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Generic : How long is the CAT Exam?
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Candidates often ask how long is CAT Exam. CAT Exam Time Duration is 120 minutes, with equal 40 minutes allotted for each of the three sections. Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit, and candidates must complete questions in the order: VARC to DILR to QA. Once a section's 40 minutes are over, candidates cannot return to it.
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How long is the CAT Exam?
Pranshav Shah
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CAT 2025 Topper 99.80%
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pranshav-shah
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Introduction
I started my CAT preparation in January 2025. Every day, I solved 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets and 30–40 Quant questions
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CAT 2025 Topper Interview: How Pranshav Shah Scored 99.80 Percentile in His First Attempt
Boday Text
Pranshav Shah, a BTech Computer Engineering student from Pandit Deendayal Energy University in Ahmedabad, scored 99.80 percentile in CAT 2025 in his very first attempt. His sectional percentiles were 99.57 in DILR, 99.44 in VARC and 98.11 in Quants.
Pranshav started preparing in January 2025 and followed a fixed daily routine of 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets and 30–40 Quant questions, all timed. Between January and November 2025, he took around 55–60 mock tests, including all CAT past papers from 2017 to 2024. In this interview, Pranshav shares his section-wise strategy, how he selected DILR sets, and why he treated CAT as "just another mock test".
CAT 2025 Topper Profile: Pranshav Shah
| Detail | Pranshav Shah |
|---|---|
| College | Pandit Deendayal Energy University (BTech, Computer Engineering) |
| City | Ahmedabad |
| CAT attempts | 1 (first attempt) |
| CAT 2025 overall percentile | 99.80 |
| VARC | 99.44 |
| DILR | 99.57 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 98.11 |
| Preparation started | January 2025 |
| Daily routine | 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets, 30–40 Quant questions (all timed) |
| Mocks attempted | 55–60, including CAT past papers 2017–2024 |
| Coaching and books | IMS; coaching material only |
| Target institutes | IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, IIM Mumbai, FMS Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur |
Last Description
Read more CAT topper interviews, CAT exam guide and take free CAT mock tests on MBAUniverse.com.
Most Common Question answered by the topper
Q: Congratulations on your CAT score. Are you satisfied with your score?
Pranshav: Yes, I am happy with my CAT result. I fumbled big time in Quants and could definitely have done better there, but you always have to keep a margin of error on D-Day.
Pranshav: Yes, I am happy with my CAT result. I fumbled big time in Quants and could definitely have done better there, but you always have to keep a margin of error on D-Day.
Q: Was this your first attempt at the CAT exam?
Pranshav: Yes, this was my first attempt at taking the CAT exam.
Pranshav: Yes, this was my first attempt at taking the CAT exam.
Q: When did you start preparing for the CAT exam?
Pranshav: I started my CAT preparation in January 2025. Every day, I solved 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets and 30–40 Quant questions, and I timed myself on all of them. My primary focus was on attempting as many mocks as possible and analysing each one of them.
Pranshav: I started my CAT preparation in January 2025. Every day, I solved 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets and 30–40 Quant questions, and I timed myself on all of them. My primary focus was on attempting as many mocks as possible and analysing each one of them.
Q: What was your section-wise CAT preparation strategy?
Pranshav: For VARC, I developed a reading habit, starting with the newspaper. I knew I had to improve my reading speed, because completing 4 RCs in under 30 minutes was difficult for me. While solving RC questions, my strategy was to eliminate three options and then mark the remaining one. This improved my accuracy and reduced the risk of negative marking.
For DILR, selecting the right sets on exam day is the main job. I spent the first 4 to 5 minutes selecting sets. My main criterion was familiarity: whether I had solved similar sets before. I always avoided conditional sets. Getting stuck on a set is very real, so my advice is this: if you feel you can crack the set, give yourself 2–3 more minutes; otherwise, move on to a different set.
For Quants, the key to success is solving as many questions as possible. While preparing, I started solving questions from a chapter only after I had conceptual clarity, and then tested myself using practice papers and mocks.
Pranshav: For VARC, I developed a reading habit, starting with the newspaper. I knew I had to improve my reading speed, because completing 4 RCs in under 30 minutes was difficult for me. While solving RC questions, my strategy was to eliminate three options and then mark the remaining one. This improved my accuracy and reduced the risk of negative marking.
For DILR, selecting the right sets on exam day is the main job. I spent the first 4 to 5 minutes selecting sets. My main criterion was familiarity: whether I had solved similar sets before. I always avoided conditional sets. Getting stuck on a set is very real, so my advice is this: if you feel you can crack the set, give yourself 2–3 more minutes; otherwise, move on to a different set.
For Quants, the key to success is solving as many questions as possible. While preparing, I started solving questions from a chapter only after I had conceptual clarity, and then tested myself using practice papers and mocks.
Q: Did any specific books help you in your CAT preparation?
Pranshav: I relied on the books provided by my coaching institute. I did not refer to any external material.
Pranshav: I relied on the books provided by my coaching institute. I did not refer to any external material.
