CAT Study Plan for 1 Year | How To Prepare For CAT PDF Download

Getting ready for the CAT exam and securing a spot in your dream IIM can feel overwhelming. That's why EduRev has created an easy-to-follow one-year study plan just for you.
We've done the hard work by analyzing past exam papers and talking to successful students. Our plan is designed to cover everything you need to know for CAT, while also helping you improve your speed and accuracy. With our simple timetable, you'll be well-prepared for the CAT exam and on your way to achieving your goals. Let's start this journey together with EduRev!

Note: Apart from the timetable, students need to spend at least 1 hour every day reading newspapers and solving sudoku, to help train the brain for solving quizzes and reading comprehensions. You can find RCs for daily practice under RC of the Day: 100 RCs.

Month 1

Week 1

• Begin your CAT preparation journey by gaining a thorough understanding of the exam syllabus. 
• Learn how to prepare effectively for CAT by establishing a solid groundwork for your studies. 
• To assess your current level of proficiency and identify areas of improvement, take a diagnostic test designed to gauge your strengths and weaknesses.

Week 2

• Number System
• Calendars
• HCF & LCM

Week 3

• Time & Work
• Clocks

Week 4

• Ratio & Proportion
• Seating Arrangement

In the first month, we gain an understanding of the CAT syllabus, assess our skills through a diagnostic test, and delve into fundamental topics such as Number System, Calendars, Time & Work, Clocks, Ratio & Proportion, and Seating Arrangement to establish a solid foundation for CAT preparation.

Month 2

Week 1

• Daily Reads for VARC: News Sources
• Rankings
• Averages

Week 2

• Percentages
• Daily Reads for VARC: Aeon Essays
• Speed, Time and Distance

Week 3

• Geometry
• Routes & Network    
• Introduction to Reading Comprehension (RC)
• How to Practice RCs

Week 4

• English Grammar
• Grammar Tenses
• Analogy
• Problems on Trains
• Boats and Streams
• Pipes and Cisterns

Continue honing reading comprehension skills. Remember, success in CAT requires comprehensive practice across all areas covered, ensuring a well-rounded preparation approach.

Month 3

Week 1

• Interest (Simple and Compound)
• Profit, Loss and Discount
• Vocabulary
• RC Concepts: Learn to Solve RCs

Week 2

• Square Root and Cube Root
• Flashcards for Vocabulary
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Odd One Out

Week 3

• Sequence & Series    
• Generic Puzzles
• Aeon Based RCs

Week 4

• Tables
• Pie Charts    
• Aeon Based RCs

Master concepts of interest, profit, loss, discount, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies. Enhance mathematical skills with square roots, cube roots, sequences, and series. Strengthen data interpretation proficiency through tables and pie charts, and continue refining reading comprehension abilities with Aeon-based passages.

Month 4

Week 1

• Probability
• Linear Equations
• Syllogisms
• Blood Relations    

Week 2

• Quadratic Equations
• Trigonometry
• Word List for CAT

Week 3

• Mixtures and Alligations
• Venn Diagrams & Set Theory    
• Topic Wise RCs 
  RCs on Science and Technology
  RCs on History

Week 4

• Logarithm
• Permutation and Combination
• Progressions (Sequences and Series)
• Coding & Decoding
• Verbal Analogies    

Dive into mathematical concepts, logical reasoning, language skills, and critical thinking strategies for a comprehensive CAT preparation.

Month 5

Week 1

• Mensuration
• Coordinate Geometry
• Para Jumbles

Week 2

• Heights and Distances
• Surds and Indices
• Remainder & Divisibility
• Spotting Errors

Week 3

• Inequalities
• Odd One Out
• Idioms and Phrases    

Week 4

• Functions
• Set Theory
• Vedic Mathematics - Tricks for Fast Calculations   
• Topic Wise RCs
  RCs on Philosophy & Humanities 

  RCs on Health and Medicine

By the fifth month, the quantitative syllabus is covered extensively, alongside sharpening problem-solving skills and mastering Vedic mathematics tricks for quicker calculations, ensuring a holistic preparation for CAT.

Month 6

Week 1

• Cloze Test
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Sentence Improvement
• Spellings    

Week 2

• One Word Substitutes    
• Completing Statements
• Cubes & Dices
• Binary Logic

Week 3

• Verification of Truth    
• Bankers and Discount
• News Based RCs
• Statement: Course of Action    
• Logical Deduction

Week 4

• Statement and Assumptions
• Statement and Conclusions
• News Based RCs

Watch videos and solve tests on topics like language skills, quantitative reasoning, vocabulary, logical thinking, critical thinking, and logical deduction throughout the month for effective preparation.

Month 7

Week 1

• Bar Graphs    
• Games and Tournaments
• Sentence Formation
• Ordering of Sentences    

Week 2

• Logical Matching
• Logical Connectives
• Logical Sequence
• Classification

Week 3

• Cause and Effect
• Team Formations
• Mathematical Operations
• Topic Wise RCs
  RCs on Environment 

  RCs on Business and Economics

Week 4

• Facts, Inference & Judgement
• Assertion & Reason
• Input Output
• Ordering of Words
• Topic Wise RCs
  RCs on Education 

  RCs on Art, Literary and Criticism

• Mock Test: CAT Mock Test- 1

By the seventh month, we finish the logical reasoning section. Engaging in topic-wise reading comprehension exercises is crucial as it enhances critical thinking, comprehension skills, and familiarity with diverse topics, aiding overall CAT preparation.

