A Complete Guide to CAT Exam Preparation

Every year, lakhs of students across India start prepping for the CAT exam. If you’re aiming for a seat at one of the IIMs or other top B-schools, this is the exam that can open those doors. While the CAT may sound intimidating at first, it’s not some mysterious beast. 

CAT stands for Common Admission Test, and it’s the entry point for MBA and management programmes offered by the IIMs and many other good colleges. It is conducted once a year, usually around November, and is an online test with three main sections. It checks how well you think, how clearly you read, and how fast you solve problems. 

If you’re just beginning your CAT exam preparation, you’re probably full of questions. 

• When should I start? 
• What books do I need? 
• Coaching or self-study? 
• How much maths is actually needed? Can I really crack it?

This guide is meant to walk you through all of that. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already halfway in, this page can help you make sense of it all.

Why You Can’t Just ‘Wing’ the CAT?

The CAT exam doesn’t care how smart you were in school, how many Olympiads you cracked, or how naturally numbers come to you. What it does care about is how prepared you are when the clock starts ticking.

A lot of individuals make the mistake of thinking they’ll figure it out once they start taking mocks. Then they are stuck revising basics while others are already analysing their fifth mock test. It’s not about being the smartest in the room but being the most ready.

The CAT doesn’t ask crazy tough questions. It just puts you in a tight spot with limited time and expects you to make good calls, quickly. That only happens when you’ve trained for it.

Another thing people don’t talk about enough is the percentile system. Even if you do well, your performance is measured against thousands of others who are also doing well. Since the CAT happens once a year, you don’t want to come out of the exam hall thinking, ‘Maybe next time’. 

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to CAT Exam Dates

What Do You Face in the CAT Exam Preparation?

If you’re going to prepare for something for months or a year, it helps to know what you’re walking into. The CAT exam is predictable, structured, and time-pressured. The more you understand the format upfront, the less overwhelming it feels later.

The CAT is split into three parts:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (or VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

Each section is timed separately. You get 40 minutes for each. When the clock runs out, you’re pushed to the next section. This means you can’t leave RCs halfway and come back later. You’ve got to make peace with moving on.

To keep things clear, here’s how it usually looks:

Section	No. of Questions	Time Limit	Notes
VARC	24	40 mins	Reading-heavy. RCs + para questions
DILR	20	40 mins	Sets and puzzles. Needs calm focus
QA	22	40 mins	Maths. Mostly 10th-level concepts

Some questions are multiple-choice, while others aren’t. For MCQs, wrong answers get you negative marks. For the type-in-the-answer ones, there’s no penalty. 

While that might sound manageable on paper, what throws people off is the pace. You have to read fast, think clearly, and not freeze when one puzzle eats up your time. That’s why people who know the CAT exam syllabus still struggle if they haven’t practised under timed conditions.

When to Start CAT Exam Preparation?

This really depends on where you are right now. If you’re in college, with a year or more to go, you may have the luxury of easing into things. If you’re working, though, things get trickier. Time is tighter, and you might be juggling work with study. In that case, you’ll want to start a bit earlier and be more focused from day one.

Ideally, 9 to 12 months of prep is a sweet spot for most people. As long as you plan well and stay consistent, you can still do well. Some people have cracked the CAT with just 6 months of preparation.

When you start, keep it real. Don’t expect to be studying 6 hours a day from the get-go.. Maybe begin with 45 minutes to an hour a day, then build from there. Focus on getting comfortable with the basics, not rushing into advanced stuff.

Study Material: What Do You Actually Need for CAT Exam Preparation?

1. Good Books

Don’t overcomplicate it with fancy new books. Stick with the tried-and-tested ones that have been around for years. 

• For Quantitative Ability, Arun Sharma’s books are solid. They take you from basic concepts to advanced ones, without skipping over the little stuff that could trip you up. 
• For the verbal section, a book like How to Prepare for Verbal Ability for CAT by Arun Sharma will sharpen your reading and comprehension skills, which is half the battle. 
• DILR is tricky, but you don’t need something crazy expensive. A simple book like Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha will give you enough practice with puzzles and sets.

2. Mocks & Online Material

Mocks are non-negotiable. You’ve got to take them seriously and review them. The mistakes you make in mocks are gold. Online resources can be helpful, but don’t get caught in the rabbit hole of watching endless videos. Just focus on what you find tough, and find a few good videos to clear things up. It’s about targeted learning, not consuming content just for the sake of it.

3. Workbooks for Practice

Books are great, but workbooks are where you put in the actual legwork. You’ll need practice sets to really nail down the concepts. For example, with Quant, focus for a week or two if you’re struggling with arithmetic.

4. Second-Hand CAT Books

You don’t have to buy everything brand new. If you have older books lying around from family or friends, use them. Even if they’re a couple of editions behind, they’re still packed with useful content. If you’re looking to buy or sell, BookMandee can help you grab second-hand books at a fraction of the cost. 

