How to Prepare for CAT in 7 Months: Complete Preparation Strategy, Timetable & Expert Tips

Overview: Are you looking for the right strategy and study plan on “How to prepare for CAT in 7 months”? If yes, then continue reading to get the expert tips and complete roadmap here!

✅The Common Admission Test 2026 i.e, CAT exam is scheduled for 29th November 2026 by one of the IIMs.

✅There are almost 7-8 months left until the main exam day, so it becomes essential to gear up your preparation with expert tips. 

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

✅To help you, we have included a complete roadmap for beginners to give them a quick start on their CAT exam preparation.

Continue reading to know “How to prepare for CAT in 7 months” with us!

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How to Prepare for CAT in 7 Months?  

Can I crack CAT 2026 in 7 months? The CAT exam is likely to be on November 29th this year, which is the last Sunday of November. If you start preparing for it in the first week of May, you'll have about 210 days, or roughly 7 months, to prepare.

If you really commit to studying for the CAT, you can score well in that time. The most important things are to have a good plan, use the right study materials, and stay consistent and dedicated to your study routine.

Here is the detailed Study plan for CAT preparation in 7 months:

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CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 1 (May)

This is the time to set the stage right. Begin by taking a CAT exam mock test to understand your weak and strong areas.

Don’t worry about scores; just focus on analysing your performance in the three sections:

• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Start revising fundamental concepts, even school-level basics, especially for Arithmetic and Algebra. Spend quality time reading editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express, Aeon Ideas, or The Economist to build comprehension and critical thinking.

Add light puzzles to your routine to develop a logical mindset for DILR. Build a realistic schedule: e.g.,

• 2 hours QA
• 1 hour VARC
• 1 hour DILR. 

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 2 (June)

For the month of June, it is advised to focus heavily on Arithmetic and Algebra, which make up nearly 60% of the QA section.

For the VARC section, it is recommended to solve RC sets daily (minimum 2) and take weekly sectional tests to assess your grasp and timing.

Create a concept revision notebook where you jot down key formulas, concepts, and common mistakes.

Start developing a habit of daily practice, not just reading. Keep challenging yourself slightly more every week.

Check here for a complete 3-month CAT preparation strategy

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 3 (July)

Take your first serious mock test and analyse it in depth, go beyond accuracy, and check time spent, silly errors, and attempt strategies.

Start practising Level 2 questions in QA and DILR, and vary your RC passages to include topics like philosophy, science, history, and business. Keep a dedicated error log and review it regularly.

Time your sets while practising to simulate exam conditions. It's not just about solving, but solving efficiently.

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 4 (August)

This is a month of specialisation. Begin solving at least one DILR set every day, gradually increasing to two. Focus on “set selection” not all DILR sets are worth solving in the exam.

For VARC, go deep into para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd-one-out questions. These appear regularly in the CAT exam and can fetch you easy marks with practice.

Start solving 3 sectionals per week for VARC. Continue to analyse your performance deeply, identify why you're getting certain questions wrong, not just what you got wrong.

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT 2026

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 5 (September)

By now, your basics are strong, and your practice is regular. Time to simulate the actual CAT environment. Start taking 1 full-length mock every 5 days, and then every 3 days.

Revisit weak areas regularly, especially topics in QA like Geometry and Modern Math, which often get ignored.

Build your “Revision Notebook” now, a compact, go-to resource with formulas, tricky examples, common traps, and tips.

Keep the reading habit alive, but now include more academic journals and abstract RCs to prepare for tougher passages.

Read More | CAT Admission Process 2026 

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 6 (October)

This is the final lap before the tapering phase. Take 2 full-length mocks per week, and make sure to take them at the actual CAT time slots, morning or afternoon, to get used to the routine.

Solve CAT previous year papers to understand real exam trends. Focus on strategy testing for example, should you attempt 2 or 3 RCs in VARC? What’s your ideal number of DILR sets?

Stick to a daily revision routine: 1 hour QA formulas, 1 hour reading, and 1 full DILR section. It’s time to shift from learning to performance.

Still wondering how to prepare for CAT in 7 months when juggling studies or work? A well-balanced routine and mock analysis can make the journey manageable and effective.

Click here to explore a structured 2-month CAT preparation plan

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT 2026

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 7 (November)

This is the final push. Continue with 2 mocks per week until mid-November, and then gradually reduce frequency to avoid burnout.

Revise daily from your Revision Notebook. Redo mocks and sets you got wrong previously, you'll be surprised how much you’ve improved.

Take care of your mental well-being by including short walks, meditation, or mindfulness. Confidence plays a big role on D-Day.

Most importantly, ensure that you’ve taken mocks across all three time slots, morning, afternoon, and evening, so your body and mind are prepared for any scenario.

Looking for tips on how to prepare for CAT in 7 months with expert mentorship? We’ve got you covered below.

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Conclusion

Preparing for the CAT 2026 exam in just 7 months is entirely achievable with the right strategy and dedication. By breaking your preparation into clear phases focusing on fundamentals, completing the syllabus, and revising thoroughly, you're setting yourself up for success. 

Remember to practice regularly, take mock tests, and analyse your performance to identify areas for improvement. 

Stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With commitment and a structured approach, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the CAT and achieve your desired score. Good luck on your journey to acing the exam!

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