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.
How to Prepare for CAT Exam from Zero: Complete Study Plan for CAT Exam Preparation
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India for admission to top management institutes, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). It tests candidates on various skills, including quantitative ability, verbal ability, and logical reasoning. Preparing for the CAT exam requires dedication, smart planning, and consistent practice. In this article, we’ll provide a complete study plan for CAT exam preparation, along with strategies and tips to help you maximize your score in the 2026 exam.
1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern
Before diving into the preparation, it is essential to understand the CAT exam pattern thoroughly. The CAT is a computer-based test consisting of three sections:
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Types of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 40 mins | 24 | MCQs and Non-MCQs (Reading comprehension, Verbal reasoning) |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 40 mins | 22 | MCQs and Non-MCQs (Data sets, Logical reasoning problems) |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 40 mins | 22 | MCQs and Non-MCQs (Mathematical problems) |
Key Features of CAT Exam:
- Total Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 68
- Negative Marking: 1 mark for every wrong answer (MCQs), no negative marking for non-MCQs
- Total Marks: 204 (68 questions × 3 marks each)
Familiarizing yourself with the structure of the exam is crucial, as it helps you strategize your time management and focus on each section accordingly.
2. Create a Study Plan for CAT Preparation
A well-structured study plan is the foundation of your preparation. Ideally, you should begin your preparation at least 6-8 months before the exam to cover all topics comprehensively. Here’s a suggested study plan:
Months 1-3: Build a Strong Foundation
Focus Areas:
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Start by revising basic mathematics concepts such as algebra, number systems, and arithmetic. Gradually move on to advanced topics like geometry, probability, and permutation-combination.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Focus on reading comprehension skills and improving your vocabulary. Practice reading diverse content such as newspapers, magazines, and novels.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Begin with simple data sets and work on logical reasoning puzzles. Understand basic concepts of charts, tables, and graphs.
Daily Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per day.
Months 4-6: Intensive Practice
Focus Areas:
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Start practicing with mock tests and sectional tests. Identify weaker areas and work on them intensively.
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): Increase the difficulty level of reading comprehension exercises. Focus on vocabulary and grammar. Take practice tests regularly to gauge your improvement.
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): Work on more complex data sets and logic puzzles. Practice time-bound exercises to increase speed.
Daily Time Commitment: 4-5 hours per day.
Months 7-8: Revision and Mock Tests
Focus Areas:
- Mock Tests: Begin taking full-length CAT mock tests regularly (at least 2 per week). Analyze your mistakes and improve.
- Revision: Revise all the important formulas, concepts, and shortcuts in QA. Revisit the previous year's CAT papers and practice them.
- Time Management: Focus on improving your speed and time management. Aim to finish each section within the allocated time limit.
Daily Time Commitment: 5-6 hours per day, including mock tests.
3. Section-wise Preparation Strategy
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This section tests your command over language and comprehension skills. The key to scoring well in VARC is consistent reading and regular practice.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): Practice reading passages on various topics such as politics, economics, and science. Work on identifying the main ideas and answering questions based on the passage.
- Verbal Ability (VA): Focus on grammar, sentence correction, and vocabulary. Regularly practice verbal reasoning questions like para-jumbles and critical reasoning.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR is often considered one of the toughest sections in CAT, but with regular practice, it can become manageable.
- Data Interpretation (DI): Practice various types of charts, tables, and graphs. Learn to analyze data quickly and efficiently.
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Focus on different types of puzzles such as seating arrangement, blood relations, and logical deductions. Start with easier puzzles and move on to difficult ones.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA tests your mathematical skills, and the key to cracking it is practicing a variety of questions.
- Basic Arithmetic and Algebra: Focus on strengthening your fundamentals, as most of the questions in QA are based on these topics.
- Advanced Topics: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, move on to probability, geometry, and permutation-combination. These topics require more practice, so ensure you solve a variety of problems.
4. Practice with Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers
Mock tests and previous year papers are essential tools in your CAT preparation. Here’s why:
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Taking mock tests under timed conditions will help you manage time effectively during the actual exam.
- Identify Weak Areas: Mock tests allow you to identify which sections or topics need more attention.
- Track Progress: Regularly taking mock tests helps track your improvement and boosts confidence.
Suggested Approach:
- Take at least one full-length mock test per week during the last three months.
- Analyze your performance after each test, focusing on the questions you got wrong and understanding the reasons behind the mistakes.
5. Focus on Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill during the CAT exam. Since you have limited time to answer each section, you must practice managing your time effectively.
- Sectional Timing: Divide your preparation into sections and allocate a fixed time for each. Stick to the time limits during mock tests to improve your time management.
- Skip Difficult Questions: It’s better to skip questions that you find difficult rather than wasting too much time on them. Move to questions that you can solve quickly to maximize your score.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CAT exam requires a strategic approach, strong foundational knowledge, consistent practice, and time management. By following a well-structured study plan and using resources like mock tests and previous year papers, you can significantly increase your chances of success in the CAT 2026 exam. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent preparation, smart study techniques, and regular revision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the CAT 2026 exam pattern?
The CAT exam consists of three sections — Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit, making the total duration 120 minutes.
2. How many questions are asked in the CAT exam?
CAT 2026 is expected to have about 68 questions: 24 in VARC, 22 in DILR, and 22 in QA — based on trends from CAT 2024 & 2025.
3. What is the marking scheme and negative marking in CAT?
Each correct answer earns +3 marks, while –1 mark is deducted for incorrect MCQs. TITA (Type In The Answer) questions have no negative marking.
4. How should a complete beginner start CAT preparation?
Beginners should first understand the exam pattern, build basic concepts in Quant, DILR, and VARC, and start reading widely for comprehension. A study plan should include fundamentals first, then practice tests and mocks gradually.
5. What is the recommended timeline for CAT preparation?
A typical plan spans 6–8 months:
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Months 1–3: Build concepts
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Months 4–6: Intensive practice
-
Months 7–8: Revision & mock tests
This structure ensures depth and consistency.
6. How many mock tests should I take before the exam?
Candidates are advised to take regular mock tests, starting with at least 1 per week early on, and increasing frequency as the exam approaches. Mock analysis helps refine strategy and time management.
7. How important is time management in CAT?
Time management is crucial due to sectional limits — each section must be completed in 40 minutes without switching between sections. Practising under timed conditions is essential to succeed and avoid panic on exam day.
8. How can I improve in the VARC section?
To improve VARC:
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Read diverse material (editorials, essays, journals)
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Practice RCs, para-jumbles, and reasoning questions
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Focus on comprehension and inference skills
VARC contributes significantly to overall score.
9. How do mocks and previous year papers help?
Mocks simulate real exam conditions — boosting speed, accuracy, and strategy — while previous year CAT papers reveal patterns and recurring question types, particularly in DILR and QA.
10. Should I focus on quantity or accuracy in CAT?
Accuracy is more important than high attempt count. Smart selection of easy and high-confidence questions helps improve percentile, especially with negative marking for wrong answers.
11. How can I balance section-wise preparation?
Allocate time daily across all sections: VARC (reading & comprehension), DILR (sets practice), and QA (topic focus on arithmetic & algebra), ensuring no section is neglected.
12. Is CAT preparation without coaching possible?
Yes. With disciplined self-study, mock practice, and regular analysis, CAT preparation is achievable without coaching. However, guided mentorship can help with structured strategy and doubt resolution.
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