Most CAT prep timelines online are either too vague or written by coaching centres trying to scare you into buying something. This one's just what the data says works.
April – May (Foundation Phase)
This is where most people waste time by jumping straight into mocks. Don't.
- QA: Get your basics locked — Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry. Arun Sharma Level 1-2 or equivalent. Target: finish one topic per week.
- VARC: Start reading daily. Hindu editorial, Aeon, Psyche magazine. 2 passages a day minimum. Don't time yourself yet.
- DILR: Pick 2 set types per week and drill them until they feel boring. Arrangements and Blood Relations first.
Goal by May end: One full mock done (just to see where you stand, not to score).
June – July (Build Phase)
Now you layer speed on top of concept.
- QA: Move to advanced topics — Number Systems, P&C, Probability. These are low-attempt, high-reward in the actual exam.
- VARC: Start timed RC. 20 mins per passage set. Track accuracy, not speed.
- DILR: Move to harder sets — Caselets, Scheduling, Venn Diagrams.
- Mocks: 1 per week minimum. Analyse every single one. Where you lose time > where you lose marks.
Goal by July end: Consistent 75+ percentile in at least one section.
August – September (Serious Phase)
Stop learning new things. Start plugging leaks.
- Weekly mock + 3-hour analysis session per mock. Non-negotiable.
- Maintain an error log. Categorise mistakes: silly error / concept gap / time management.
- VARC: 3 RC sets per day. Inference and tone questions are where toppers separate themselves.
- DILR: Triage practice — learn when to leave a set within 3 minutes. This skill wins percentile.
Goal by September end: 85+ percentile consistently in full mocks.
October (Peak Phase)
Exam is in November. This month is about mindset as much as marks.
- Full mock every 2-3 days. Simulate exam conditions — same time slot, no phone.
- Revise your error log weekly. Don't learn anything new.
- VARC: Read one quality long-form article per day (not for practice, just to keep the brain sharp).
- Rest: At least one full day off per week. Burnout before the exam is the worst outcome.
Goal by October end: Mental readiness. You should feel bored of the exam pattern — that's when you're ready.
u/EveningBed6666 — 5 days ago