CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026: [Section wise Revision Tips]

Overview: Boost your scores with expert CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips. Learn quick revision strategies, exam-day hacks, and confidence-boosting techniques.

The final month before the CAT exam 2026 often brings a mix of anxiety, nervousness, and low confidence. You might feel unprepared, even after working hard. 

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It's common to worry about your performance or even feel blank when thinking about the test. These feelings are normal, but now is the time to take charge and sort things out.

This post shares a clear plan for your last month of CAT preparation. We will cover a winning strategy for each section of the exam.

You will also find simple tips to help you stay confident. Don't worry, we will guide you through this important time.

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips: Section-Wise Specific Strategies

Each section of the CAT exam needs its own approach. Here’s what you should focus on:

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips for VARC

Here are the CAT last minute preparation tips for VARC that can help you attempt good number of questions and score high in the exam:

Key Areas	Strategy
Reading Comprehension (RC)	Aim to attempt at least three RCs. The more RCs you try, the better your chances of a high percentile.
Verbal Ability (VA)	Attempt all questions except parajumbles. Save parajumbles for last.
Selection is Key	In VARC, choosing which RCs to solve first is crucial. Assess what makes an RC easy or hard for you based on topic, length, and question type. A detailed VARC strategy video titled “Guaranteed Marks in CAT 2024 VARC” can help refine your approach.
Calculated Guesses	Make smart guesses in VARC. Eliminate options strategically, as RC choices are often close. Guessing here is easier than in DILR or Quant.
Practice Source	Use previous year CAT papers for VARC practice, especially their RC sets, to maximise learning efficiency.

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT 2026

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips for DILR

The last minute preparation tips for DILR section of the CAT exam:

Key Areas	Strategy
Set Selection	Choose the right sets carefully, as selection plays a crucial role in maximizing your DILR score.
Minimum Attempts	Aim to solve at least two full sets. Many test-takers target 2.5 sets—two complete sets and a few questions from a third.
Accuracy Matters	Prioritize accuracy over the number of attempts. Maintain at least 80% accuracy. Solving fewer questions correctly often yields better percentiles than attempting too many with errors.
Practice Source	Practice using past year CAT papers and previous mock tests to strengthen your DILR pattern recognition and

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips for Quant (Quantitative Ability)

Here are the last minute preparation tips for CAT QA section:

Key Areas	Strategy Aspect	Details
Quant (Quantitative Ability)	Rounds Technique	Use the 'Rounds Technique' to go through the entire paper in two or three rounds.
Round 1 (First 7 minutes)	Easy Question Identification	Quickly scan all questions and pick 5–7 that are very easy, familiar, and short. These are often direct formula-based questions. Every paper usually includes such questions.
Round 2 (Next 30 minutes)	Strong Area Focus	Attempt questions from your strong areas that are also easy. This helps maximize accuracy and maintain momentum.
Round 3 (Last few minutes)	Moderate to Hard Questions	Attempt moderate to tough questions, but avoid spending too much time on any single question. Give each question a fair chance before moving on.
Know Your Strengths	Importance	Knowing your strong and weak topics in Quant is critical for an effective attempt strategy. For instance, if arithmetic and algebra are your strong areas, focus on these in the second round.
Self-Evaluation	Action Step	If you are unaware of your strengths, identify them through analysis of mock tests. Your approach depends significantly on this self-awareness.
Focus Based on Percentile	Below 80 percentile in mocks	Concentrate on your strong areas. Ensure precision and speed in solving these questions.
Focus Based on Percentile	Above 80 percentile in mocks	Shift focus to weaker topics. At this level, small improvements in weak topics can significantly boost scores.

Analyze Your Performance

Analyzing your mock tests is vital. It helps you understand where you went wrong and how to improve.

• Missed Easy Questions: After a mock, check which easy questions you missed or got wrong in each section.
• Figure out why. Note down the reasons these easy questions are causing trouble. You should be trying these questions first in the actual exam.
• Time Management: Look at how much time you spent on each topic or question.
• If you took too long on a DILR set, an RC, or a Quant question, find out why. Set a time limit for yourself.
• Decide when you will move on from a question, even if you feel you are close to solving it. After a certain point, it's better to move to the next question.

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT 2026

What Should be your Ideal Plan on the CAT Exam Day 2026?

