How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days: Check the Detailed Study Plan

Overview: With only 45 days left for CAT 2026, it is highly important to be serious and start preparing smartly. Here we have provided answer to "How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days". Go ahead to know more about it!

The CAT exam is just 45 days away, and it's normal to feel the pressure. Many students wonder if they can still make a big difference in their scores.

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• The answer is a clear yes. Even in these final weeks, a smart, focused plan can greatly improve your VARC, DILR and QA score.
• This guide provides a proven strategy to help you perform at your best on exam day.
• This plan focuses on key areas that directly impact your score. It covers what to revise, how to tackle tricky questions, and how to use practice tests effectively.

With dedication and the right approach, you can turn these last 45 days into a powerful boost for your CAT 2026 results. Read on to know on "How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days" here!

How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days?

Here is the detailed plan for "How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days":

Days 1–14: Fix What’s Breaking Your Accuracy

Your initial 14 days should be utilised effectively. It's not just about speed; you also need to focus on accuracy. Here is the daily routine for the first 14 days of CAT exam preparation in 45 days:

• VARC (1.5 hrs): Solve 4 Reading Comprehensions (RCs) + 3 short questions (Para Jumble/Odd-One-Out/Para Summary). For each error, ask yourself why you got it wrong, not just how many you got right.
• DILR (1.5 hrs): Attempt 2 sets — one from your comfort zone, one from a new or tough category. Maintain a "Set Journal" to note patterns or clues that repeatedly trip you up.
• QA (2 hrs): Drill 20–25 Arithmetic & Algebra questions daily under a timer.
• Practice Mocks: 1 mock/week; spend the next day (3 hours) analysing timing mistakes, skipped easy questions, and fatigue points.

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT 2026 Exam

CAT 45 days Preparation: 1-14 days Plan

Here is what you can follow for the first 14 days for the CAT 45 Days preparation:

Days	VARC (1.5 hrs)	DILR (1.5 hrs)	QA (2 hrs)	CAT Mock Test
Day 1	4 RCs + 3 Verbal (PJ/OOO/PS)	Practice 2 sets  (1 comfort + 1 new set)	20 Arithmetic Qs	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 2	4 RCs + 3 Verbal	2 new sets	25 Algebra Qs	Attempt CAT Algebra Mock Test
Day 3	4 RCs + 3 Verbal	1 comfort + 1 new	20 Arithmetic timed	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 4	4 RCs + 3 Verbal	2 new sets	Arithmetic mix test	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 5	4 RCs	1 old + 1 new	25 Algebra-under-timer	Attempt CAT Algebra Mock Test
Day 6	4 RCs + 3 Verbal	2 new sets	Arithmetic + Algebra mix	Attempt CAT Algebra+ Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 7	4 RCs	2 new sets	25 Arithmetic/Algebra	Attempt CAT Arithmetic+ Algebra Mock Test
Day 8	Revision RCs	1 comfort + 1 new	Timed 20 Qs	Attempt Free CAT Mock Test
Day 9	4 RCs	2 new sets	Arithmetic drills	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 10	3 RCs (long passages)	2 sets (moderate)	Algebra drills	Attempt CAT Algebra Mock Test
Day 11	Review RC log	1 comfort + 1 tough set	20 Arithmetic Qs	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
Day 12	Mix RCs	2 new sets	Mixed QA (20 Qs)	Attempt Free CAT QA Mock Test
Day 13	4 RCs	2 new sets	25 Algebra/Ratio	Attempt CAT Algebra Mock Test
Day 14	Review & reflection	Analyse previous mocks	Arithmetic + Geometry revision	Attempt CAT Arithmetic+ Geometry Mock Test

Know: Important Formulas For CAT

Days 15–28: Build Your Exam Temperament

The next 15-28 days of the CAT preparation are all about building the exam temperament. Follow this Daily Routine:

• Mocks: 2 per week, at different time slots.
• VARC: Solve 2 RCs back-to-back in 40 minutes. Learn when it's best to skip.
• DILR: 3 sets/day from varied topics; begin timing yourself per clue.
• QA: Revise Geometry, Modern Math, and Algebra modules.
• Weekly Reflection: After each mock, ask:
  • Which section left you exhausted?
  • Which two topics delivered consistent results?

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT 2026 Exam

Days	VARC	DILR	QA	CAT Mock Tests
15	2 RCs (40 mins)	3 mixed sets	25 Geometry Qs	Attempt CAT Geometry Mock Test
16	2 RCs (skip wisely)	3 sets	Modern Math review	Attempt CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
17	2 RCs	3 new sets	Algebra mix	Attempt CAT Algebra Mock Test
18	2 RCs (timed)	3 mixed sets	Modern Math	Attempt Free CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
19	2 RCs	3 tough sets	Geometry	Attempt Free CAT Geometry Mock Test
20	2 RCs	3 sets	Algebra + Arithmetic	Attempt Free CAT Alegbra+Arithmetic Mock Test
21	2 RCs (Para Jumbles focus)	3 logical sets	20 Modern Math Qs	Attempt Free CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
22	2 RCs	3 random sets	25 Geometry Qs	Attempt Free CAT Geometry Mock Test
23	2 RCs	3 mixed sets	25 Algebra Qs	Attempt Free CAT Algebra Mock Test
24	2 RCs timed	3 combo sets	Arithmetic test	Attempt Free CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
25	2 RCs	3 new sets	QA revision	Attempt Free CAT QA Mock Test
26	2 RCs	3 DILR sets	Modern Math	Attempt Free CAT Arithmetic Mock Test
27	2 RCs (speed drill)	3 logical sets	Algebra	Attempt Free CAT Algebra Mock Test
28	2 RCs	3 sets	QA timed drills	Attempt Free CAT QA Mock Test

Check: Logical Reasoning Questions for CAT

Days 29–42: Refine, Don’t Reinvent

By now, you know 90% of what you need. Now is the time to use that knowledge smartly. Replicate your strengths, control errors, and seek peak performance.

