Let’s face it—CAT preparation can feel overwhelming, especially when time is limited, and there’s so much to cover. But here’s the truth: it’s not about studying all day—it’s about managing your time smartly. With the right approach, you can turn your preparation into a focused, efficient, and rewarding process. Let’s break it down

Set Clear, Actionable Goals

Saying “I’ll study Quant today” isn’t a plan—it’s an invitation to procrastinate. Instead, aim for something specific, like “solve 20 arithmetic questions and analyze mistakes.” Breaking your day into bite-sized, actionable goals ensures progress and keeps you motivated. A to-do list the night before is your best friend—wake up knowing exactly what to tackle.

Create a Study Routine That Fits Your Life

Your brain works best when it knows what’s coming. Set a study routine that matches your energy levels. Example:

• Morning: Tackle Quant or DILR when your mind is sharp.
• Afternoon: Focus on VARC—read, solve RCs, or practice verbal ability.
• Evening: Take mocks or revise concepts to cement learning.

Don’t forget to schedule breaks—15 minutes of fresh air or a quick game can recharge you better than doom-scrolling on social media.

Work in Phases

Think of your preparation like a marathon, not a sprint. Break it into phases:

• Concept Building: Spend the first 1–2 months mastering fundamentals.
• Practice and Timed Sessions: Start solving questions with time limits to build speed and accuracy.
• Mocks and Strategy Refinement: Use the final phase to take full-length mocks and polish your exam strategy.

Each phase builds on the last, so don’t skip ahead. 

Target Weak Areas Without Overdoing It

We all have areas we hate, but ignoring them isn’t the solution. Spend extra time strengthening weak areas, but don’t forget to practice what you’re already good at. For example, if you’re confident in VARC but struggle with DILR, prioritise logical reasoning sets but still keep brushing up on RCs.

Practice Under Timed Conditions

CAT is all about performance under pressure, so practice like it’s game day. Use a timer for everything—solving RCs, completing DILR sets, or tackling Quant questions. This builds stamina and trains you to allocate time efficiently. A solid rule? Don’t spend more than 2–3 minutes stuck on a single question.

Mocks Are Non-Negotiable

Mocks are gold—but only if you use them right. Don’t just check your scores. Analyse:

• Which questions you got wrong and why.
• Where you wasted time.
• Which easy questions did you skip?

Spend more time analysing a mock than taking it. Every mock-up should teach you something new about your strengths, weaknesses, and time management.

Don’t Burn Yourself Out

Let’s be clear: studying for 12 hours a day is a recipe for exhaustion, not success. Quality beats quantity. Aim for 6–8 focused hours with breaks. Take care of yourself—go for a walk, watch something funny, or listen to music. 

Stay Flexible

No plan survives the first week of execution. Maybe mocks reveal new weak spots, or life throws you a curveball. Be ready to adjust your schedule and focus without feeling guilty. Flexibility ensures you stay productive, even when things don’t go perfectly.

CAT prep is about working smarter. Break your day into manageable chunks, focus on your weak areas without neglecting your strengths, and practice under exam-like conditions. Trust your preparation and keep your mind sharp. You’re not just preparing for the CAT—you’re training to ace it. You’ve got this!