Harvard Business School (SPNM), MBA: SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Master of Information Technology, Virginia Tech.
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.
- Quantitative aptitude ( 34 marks)
- Data interpretation and logical reasoning ( 32 marks)
- Verbal ability ( 34 marks)
Study strategy for 99%ile+:
- 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.
- Learn mathematics squares, cubes, tables. This will help you to solve the Data Interpretation section with ease.
- 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.
- Complete the basic quant, verbal, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning till 30th June thoroughly with revision .
- Move to the next/ difficult level. Complete these books by 31st august. You can refer catking books that are available at catking.in or Arun Sharma books.
- 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.
- 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.
- Focus on strategic learning.
- "Stay Glued" - Devote 1-2 hours to Cat every day from now.
- 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
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Studying without plan | Poor coverage |
| Ignoring mock analysis | No improvement |
| Using too many resources | Confusion |
| Focusing only on strengths | Weak sections |
| Not revising regularly | Forgetting concepts |
How Many Questions to Attempt?
| Section | Safe Attempts |
|---|---|
| VARC | 18–20 |
| DILR | 2–3 sets |
| QA | 14–16 |
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?
Yes, 7 months is sufficient with a structured plan and consistent effort. Many toppers follow a similar timeline.
2. How many hours should I study daily?
Studying 4–5 hours daily is enough if done consistently with proper focus and revision.
3. How many mocks should I take?
Aim for 30–40 full-length mocks along with sectional tests to improve performance.
4. Which section should I focus more on?
Focus on all sections equally but give extra time to your weaker areas to maintain balance.
5. Can beginners crack CAT in 7 months?
Yes, beginners can achieve high percentiles with consistent preparation and a clear strategy.
6. What is the biggest mistake in preparation?
Ignoring mock analysis is the biggest mistake, as it prevents improvement.
7. Is coaching necessary for CAT?
No, self-study with the right resources and strategy is enough to crack CAT.
8. What should I do in the last month?
Focus on revision, mock tests, and improving weak areas. Avoid starting new topics.
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