Cracking CAT 2025: Mistakes to Avoid and Smart Moves to Make

If you're serious about getting into one of the IIMs or other top B-schools, the CAT exam isn’t just a test—it’s a marathon with mind games, strategy, and a bit of soul-searching thrown in. Whether you're just starting out or already knee-deep in preparation, one truth remains constant: CAT is as much about what not to do as it is about what to do.

At Career Launcher Aundh, Pune, we’ve seen hundreds of students walk in with dreams and walk out with IIM calls. But here’s the catch—not everyone starts off on the right foot. Some make avoidable mistakes that cost them dearly. That’s why we’ve compiled this no-nonsense, straight-talking guide to help you steer clear of the most common CAT prep pitfalls.

Let’s dive in.

1. Starting Late (and Then Panicking)

You wouldn't try running a marathon without training, right? Yet, many aspirants begin serious CAT prep just 3-4 months before the exam and expect a miracle. Sure, some outliers make it work, but for most, it's like cramming for an engineering viva the night before—stressful and not very effective.

If you're reading this early in the year, you’ve already got an edge. Make a rough timeline. Don’t wait till August to “get serious.”

2. Ignoring the Basics

Here’s a hard truth: most students don't mess up because they don't know the tough stuff. They trip over the basics—grammar rules, arithmetic concepts from class 8, or reading comprehension. CAT doesn’t need you to be a genius. It needs you to be sharp with the fundamentals.

Whether you’re looking for CAT classes in Pune Aundh or prepping solo, the first few months should be about building a rock-solid foundation.

3. Blindly Following Toppers’ Strategies

It’s tempting to try and copy someone who scored 99.8 percentile. YouTube is full of such stories. But here’s the thing—they had their context, learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. What worked for them might not work for you.

One of our students, Aishwarya, tried following her friend's daily 6-hour schedule, only to burn out in three weeks. With some guidance, she found her rhythm—and landed a call from IIM Kozhikode.

Trust your own pace. Use toppers as inspiration, not a rulebook.

4. Underestimating Mocks

Mocks are where theory meets reality. And they can be brutal. But that’s exactly why they matter.

A lot of students avoid mocks because, let’s be honest, getting a 45 percentile score in the first few tests stings. But what they forget is that each mock, if reviewed properly, is a goldmine of insight.

The best CAT coaching in Pune—and we say this with some pride—builds in mock test analysis as part of the program. It’s not just about taking the test, it’s about dissecting it, understanding what went wrong, and adjusting your strategy.

5. Obsessing Over Percentile Predictors

We get it. Everyone wants to know where they stand. But constantly feeding mock scores into online percentile calculators can make you anxious for no good reason. They're often inaccurate and fluctuate wildly.

Use your mocks to track progress over time, not as daily fortune-telling sessions.

6. Getting Lost in Resources

You don’t need five coaching books, ten YouTube channels, and three CAT apps all open at once. In fact, the more scattered your prep, the worse your retention.

If you’ve enrolled with a trusted CAT coaching institute in Pune—like Career Launcher Aundh—you already have a curated study plan. Stick with it. Quality beats quantity, every time.

7. Avoiding VARC Like the Plague

VARC is the section many engineers dread. “I’ll focus on Quant first” is the classic excuse. But come D-day, VARC can make or break your percentile.

Start reading daily—editorials, long-form articles, essays, even fiction. Discuss RC passages with peers or mentors. It’s not just about speed reading; it’s about interpreting tone, identifying arguments, and catching subtle clues.

Pro tip: if you can explain a complicated article to someone else in simple words, you’ve cracked it.

8. Not Timing Your Practice

Solving 20 questions in two hours doesn’t mimic exam pressure. Practice must be timed, or it’s like training for a boxing match in slow motion.

Set timers. Create mock-like environments. When you take practice seriously, the actual test feels like just another session.

9. Neglecting DILR Because “It’s Random”

Yes, DILR sets can be unpredictable. But they’re not unsolvable. Many students avoid this section until it's too late, and then panic.

Start early. Pick one or two sets a day. Focus on pattern recognition. At Career Launcher Aundh, we often use real-life puzzles and logic-based games in our DILR sessions to make it more approachable—and yes, even fun.

10. Skipping Revision

This might sound obvious, but it's where most aspirants falter. CAT isn’t just about learning new things; it's about remembering what you already know.

Create revision slots every week. Go over your error logs. Reinforce concepts. The CAT doesn't reward short-term memory—it rewards depth and consistency.

Why Career Launcher Aundh, Pune?

Pune is bustling with coaching options, but not all of them deliver consistent results. At Career Launcher Aundh, we focus on personalized mentoring, structured content, and strategic mock test planning. We’re not here to sell dreams—we help you build the roadmap to achieve them.

When people ask us why we’re considered among the best CAT coaching in Pune, we point to our student-first philosophy. No cookie-cutter plans. No false promises. Just honest feedback, experienced faculty, and a learning ecosystem designed for results.

Final Thoughts

The CAT isn’t just a test—it’s a mirror. It reflects how disciplined you are, how calmly you think under pressure, and how well you manage time, ego, and energy. Avoiding these common mistakes won’t guarantee a 99.9 percentile, but they’ll save you from falling into traps that derail even the most talented aspirants.

If you're still on the fence about where to begin or how to fix your current prep, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, all you need is a little direction and a push in the right direction.

Your dream B-school isn’t a fantasy—it’s a project. Let’s work on it together.

Ready to get started?

Explore our customized programs for CAT 2025 and see why Career Launcher Aundh is trusted by thousands of students for CAT classes in Pune. Whether you're a working professional, a final-year student, or someone retaking the exam, we've got your back.

Let’s ace this.