The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive exams in India for admission to premier management institutes like the IIMs. Scoring in the high 99th percentile requires a structured approach, consistent effort, and smart work. While some candidates achieve this with months of preparation, for most, success in CAT comes with 10-13 months of dedicated study, especially if you're aiming for the top percentile.

In this blog, we’ll break down a strategy for CAT preparation based on the experience of successful test-takers and a phased approach that gradually builds your skills, speed, and confidence.

Phase 1: Brain Preparation (Concept Building)

Duration: 3-4 months

The first phase is all about building your foundation. CAT tests your aptitude in three key sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI).

Instead of diving into mock tests immediately, it’s important to first build a strong understanding of each topic.

Steps for Phase 1:

  1. Master the Basics: Focus on completing the syllabus chapter by chapter. Spend time understanding the concepts, and solve at least 100 questions per chapter.

    • Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on fundamental topics like Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Number Systems. Books like Arun Sharma or RS Aggarwal can help you cover the basics.

    • Verbal Ability (VARC): Improve your reading habits by regularly reading editorials, books, and magazines. Focus on comprehension and increasing your vocabulary. Start with books like Word Power Made Easy for vocabulary and RC passages from previous years.

    • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI): This section requires a lot of practice. Start with simple puzzles and move to more complex sets. Use books like Arun Sharma’s LRDI to understand the different types of questions.

  2. Analyze Every Mistake: Whether it’s Quant, LRDI, or VARC, analyzing your mistakes is crucial. For each incorrect answer, try to understand why you got it wrong—was it a conceptual misunderstanding or a careless mistake?

  3. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: As you go through the chapters, you’ll naturally discover areas where you excel and those that need more focus. Keep a note of your weak areas and ensure you allocate more time to them later.

Phase 2: Quality Focus (Accuracy and Time Management)

Duration: 2-3 months

After building your foundation, the next step is to focus on accuracy and quality. This phase is critical because CAT is not just about solving questions, but solving them accurately under time constraints.

Steps for Phase 2:

  1. Start with Old Paper-Based CATs: The goal here is to practice mocks, but without focusing on time initially. Work on accuracy by solving mocks with unlimited time. Focus on getting every question right and then gradually improve your speed. You can find old CAT papers or other standardized mock tests to practice with.

  2. Analyze Mocks Thoroughly: Don’t just check your scores. After every mock, spend as much time analyzing your performance as you did solving the test. Identify patterns in the mistakes you're making, figure out why certain questions took longer, and review how you could have approached them better.

  3. Take 10-15 Mocks: By the end of this phase, aim to have completed at least 10-15 mocks. Focus on solving them without any pressure to see where you stand in terms of your preparation and accuracy.

Phase 3: Quantity (Intensive Mock Practice)

Duration: 3-4 months

At this point, you should be confident in your basics and accuracy. Now, it’s time to scale up and increase your speed by practicing as many mocks as possible. This phase is all about volume—giving multiple mock tests to simulate the CAT exam environment.

Steps for Phase 3:

  1. Give 30-40 Mocks: Start taking mocks with proper time limits, and aim for 30-40 mocks during this phase. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at managing time under pressure. Platforms like TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher offer comprehensive mock test series that closely replicate the actual CAT exam.

  2. Experiment with Strategies: Use this phase to experiment with different test-taking strategies. For example, try different question-solving sequences to see which order of sections or types of questions helps you perform better.

    • In VARC, some people start with Reading Comprehension (RC), while others prefer starting with Verbal Ability.
    • In LRDI, selecting the right set is crucial. Focus on improving your set-selection skills during mock practice.

  3. Improve Speed Without Compromising Accuracy: The goal of this phase is to balance speed with accuracy. Track the time taken for each section and question, and continually work on improving your time management.

  4. Targeted Weakness Fixes: By now, you should have a clear understanding of your weak points. For example, if you consistently struggle with certain types of LRDI sets or QA topics, dedicate extra time to improve on them.

Phase 4: Mind Preparation (Simulating the Actual Exam)

Duration: 1 month

The final phase is about mental preparation. You need to replicate the actual CAT experience and train your mind to perform well under exam conditions.

Steps for Phase 4:

  1. Give 3 Full-Length Mock Tests with Real Exam Conditions: Simulate the actual CAT experience. Wear the clothes you plan to wear on the day of the exam, travel to a different place (such as a library or a friend’s house), and take the mock in an unfamiliar environment to mimic the exam day’s stress.

  2. Prepare Your Mind for Exam Day: Train your brain to treat these mocks as if they are the real CAT. This will help reduce anxiety on the actual day, as your mind will be better conditioned to handle the stress.

  3. Assess Your Average Performance: Assuming luck plays a small role in the final percentile, your actual CAT score will likely be close to the average of the last 3 mocks you take in this phase.

  4. Last-Minute Revision: In the final two weeks, focus on revising key concepts, formulas, and solving light practice questions. Don’t overburden yourself with heavy studying during this period.

Key Resources for CAT Preparation:

  • Books:
    • Quantitative Aptitude: Arun Sharma, RS Aggarwal
    • Verbal Ability: Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), previous year RC passages
    • Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation: Arun Sharma’s LRDI, YouTube playlists
  • Online Mock Test Series: TIME, IMS, Career Launcher, Testbook
  • YouTube Channels: Various channels offer video explanations for tough CAT questions and mock analysis.

Conclusion

CAT preparation requires a strategic approach divided into different phases: building a strong foundation, focusing on accuracy, increasing speed, and mentally preparing for the actual exam day. By following these steps and practicing with consistency, you can maximize your chances of scoring high. Remember, preparation is a long-term process, so give yourself plenty of time, stay disciplined, and keep analyzing your performance.

Best of luck with your CAT preparation journey!