Q: Did you join any coaching institute?
Pranshav: Yes, I joined IMS for CAT preparation. I believe CAT coaching institutes are helpful for exams like CAT because they give you a tailored plan for what to study, what material to solve and when to take mocks. They also help with doubt-solving sessions.
Pranshav: Yes, I joined IMS for CAT preparation. I believe CAT coaching institutes are helpful for exams like CAT because they give you a tailored plan for what to study, what material to solve and when to take mocks. They also help with doubt-solving sessions.
Q: How many mock tests did you attempt, and how important is a mock test series?
Pranshav: I took around 55–60 mock tests during the year, which included past papers. I solved all the CAT papers from 2017 to 2024. I also prepared using the test series conducted by my coaching institute.
A mock test series is very important because it gives you a reality check on where you stand. You will not score well in every mock, but a bad score should not stop you from taking mocks. Good and bad scores are both part of the journey. What matters is analysing every mistake thoroughly. I used to solve all the unattempted questions in Quants and DILR before looking at the answers.
Pranshav: I took around 55–60 mock tests during the year, which included past papers. I solved all the CAT papers from 2017 to 2024. I also prepared using the test series conducted by my coaching institute.
A mock test series is very important because it gives you a reality check on where you stand. You will not score well in every mock, but a bad score should not stop you from taking mocks. Good and bad scores are both part of the journey. What matters is analysing every mistake thoroughly. I used to solve all the unattempted questions in Quants and DILR before looking at the answers.
Q: What was your exam-day strategy?
Pranshav: My exam-day strategy was simply to keep my composure throughout the exam and to believe strongly that I could ace it. I treated CAT as just another mock test that I had to take at the centre.
Pranshav: My exam-day strategy was simply to keep my composure throughout the exam and to believe strongly that I could ace it. I treated CAT as just another mock test that I had to take at the centre.
Q: Do you have any tips for future CAT aspirants?
Pranshav: There is no substitute for hard work, and consistency will take you far in life. Completing your daily targets, however you feel on a given day, is very important. Boredom will definitely come, but understand that it is part of the journey.
Pranshav: There is no substitute for hard work, and consistency will take you far in life. Completing your daily targets, however you feel on a given day, is very important. Boredom will definitely come, but understand that it is part of the journey.
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Harsh Khudania
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CAT 2025 Topper 99.93 %
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harsh-khudania
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Introduction
My strategy was simple: practice, and nothing more. I kept practising until I started getting the scores.
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CAT 2025 Topper Interview: How Harsh Khudania Went from 98.83 to 99.93 Percentile with Consistent Practice
Boday Text
Harsh Khudania, an electrical engineering graduate from NIT Surat, scored 99.93 percentile in CAT 2025, up from 98.83 percentile in CAT 2024. His sectional percentiles were 99.93 in Quantitative Aptitude, 99.86 in DILR and 96.82 in VARC.
Hailing from Rajasthan, Harsh has worked with Deloitte Consulting as a Software Developer and wants to work with top consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG and Bain after his MBA. He is a big Virat Kohli fan, loves watching and playing cricket, and has completed a few Himalayan treks. In this interview, Harsh explains how regular practice, careful error analysis and last-minute revision helped him join the CAT toppers list.
CAT 2025 Topper Profile: Harsh Khudania
| Detail | Harsh Khudania |
|---|---|
| College | NIT Surat (BTech, Electrical Engineering) |
| Work experience | Software Developer, Deloitte Consulting |
| CAT attempts | 2 (CAT 2024 and CAT 2025) |
| CAT 2024 percentile | 98.83 |
| CAT 2025 overall percentile | 99.93 |
| VARC | 96.82 |
| DILR | 99.86 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 99.93 |
| Full-fledged preparation started | Mid-August |
| Mocks attempted | Around 40 full-length mocks |
| Coaching and books | iQuanta ABC batch; mocks from iQuanta and Cracku; Arun Sharma books for QA and DILR |
| Target institutes | IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, FMS Delhi |
Last Description
Read more CAT topper interviews, CAT exam guide and take free CAT mock tests on MBAUniverse.com.
Most Common Question answered by the topper
Q: Congratulations on your CAT score. How much were you expecting?
Harsh: Yes, I am happy with this score. Before appearing for CAT, I was targeting 99.9+ percentile, as that was what I needed to get calls from the top IIMs and other B-schools. Still, I feel I left 10 to 12 marks on the table, which could have taken me to 99.96 percentile or above.
Harsh: Yes, I am happy with this score. Before appearing for CAT, I was targeting 99.9+ percentile, as that was what I needed to get calls from the top IIMs and other B-schools. Still, I feel I left 10 to 12 marks on the table, which could have taken me to 99.96 percentile or above.
Q: Was this your first attempt?
Harsh: No, this was my second attempt. I also appeared for CAT 2024, where I scored 98.83 percentile.
Harsh: No, this was my second attempt. I also appeared for CAT 2024, where I scored 98.83 percentile.
Q: When did you start preparing for CAT?
Harsh: I started my full-fledged CAT preparation in mid-August.