Follow this Daily Routine:

• Mocks: 2 per week — analyse solutions as thoroughly as you attempt them.
• Sectionals: Alternate VARC-only and QA-only days to boost sectional stamina.
• Reattempt: Old mocks with a strategic order and improved pacing.
• DILR: Pick top 3 favourite set types and master them.

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT 2026 Exam

Make strengths automatic; turn weaknesses irrelevant.

Day	Focus	Activities
29	Sectional Strength Focus	VARC-only: timed RCs + verbal analysis
30	QA Focus	Advance Algebra + Geometry mix
31	DILR Focus	3 favorite set types (repetition)
32	VARC + QA Alternate	2 RCs, 20 QA mixed Qs
33	Sectional Mix	DILR + VARC combo
34	QA-only Day	Arithmetic + Advanced drills
35	DILR-only	Retake past sets differently
36	VARC-only	4 new RCs (mixed difficulty)
37	QA-only	2 topic tests (Modern Math + Geometry)
38	DILR+VARC Mix	Alternate RCs & logic sets
39	Strategize Weak Areas	Review old mocks
40	Mock & Revision	Full test & analysis
41	Sectional Light Review	Short RCs, moderate sets, quick QA
42	Final Mock	Full simulation & deep analysis

Read more: CAT Geometry Formulas with Explanation

Final 3 Days: Calm Is Your Superpower

These days aren’t for studying harder — they’re for being mentally ready.

What to Do?

• Align your sleep schedule with your CAT exam slot.
• Revise your best 3 mocks and key notes.
• Avoid taking any new mocks or comparing scores with others.
• Spend time visualising your ideal 2-hour attempt: focus on your entry strategy, order of sections, and key routines.

Walk into the exam centre calm and clear-headed — this is what sets CAT toppers apart.

Day	Main Activity	Details & Focus	Key Reminders
43	Revise best mocks & top notes	Go over top-performing mocks and handwritten summaries. Begin syncing sleep schedule with CAT exam slot.	No new learning; rest well
44	Light formula & concept recap	Review only formula sheets and key concept summaries. Avoid any new practice or topic.	Skip mocks; avoid peer scores
45	Visualise exam attempt; stay relaxed	Mentally rehearse a 2-hour CAT, including start routine and section order. Eat/sleep well — trust the process.	Pack documents; stay positive

Download Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Use of Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Strategically

PYQs are a goldmine for understanding the CAT exam. Use them wisely, focusing on recent patterns.

1. Start Practising by solving 2024 CAT PYPs

Begin your CAT PYQ practice with the most recent papers, starting from 2024. Then, work backwards to 2020. This gives you five years of recent CAT exam patterns.

2. Focus on Recent Trends

CAT often repeats patterns from the last five years. Do not waste time on very old papers (like 2006, 2003, 2001) for pattern practice. While older passages can be good for reading, recent papers show you the current exam style.

3. Prioritise 2024-2020

Finish these five years first. Then, if you have time, move on to 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Boost your Prep with CAT Mocks and Analysis

Mocks are more than just tests; they are the actual reflection of your preparation. They can help you increase your accuracy and speed for the final day exam. Here are the pointers that you should follow:

1. Increase Frequency

In these last 45 days, increase how often you take sectional tests and full-length mock exams. Take at least 2 mocks daily and after completing them, analyse them properly. 

2. Deep Analysis is Very Important

Do not just take a test and look at your score. Analyse everything. This will help you know your weak areas, strong areas, and moderate areas. This deep insight helps you focus your future study.

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3. Learn from Mistakes

If you skip the analysis, you miss the main benefit of mocks. Analysis helps you understand where you went wrong and how to improve.

4. Benefits of Mocks

Regular mocks and their analysis help you with:

• Familiarity: Getting used to the exam format.
• Time Management: Learning to use your time wisely.
• Staying Calm: Reducing exam day anxiety.

5. Expected Score Increase

Proper analysis and practice with mocks can easily lead to a 9-mark increase.

Check: How to improve VARC for CAT exam

Exam Day Mindset: Calm, Focus, and Selection

Your state of mind on exam day plays a huge role in your performance. Practice these skills now to be ready.

Practice Question Selection

On exam day, you must quickly identify the best questions.

• Don't Chase Marks in Mocks: Use mocks and sectionals to practice question selection, not just to score high. Your mock percentile does not define your final CAT result.
• Scan for "Low-Hanging Fruits": Look for questions that seem easier or quicker to solve. These are your "low-hanging fruits."
• Avoid Time-Guzzlers: Stay away from questions that look very long or complex. These can waste valuable time and reduce your overall score. Practice recognizing these types of questions.

Stay Calm and Focused

Controlling your anxiety is vital.

• Personal Calm: Find what helps you relax. This could be cooking, walking, listening to music, or talking to friends.
• Manage Anxiety: The more you manage your anxiety now, the calmer you will be on exam day.
• Concentration: Figure out when your concentration is highest. Use this peak time to practice difficult VARC material, tough QA questions, or the hardest DILR sets. Take up the challenge of Critical Reasoning during this time.

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Conclusion

How to Prepare for CAT 2026 in 45 Days", well these 45 days are not for giving up, they are for a focused, strategic push.

By revising key topics, practicing with the right resources, and developing a calm, analytical mindset, you can significantly improve your CAT 2026 score and percentile.

Believe in your preparation, follow this plan, and go into CAT 2026 ready to succeed.