Can I crack GMAT if I’m already preparing for CAT 2025?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Yes, it&rsquo;s possible to crack the GMAT while preparing for CAT 2025, but only if the prep is structured smartly. The two exams share a few core concepts, especially in Quant and Reading Comprehension, but the way they test them is completely different.
CAT Quant covers a wider range of topics with more calculation-heavy questions. GMAT focuses on a smaller set of topics but expects high accuracy and strong logic. If you&rsquo;re comfortable with CAT Arithmetic and Algebra, that&rsquo;s helpful,  but Data Sufficiency, which is a major part of GMAT Quant, needs separate practice. It&rsquo;s a unique format you won&rsquo;t find in CAT.
In Verbal, GMAT includes only Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. So CAT-specific VA topics like para jumbles and summaries won&rsquo;t help much here. Plan at least 2&ndash;3 sessions a week for Verbal practice focused only on GMAT-style RC and CR.
Also, get used to GMAT&rsquo;s section-adaptive structure early by taking a mock every 2&ndash;3 weeks. It feels very different from CAT&rsquo;s fixed pattern.

Shruti T · Answer

Yes, but preparing for CAT and the GMAT at the same time only works if you separate the two ,  the question types and exam formats are quite different.
&bull; Use CAT Quant prep to build your basics. But remember, GMAT covers fewer topics and focuses more on accuracy than speed. &bull; Add Data Sufficiency early in your GMAT prep ,  it&rsquo;s a completely different format and requires a new way of thinking. &bull; In Verbal, GMAT is all about Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Don&rsquo;t waste time on CAT-only topics like para jumbles or odd-one-out. &bull; Take one GMAT mock every 2&ndash;3 weeks. The adaptive format is nothing like CAT, and it takes time to get used to the section transitions and pacing. &bull; Avoid blending your prep. Use separate slots,  for example, do CAT prep on weekdays and reserve Sundays for GMAT-specific questions and reviews.
It&rsquo;s very doable to prepare for both ,  but only if you respect the format and prep for GMAT as its own exam, not an extension of CAT.