How to Tackle Each Section of the CAT Exam?

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section can seem intimidating at first but you’ll realise it’s more about consistency than anything else but once you get the hang of it. Here’s what works:

• The trick to cracking VARC is simple – read as much as you can. Whether it’s a newspaper article, a blog, or even a book, just ensure you’re reading something every day. The more you read, the quicker your brain gets at processing information.
• In RC, focus on grasping the central idea and key points, rather than trying to remember every detail. You don’t need to memorise the passage word-for-word. Get used to looking for keywords and phrases that help you answer questions faster.
• You don’t need to cram up a dictionary, but a solid vocabulary definitely helps. Pick up a book like Word Power Made Easy and try to learn a few new words every week. It’s a small effort that goes a long way.
• Don’t get stuck on a single RC passage. If you’re taking more than 3 minutes on one, skip it and come back to it later if you have time. Focus on the questions you can easily solve.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section is all about problem-solving. Here’s how to do it:

• Practice makes all the difference. Start with easy puzzles and gradually work your way up to more complicated ones.
• DILR can sometimes make you feel like you’ve missed something obvious. It’s all about working through things step by step.
• If you find yourself stuck on a puzzle for more than a couple of minutes, move on to the next one. You can always come back if time allows, but don’t waste too much time on one question.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

QA tends to trip people up, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a way to make it manageable:

• Focus on the fundamentals first. Once you’re comfortable with basic arithmetic, progress to algebra and geometry. Get a good grip on the basics, and the advanced topics will feel easier.
• Word problems are the trickiest part for a lot of people. A good way to tackle them is to break the question into parts: what information is given, what’s being asked, and how can you form an equation from it?
• While you don’t need to memorise every single formula, there are certain ones that are essential (like those for profit and loss, percentages, etc.). Keep them handy, and you’ll save time during the exam.
• Once you’ve got the hang of concepts, start doing timed practice. Simulate exam conditions as much as possible.

Creating a Study Plan That Actually Works for CAT Exam Preparation

Here’s a simple, flexible study plan template you can tweak based on your routine:

Morning Session (1-2 hours)

Mornings are the best time to tackle tough subjects. Your brain is fresh and ready to absorb information. Aim for quality over quantity, and dive into the challenging sections first.

• 30-45 minutes: Start with some Quant problems, focusing on accuracy. Whether it’s simple arithmetic or something a bit trickier, the goal is to nail the basics first.
• 15-30 minutes: Next, move on to a quick reading session. Whether it’s a newspaper article or a short passage, this helps you build your speed and comprehension for the Verbal section (VARC).

Midday Session (1.5-2 hours)

By now, you’ve probably had a meal or a break, and your energy is up. Use this time for reinforcing what you’ve learned and working on weaker areas.

• 45 minutes: Focus on Verbal Ability and do a few Reading Comprehension (RC) exercises. Don’t stress about timing just yet, but challenge yourself to improve your accuracy and speed as you go along.
• 45 minutes: Shift gears and dive into a mix of practice problems. Whether it’s QA or DILR, pick problems that push you but don’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Evening Session (1-1.5 hours)

Evening sessions can be about solidifying the knowledge you’ve built throughout the day. Keep it balanced, and don’t overdo it.

• 30 minutes: Take a mock test or go through a set of mixed practice questions. Aim for variety so you get a good mix of problem types and difficulty levels.
• 30 minutes: Go over your mistakes from the mock test or practice session. Focus on understanding why you made those errors and how to avoid them in the future.
• 15 minutes: Wind down with some light reading, whether it’s more RC practice or just browsing through articles that might help you with the verbal section.

The Role of Mock Tests in Your Prep

Mock tests are more than just practice runs. They’re a real look at what you’ll face on exam day.

• Taking mocks simulates the actual test environment. You’ll get a feel for managing your time, the stress of ticking down the clock, and how to keep your focus for the full duration of the exam.
• They’re an honest reflection of where you’re at. They highlight areas where you need more practice, and give you a chance to work on the spots that will make or break your score.
• Nothing beats that confidence boost after finishing a mock test. Even if your score isn’t perfect, you get the reassurance that you can handle the real thing. Plus, you get used to the pressure, which helps calm those exam-day jitters.

Mistakes to Avoid During Your CAT Exam Preparation

• Not Practicing Time Management

When you first start prepping, time can seem like your best friend. But if you’re not careful, it can quickly slip away. The CAT isn’t just about knowing the answers but managing the clock. The best way to prepare for this is practice.

Try setting time limits for your mock tests. You’ll quickly realise how important it is to pace yourself. It’s not just about finishing; it’s about finishing on time. Practice the art of skipping difficult questions and coming back to them later.

• Skipping Breaks 

We all think we can push through those long study sessions. Continuous study without a breather will lead to burnout. 

So, step away from the books every now and then. Even a 5-minute break every hour helps refresh your brain. The aim is to ensure you stay sharp for your next study session, not wear yourself out before the big day.

