Are you preparing for CAT 2025? Then you already know it’s not just about studying hard—it’s about studying right. At FundaMakers, we’ve seen brilliant students fall into common traps during their CAT prep. So here’s a complete list of 20 mistakes CAT aspirants usually make—along with what should be done instead and how to do it using the right tools and strategy.
1. Starting Prep Too Late
What usually happens: Many aspirants keep pushing the start date of their CAT preparation, waiting for a convenient time. Often, this means beginning too close to the exam, which leads to panic and lack of revision.
What should be done: Begin early with light preparation and increase intensity gradually. Consistency matters more than intensity in the initial phase.
How to do it: Enroll in our CAT Foundation Course, designed for early starters with a structured and gradual approach.
2. Taking Mocks Without Analysis
What usually happens: Students take mock tests just to check their scores. They miss out on analyzing their time management, question selection, and mistakes.
What should be done: The real value lies in analyzing mocks. Identifying weak areas and understanding mistakes are crucial for improvement.
How to do it: Use our Free CAT Mock Test Series with detailed post-mock discussions and expert-led analysis.
3. Avoiding DILR Practice
What usually happens: DILR is perceived as unpredictable, so students often neglect regular practice, hoping to get lucky in the exam.
What should be done: DILR requires consistent exposure to build logical thinking and confidence. Practice is key to cracking this section.
How to do it: Practice daily with our curated DILR Puzzle Bank and attend weekly practice sessions.
4. Ignoring Revision
What usually happens: Students get so focused on learning new topics that they rarely revisit old ones, leading to forgetfulness in exams.
What should be done: Make revision an ongoing process. Even short, frequent revisions can reinforce retention.
How to do it: Access all recorded sessions and use our revision planner to schedule timely reviews.
5. Following Too Many Sources
What usually happens: Aspirants use multiple prep platforms, which causes confusion and overlaps in strategies.
What should be done: Stick to one comprehensive source with structured content and consistent methodology.
How to do it: Trust our all-in-one CAT 2025 Coaching Program for a streamlined prep experience.
6. Ignoring Weak Areas
What usually happens: Students prefer practicing topics they are already good at, avoiding their weaker subjects.
What should be done: Work on your weaknesses early so they don’t drag your percentile down in mocks or the final exam.
How to do it: Use diagnostic tests and join our remedial sessions tailored to weak areas identified by our experts.
7. Practicing Without Timers
What usually happens: Many solve questions at their comfort pace, ignoring the clock and real-time pressure.
What should be done: You must learn to solve accurately within strict time limits to simulate the real CAT scenario.
How to do it: Use our timed practice tests available on the student portal for every topic and section.
8. Skipping Daily Reading
What usually happens: Students focus only on Reading Comprehension practice and ignore broader reading habits.
What should be done: Develop the habit of reading quality articles daily to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
How to do it: Follow our curated weekly reading lists shared in our Telegram group and blogs.
9. Hesitating to Ask Doubts
What usually happens: Many aspirants feel shy or hesitant to ask doubts, leading to concept gaps over time.
What should be done: Every doubt is a stepping stone to clarity. Ask questions immediately to prevent confusion.
How to do it: Get access to our 24×7 Telegram doubt-solving groups and direct faculty support.
10. Delaying PYQ Practice
What usually happens: Students wait until the final months to attempt previous year CAT questions.
What should be done: PYQs provide insight into exam patterns and should be part of your early preparation.
How to do it: Use our PYQ workbook and attend dedicated live sessions focused on PYQ discussion.
11. Misjudging Exam Pattern Changes
What usually happens: Changes in pattern cause panic and uncertainty among students.
What should be done: Accept flexibility as part of CAT prep. Build adaptability by varying practice formats.
How to do it: Join our strategy webinars after every mock and exam update session to stay ahead.
12. Depending Only on Recorded Lectures
What usually happens: Students consume recorded lectures passively, leading to superficial understanding.
What should be done: Blend recorded content with live interaction for better doubt resolution and retention.
How to do it: Our hybrid classes combine recorded lectures with regular doubt-clearing live classes.
13. Ignoring Mental Health
What usually happens: Aspirants overwork themselves and ignore their well-being, leading to burnout.
What should be done: Mental fitness is crucial for focus and performance. Regular breaks and balance are essential.
How to do it: Follow our mentor-guided time management sessions that include mental wellness check-ins.
14. Memorizing Tricks Without Concepts
What usually happens: Students try to memorize shortcuts without understanding the logic behind them.
What should be done: Concepts form the base; tricks only work when layered on conceptual clarity.
How to do it: Attend our basic-to-advanced concept classes before attempting strategy sessions.
15. Giving Up on One Section
What usually happens: A particularly weak section is abandoned in frustration.
What should be done: Every section contributes to the percentile. None can be ignored entirely.
How to do it: Get a rotation-based study schedule through our planner that ensures all sections are covered weekly.
16. Comparing with Others
What usually happens: Students compare scores and progress with peers and lose confidence.
What should be done: CAT is a personal journey. Focus on improving your own performance.
How to do it: Our progress tracker lets you monitor your growth independently and set realistic goals.
17. Jumping to Advanced Too Soon
What usually happens: Students jump into high-level questions before building a strong base.
What should be done: Strengthen your foundation first before moving to advanced problems.
How to do it: Follow our learning modules which are sequenced from beginner to expert level.
18. No Study Plan
What usually happens: Many aspirants study randomly without a plan or timeline.
What should be done: A well-defined study plan ensures complete coverage and better time utilization.
How to do it: Use our detailed daily and monthly planner shared on your student dashboard.
19. Skipping Sectional Tests
What usually happens: Students often take only full-length mocks, ignoring section-wise testing.
What should be done: Sectional tests help identify topic-specific weaknesses early.
How to do it: Use our weekly sectional tests available on the FundaMakers Test Portal.
20. Peaking Too Early
What usually happens: Some students burn out by the time the exam approaches due to early intensity.
What should be done: Plan your preparation in phases so your peak performance aligns with the exam window.
How to do it: Our curriculum moves through Foundation, Core, and Final Lap with intensity mapped across months.
Don’t Let Common Mistakes Cost You Your Dream B-School
CAT isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart work. Every mistake you avoid takes you one step closer to your IIM call. And when your prep is backed by expert mentoring, structured study, and proven resources—it makes all the difference.
Start your journey today with FundaMakers CAT Programs.
Read More : How to Crack CAT 2025 – Study Plan for Students & Working Professionals
