CAT 2025 admit-cards released on 12 Nov; exam scheduled for 30 Nov candidates now shift focus to preparation

The pivotal moment has arrived: IIM Kozhikode released the CAT 2025 admit cards on November 12th, setting the stage for the exam on November 30, 2025. With just over two weeks left, the final 18 days are critical for every aspirant. The focus shifts entirely to strategic revision, mock test refinement, and maintaining a peak mental state. This article provides a definitive roadmap covering high-yield topics, essential practice methods, and crucial exam-day advice. Secure your best possible score and unlock the path to the IIMs and other premier B-schools for the 2026-28 academic session. Don't panic—strategize.

The release of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 admit cards on November 12, 2025, by the conducting body, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode, has officially kicked off the final, intense phase of preparation for MBA aspirants across India. With the exam firmly scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, the nearly three lakh candidates now face a challenging, yet highly manageable, 18-day countdown.

​The CAT is the single most important entrance examination for securing admission to the 21 IIMs and numerous other top B-schools like FMS, SPJIMR, and XLRI. Success at this stage hinges not on learning new material, but on maximizing the conversion of existing knowledge into a high, actionable percentile. Aspirants are urged to immediately download their admit cards from the official website, iimcat.ac.in, verify the details (especially the test slot and centre address), and print multiple copies.

​The psychological impact of the admit card release is immense; it serves as a non-negotiable deadline. The strategy for these final days must be three-pronged: Mock Test Mastery, High-Yield Revision, and Mental Conditioning. This focused approach is essential to clear not only the overall cut-off but also the critical sectional cut-offs required by the IIMs. The goal is to fine-tune the test-taking mechanics to ensure optimal performance when it matters most.

​ Mock Test Mastery: The Art of Analysis

​In the final 18 days, the mock test strategy moves away from sheer volume and focuses on quality analysis and strategic execution. Taking a mock without analyzing it is worse than not taking one at all.

• ​Simulate Your Slot Time: Take full-length mock tests at the exact time slot (Morning, Afternoon, or Evening) mentioned on your CAT 2025 admit card. This helps condition your mind and body to perform under the actual exam stress.
• ​The 1:2 Analysis Rule: Dedicate at least four hours to analyze the two-hour mock test. Break down your performance meticulously: 
  • ​Accuracy: Track the percentage of correctly answered questions in each section.
  • ​Time Management: Note the time spent on questions you answered correctly, incorrectly, and skipped. Adjust your time allocation strategy for the next mock.
  • ​Error Categorization: Identify if the mistake was due to a Conceptual Gap, Silly Calculation Error, or a Question Selection mistake (attempting a too-difficult question).
• ​Develop a Sectional Strategy: Refine your approach for each of the three sections (VARC, DILR, QA). Know precisely how many questions you will attempt, in what order, and how much time you will dedicate to selection versus solving. For instance, DILR success often comes from identifying 2-3 solvable sets quickly and ignoring the rest.

​ Strategic Revision: Focusing on High-Yield Topics

​Avoid starting any new topics. The current phase demands revision of high-weightage areas and strengthening concepts already covered.

​High-Weightage Topics to Prioritize:

• ​Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - Approx. 40% Weightage: 
  • ​Arithmetic: The most crucial topic. Revisit all concepts and formulas for Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Time, Speed & Distance (TSD), Time & Work, and Simple/Compound Interest.
  • ​Algebra: Focus on Linear/Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, and Functions.
  • ​Geometry: Quick revision of core theorems related to Triangles, Circles, and Mensuration formulas.
• ​Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Approx. 30% Weightage: 
  • ​Set Selection: Practice identifying the level of difficulty of a DILR set within the first 60-90 seconds. Solve 2-3 diverse sets daily under a strict time limit.
  • ​Key Areas: Focus on Arrangements (Linear, Circular), Games & Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, and Caselets (data presented in text).
• ​Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - Approx. 30% Weightage: 
  • ​Reading Comprehension (RC): Constitutes about 60-70% of the section. Practice 3-4 RC passages daily from diverse topics (Philosophy, Economics, Science) to maintain speed and comprehension.
  • ​Verbal Ability: Revise strategies for Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out questions. Focus on identifying the central theme and logical continuity.
• ​Formula Review: Spend 30 minutes every morning reviewing a handwritten Formula Sheet (or Cheatsheet) containing all important formulas, theorems, and DILR short-tricks. This aids instant recall during the high-pressure environment of the exam.

​ Final Sprint: Mindset and Exam Day Execution

​The final phase is equally a test of temperament. A calm, disciplined, and positive mindset can translate into several crucial questions corrected on D-Day.

• ​The Power of Sleep: Do not compromise on sleep. Target 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly, especially for the week leading up to November 30th. Your brain needs rest to optimize retention and complex problem-solving ability.
• ​Locate Your Centre: Visit your designated test centre a day or two before the exam. Familiarize yourself with the route and traffic to avoid last-minute stress on the morning of the CAT.
• ​Admit Card Checklist: Ensure you have the printed admit card (preferably color), a valid, original Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport), and the mandatory photograph (matching the one uploaded in the form). Do not wait for the last moment to arrange these.
• ​Avoid Burnout: Incorporate short breaks, light physical activity, and healthy meals into your daily routine. Avoid discussing your mock scores with peers, as comparisons often lead to unnecessary anxiety. Focus purely on your personal trajectory of improvement.

​Conclusion

​The release of the CAT 2025 admit card is the official signal to shift into high-gear execution mode. The next 18 days are not about adding layers of knowledge but about carving a precise, repeatable, and high-scoring strategy. By prioritizing intense mock analysis, disciplined revision of high-yield topics, and maintaining peak physical and mental health, aspirants can significantly boost their percentile and secure their position in the top B-schools. Success at the CAT is a testament to strategic management under pressure.

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