CAT Last 15 Days Preparation: Day-wise & Hour-wise Study Plan, Strategy & Tips by IIM Toppers for Slot 1, 2, 3

CAT Last 15 Days Preparation Strategy 2025
Read these six CAT 2025 last 15 days preparation strategy and tips that is based interviews with CAT Toppers who are now studying at top IIMs, SPJIMR, and other top B-schools.

1. Plan Your Exam Day – Centre & Slot Management 

CAT 2025 admit cards were released on November 12, 2025. Now you know these key details for the CAT exam day: 

• Your CAT Exam Centre Location
• Your CAT Exam Slot Shift and Time 

So, the first and most obvious tip for CAT last 15 days preparation is to start preparing for your CAT Exam Day. Don’t leave it for the last day! You must check exact details of your CAT exam centre location and physically visit it before the exam day. Alongside, you should tailor your CAT preparation strategy in the next 15 days to prepare for your exact CAT slot shift and timing. It requires a combination of building the right Mock/Study, Food and Sleep/Rest Pattern to match your slot schedule. This is very important but often ignored step. Read slot wise preparation plan for Slot 1, 2, and 3 in the second part of this article.

2. Focus on Revision, No New Topics Now!
The next CAT 2025 preparation tips for last 15 days by CAT Toppers is simple but very important to remember. In the last 15 days to CAT, the pressure to cover the entire syllabus can be overwhelming! But according to CAT Toppers the key for last few weeks preparation is to consolidate what you already know, and avoid studying new concepts that can disturb your confidence. 

In fact, CAT Toppers that spoke to MBAUniverse.com unanimously agree that revising familiar concepts that you have already covered is much more effective than trying to learn new concepts and topics at this late stage. Pooja Sudhakar who scored 99.11 percentile in CAT and secured admission to SPJIMR Mumbai highlighted the need to focus on revision in last few weeks to CAT. “CAT last few weeks preparation is about refining what you know and making sure that you are able to leverage your current knowledge," she said. 

For Srishti Yadav, a VJTI Mumbai engineer who scored 99.69 percentile in CAT and secured admission to IIM Kozhikode, the final weeks were all about “light preparation”. "I kept my preparation light in the final few weeks. Rather than starting new topics, I focused on brushing up on Quant formulas and RC strategies," she told MBAUniverse.com. 

To apply this strategy, toppers advice that CAT aspirants should:

• Revisit key formulas and type of problem every day.
• Refer short handwritten notes or flashcards for quick revision.
• Revisit conceptual mistakes in mock test to strengthen weak areas without attempting anything entirely new.

Read CAT 2025 last 2 weeks study plan and section wise preparation strategy in the following sections below. 

3. Finalize your Test Taking Strategy through Mock Test Analysis 
For effective CAT last 15 days study plan, Topper’s advice MBA aspirants to take a few selected Mocks that can will help in time management, question selection and rejection, and understanding areas of strength and weakness. CAT Topper Pooja Sudhakar told us that her mock analysis was a “game-changer”. "Mocks give a clear picture of your preparation, but analyzing them thoroughly is more important. I spent more time reviewing my mistakes than taking new tests," she recalls.  

Soumik Banerjee, IIM Calcutta student, highlights the strategic aspect of mocks. "CAT is as much about strategy as it is about knowledge. Every mock helped me tweak my approach and avoid tactical errors," he says.   

To apply this strategy, toppers advice that CAT aspirants should:

• Attempt 2-3 full-length mocks per two weeks
• Analyzing performance thoroughly
• Finalize approach for three crucial aspects: accuracy, question selection, and speed

Check 20+ Free Online CAT Mock Tests available on MBAUniverse.com. They are 100% based on last 10 Years’ Previous Year’s CAT Papers. 

4. Fine-Tune Your Sectional Strategy
In last few weeks, CAT preparation isn't just about solving questions! It’s about solving questions strategically, within the time constraints of each section. Hence, for the right CAT 2025 last 15 days study plan, Toppers recommend that MBA aspirants should finalize their own unique sectional strategy. 

Srishti Yadav, CAT Topper (99.69%ile) and MBA from IIM Kozhikode shares how she finetuned her approach to maximize score in VARC section. "I tried different strategies, like attempting VA questions first in some mocks and RCs first in others. Eventually, I stuck with the one that gave me the highest accuracy," she told MBAUniverse.com. 

