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!

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

• The Common Admission Test 2025 is scheduled for 30th November 2025 by IIM Kozhikode.
• There are almost 7-8 months left until the main exam day, so it becomes essential to gear up your preparation with expert tips. 
• 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!

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Exam in One Year?

How to Prepare for CAT in 7 Months?  

Can I crack CAT 2025 in 7 months? The CAT exam is probably on November 30th 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:

Explore: Want to score 99 percentile in CAT? Check here for expert strategies

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), and 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 schedule that’s realistic: e.g., 2 hours QA, 1 hour VARC, 1 hour DILR. Consistency > Overload.

CAT Exam Preparation Tips: Month 2 (June)

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

For 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.

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.

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 2025 

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.

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 — include 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, evening — so your body and mind are prepared for any scenario.

Learn More | How Many Students Appear for CAT Exam Every Year

How can Toprankers help you with CAT 2025 Preparation?

How can Toprankers help CAT aspirants get close to their dream IIM? Well, Toprankers offers various courses, both online and offline, to help CAT aspirants ace the CAT exam.

Here are the different batches that you can enrol in:

1. Target CAT & OMET 2025
2. Target CAT & OMET 2025 Working Professionals Batch

• Weekday/weekend blended classes (Thursday 8:30-10:30 PM, Sunday 12:00-2:00 PM & 2:30-4:30 PM). Small batch sizes.
• 250+ hours, three modules (Essentials, Empower, Enhance), 3x syllabus coverage, 2x revision.
• Experienced mentors, 100 percenters, IIM alumni, and industry experts.
• 25+ prep books, CAT/OMET syllabus, new-age books, PYQS, GDPI.
• 95+ mock tests (CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, etc.), detailed explanations, CAT PYPS.
• Performance reports, percentiles, sectional analysis, and accuracy metrics.
• Tailored study plans and profile-building guidance.
• 24/7 expert support (academic and non-academic).
• "admitSURE" module (GD, GE, WAT, AWT, etc.)
• Additional learning beyond lectures.

Also Check | CAT Exam Preparation Books 2025 

CAT Preparation Resources for 2025

Apart from the courses, we also provide resources, including study material, mock test series, and papers from the previous year. Here are the details regarding the study material:

CAT & OMET 2025 Study Material and Test Series by Supergrads

• 17 Prep Books with fresh and relevant content covering the syllabus of CAT and OMETs
• 100+ Mock Tests for CAT and other Management Entrance Exams with detailed explanation
• 3 Books on CAT PYQS and 3 Books on GDPI
• CAT PYPs of all slots starting from 2017 are available in the test form
• Special Tests on Decision Making, General Knowledge, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, NMAT Competency Test for Stage 2
• 400+ Topic Tests and 30+ Sectional Tests
• Performance Analysis with Industry Best Reports
• Mentorship from experienced Senior Mentors and IIM Alumni
• GD WAT PI Module - Free access to the GD WAT PI preparation batch (admitSURE)

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

Check here for a complete 3-month CAT preparation strategy

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!

Find Out Here: Is It Possible to Crack CAT in Just 6 Months?