How to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Complete Study Plan

Summary: This article shares an effective and comprehensive guide with preparation tips on how to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Here is a step-by-step guide along with a suitable strategy for CAT prep.

Cracking this exam requires determination, consistency, and a strategic approach.

Given the vast syllabus, preparing in just four months might seem daunting, but with a focused plan, it's achievable. 

Here's how you can utilise your time effectively and maximise your CAT score.

Navigate your 4-month CAT preparation journey with this detailed guide, encompassing a structured timetable, effective study tips, and book recommendations to enhance your CAT scores.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2023 by SuperGrads

How to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Time Table

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a competitive exam conducted for admission to postgraduate programs in business administration. 

You have to be well-prepared to ace an exam like CAT, and a four-month study plan helps strategise your preparation. 

Time Table 

Time table for CAT preparation in 4 months is as follows -

Sections	Months & Time duration	What to prepare
VARC	Month 1 & 2: Dedicate 1 hour daily	Focus on: Basic grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading diverse articles. Reading Comprehension: 2 passages daily.
DILR	Month 1 & 2: Dedicate 1.5 hours daily	Focus on: Basic DI sets, puzzles, and arrangements. Cover basic arithmetic concepts.
QA	Month 1 & 2: Dedicate 1.5 hours daily.	Cover basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
VARC	Month 3: Dedicate 1.5 hours daily	Focus on critical reasoning and advanced reading comprehension passages.
DILR	Month 3: Dedicate 2 hours daily.	Practice complex DI sets and intricate logical reasoning problems. Cover advanced arithmetic.
QA	Month 3: Dedicate 2 hours daily.	Delve deeper into advanced algebra, mensuration, and trigonometry.
VARC	Month 4: Dedicate 1 hour each daily.	Revise, practice, and take section tests. Start with one mock test a week and gradually increase to two per week as the exam date approaches.
DILR	Month 4: Dedicate 1 hour each, daily.	Revise, practice, and take section tests. Start with one mock test a week and gradually increase to two per week as the exam date approaches.
QA	Month 4: Dedicate 1 hour each daily.	Revise, practice, and take section tests. Start with one mock test a week and gradually increase to two per week as the exam date approaches.

Check: Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

How to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Approach

CAT study plan for 4 months - general mindset and strategy to be followed -

• Practice Regularly: Consistency is the key. Allocate daily hours for each section.
• Self-assessment: Analyze your mock test results to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
• Group Study: Occasionally, studying in a group can help in exchanging ideas and clarifying doubts.
• Maintain Health: Balanced diet and regular sleep are vital. Physical activity can also boost productivity.

Check: CAT Exam Top Colleges 2023

How to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Important Topics

4 months study plan for CAT is as follows - 

Quantitative Ability

• Focus on concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number theory.
• Practice solving questions on topics like time and distance, percentages, and ratio proportions.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

• Improve your vocabulary and reading speed.
• Practice comprehension passages and work on grammar and sentence correction.

Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2023

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

• Develop analytical and reasoning skills.
• Practice solving various types of DI and LR sets to improve speed and accuracy.

CAT sections	Books
DILR	-> How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma -> Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha -> Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Pearson
VA	-> How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay -> Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis -> Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Nishit K Sinha -> High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
QA	-> How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma -> Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha -> Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma

Check: CAT Exam Cut Off Trends

How to prepare for CAT exam in 4 months? Tips

1. After finishing the syllabus, it is crucial to spend a lot of time-solving question papers and sample papers. It will aid you in understanding the nature of questions. To gain a conceptual understanding, complete the exercises broken down per chapter. 
2. Make an effort to consistently take CAT Mock Tests. Mocks follow the most recent exam pattern and syllabus to help you prepare as effectively.
3. It will tactically aid in getting ready for the CAT in 4 months if you join SuperGrads Coaching. Our faculty is always available to respond quickly to the doubts of students. 
4. Revise the chapters you have already prepared for the CAT during your free time. You'll find it easier to recall the subjects, chapters, information, and critical formulas. In addition to this, everyday revision will help you gain confidence and improve your speed in answering the questions.
5. Prepare notes to list down all the important formulae and points. You can quickly review this before the exam for revision.
6. Read the news every day! To prepare better for Reading Comprehension and learning new words for the VARC section. 
7. Avoid stress! To keep healthy and fit, meditate every day. On exam day, any form of physical or psychological discomfort can result in stressful situations and poor CAT scores. 

Check: Why CAT Exam is Important?

Conclusion

Preparing for CAT in 4 months is an intensive journey. While it's crucial to cover the syllabus and practice regularly, it's equally important to stay motivated and believe in yourself. With dedication, a robust plan, and the right resources, success is well within your reach. 

Check: How to prepare for CAT Exam at Home?