Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
Preparing for the CAT exam typically involves breaking down your preparation into distinct phases, each with its own focus and objectives. Here's a guide on the three phases of CAT preparation, along with a monthly breakdown and tips on building your strategy:
1. Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-3)
Objectives:
- Establish a strong foundation in the core concepts tested in the CAT exam.
- Understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and question types.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses through diagnostic tests.
Monthly Guide:
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Month 1:
- Familiarize yourself with the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
- Start with basic concepts in each section: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Take diagnostic tests to assess your current level of preparation.
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Month 2:
- Dive deeper into each section and focus on understanding concepts thoroughly.
- Begin practicing basic level questions from study materials and online resources.
- Allocate more time to weaker areas while maintaining a balance across all sections.
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Month 3:
- Intensify your practice with intermediate-level questions.
- Solve sectional tests and topic-wise quizzes to reinforce learning.
- Start exploring advanced concepts and strategies for each section.
Building Your Strategy:
- Allocate sufficient time each day for study and practice.
- Create a study schedule that includes dedicated time for each section.
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.
- Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
- Engage with online forums and study groups for additional support and learning.
2. Phase 2: Skill Enhancement (Months 4-6)
Objectives:
- Refine your problem-solving skills and time management techniques.
- Increase your speed and accuracy in solving CAT-level questions.
- Practice with mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve performance.
Monthly Guide:
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Month 4:
- Focus on practicing a variety of questions from different topics.
- Start solving previous year CAT papers and sectional tests.
- Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
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Month 5:
- Intensify your practice with timed mock tests.
- Work on time management strategies to optimize performance in each section.
- Review and analyze each mock test to identify patterns and mistakes.
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Month 6:
- Fine-tune your exam-taking strategy based on mock test performance.
- Focus on high-yield topics and common question patterns.
- Conduct regular revisions to reinforce learning and retain concepts.
Building Your Strategy:
- Prioritize practicing with mock tests and previous year papers.
- Develop a systematic approach for solving questions under time pressure.
- Analyze your performance in mock tests to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.
- Incorporate revision sessions into your study schedule to reinforce learning.
- Stay updated with CAT-related news and updates to adapt your strategy accordingly.
3. Phase 3: Exam Readiness (Months 7-8)
Objectives:
- Fine-tune your preparation and focus on exam-specific strategies.
- Polish your strengths and mitigate weaknesses through targeted practice.
- Maintain a calm and confident mindset for the exam day.
Monthly Guide:
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Month 7:
- Review and revise all topics covered so far.
- Solve full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Identify and address any remaining weak areas through targeted practice.
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Month 8:
- Focus on intensive mock test series to build stamina and confidence.
- Fine-tune your exam strategy based on performance in mock tests.
- Conduct final revisions, focusing on key formulas, concepts, and strategies.
Building Your Strategy:
- Prioritize mock tests and full-length simulations to prepare for the exam day.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
- Practice relaxation techniques to manage exam-related stress and anxiety.
- Stay updated with exam-related notifications and instructions.
- Trust your preparation and maintain a positive mindset throughout the final phase.
Conclusion:
By following a structured approach divided into these three phases and adhering to a monthly guide, you can effectively prepare for the CAT exam and maximize your chances of success. Remember to stay disciplined, focused, and adaptable to adjust your strategy as needed throughout your preparation journey. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I start preparing for CAT 2026 in November?
If you're starting in november 2026, begin with Phase 1 (Foundation). Spend the first few weeks understanding the syllabus, revising basic concepts, and taking diagnostic tests to assess your level.
2. How many mock tests should I take for CAT preparation?
Ideally, take around 25–35 high-quality mocks across the entire preparation cycle. In the final two months before the exam, attempt 2–3 mocks per week.
3. Is coaching necessary for CAT 2026 preparation?
Coaching is helpful but not mandatory. Many toppers prepare through self-study using online resources, previous-year papers, and consistent mock test practice.
4. What is the recommended daily study routine for CAT aspirants?
Most serious aspirants study 2–4 hours daily during the initial months and 4–6 hours closer to the exam. Consistency matters more than the total number of hours.
5. Has the CAT exam pattern changed for 2026?
As of november 2026, no major pattern change has been officially announced. It is still advisable to stay updated via the official IIM CAT website.
6. When should I start solving CAT previous year papers?
Start solving them from Month 4 once your conceptual clarity improves. Continue revisiting them throughout your preparation.
7. How important is DILR for CAT 2026?
DILR is often considered the most unpredictable section. Regular practice, logical reasoning drills, and mock-based learning are crucial for scoring well.
8. What is the best strategy for the last 30 days before CAT 2026?
Focus on full-length mocks, section strategy refinement, time management, and high-quality revision of frequently tested topics.
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