Month 8

Week 1

• Data Caselets    
• Syllogism

Week 2

• Line Graphs and X-Y Charts
• Sentence Correction    
• Synonyms

Week 3

• Data Sufficiency
• Para Completion    
• Para Summary

Week 4

• Phrasal Verbs
• Topic Wise RCs
  RCs on Climate Change 

  RCs on Current Affairs

• Selecting Words
• Mock Test: CAT Mock Test- 2

By the eighth month, we complete Data Interpretation alongside other sections of CAT. Covered topics include data caselets, line graphs, sentence correction, data sufficiency, phrasal verbs, and topic-wise reading comprehension exercises. This comprehensive preparation ensures mastery across all sections, enhancing our readiness for the CAT exam.

Month 9

In month 9, the focus shifts to:

• Important Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude: Master essential formulas crucial for quantitative problem-solving.
• 12 Minute Tests for Data Interpretation: Practice timed tests to enhance speed and accuracy in data interpretation.
  The 12-minute duration for Data Interpretation tests is recommended because it ensures that one set of DI questions can be solved within this time frame. This practice aids in improving time management skills, a crucial aspect of succeeding in the DI section of competitive exams.
• Tips and Tricks for LRDI: Learn effective strategies and shortcuts to tackle Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions.
• Vocabulary for CAT: Expand vocabulary with targeted study and practice to excel in verbal ability.
• Mock Test: CAT Mock Test- 3

This month's focus is on improving vocabulary for the verbal section, solving Data Interpretation within time constraints through 12-minute tests, learning tips and tricks for faster calculations in LRDI, and mastering essential formulas for quick revision in quantitative problem-solving, all crucial for achieving success in the CAT exam.

Month 10 

In month 10, the focus continues with:

• Revision of All Topics: Consolidate understanding by revisiting all previously covered concepts. Crucial for reinforcing understanding and retaining knowledge for the exam.
  Quantitative Aptitude (Quant)
  Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC)
  Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI)
  
• Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Apply learned concepts by solving CAT's past year questions for each section.  Essential to familiarize oneself with the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level, aiding in exam preparation and time management.
• CAT Previous Year Reading Comprehensions (RCs): Practice comprehension skills with CAT's previous year RC passages to enhance proficiency.  Important for honing comprehension skills, understanding question patterns, and developing effective strategies for tackling RC passages, thereby improving overall performance in the verbal section.
• Mock Test: Solve one full length mock test: CAT Mock Test- 4

Month 11

• Quantitative Aptitude Practice Tests: These tests aid in honing problem-solving skills, understanding diverse question formats, and improving speed and accuracy, crucial for excelling in the quantitative section of CAT.
• LRDI Sectional Test: By taking LRDI sectional tests, you can refine logical reasoning and data interpretation abilities, identify challenging areas, and devise effective strategies to tackle them, thus enhancing overall performance in this section.
• VARC Sectional Test: VARC sectional tests help improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning skills. Regular practice with these tests aids in understanding passage structures, identifying key information, and answering questions accurately within time constraints, essential for success in the verbal section of CAT.
• Full-length Mock Tests: Full-length mock tests simulate the actual CAT exam environment, allowing you to assess their overall preparedness, manage time effectively, and experience the exam pressure. Analyzing performance in mock tests helps in identifying weak areas, fine-tuning exam strategies, and boosting confidence for the final exam.
  CAT Mock Test- 5
  CAT Mock Test- 6
  CAT Mock Test- 7
  CAT Mock Test- 8
  CAT Mock Test- 9 
  CAT Mock Test- 10 
  CAT Mock Test - 11 
  CAT Mock Test - 12 
  CAT Mock Test - 13 
  CAT Mock Test - 14 
  CAT Mock Test - 15 

Month 12

• Revise: Revision plays a crucial role in reinforcing learned concepts, consolidating knowledge, and ensuring retention for the exam day. It helps in refreshing memory, identifying weak areas, and rectifying any last-minute doubts or misconceptions, thereby boosting confidence and readiness for the CAT exam.
  You can check out videos in the Crash Course for a quick revision.
• Mock Tests: Mock tests are indispensable for evaluating overall preparedness, simulating exam conditions, and fine-tuning exam strategies. Analyzing performance in mock tests enables candidates to identify areas needing improvement and refine their approach, maximizing their chances of success in the CAT exam.
  CAT Mock Test - 16 
  CAT Mock Test - 17 
  CAT Mock Test - 18 
  CAT Mock Test - 19 
  CAT Mock Test - 20 
  Mock Test Series for MAH-CET
  Mock Test Series for SNAP
  CMAT Mock Test Series
  Mock Test Series for NMAT
  XAT Mock Test Series 2025

With our timetable keep your progress tracked and study what matters.
Happy learning with EduRev!!