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75 Day CAT 2023 Preparation Plan | Practical Tips | InsideIIM

Sep 13, 2023 | 4 minutes |
Sanket Bhosale

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Preparing for the CAT exam is a two-fold process. One part involves making the best use of the 2-hour exam time, and the other focuses on maximizing the benefits of your pre-exam preparation. Regardless of your proficiency in Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), or Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), the CAT exam demands a unique strategy, much like adapting to different formats in cricket (Test, ODI, T20) even if you excel in specific skills like batting or bowling!

Key Goals of Your CAT Preparation Strategy:

- Carefully read all questions in each section. - Identify and solve the easy and medium-level questions first. - Avoid lengthy or extremely difficult questions. - Set a time limit (stop loss) for each question or set of questions. - Maximize your attempts. - Maintain a focused and composed mindset during the exam. - Approach the exam systematically and methodically. To achieve these goals, each student may need to tailor their own unique exam strategy. Preparation for the Next 40 Days: Considering that CAT 2023 is a 2-hour format with three sections (VARC, DILR, and QA), let's break down the preparation plan over the next 11 weeks: Quantitative Ability (QA): Since we have exactly 11 weeks to go, here's a suggested timetable:
Week First Round Revision Topics
Week 1 Numbers (Nos), Equations Ratios (ERPV), Percentages, Profit & Loss (PPL) -
Week 2 Averages (AMA), SICI, Geometry/Mensuration Numbers, PPL, ERPV
Week 3 Geometry/Mensuration (GM), Quadratic Equations (QE), Progressions (Prog), Time & Work (T&W) GM, AMA, SICI
Week 4 Time & Distance (T&D), Permutations & Combinations (P&C), GM, QE, Prog, T&W
Week 5 Functions & Graphs (F&G), Inequalities, Indices and Logs (ILS) T&D, P&C
Week 6 Miscellaneous F&G, ILS, Numbers
The idea is to revisit each topic at least twice in the next 6 weeks, leaving you prepared for the final 5 weeks leading up to the exam. The first week should focus on essential QA topics that also benefit DILR. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Improving your VARC scores requires a different approach. Here's what you can do: - Spend 20 minutes daily reading editorials from reputable sources like Aeon Essays, ET, TOI, or The Hindu. - Solve 4 reading comprehension passages daily. Allocate 7-8 minutes to solve 2 of them and 10-11 minutes to solve the other 2. Track your accuracy and speed to identify areas for improvement. Over the next five weeks, shift your focus towards improving accuracy. - Practice CAT-like questions, including Para Jumbles, Fill in the sentences, and Summary. Aim to solve 10-15 questions every 2 days. Data Interpretation/Logical Reasoning (DILR): DILR is all about practice. Over the next 30 days, focus on finishing various types of sets/questions that appear in CAT:
Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning
Simple Tables with Numbers -
Tables with Percentages and Numbers Arrangement (Linear and Circular)
Line Graphs Distribution
Bar Graphs (Normal, Stacked, and others) Ranking and Order Sequencing
PI Charts (Single, Double, Four, etc.) Selection
Spider Graphs, Networks and Routes
Games and Tournaments -
Scatter Plots and Misc. Graphs Venn Diagrams
Combination of More than One Graph -
In addition to your regular preparation, take one to two mocks every week without fail. Analyze your performance to fine-tune your strategy.  With 75 days left, you have ample time to crack CAT 2023 if you start your preparation earnestly. Remember, apart from hard work, self-confidence is crucial to excel in the CAT exam. All the best!
Frequently asked questions
  1. What are the main goals for CAT preparation?
    CAT preparation aims to help you read questions carefully, solve easier ones first, avoid tough ones, set time limits, and stay focused during the exam.
  2. How should I plan Quantitative Ability (QA) prep over 11 weeks?
    Follow the suggested schedule, revisiting QA topics at least twice in the first 6 weeks, focusing on essentials.
  3. What's the strategy for improving Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)?
    Read daily from reputable sources, practice reading comprehension, and solve CAT-like questions.
  4. How do I prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) in 75 days?
    Focus on practicing various DILR sets, take mock exams, and fine-tune your strategies.
  5. What's the overall advice for CAT 2023 preparation?
    Prepare earnestly, stay confident, follow a plan, work hard, take regular mock exams, and believe in yourself. Good luck!