Harsh: I started my full-fledged CAT preparation in mid-August.
Q: What was your CAT preparation strategy?
Harsh: My strategy was simple: practice, and nothing more. I kept practising until I started getting the scores I wanted. I also analysed the topics where I was making mistakes and gave extra hours to those topics to remove the errors.
When it comes to handling different difficulty levels, the only way to score well is through practice. It is not that complicated. One more thing I would add is last-minute revision, which is very important.
Harsh: My strategy was simple: practice, and nothing more. I kept practising until I started getting the scores I wanted. I also analysed the topics where I was making mistakes and gave extra hours to those topics to remove the errors.
When it comes to handling different difficulty levels, the only way to score well is through practice. It is not that complicated. One more thing I would add is last-minute revision, which is very important.
Q: Did you refer to any specific books for CAT preparation?
Harsh: Yes, I used Arun Sharma's books for the Quantitative Aptitude and DILR sections.
Harsh: Yes, I used Arun Sharma's books for the Quantitative Aptitude and DILR sections.
Q: Did you join any coaching institute?
Harsh: Yes, I attended iQuanta and Cracku classes.
Harsh: Yes, I attended iQuanta and Cracku classes.
Q: How many mock tests did you attempt? How important do you think they are
Harsh: I took around 40 full-length CAT mock tests, and 20 mock tests in the last month of my preparation. Mock tests are the most important part of preparation if you want to score well in the exam.
Harsh: I took around 40 full-length CAT mock tests, and 20 mock tests in the last month of my preparation. Mock tests are the most important part of preparation if you want to score well in the exam.
Q: Please share your tips for CAT aspirants?
Harsh: Try to complete the CAT syllabus two months before the exam date, and keep the last two months for mocks and revision. Keep taking mock tests regularly and practise consistently. Focus on one goal and trust the process. You may get low scores sometimes, which can be demotivating, but keep your focus intact. Analyse your weaknesses and work on them, and your marks will eventually start improving.
Harsh: Try to complete the CAT syllabus two months before the exam date, and keep the last two months for mocks and revision. Keep taking mock tests regularly and practise consistently. Focus on one goal and trust the process. You may get low scores sometimes, which can be demotivating, but keep your focus intact. Analyse your weaknesses and work on them, and your marks will eventually start improving.
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: Is there an all-in-one book for CAT preparation?
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There is no single all-in-one book for CAT preparation that covers all three sections in depth, so toppers use section-wise books. The closest options are solved previous-year paper books that cover VARC, DILR and QA together, such as Chapter-Wise Solved Previous Years Papers for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay, and Oswaal's 25 Years' Chapterwise and Topicwise Solved Papers.
Question
Is there an all-in-one book for CAT preparation?
: Which is the best book for CAT preparation?
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The best books for CAT preparation, according to CAT toppers, are by Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) and Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson). Arun Sharma's series includes How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude (13th Edition), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension with Meenakshi Upadhyay (13th Edition), Data Interpretation (10th Edition) and Logical Reasoning (9th Edition). From 2026 these come as "courseware", with videos and practice questions added to the printed book.
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Which is the best book for CAT preparation?
: Which are the best books for CAT preparation for beginners?
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The best books for CAT preparation for beginners are the ones that rebuild the basics first. Use Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary, High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin for grammar, R S Aggarwal for Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning, and NCERT Class 8–10 Maths books for fundamentals. Then move to CAT-level books by Arun Sharma or Nishit K. Sinha.
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Which are the best books for CAT preparation for beginners?
Generic : Is 60 days enough for CAT preparation?
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Sixty days is enough for CAT preparation if you already know the basics and use the time for targeted practice, mocks and analysis. Beginners can still improve their percentile by prioritising high-weightage topics and accuracy, but should set realistic score targets and consider other exams such as XAT, SNAP and NMAT.
Question
Is 60 days enough for CAT preparation?
Generic : How many mock tests should I take before CAT 2026?
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Before CAT 2026, most aspirants benefit from about two full-length mocks per week in the final two months, plus sectional tests. Analysis matters more than number: spend at least as long reviewing each mock as taking it, and record repeated mistakes in an error log.
Question
How many mock tests should I take before CAT 2026?
Generic : How to prepare for CAT 2026 in the last 60 days?
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To prepare for CAT 2026 in the last 60 days, take a diagnostic mock, focus on high-weightage topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra and Reading Comprehension, take two full mocks a week with detailed analysis, practise in your admit-card slot timing, solve previous-year papers in the final fortnight and avoid new topics in the last week.
Question
How to prepare for CAT 2026 in the last 60 days?
CAT Exam Date 2026: November 29 in Three Slots; Check Registration, Fees Payment Last Dates; Admit Card & Result Release Schedule
CAT 2026 exam dates and schedule: CAT 2026 exam will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2026 in three shifts. The CAT 2026 exam timings are: Slot 1 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Slot 2 from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and Slot 3 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. CAT exam 2026 registration last date was September 22. CAT 2026 Fee Payment Window last date is September 24, 5:00 PM.