Similarly, for In the DILR section, Soumik Banerjee emphasizes the importance of “set selection”. "The key to do well in CAT is to quickly choose which sets to solve. I used my mocks to master the art of smart selection," he said. 

Topper’s advice that during the final weeks, aspirants should use mocks to finetune their section-specific strategies in following ways:  

• VARC: Deciding whether to tackle RCs first or focus on VA questions.  
• DILR: Practicing set selection to optimize attempts.  
• Quant: Applying a “round-based approach” which means solving easy questions first and revisiting difficult ones later.  

5. Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout
Indeed, preparing for CAT can be mentally exhausting. So don’t burnout in the final few weeks! Toppers emphasize the importance of “balancing study with relaxation” in the last 15 days to stay motivated to perform well in time pressure. 

Shreyasee Sarkar, an IT professional who cracked CAT with 99.68 percentile to join IIM Calcutta, advocates a “balanced approach” in last few weeks to CAT. "Taking short breaks between study sessions helped me stay productive. Burnout can negatively impact your performance on exam day," she said.  

Pooja Sudhakar, who managed to balance her CAT preparation with a full-time job, highlights the importance of taking regular breaks. "In the last few weeks to CAT exam, I made sure to take one day off every week. Watching a movie or spending time with friends kept me motivated and refreshed," she says.  

Topper’s advice following ways to manage stress in last few weeks to CAT:  

• Incorporate short breaks during your daily schedule
• Plan at least half a day every week to unwind. 

6. Last 24 Hours to CAT Exam: Mind Over Matter! 
According to CAT toppers, anxiety and stress is counterproductive in the final days before the CAT exam. Toppers recommend taking a short break, or reducing the preparation, before the CAT exam day. Soumik Banerjee said, "I did not study the day before the exam. Instead, I focused on relaxing and ensuring everything was in order for exam day," he recalls. Srishti Yadav added, “The last 2-3 days are about staying calm. If your mind is clear, your chances of executing well on exam day are higher." 

So, in these last 15 days to CAT, the smart approach is to shift from learning mode to performance mode by finalization your CAT exam strategy as per tips by toppers in the previous section. In the following section, read a day-wise CAT study plan for the last 15 days. 

CAT 2025 Last 15 Days Study Plan: Overview  
A structured 15-day plan can bring discipline to your preparation. Check CAT Study Plan designed for last few weeks revision and preparation. It includes daily tasks and actions required.

CAT 2025 Last 15 Days Preparation Plan for Slot 1, Slot 2 & Slot 3 

Now that we can covered the conceptual part of last 15 days CAT preparation, read a detailed hour to hour break up for managing your time better. Start by checking your CAT Slot in your admit card, and check the reporting time from the table below. 

CAT 2025 Slot Timings for Shift 1, 2 & 3

Is you are still wondering if your CAT Slot is “good”, you must understand that there is no best CAT slot, and you must resolve to do your best for the slot you have got. Check pros and cons for each slot to get your mind to relax and resolve this doubt. 

CAT Slot 1 Pros and Cons (Morning Slot from 8:30 AM)

Pros

• Calm Mind with No Chatter: You get a fresh question paper with no prior slot discussions influencing your mindset.
• High Energy: If you can adjust your body clock to early morning, when you have the highest energy, your mental alertness during CAT slot 1 will be high.

Cons

• Early wake-up: Requires early wake-up and early arrival at the center, which can be difficult for late sleepers.
• Warm up Time Missing: The body and brain may take time to warm up, affecting initial concentration if sleep schedule is irregular.
• Cold Weather: Cold morning weather in North and East India may slow alertness if you are not used to it.

CAT Slot 2 Pros and Cons (Afternoon Slot from 12:30 PM) 
Pros

• Natural Peak Energy: Most students are naturally more alert and active around noon. The brain and body is warm and ready.
• Comfortable Start to the Day: You have enough time in the morning to wake up calmly, do light revision, and reach the center without rush.

Cons

• Waiting Anxiety: Since you know Slot 1 is already done, you may get tempted to check media posts and discuss with slot 1 students coming outside the hall.
• Afternoon Sluggishness: Some candidates report that by the time they reach the mid points of their paper at 1.30 PM, they start feeling sluggish as they are used to lunch break.

CAT Slot 3 Pros and Cons (Evening Slot from 4:30 PM) 
Pros

• Full Day to Prepare: You have time to do know how the paper was in Slot 1, and you can mentally get ready for the exam pattern.

