Introduction
Even with months of preparation, test day can make or break your performance. The objective is not just to write the exam—it is to do so with clarity, composure, and strategic discipline.
Here is a complete test-day plan designed specifically for CAT 2025 aspirants.
1. The 72-Hour Checklist
- Print admit card and ID
- Visit the test centre if possible
- Set a fixed sleep schedule
- Do only light revision
- Avoid heavy mocks
- Prepare exam-day snacks and water
Plan travel buffer time (45–60 minutes extra)
2. The Morning-of Exam Routine
- 10 minutes of deep breathing
- 5-minute mental rehearsal
- Light breakfast
- No last-minute heavy reading
Stay hydrated but avoid excess caffeine
3. Inside the Exam Hall
VARC Tips
- Start with passages that match your reading comfort
- Avoid getting stuck in para-jumbles
- Keep accuracy above aggression
DILR Tips
- Spend 5 minutes selecting sets
- Attempt the easiest set first
- Abandon any set that crosses 18 minutes
QA Tips
- Start with comfort topics
- Maintain calm between questions
- Use mental checks to avoid silly mistakes
- Start with passages that match your reading comfort
4.What to Do If You Panic
- Close your eyes for 3 seconds
- Take 3 deep breaths
- Reset your process
- Move to the next easy question
- Rebuild momentum gradually
5.After the Exam
- Avoid discussing questions immediately
- Drink water and decompress
- Reflect the next morning with a calm mind
- Start shortlisting colleges for applications
Your preparation deserves a stable performance. With strong pre-exam planning, a clear in-exam approach, and calm decision-making, you give yourself the best possible chance to score high in CAT 2025 and secure admission into a top PGDM program.
