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.
The Ultimate Guide to CAT Exam Preparation
Preparing for CAT can feel overwhelming at first. With a vast syllabus, intense competition, and constantly changing difficulty levels, many aspirants struggle to figure out where to begin and how to stay on track.
The truth is, cracking CAT is less about studying endlessly and more about following a structured plan. Every year, students from different academic backgrounds achieve high percentiles by focusing on fundamentals, practicing regularly, and learning from their mistakes.
If you are planning for CAT 2026, this guide will help you understand what to study, how to prepare, and how to approach the exam realistically.
CAT Exam Preparation
Understanding the CAT Exam Structure
CAT evaluates three core skill areas:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
Focuses on reading ability, interpretation, and logical understanding.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
Tests analytical thinking and decision-making through caselets and data sets.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math concepts.
Recent trends show:
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VARC is dominated by Reading Comprehension
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DILR focuses on selecting the right sets
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QA emphasizes conceptual clarity rather than formula tricks
Step 1: Build Strong Fundamentals
Start with the basics before moving to advanced practice.
Quant
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Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Time & Work, Averages)
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Algebra fundamentals
VARC
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Daily reading habit (20–30 minutes)
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Start with 2 RC passages daily
DILR
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Practice 1–2 sets daily
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Focus on understanding patterns rather than speed
Spending 2–3 hours daily consistently is enough in the early phase.
- CAT exam books and resources.
- CAT mock test.
- Make a CAT preparation schedule for each month.
Also Read:
Section-wise CAT syllabus
CAT preparation plan and section-wise strategy
Step 2: Create a Realistic Study Plan
A balanced daily routine works best:
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1–1.5 hours Quant
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45–60 minutes DILR
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45–60 minutes VARC
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20–30 minutes reading
Avoid studying one section for long periods. Regular exposure to all three sections improves performance.
Step 3: Start Sectional Tests Early
After covering basic concepts:
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Take sectional tests for each subject
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Identify weak areas
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Improve time management
Sectionals help bridge the gap between learning and exam performance.
Step 4: Mock Tests – The Game Changer
Mocks are the most important part of CAT preparation.
When to start
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After basic coverage (around June–July for CAT 2026)
Frequency
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1 mock per week initially
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2–3 per week in the last 2 months
Always analyse:
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Easy questions missed
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Time spent on difficult problems
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Section-wise accuracy
Improvement comes from analysis, not just attempts.
Step 5: Focus on Accuracy, Not Attempts
In recent CAT exams:
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Difficulty varies across slots
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High accuracy matters more than high attempts
A smart strategy:
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Attempt easy and moderate questions first
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Skip time-consuming problems
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Avoid guesswork
Selection skills are crucial for a high percentile.
Also Read:
Best VARC sources
Strategy for Reading Comprehension
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude
Solving Sample Papers and Mock Tests
Step 6: Track Your Progress
Instead of focusing only on scores, track:
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Accuracy percentage
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Attempts per section
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Weak topics
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Consistency across mocks
Stable improvement matters more than occasional high scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Collecting too many study materials
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Waiting to complete the syllabus before taking mocks
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Ignoring weak sections
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Studying irregularly
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Comparing scores constantly with others
Consistency and simplicity work best.
Final Thoughts
CAT preparation is not about studying the longest hours or solving the maximum questions. It is about building concepts, practicing regularly, and learning from every test you take.
Students who treat preparation like a daily routine rather than a short-term effort usually perform better. If you stay consistent, focus on accuracy, and follow a structured plan, a strong percentile is achievable regardless of your background.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many months are enough to prepare for CAT?
6–9 months of consistent preparation is ideal.
2. How many hours should I study daily?
Start with 2–3 hours and increase gradually.
3. When should I start mock tests?
After basics are clear, usually by June or July.
4. Can beginners crack CAT in one attempt?
Yes, with a structured plan and consistency.
5. Is coaching necessary for CAT?
No, self-study with a good mock series can also work.
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