One Day Before CAT: Do’s, Don’ts & Final Exam Strategy 2025

Introduction

The night before the CAT exam often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff — months of hard work, mock tests, and practice sessions come down to one single performance. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. But how you handle the final 24 hours before the exam can significantly impact your performance.

While you can’t transform your preparation at the last minute, you can optimize your mental, physical, and logistical readiness to ensure a smooth, confident exam day. In this guide, we’ll cover what to do one day before CAT, including a practical checklist, time-wise strategy, and mental preparation plan. By following this routine, you’ll conserve energy, avoid panic, and enter the exam hall with focus and calm.

Why the Day Before CAT Matters

The final day before CAT isn’t just about staying busy—it’s about staying steady. Studies in cognitive performance show that a calm, well-rested brain processes information faster and makes fewer errors under pressure. The CAT, more than any other exam, rewards focus and decision-making over rote memory.

Think of top performers who’ve shared their strategies—their common pattern isn’t last-minute studying but last-minute stabilizing. Your goal isn’t to gain new knowledge, but to ensure your existing knowledge flows smoothly on D-Day.

What to Do One Day Before CAT — The Ultimate Checklist

Morning: Light Review and Confidence Building

Your morning should begin not with a textbook marathon, but with light reinforcement.

• Go through short notes, key formulas, and important English grammar or logic rules.
• Skim through marked questions from previous mocks where you made small errors.
• Revise concept summaries rather than solving new problems.
• Remind yourself of your exam-time strategy: section order, time per question, and your strong/weak areas.

If you really want some practice, take one sectional test (30–45 minutes) in the same time slot as your actual CAT to simulate the rhythm—not more. The aim is to boost confidence, not exhaustion.

Afternoon: Logistical Readiness

Once your revision is complete, switch to logistics — the often-overlooked part of preparation that saves panic later.

• Download and print your CAT admit card.
• Check your exam centre location on Google Maps and estimate travel time.
• Keep your photo ID, admit card, and stationery in a file folder.
• Arrange travel mode, backup options, and keep extra time for traffic or delays.

While doing this, mentally visualize exam day: arriving relaxed, completing security checks, and settling in your assigned seat — this visualization helps your mind rehearse success.

CAT Exam Day Tips (Quick Reminders):

• Carry only approved items (no watches, pens, or stationery if CAT provides).
• Plan for early arrival (at least 1 hour before reporting time).
• Avoid discussions with other aspirants near the venue.
• Keep your phone off to maintain peace of mind.

Evening: Physical and Mental Relaxation

By evening, put your books away. Seriously. Study fatigue peaks when your mind doesn’t get a break before a major test. Focus instead on grounding your emotions and recharging.

• Eat a light, balanced dinner with fewer spices or heavy oils.
• Go for a short walk or listen to calming music.
• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation for 10–15 minutes.
• Talk to someone positive — a friend or family member who uplifts you.

This is the time to shift from exam mode to stability mode. Visualization techniques—imagining yourself reading questions calmly and choosing wisely—have been proven to lower anxiety before performance situations.

Night: Prepping for a Restful Sleep

The single biggest mistake aspirants make before CAT is sacrificing sleep for “one last revision.” Your brain consolidates and retrieves information faster after quality sleep.

• Stop studying at least two hours before bed.
• Keep your clothes, documents, and essentials ready in one place.
• Avoid heavy screens or discussions about the exam.
• Practice gratitude—remind yourself how much effort you’ve already invested.

Aim for 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. You’ve earned it.

Things to Avoid Before CAT Exam

Avoid these common traps the day before your exam. Each one drains focus or confidence.

Treat this table as your personal red flag list—every “Don’t” here has derailed an otherwise strong aspirant.

Exam Day Morning Strategy

When you wake up on exam day, your goal is to stay steady and alert.

• Wake up early, freshen up, and have a light breakfast (banana, poha, or oats).
• Avoid experimenting with new foods or routines.
• Leave well ahead of your reporting time.
• Carry a small bottle of water and a transparent sanitizer.

Use the commute time to mentally rehearse your CAT exam flow — calm reading, skipping hard questions, and finishing early. Say to yourself: I’m ready, I’ve practiced this many times before.

This short mental preparation is the secret of many toppers. Confidence isn’t built the night before—it’s reinforced through reassurance on the morning of the exam.

How to Keep a Positive Mindset Before CAT

Anxiety before CAT is natural, but your interpretation of that anxiety matters. Instead of fighting nerves, see them as signs of readiness—your mind gearing up for a challenge.

Try these mental hacks:

• Visualization: Imagine the exam going smoothly, from reading the first question to submitting the test confidently.
• Anchoring: Focus on your breathing whenever anxiety spikes; this brings attention back to the present.
• Affirmations: Repeat short phrases like “I am focused and calm” or “I’ve prepared well; I’ll give my best.”

Remember, even toppers have doubts the night before. What matters is controlling your response, not eliminating nerves.

How Career Plan B Helps

At Career Plan B, we understand that CAT success goes beyond preparation—it’s about mindset, planning, and structured decision-making. That’s why our guidance extends from exam readiness to long-term career strategies.

Here’s how Career Plan B supports aspirants:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Tailored sessions to align your preparation approach with your unique strengths.
• Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests: Scientifically designed tools to identify your core aptitude and manage exam stress effectively.
• Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Expert help in shortlisting MBA colleges post-CAT based on academic background and work experience.
• Career Roadmapping: Comprehensive planning for your post-MBA goals, helping you make informed choices about specializations and career paths.

Whether you’re targeting IIMs or exploring parallel options like XAT, NMAT, or SNAP, Career Plan B helps you navigate each step confidently—from preparation to final admission.

Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!

FAQs on What to Do One Day Before CAT

1. Should I take a mock test one day before the CAT?
   No. Avoid full mocks. A light sectional or short practice drill is fine, but the focus should be mental calmness, not performance analysis.
2. What should I eat before the CAT exam?
   Opt for easy-to-digest foods like fruit, oatmeal, or poha. Avoid anything fried or heavy, which may cause discomfort.
3. How early should I reach my exam centre?
   Aim to reach at least an hour before your reporting time to handle security checks and settle in peacefully.
4. Is it good to study late at night before CAT?
   Not recommended. Your memory retention and alertness are higher after good rest than late-night studying.
5. How can I control anxiety before the exam?
   Practice deep breathing, visualization, or listen to calm music. Focus on what you can control—your mindset and routine.
6. What if I can’t sleep due to stress?
   Try light reading (non-academic) or meditation music. Avoid scrolling your phone; it worsens anxiety and delays sleep.

Conclusion

The day before CAT isn’t for learning—it’s for aligning. How you manage this final stretch determines not your knowledge, but your composure. Revise smartly, rest well, and prepare logistics in advance. Trust that your preparation has built the foundation you need.

As you close your books tonight, remember: CAT rewards clarity, not chaos. Believe in your journey, walk in calm, and give your best shot.

When you’re ready to plan your next steps—whether it’s profile mapping, B-school shortlisting, or stress-free preparation for upcoming exams—Career Plan B is here to guide you through every stage.