February 12, 2026
Quick answer: Yes a focused, month-by-month CAT preparation stratergy in 5 months is achievable if you prioritise concepts → practice → mocks. Follow a tight plan: build/revise core concepts first 2–3 months, intensify sectional practice + timed mocks next 1–2 months, and use the final month for full-length mocks & revision.
What will you get in this blog: CAT preparation strategy in 5 months + detailed month-wise actions+ mock-test strategies and more!
Quick answer: Yes, with a strict schedule, focused topic prioritisation, and disciplined mock-analysis, you can reach a competitive percentile for CAT 2026 in 5 months. It’s more intensive than a year plan but doable for committed aspirants.
Quick answer: Phase 1 — Build/revise core concepts (Months 1–2). Phase 2 — Sectional practice and start mocks (Month 3). Phase 3 — Timed mocks, PYQ and revision (Months 4–5).
|
Phase |
Duration |
Objective |
What You Must Do |
|
Phase 1 |
Month 1–2 |
Build strong fundamentals |
Cover core QA topics, start RC reading habit, solve easy–medium DILR sets |
|
Phase 2 |
Month 3 |
Advanced topics, mixed practice, start full-length mocks |
|
|
Phase 3 |
Month 4–5 |
Maximise score via mocks |
Full mocks, PYQs, revision, exam strategy |
Quick answer: Take a diagnostic mock, list weak topics, and build a daily routine that covers fundamentals: arithmetic, basic RC habits, and simple DILR puzzles. Aim 2–4 hours/day (more if you can).
|
Section |
Focus Areas |
Daily / Weekly Tasks |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Arithmetic basics |
Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss, Averages, Number System |
|
Verbal Ability & RC |
Reading habit |
2 RCs/day, vocabulary building, sentence correction basics |
|
DILR |
Easy sets |
Tables, bar graphs, simple arrangements |
|
Mock Strategy |
Diagnostic |
1 full mock to identify weak areas |
|
Study Time |
— |
2–4 hours/day |
Quick answer: Complete intermediate topics (algebra, geometry, permutations & combinations basics, probability) and begin medium DI/LR sets. Keep reading habit for VARC. Increase practice time to 3–5 hours/day.
|
Section |
Focus Areas |
Practice Level |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Algebra + Geometry |
Linear equations, inequalities, basic geometry |
|
Verbal Ability & RC |
Accuracy improvement |
RCs with inference questions, para jumbles |
|
DILR |
Medium difficulty sets |
Caselets, missing data sets |
|
Mock Strategy |
Start assessment |
1 full mock + sectional tests |
|
Study Time |
— |
3–5 hours/day |
Quick answer: Move to advanced topics and mixed practice; start a regular mock schedule (weekly full-length or alternate full + sectional mocks) and track trends in mistakes.
|
Section |
Focus Areas |
Key Goal |
|
Quantitative Ability |
Advanced topics |
P&C, Probability, advanced Arithmetic |
|
Verbal Ability & RC |
Speed + selection |
Timed RC practice, summary questions |
|
DILR |
Tough sets |
Multi-table DI, logical reasoning sets |
|
Mock Strategy |
Consistency |
1 full mock every week |
|
Study Time |
— |
3–5 hours/day |
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Quick answer: Prioritise timed practice, reduce new learning, fix recurring weak areas, and increase mocks to 1–2 full tests per week. Start revising PYQs.
|
Area |
Focus |
Action Plan |
|
Revision |
Weak topics |
Revise formula sheets & mistake logs |
|
Practice |
Timed questions |
Sectional tests with strict timing |
|
Mocks |
High priority |
1–2 full mocks per week |
|
PYQs |
Begin seriously |
Solve last 7–10 years CAT papers |
|
Study Time |
— |
4–6 hours/day |
Quick answer: Final month = mock-dominant + revision. Keep solving PYQs, limit new topics, polish exam strategy and time allocation per section.
|
Area |
Focus |
What to Do |
|
Mocks |
Exam simulation |
2 full mocks/week under exam conditions |
|
Analysis |
Score improvement |
Identify repeated mistakes & fix fast |
|
Revision |
Final notes |
Formulas, shortcuts, RC strategies |
|
PYQs |
Final run |
Re-solve important CAT questions |
|
Study Time |
— |
3–6 hours/day (taper in last week) |
|
Month |
Focus (Goal) |
Weekly targets (what to practise) |
Daily time (suggested) |
Mocks cadence |
|
Month 1: Diagnose & Foundations |
Diagnostic + basics in QA & daily RC habit |
Basics: Arithmetic, Fractions, %; 3 easy LR puzzles; 2 DI sets; 30–40 min reading + vocab |
2–4 hrs |
1 diagnostic full mock (start), 1 sectional end of month |
|
Month 2: Complete Core Concepts |
Finish core QA topics & steady DILR practice |
Algebra basics, coordinate geometry, basics of P&C & Probability; medium DI sets; RC practice |
3–5 hrs |
1 full mock (mid) + 1 sectional |
|
Month 3: Advance & Sectional Strength |
Advanced QA topics + complex DILR; RC comprehension speed |
P&C, probability, advanced geometry, caselet DI; 4–6 RCs/week |
3–5 hrs |
Weekly: 1 full OR 2 sectionals; detailed analysis |
|
Month 4: Timed Practice & Fix Weakspots |
Timed sets, strong mock routine, start heavy PYQ revision |
Timed QA sets, mixed DI+LR, timed RC sets; fix recurring errors |
4–6 hrs |
1–2 full mocks/week (or 1 full + 2 sectionals) |
|
Month 5: Final Revision & Exam Simulation |
Mock-dominant: polish strategy, PYQs & quick revision |
Full mocks, PYQ re-solving, last-minute formula/notes |
3–6 hrs (mock days higher) |
2 full mocks/week (or 1 full + 2 sectionals); taper 3 days before exam |
(Adapt daily time to your current commitments — working students may prefer 2–3 longer evening sessions; full-time aspirants should target the higher end.)
Quick answer: Start with 1 mock/month in Month 1 → progress to 1/week in Month 3 → 1–2/week in Months 4–5. Analyse every mock with a template: Error type, Time lost, Root cause, Fix plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to prepare for CAT in 5 months?

What should my study plan look like for CAT preparation in 5 months?

What are the key topics to focus on for each CAT section?

How important are mock tests in CAT preparation?

Are 5 months enough to prepare for CAT exam?

How many hours should I study each day to prepare for CAT in 5 months?

Which topics should I focus on for CAT preparation in 5 months?

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