• Not Analysing Mocks

You’ll only get better if you look at your mock test results closely. Too many students make the mistake of focusing only on the score.

After each mock, ask yourself: Why did I get this wrong? Was it a time issue, a concept you missed, or did you rush through? By understanding why you made mistakes, you’ll stop repeating them. 

• Focusing Too Much on Weaknesses

It’s natural to want to fix every weakness. In the process, you might neglect what you’re already good at. You need to be strong in all areas, not just the ones that give you trouble.

So, work on your weak spots, but don’t forget to sharpen your strengths. If you’re strong in reading comprehension, make sure you don’t lose your edge by neglecting it. Focus on well-rounded preparation, not just fixing weaknesses.

• Getting Lost in Comparison

It’s easy to compare yourself with others. But everyone’s prep journey is different. This is why you need to focus on your progress. Celebrate the improvements you make, no matter how small they seem. This is your journey, and comparing yourself to others only slows you down.

Budget-Friendly Tips for CAT Exam Preparation

We all know how expensive CAT prep can get, especially with coaching fees, books, and mock tests. But don’t worry, acing the exam doesn’t need to drain your wallet. There are plenty of smart, affordable ways to prepare without compromising on quality. If you’re strategic about it, you can make the most of your prep without spending a fortune. Here’s how:

• Use Free Online Resources

You don’t need to pay for everything. There’s an ocean of free resources online, from YouTube channels to websites, that can help you cover important topics and sharpen your skills.

Look for reliable online platforms and YouTube channels that offer lessons, problem-solving techniques, and mock tests for free. Just ensure the content is from a credible source, and use it to supplement your preparation.

• Buy Second-hand Study Materials

Textbooks and guides for CAT can be pricey, but you don’t have to buy the latest edition. Often, older editions work just as well, and you can get them at a much lower price.

Check out second-hand books online on BookMandee and pick up affordable study materials. Plus, once you’re done, you can sell them back. It’s a win-win: save money while preparing, and get some back when you’re done.

• Study in Groups

Group study isn’t just about sharing notes. It’s about sharing knowledge, tips, and insights you might have missed on your own. 

Find a group of like-minded people who are preparing for CAT. Meet up online or in person to discuss tricky topics and practice problems together. Sharing what you know helps solidify your own understanding, and you get to learn from others too.

• Make the Most of Free Mock Tests

Mock tests are key to your preparation, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay for every single one. There are plenty of free ones out there that’ll give you a good idea of what the real exam will be like.

Look for free mock tests on popular coaching sites or apps. Many platforms offer free tests that will help you practise and get used to the pressure of the real exam.

What to Do with Your Old CAT Exam Preparation Books?

Once the exam’s over, those heavy CAT prep books start to feel like they’re taking up space. Before you toss them out or let them collect dust, think about how they could still serve a purpose. These books could be a helpful resource for others. Plus, you can get a little something back for your effort. Here’s how to keep those books useful.

• Sell Them to Future Aspirants

Instead of letting those books gather dust, sell them to someone who could really use them. There are always students gearing up for their first round of CAT, and they’d probably love a good deal on the books you’ve already used.

Use BookMandee to sell your used CAT books. It’s easy and doesn’t take much time.

• Pass Them On to Friends or Family

Got cousins, younger siblings, or friends who are thinking about taking the CAT? They’ll be grateful for any resources you can hand down. Passing on books doesn’t just save them money, it gives your books another life.

Recommended Read: All About CAT Exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to start preparing for the CAT exam?

The first step is to understand the exam structure and syllabus thoroughly. You should begin by identifying your strengths and weaknesses, so you can focus on areas that need more attention. Start with the basics, and gradually move on to more advanced topics. Make a study schedule, stick to it, and, most importantly, practice as much as possible through mock tests and previous years’ papers.

How long should I prepare for the CAT exam?

The ideal time for CAT exam preparation depends on your current level of understanding and how much time you can dedicate to studying each day. Typically, a preparation time of 6 months to 1 year is recommended. However, if you’re starting late, don’t panic. Focus on quality study time and smart preparation strategies, and you can still make it.

Is coaching necessary for CAT preparation?

Coaching can be helpful for some, especially if you need structured guidance and regular practice. But it’s not absolutely necessary. With the right books, online resources, and discipline, you can easily prepare on your own. 

How can I improve my CAT score in a short period of time?

If you’re running short on time, focus on strengthening your weaker areas first. Prioritise high-yield topics, but also don’t neglect your stronger sections. Take plenty of mock tests to get a feel for the actual exam and track your progress. 

How do I stay motivated during CAT exam preparation?

Motivation can be tough to maintain during the long preparation period, but setting small, achievable goals can help. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep a positive mindset. Surround yourself with a supportive community, whether it’s through online groups or study partners. Staying positive and reminding yourself of your end goal will keep you motivated.

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