them properly.
- If you haven’t started yet, - is it too late ?
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
1. you can still make a difference, especially if you have strong basics:
Even with 60 days left, focused preparation can help you score well. especially if your concepts from school or graduation are still fresh.
2. Start with section-wise assessment: Which one you can learn fastest:
Identify your strength among VARC, DILR, and QA. Start with the section you're comfortable with to build confidence and gain early momentum.
3. Focus on high-scoring topics (e.g., Arithmetic, LR sets, RCs):
Target topics that appear frequently and are easier to master. Arithmetic in QA, LR sets in DILR, and RCs in VARC can give quick results.
4. Give 1–2 mocks every week and analyze them:
Start writing mocks early. Even if scores are low, analyzing them will show you where to focus and how to improve in a short time.
5. Follow a strict daily plan, 6–8 focused hours per day:
You’ll need discipline. Dedicate 6–8 hours daily with proper breaks, dividing time between learning concepts, practice, and mock tests.
6. Consider a CAT crash course for structure:
A structured crash course can help you stay on track, cover important topics faster, and give access to quality mocks and doubt-solving support.
WHAT TO AVOID:
1. Waste time on regrets:
Don’t feel bad about starting late, it won’t help. Use that energy to stay focused and consistent from now on. Every day counts.
2. Start with complex topics :
Avoid tough or time-consuming topics in the beginning. Focus on areas that are easier to learn and more scoring in the exam.
3. Burn out – take short breaks to maintain focus:
Studying non-stop will exhaust you. Use methods like study for 50 minutes, break for 10 to stay fresh and focused.
In these final 60 days, your focus should be on smart work, not just hard work. Solve previous years’ CAT papers to understand the exam pattern and question types. Stay consistent, keep analyzing your mocks, and work on improving day by day. It’s not about how much you study, but how well you prepare. These two months are enough to turn things around, if used wisely. Stay calm, stay disciplined, and trust the process. You've still got time to make it count.