How to Plan Sectional Attempts in CAT 2025?

To plan sectional attempts in CAT 2025, first get a good grasp of the CAT exam pattern, time limits for each section, and the CAT exam syllabus. Then make a plan that fits your strengths and weaknesses. Practice with sectional tests by picking out the easier questions and learn not to waste time on any question if stuck. Build this up with regular practice and review of mock tests added to a cool mind in the exam.

Planning Sectional Attempts in CAT 2025?

Here’s a comprehensive strategy to help you plan your sectional attempts effectively:

1. Know The Format By Parts

CAT 2025 will most probably fall in line with the same pattern.

• VARC has 24 questions to be answered within 40 minutes.
• DILR carries 20 questions, also to be attempted within a similar period of 40 minutes.
• QA involves responding to 22 questions, again inside an identical timeframe of forty minutes.
• Each correct response is awarded three marks; for every incorrect answer, one mark is deducted (for MCQs). Non-MCQs don’t carry negative marking.

There is a very strict time limit for parts, so you can't play around with sections, making sectional planning all the more important.

2. Know Strengths and Weaknesses

Take a few CAT mock tests at the beginning of your preparation to know which section is your strength and which requires work. If you’re strong in VARC and weak in QA, keep a strategy where you can maximise attempts in VARC while scoring decently in QA by improving basics.

Also Read: Which IIM is Conducting CAT 2025?

3. Develop Sectional Strategies

VARC:  

• Make sure to complete all reading comprehension (RC) passages within the given time. Try to solve the easier ones first. 
• Make sure to spend enough time understanding the passages before attempting the questions. 
• Don't dwell too much on difficult questions; move on for now and revisit them if time allows. 
• Reading comprehension and verbal ability need to be practiced on a daily basis.  

DILR:  

• Start off with easier grip sets to gain confidence and save time. 
• Avoid spending a lot of time on a single challenging set; move to the next set. 
• Make sure to spend time on all sets, but focus on accuracy first.  

QA: 

• Read through all questions, and do the easiest questions first.  
• Don't get caught in lengthy or cumbersome questions; skip them if you need to and come back later.  
• Work on different questions that are of different types to build speed and confidence.  

4. Get Prepared with Mock Tests and Sectional Tests   

• Mock tests of familiar length to gauge interim progress under real conditions.
• Each section has strengths and weaknesses and sectional tests will find them.
• Self-analysing your performance from mocks and sectional tests will identify specific areas to focus on improvement.
• Good time management will mean you give each section a fair run. You can manage your time around questions to fit in with the time frames.

Also Read: What is a good Quant score in CAT? Tips to Score Better

5. Create a Relaxed and Assertive Plan

• Stay Relaxed: Ensure your poise until the completion of the test, as panic comes from making mistakes.
• Don't get Jammed: Have the confidence to move on without being held up on any one question.
• Focus: Stay confident and work on the questions that you think you can solve first. 
• Cut down on Choices: If you have to guess answers, you may be able to eliminate some very wrong options, which gives you a better opportunity to make a valid guess.
• Time Management: Be mindful of time so you have the opportunity to work on enough questions.

Also Read: Which IIM is best for CAT 2025 Aspirants?

Conclusion

Strategising your sectional attempts in CAT 2025 is not simply about increasing attempts; it's about increasing strategic attempts. Focus on your strong points while improving other weak points. Lastly, be merciless when analysing your mocks. With a shift in mindset, you can turn every section from a hurdle into a gateway.