How to Crack CAT in 7 Months

Cracking the CAT (Common Admission Test) in 7 months is one of the most practical and achievable timelines for MBA aspirants. It gives you enough time to build concepts, practice effectively, take mocks, and revise thoroughly.

The key is not how long you study, but how strategically you prepare.

In this guide, you will learn:

• A complete 7-month CAT preparation plan
• Section-wise strategy
• Daily study routine
• Mock test approach
• Mistakes to avoid

To prepare for CAT, First, Believe in yourself, believe that "you are the best"  and  "you can do it" because if you doubt this fact then it's not going to happen.

There are 3 sections to prepare for CAT.

1. Quantitative aptitude ( 34 marks)
2. Data interpretation and logical reasoning ( 32 marks)
3. Verbal ability ( 34 marks)
   
   

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Study strategy for 99%ile+:

1. Read the book Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis to enhance your vocabulary. It is available on a number of coaching institute websites. This will help you to crack the reading comprehension in the verbal section.
2. Learn mathematics squares, cubes, tables. This will help you to solve the Data Interpretation section with ease.
3. Read 1 novel per week for the next 7 months. Also read the front page, editorial page and business page from economic times/mint for the next 7 months. I also read business magazines  like Forbes, Business World. This will help you in comprehending data with speed.
4. Complete the basic quant, verbal, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning till 30th June thoroughly with revision .
5. Move to the next/ difficult level. Complete these books by 31st august. You can refer catking books that are available at catking.in.
6. Simultaneously start giving mock tests from 1st June. Give 1 test per week. 20 mocks would be more than sufficient for you to crack the exam with 99+ %ile. Check the solutions, thoroughly. For every question that you were unable to answer, try to genuinely understand the solution provided by the institute. If you're still unclear about the method, ask a friend or shoot a query on one of the many online CAT prep forums.
7. Read newspapers on the laptop as CAT is an online test and reading the online newspapers will help you comprehend the online data with ease.
8. Focus on strategic learning.
9. "Stay Glued" - Devote 1-2 hours to Cat every day from now.
10. Practice/Polish on a daily basis. Things to note about your preparation through:

a) CAT is a timed test - So make sure that you solve questions quickly. Gauge a question and skip it if you feel that it will take more time. Target the low-hanging fruits first.

b) A computer-based test - So make sure that you are at ease with the format and scrolling, parsing etc.

c) A test of accuracy - So make sure that your accuracy is above 80%. Make calculated educated guesses if you really have to. t is usually easier than the Mock CATs you will attempt - So don't lose heart if you aren't scoring very well in the mocks. Focus on making that percentile cross the 95%ile marks in the mocks. If you follow this plan diligently, and consistently focus on and improve your weak areas, cracking the Common Admission Test will not be difficult. There will be times when you will think that prepare for CAT is tough.

There will be times when you will think the Common Admission Test is not worth it. There will be times when you will think that your life depends on the exam. There will be times when you will completely drop the plan of ever getting an MBA. But keep calm, and carry on.There will be unforeseen roadblocks but carry on. Very few test-takers have any real thought to preparing systematically, so carry on.

                       


How to Analyze Mocks

After every mock:

• Identify weak areas
• Analyze incorrect answers
• Track time spent
• Improve strategy

 Mock analysis is more important than the mock itself.

High-Impact Tips to Score 99 Percentile

• Focus on high-weightage topics
• Maintain 80–85% accuracy
• Learn to skip difficult questions
• Practice consistently
• Stay calm during exam

Common Mistakes to Avoid

How Many Questions to Attempt?

 Accuracy matters more than attempts.

Final Thoughts

Cracking CAT in 7 months is completely achievable with the right approach.

The key is:

• Structured preparation
• Consistent practice
• Effective mock analysis

Remember:

CAT is not about studying more—it’s about studying smart.

Stay disciplined, stay focused, and success will follow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I crack CAT in 7 months from scratch?
Yes, many students start from scratch and still perform well within 7 months. The key is to follow a structured plan and stay consistent. Focus on basics first and gradually move to mocks.

2. How many hours should I study daily for 7-month preparation?
Around 3–5 focused hours daily are enough if you study consistently. You don’t need long hours—just make sure your study time is productive and distraction-free.

3. When should I start giving mock tests?
You should start mocks within the first 1–2 months. Don’t wait for full preparation, as mocks help you understand the exam better and improve faster.

4. What if I am weak in one section?
It’s normal to have a weak section. Focus on improving it gradually while maintaining your strong areas. Balanced preparation is important for CAT.

5. How many mocks should I take in 7 months?
Around 25–35 mocks are enough if you analyze them properly. The real improvement comes from understanding your mistakes, not just giving tests.

6. Can I prepare along with college or a job?
Yes, many students manage both successfully. You just need a fixed schedule and consistency. Even a few focused hours daily can lead to good results.

7. What is the biggest mistake in short-term CAT preparation?
Trying to do everything without a clear plan is the biggest mistake. Many students also ignore mock analysis and weak areas, which slows their progress.

8. Is 7 months enough to get 99 percentile in CAT?
It is possible if you prepare smartly and stay consistent. While it’s challenging, many students achieve high percentiles with focused effort and proper strategy.

ALSO READ- How to score 100 percentile in CAT Exams?
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