CAT Preparation Strategy 2026 – Detailed Study Plan and Time Table

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026: The Common Admission Test is one of India’s famous MBA entrance tests. It opens the door for MBA admissions to IIMs and top B-schools. The exam sees participation of more than 2 lakh aspirants every year. Acing the CAT 2026 exam needs a well-organised strategy and personalised guidance. It is essential to gain conceptual clarity and improve the ability to perform well under time pressure. Whether you are a fresher, a professional, or a dropout, the right preparation strategy can be a game-changer. In this article, we have shared the CAT preparation strategy 2026, including a month-wise study plan, timetable, and subject-wise tips for candidates’ reference.

Join this free whatsapp group to get the latest information about CAT exam along with the strategies by CAT experts

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026

Cracking the CAT 2026 can be a daunting task as there is a huge number of candidates participating in this MBA entrance test. CAT aspirants should begin their preparation at the earliest to get ample time to cover the syllabus, practice questions, and endless revision. Early preparation allows you to build a strong base and avoid last-minute confusion. Aspirants should review the structure of the CAT exam to understand the exam format, sections, marking scheme, and more. This helps them align their CAT study plan with the curriculum and current trends. They should also adhere to the section-wise CAT preparation strategy 2026 to strengthen their basics and gain mastery in each topic. Read on for a detailed preparation strategy to excel in the CAT 2026 exam with flying colours.

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026- Phase-Wise Timeline

Aspirants must divide their CAT preparation strategy into different phases to achieve the desired results. They should dedicate equal attention to all chapters without considering their weightage. Here is the phase-wise CAT study plan 2026 shared below for the candidate’s reference.

Phase 1- Build Basics	Build strong basics in QA, DILR, and VARC.Read reputable magazines and newspapers, revise grammar concepts, and build vocabulary.Aspirants can also refer to the iQuanta’s core modules, i.e. VARC Essentials, LRDI Essentials, and Non-Engineers Quant, to learn fundamentals from scratch. It is a game-changer for students who are weak in any specific section.
Phase 2: Reinforcement of Fundamentals	Aspirants should set realistic goals to cover the core chapters efficiently by applying concepts covered so far.They should start solving moderate to advanced-level questions across all the sections.To help, iQuanta is providing advanced modules that include conceptual videos and CAT-level questions for practice purposes.
Phase 3: Full-Length Mock Tests & Exam Strategy	Upon completing 50-60% of the syllabus, aspirants must start attempting full-length mocks. They should solve at least one mock every week to understand the real exam environment. Moreover, they must increase their frequency of taking mocks.Candidates must equip themselves with the question selection techniques to balance speed and accuracy during the exam.They should select a reliable test series to elevate their preparation. iQuanta provides full-length and sectional mock tests to match the CAT exam experience. They also provide in-depth mock performance analysis and video solutions to help candidates recognise where they went wrong.
Phase 4: Final Week Strategy	Attempt 1-2 CAT mocks every day to improve your shortcomings and boost your confidence.Take regular breaks, stay motivated, and sleep properly.Revisit all the key topics, formulas, and strategy notes regularly to retain information for a longer period.

Section-Wise CAT Preparation Strategy 2026

The CAT 2026 exam will have three sections, i.e. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and  Quantitative Ability (QA). Gain insights into the section-wise CAT Study Plan to simplify your preparation.

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026 for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Improve comprehension skills by including newspapers and magazines in your daily activities.
• Practice RCs across different topics to boost confidence and efficiency.
• Revise grammar rules, improve verbal ability, and practice unlimited questions on every topic.

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026 for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Solve moderate to challenging question sets daily to learn pattern recognition.
• Practice question sets under real-time conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on elimination techniques to improve efficiency and confidence.

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026 for Quantitative Ability (QA)

• Focus more on high-weightage topics and chapters asked often in the test.
• Practice topic-wise and mixed problem sets daily to solidify your knowledge and recognise the errors.
• Memorise formulas and use shortcut tricks to attempt maximum questions with accuracy in less time.

Month-Wise CAT Study Plan 2026

The month-wise CAT study plan ensures massive syllabus coverage and consistent progress. A structured timetable can build a strong foundation, improve accuracy, and boost confidence. Check below the month-by-month CAT 2026 study plan that guides aspirants from fundamentals to revision:

CAT Study Plan 2026

Month	Focus Areas
July 2025-October 2025	Cover the basics and advanced concepts of all the topics
November 2025-January 2026	Focus on advanced concept building and solving moderate to challenging questions.
February 2026-March 2026	Finish the Syllabus and Start Topic Practice. Solve 1 full and sectional mock per week.
April 2026- June 2026	Deep Concept Revision + Consistent Practice Phase
July- August 2026	Practice 2-3 mocks per week, review performance, and revisit complex chapters.
September- November 2026	Advanced mocks and full syllabus revision. Practice at least 3-4 mocks per week.

Join the Largest CAT Preparation Community in India

iQuanta CAT Course 2026

CAT Preparation Strategy 2026 FAQs