The last 10 days before CAT don’t define how much you know- they define how well you deliver. And with the right strategy, 10 days are enough to change everything.
With just 10 days left for CAT 2025, the focus must shift from learning everything to smart approach that is revising everything, mock test simulations and strategic execution. In these last few days before exam mock analysis, time management and mindset are the most important things that can totally change your results.
You might be wondering: Why do the last 10 days matter so much?
· This period is optimal for focused revision- topics that you have already covered, revising them gives you power over that topic rather than attempting to learn new topics, which can increase confusion and anxiety.
· It is the time to practice with mock tests, fine tune your time management, and identify your weak areas that need brief and targeted review.
· Reviewing what you’ve already learned helps refresh your memory, making it easier to recall during the exam. Short, focused recaps can significantly improve recall and performance.
Section-Wise Last 10 Day Hacks-
1. Quantitative Aptitude-
· Focus on formula revision, especially Arithmetic and Algebra.
· First solve the easy questions, mark medium or difficult questions for second round.
· Avoid lingering too long on one question; if stuck beyond 2-3 minutes, move on.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning-
· Final days are for set selection skill, not learning new patterns.
· Practice by giving yourself 2-3 mins to view a set, decide whether to attempt it or not.
· Maintain your personal strong type list and avoid type list.
3. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension-
· Read 1 RC per day + 10 verbals. Focus on comprehension and speed rather than depth.
· Revise vocabulary via flashcards or short lists.
· Practice para jumbles and summary questions under time pressure.
Last 10 Days Preparation Strategy-
· Full length Mock + analysis- Take a full CAT format mock under timed conditions. Analyse it carefully: identify your weak topics, question-selection error. Prepare a note on list of topics to revisit.
· Quant heavy revision- Revise high weightage topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry especially their formulas and prepare the type of questions that are asked every year.
· DILR set selection- Practice 3 sets of DILR, focus on choosing which set to attempt. Review your past mocks: how you selected, how much time you lost. Make a list of your strong types and avoid types.
· VARC strategy- Solve 2 RC passages + solve verbal ability questions (para-jumbles, summary, odd-sentences). Review your reading behaviour, revise vocabulary/ high frequency words.
· Take sectional mocks 40 minutes for each section.
· Go through your error-log from previous mocks. For each weak topic, do 10 practice questions, note the pattern. The goal is to consolidate.
· Take full mock exactly at your slot time. Analyse major mistakes, but don’t try big changes in these last days just reinforce.
· Cat Last Day Preparation: One day before your exam don’t touch any new topic, just light reading or revision of formula/vocab. Sleep early, wake up, have familiar breakfast. Reach your exam center early, warm up with deep breathing. Enter exam hall with calm mindset: pick questions smartly, don’t panic. ALL THE BEST!