Every year, thousands of students appear for the CAT (Common Admission Test) with the dream of gaining admission to top IIMs and other prestigious Business Schools in India. While some succeed in their first attempt, many fall short and find themselves deciding whether to reappear next year.
If you’re one of them –don’t worry. You are not alone.
This guide is designed for CAT retakers who are ready to bounce back stronger in their second attempt. Whether you missed the cut-off by a few marks or your preparation went off track, this blog will help you understand what went wrong, what to do differently, and how to make your second attempt successful.
Why Reappearing for CAT is a Smart Move?
Before we jump into strategies, let’s understand why reattempting CAT makes sense:
- You already have experience. You know the pattern, pressure, and pain points.
- You’ve identified weaknesses. That’s your biggest advantage now—you know where you went wrong.
- Improvement is common. Many top B-school students have taken CAT twice or even thrice before cracking it.
Your previous attempt is not a failure—it’s feedback.
Step 1: Analyze Your First Attempt
Before starting your second round of preparation, spend a few hours reviewing your past attempt. Ask yourself:
- What were my scores in VARC, DILR, and QA?
- Which section brought me down?
- Did I struggle with speed, accuracy, or both?
- How many mocks did I take?
- Did I manage my time well in the exam?
Use Your Scorecard
Here’s how you should break it down:
| Section | Score | Percentile | Your Analysis |
| VARC | |||
| DILR | |||
| QA | |||
| Overall |
This will help you identify specific weak areas, instead of starting everything from scratch.
Step 2: Make a Better Study Plan
Now that you know your weak and strong zones, it’s time to create a focused, second-attempt strategy.
Time Frame
- Start early. Give yourself at least 6-8 months of preparation.
- If you’re starting late, go for a 4-month high-intensity plan.
Weekly Plan
Break your week into:
- 3 days for Concept Building
- 2 days for Practice & Application
- 2 days for Mock Tests + Analysis
Section-Wise Strategy for Retakers
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
What Might Have Gone Wrong?
- Weak comprehension skills
- Not practicing different genres
- Poor accuracy in Para Jumbles & Odd-One-Out
How to Fix It:
- Read daily – Editorials, opinions, essays (The Hindu, Aeon, New Yorker)
- Practice RCs daily and time yourself
- Use resources like Arun Sharma for VARC or GKP’s Verbal Ability Books
- Focus on retention + understanding not just speed
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
What Might Have Gone Wrong?
- Panicking during complex sets
- Choosing wrong sets to attempt
- Poor time management
How to Fix It:
- Practice 2-3 sets every day
- Learn set selection strategy: Attempt easy-moderate sets first
- Revise frequently attempted patterns: puzzles, matrix, arrangements, Venn diagrams
- Try sectional mock tests to increase stamina
Tip: Make a habit of solving one DILR puzzle daily with a timer.
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
What Might Have Gone Wrong?
- Conceptual gaps in arithmetic/algebra
- Low accuracy due to rushing
- Skipping formulas and short tricks
How to Fix It:
- Start with basic concepts from NCERT or GKP Quant Books
- Focus on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math
- Practice chapter-wise questions
- Track your error log: Why did you make a mistake?
Focus more on accuracy than speed in your first phase of prep.
Mock Test Strategy for Retakers
Mocks are crucial—more so in your second attempt. But don’t just give them—analyse them deeply.
How Many Mocks?
- 1 full mock per week for the first 2-3 months
- Then increase to 2 mocks/week closer to exam day
How to Analyse a Mock:
- Note questions you got wrong and why.
- Identify time-consuming questions.
- Track accuracy per section.
- Maintain an Excel or notebook to review mock-wise performance.
Use this analysis to modify your test-taking strategy.
Time Management in Exam
One major reason for underperformance is poor time distribution.
Ideal Plan:
- VARC (40 minutes): Start with RCs you find easy, then attempt VA
- DILR (40 minutes): Identify 2 doable sets first, then move to tricky ones
- QA (40 minutes): Solve sure-shot questions first, don’t get stuck
Always wear a watch during mock tests and simulate actual exam conditions.
Mental Preparation & Motivation
Your second attempt might come with pressure. Friends are moving on, you feel behind, or self-doubt creeps in.
Here’s how to manage your mindset:
Shift Your Perspective
- Think of your first attempt as a trial run.
- You’re not starting from zero—you’re starting from experience.
Practice Mental Discipline
- Use techniques like meditation, journaling, or affirmations
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: sleep, eat well, take breaks
- Don’t let one bad mock discourage you—it’s just part of the journey
Remember: Many IIM toppers were second/third timers
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Second Attempt)
- Ignoring mock analysis
- Studying blindly without a plan
- Comparing yourself constantly with others
- Getting stuck on weak areas only (ignore strengths)
- Burning out before exam day
Take breaks. Revise. Stay balanced.
Final Checklist (60 Days before CAT)
- All concepts revised?
- At least 20 full-length mocks taken?
- Error log maintained?
- Strong in 2 sections out of 3?
- Exam strategy finalized?
- Health and mental state in check?
If yes, you’re ready.
We Can Help You Succeed
Preparing for CAT again? Let us walk with you on this journey.
At GP KA FUNDA, we understand the ups and downs of exam preparation—especially when you’re giving it a second shot. That’s why we’re here to equip you with nothing but the best.
GKP’s CAT Preparation Books are trusted by thousands of CAT toppers across the country. Whether you’re looking to strengthen Quantitative Aptitude, crack DILR, or sharpen your skills in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, we’ve got you covered.
What You’ll Get:
- Chapter-wise concepts explained in a simple and structured way
- Topic-wise practice questions to reinforce learning
- Solved previous year questions to understand exam trends
- Full-length mock tests with detailed solutions
- Smart tricks and shortcuts to improve speed and accuracy
From foundational theory to advanced-level application—our books are designed to help both first-timers and retakers bounce back stronger.
All our books are easily available through GP KA FUNDA—your trusted one-stop platform for MBA entrance exam preparation. We don’t just sell books; we provide mentorship, strategy, and support that matter.
Level up your CAT prep with the right resources. Start today with GP KA FUNDA.
Your Second Attempt is Your Comeback
The CAT is not just a test of aptitude—it’s a test of patience, preparation, and mindset.
Your first attempt gave you lessons. Your second attempt gives you power.
You’re not behind. You’re just building a better version of yourself.
So, open your books. Take your mocks. Learn from your mistakes.
And when the CAT day comes again, walk in knowing—you’re not here to try again,
You’re here to conquer it.