Picture how you will handle the 120-minute exam. Think about how you will try each section. You should break down the time for each part. Each section gets 40 minutes. Here is a possible way to divide your time for each section:

VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

Time Frame	Strategy
First 3 minutes	Scan the section and decide the best order to attempt the questions.
Next 35 minutes	Attempt the questions actively with focus and accuracy.
Last 2 minutes	Wrap up. Revisit any easy questions skipped or make educated guesses. Use a few seconds to switch gears for the next section mentally.

DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)

Time Frame	Strategy
First 3 minutes	Scan the section and identify sets or questions you find most approachable.
Next 35 minutes	Attempt selected sets logically and efficiently.
Last 2 minutes	Review or try unsolved sets briefly, ensuring a smooth mental transition before Quant.

Quant (Quantitative Ability)

Time Frame	Strategy
First 7 minutes	Quickly scan all questions to pick the easiest ones for the first attempt.
Next 30 minutes	Work on the remaining questions with detailed calculations and focus.
Last 3 minutes	Revisit questions you got stuck on or reassess previously skipped easy ones.

Pro TIp: Solidify Your Attempt Strategy

If you haven't decided on your main test-taking strategy yet, now is the time. Try out a strategy in a mock test. If it works well, use it again in your next mock.

If it doesn't work, make changes and try again. Repeat this process until you find what works best for you.

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT Final Days

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026: One-Month CAT Study Plan

A focused plan for the last month can make a big difference. This is not the time for daily mocks or learning new concepts. Instead, you need to be smart about how you use your time.

1. Start with Smart Mock Test Taking

Many students think they need to take a mock exam every day. This is not true for most people.

Taking a limited number of mocks is better. This advice applies especially to those aiming for very high scores, like 99 percentile or more.

They use mocks to fine-tune their test-taking strategy. You can adjust your mock schedule based on your own needs. If you are low on practice tests, you can find free ones. 

2. Focus on What You Already Know

Do not pick up any new study material this month. Avoid learning new concepts or formulas. Instead, focus on what you have already studied.

Your goal is to make your strong areas even stronger. Building on your existing knowledge will give you a solid foundation for the exam.

3. Solving CAT Previous Year Papers Questions

Your main source for practice questions should be CAT previous year papers. You should also use the mock tests you have already taken.

Picking up basic question books at this stage won't help as much. You need to practice questions that are at the actual CAT exam level. This helps you get used to the real exam difficulty.

4. Regular Formula Revision

If you have a formula book, make sure to revise it often. This means going over all the formulas you have noted down. Regular revision helps you keep these important details fresh in your mind.

One good way to revise is to do it on weekends. If you plan to take a mock test during the week, go over your entire formula book before that mock. 

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips to Stay Confident and Calm

Maintaining your confidence and managing stress are just as important as your studies. These general tips will help you stay on track.

1. Set Your Biological Clock

• Create a routine for sleeping and waking up at the same time every day. This helps your body and mind get used to a schedule. 
• Most importantly, practice taking a mock test during the exact time slot you have for your CAT exam. 
• Your brain will be most productive during this two-hour window if it is used to working hard at that specific time.

2. Avoid Comparisons

• It's easy to compare yourself to others, especially when friends might be scoring higher. Try to avoid this. 
• A great way to do this is to set your own specific goals. For example, promise yourself you will take 5, 6, or 10 mocks this month. 
• If you stick to your promise and reach your own targets, you won't feel the need to compare yourself to anyone else. You will focus only on your own progress.

3. Save Your Energy

• Do not waste time talking for hours about how your mock test went or why it didn't go well. Avoid discussing IIMs or other unrelated topics for too long. 
• These discussions can take up a lot of your valuable time and energy. Use your energy for studying and preparing.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Your health is very important during this stressful period.

• Eat healthy meals on time.
• Get enough sleep.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Avoid stress triggers. For some people, certain people or situations cause stress. Try to stay away from these as much as possible. Keeping your mind and body healthy will help you perform your best.

Conclusion

CAT Last Minute Preparation Tips: The last month before the CAT exam can feel overwhelming, but with a clear plan and the right mindset, you can navigate it successfully.

Focus on targeted revision, smart mock test analysis, and consistent self-care. Remember to trust your preparation and maintain your confidence.

You have worked hard, and now it's time to put that effort into practice. All the best for your exam!