How to Complete CAT Syllabus in 40 Days

Completing the CAT syllabus in 40 days is a high-intensity, last-mile preparation strategy. While 40 days are not enough for learning everything from scratch, they are sufficient to cover high-impact topics, strengthen strengths, and build a solid exam strategy—which is exactly what CAT now rewards.

With CAT becoming more application-based and strategy-driven in 2025 and 2026, this updated guide explains how to realistically complete the CAT syllabus in 40 days, what to prioritise, and what to consciously skip.

 
                         
 

Can You Really Complete CAT Syllabus in 40 Days?

Yes—but with clear expectations.

In 40 days, your goal should be:

  • Cover high-weightage topics

  • Avoid low-ROI areas

  • Focus on mock tests + analysis

  • Build a repeatable exam strategy

CAT does not test syllabus completion; it tests decision-making under time pressure.

CAT Exam Structure (Relevant for 2025–26)

CAT continues to follow a stable pattern:

  • 3 sections: VARC, DILR, QA

  • 40 minutes per section

  • Mix of MCQs and TITA questions

  • Heavy emphasis on concept application, RCs, and set-based logic

Understanding this helps you compress preparation intelligently.

                             

 

40-Day CAT Syllabus Completion Plan (Phase-Wise)

Phase 1: Syllabus Compression (Day 1–15)

Goal: Cover only the most important topics across all sections

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Priority Topics

Focus on:

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio, Averages, Time & Work, Time–Speed–Distance

  • Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Basics of inequalities

Skip or lightly touch:

  • Advanced Geometry

  • Complex Number System questions

Arithmetic + basic Algebra continue to dominate QA in recent CAT exams.

DILR – Priority Topics

Focus on:

  • Tables and caselets

  • Arrangements (linear & circular)

  • Games & tournaments

  • Basic puzzles

Key insight:
In CAT 2025–26 trends, solving even 1–2 sets correctly can fetch a high percentile.

VARC – Priority Topics

Focus on:

  • Reading Comprehension (main focus)

  • Para summaries

  • Odd sentence out

Avoid spending time on:

  • Traditional grammar rules

  • Vocabulary memorisation

VARC remains the highest-ROI section for last-month preparation.

Phase 2: Practice + Sectional Tests (Day 16–30)

Goal: Convert syllabus knowledge into test-taking ability

What to do daily:

  • 1 sectional test (alternate sections)

  • Timed practice (not open-ended solving)

  • Begin full-length mocks (1 every 4–5 days)

Focus areas:

  • Question selection

  • Accuracy improvement

  • Leaving tough questions early

This phase separates serious aspirants from random attempters.

                         

Phase 3: Mocks + Revision + Strategy (Day 31–40)

Goal: Peak performance and exam readiness

What to do:

  • 5–7 full-length mocks

  • Detailed mock analysis after every test

  • Revise formulas, RC approaches, DILR frameworks

  • Finalise exam-day strategy

What NOT to do:

  • Learn new topics

  • Change strategy after every mock

  • Over-solve random questions

By this stage, consistency matters more than content.

Daily Time Allocation (40-Day Plan)

  • VARC: 60–75 minutes

  • DILR: 60 minutes

  • QA: 60 minutes

  • Mock / Analysis (on test days): 2–3 hours

Total: 4–6 focused hours daily

Working professionals can split this into morning + evening sessions.

Mock Tests: The Backbone of 40-Day CAT Prep

In a compressed timeline, mock tests replace traditional studying.

Updated insight for CAT 2025–26:

  • Mock analysis matters more than mock count

  • Maintain an error log

  • Track why you got questions wrong:

    • Concept gap

    • Time pressure

    • Wrong selection

Aspirants who improve fastest in the last month are those who learn from their own mistakes.

Section-Wise Strategy in the Last 40 Days

VARC

  • Attempt RCs first

  • Skip confusing passages early

  • Focus on accuracy over attempts

DILR

  • Spend first 3–4 minutes selecting sets

  • Attempt only solvable sets

  • Avoid ego battles with tough puzzles

QA

  • Start with arithmetic questions

  • Avoid time-consuming geometry unless confident

  • Do not chase unsolvable questions

Common Mistakes to Avoid in 40-Day CAT Prep

  • Trying to complete the entire syllabus

  • Ignoring weak sections completely

  • Not analysing mocks

  • Studying without time limits

  • Panicking due to fluctuating mock scores

CAT rewards calm decision-making, not panic learning.

Who Can Benefit Most From This 40-Day Plan?

This strategy works best for:

  • Repeat CAT aspirants

  • Final-year students

  • Working professionals

  • Aspirants targeting calls from Indian Institutes of Management and top non-IIM colleges

Final Takeaway

Completing the CAT syllabus in 40 days is not about learning everything—it is about learning the right things and executing them well. With a focused topic list, mock-driven preparation, and disciplined revision, CAT 2025 and CAT 2026 aspirants can still achieve strong percentiles even with limited time.

For aspirants preparing with CatKing, structured mock analysis, mentorship, and strategic focus can turn these 40 days into a decisive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it really possible to complete the CAT syllabus in 40 days?

Yes, it’s possible if you already have basic conceptual clarity. Focus on high-weightage topics, take daily sectional tests, and analyze mock results. A structured plan emphasizing revision and accuracy can help you complete the syllabus effectively.

2. How many hours should I study daily to finish the CAT syllabus in 40 days?

To complete the syllabus in 40 days, aim for 6–8 focused study hours per day. Divide your time among Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR, ensuring at least one mock or sectional test every 2–3 days.

3. What should be my priority topics for CAT 2024 preparation in 40 days?

Prioritize topics with higher weightage and frequency:

  • VARC: Reading Comprehension, Para Summary, Para Jumbles

  • DILR: Tables, Charts, Logical Sets, Puzzles

  • QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems

4. How many mock tests should I take before the CAT exam?

You should attempt at least 20–25 mock tests before the CAT exam. Analyze each test thoroughly to identify weak areas and track improvement. Consistency in mocks improves speed, accuracy, and time management.

5. Should I join a crash course for CAT 2024 if I have only 40 days left?

Yes, a CAT crash course can be highly beneficial. It offers structured guidance, quick concept revision, and expert strategies. Institutes like CATKing and similar platforms provide 40-day intensive programs focusing on key topics and mock drills.

6. How can I balance revision and mock tests in the last 40 days?

Adopt the 70-30 rule — spend 70% of your time revising key topics and 30% on mock analysis. Each mock should be followed by a detailed review to improve question selection, accuracy, and time efficiency.

7. What are the common mistakes to avoid during 40-day CAT preparation?

  • Ignoring mock test analysis

  • Spending too long on weak areas

  • Skipping daily reading practice

  • Not revising formulas and concepts regularly
    Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your CAT percentile.

8. Can I prepare for CAT without coaching in 40 days?

Yes, self-study is possible if you have strong fundamentals. Use free online resources, CAT preparation books, and previous year question papers. However, if you find time management challenging, consider a short-term mentorship or crash course.