Cons

• Energy Drop in the Evening: The body may feel tired by 4–5 PM if the day is not managed properly.
  Rumour and Panic Exposure: By the time you go in, online groups and friends may have discussed Slot 1 difficulty, creating pressure.
• Long Day Stress: The extended waiting period from morning to evening can build anxiety if not handled with calm routines.

It can be summarized that while there can be some psychological factors that can make a slot relatively easy or difficult for a given candidate, as discussed above, objectively speaking, CAT exam is designed to even out the difficulty level of all three CAT slots. 

CAT 2025 Slot-Wise Hour- Wise Strategy: Get Ready for Your Slot!
So now that you know your slot, and also understand that there is no one best CAT slot, your focus should be on how to get ready for your CAT slot. Follow the tips and hour wise schedule given below till the CAT exam day to be absolutely ready for the D-Day – NOV 30! 

CAT Slot 1 Preparation Strategy

• Body Clock Adjustment: You should start sleeping early, and waking up at 6.00 AM. This will allow you to get up early on November 30, and reach your exam centre in right mental frame.  
• Mock Practice Timing: After you wake up early, the next step is to take CAT Mock Tests or Sectionals at 8:30 AM on alternative days.  
• Develop Breakfast Habit: Start eating light, high-energy breakfast at 7-7.30 AM. 

CAT Slot 1 Hour-Wise Study Plan

Goal: Align your body and mind to perform at peak focus early in the morning

CAT Slot 2 Preparation Strategy (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM)

• Body Clock Stability: Finetune your body clock so that you are most alert in the afternoons. On the exam day, your aim is to stay relaxed in the morning and reach the center with calm, steady focus.
• Mock Practice Timing: Start taking CAT Mocks or Sectionals around 12:30 PM on alternate days so your peak alertness aligns with the exam window.
• Light Lunch Habit: Practice eating an early and light lunch between 10:45 AM and 11:30 AM. Avoid heavy and oily food to prevent post-lunch sleepiness.

CAT Slot 2 Hour-Wise Study Plan

Goal: Build sustained concentration through the afternoon.

CAT Slot 3 Preparation Strategy (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

• Energy Conservation: Practice to begin your day slow, with minimal mental strain, and start building your peak performance from 4 PM or so. Your mind and body should be in peak performance mode for evening slot.
• Mock Practice Timing: Start taking CAT Mocks or Sectionals at 4:30 PM on alternate days so your peak alertness aligns with the exam window.
• Smart Snacking: Practise early lunch at around 12.30 PM, followed by a small energy snack at around 3:00 PM (banana, eggs, almonds, etc) to maintain alertness without feeling heavy.

CAT Slot 3 Hour-Wise Study Plan

Goal: Stay calm, conserve mental energy through the day, and peak in focus during late afternoon hours.

If followed, the above recommendations for CAT Slot 1 Strategy, CAT Slot 2 Strategy and CAT Slot 3 Strategy will surely help you to maximize your CAT score. 

Bonus CAT Last Minute Tip for Working Professionals 
If you are a working professional, here is an important tip from the CAT toppers -- Take a week off before the CAT exam! This can significantly boost your performance. The goal isn’t to study more, but to align your body clock, stabilize energy, and stay mentally composed for your exam slot. Use this time to rest, reduce screen fatigue, and stay calm. If you can’t take leave, at least avoid work stress and last-minute projects.

Freshers and students often try to cover more topics and take a lot of mock tests until the last moment. But the final week before CAT should be about settling your mind, fixing your routine as per your CAT slot timings, given above. If you can, take a week off from your regular classes and schedule. This week is where you shift from “learning mode” to “performance mode”. Your goal is to feel calm, controlled, and confident by exam day.

CAT 2025 Last 15 Days Preparation Plan: Summary 

So, the smart strategy for CAT 2025 last 15 days study plan is to shift from learning mode to performance mode. CAT preparation is now more about mindset and time management than knowledge. So, use every single day wisely, practice deliberately, and keep your mind calm.

Also Read:

• CAT 2025 Registrations Number Drop by 10 Percent: Check Details Released by IIM Kozhikode, Past 10 Year’s Trends

• CAT Preparation 2025: Last Month’s Guide with Pattern, Syllabus, Strategy, Free Mock Exam, Topper Tips, Difficulty Level

• CAT Mock Test 2025: Take Free Practice Mocks Based on Actual CAT Papers