<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIn the first week of your CAT 9 month preparation strategy, take 1 simple mock test probably based on past papers, choose an easy one like CAT 2023, where all slots were easy. Once you have taken the test, do not get worried about less marks or negative marks, this is only to check your current standing and map out the weaknesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are 3 test trackers which you must set up during the diagnostic test.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT Diagnostic Test Trackers<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Type<\/strong><\/td>Purpose<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>QA Error Log<\/td> To assess conceptual understanding, calculation accuracy and time taken.<\/td><\/tr> DILR Set Journal<\/td> To keep track of the type of DILR set where you got stuck <\/td><\/tr> VARC Log<\/td> Track the options and the reasoning behind why one is right and the other one is wrong.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>CAT 2026 Weekly Study Structure<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCAT 2026 preparation plan for beginners and working professionals to achieve maximum results has been laid down in the table under.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCAT 2026 Weekly Study Plan for Beginners<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Segment and Study Agenda<\/strong><\/td>Days Per Week<\/strong><\/td>Minutes Per Day<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>VARC (RC reading + summary in 1 line)<\/td> 5 days\/week<\/td> 45 minutes\/day<\/td><\/tr> QA (Start with Arithmetic basics)<\/td> 5 days\/week<\/td> 60\u201375 minutes\/day<\/td><\/tr> DILR (Start with easy sets, do one at a time)<\/td> 4 days\/week<\/td> 45\u201360 minutes\/day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 2 – April 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDuring the second month of your cat preparation strategy, you must focus on building the arithmetic questions solving strategy to become a master of this chapter and segment. The second most important planning you need during April 2026, is discipline in solving Reading Comprehension questions and Logical Reasoning questions. Focus areas in the second month of CAT preparation for beginners 9-month strategy are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTargets to Set for April 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>QA Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td>VARC Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td>DILR Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Percentages, Ratio, Proportion, Averages, Profit, Loss, Discount, Time & Work,, Time, Speed, Distance, Mixtures & Allegations, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest basics<\/td> Practice summary, odd sentence,para-completion, etc and at least 10-12 passages in a week. For Verbal Ability skills, practice 60-80 questions per week.<\/td> Start your DILR preparation by using a variety of sets, like tables, bar charts, simple arrangements, etc. Solve 10-12 sets per week and write down the complete solution.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 3 – May 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe table outlines the key areas to focus upon during your third month of CAT 2026 preparation. All areas to cover are highlighted section-wise below.<\/p>\n\n\n\nQA Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td>VARC Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td>DILR Focus Areas<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Algebra- Linear Equations, Inequalities, Quadratic BasicsNumber System Basics Geometry- Triangles, and Circles Fundamentals<\/td> Games & Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, and Distributions<\/td> Work on developing discipline with Data Inference techniques. Assumptions outside the passage must be avoided.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 4 – June 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNow it is time for you to switch your basics preparation into proper CAT level studies. Once the basics are clear, you\u2019ll need to work on converting your theoretical knowledge into practical implementation. The main aim of this month is to build the skill to perform under constraints or sectional limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou already know the CAT exam sectional limits, 40 minutes per section. <\/li>\n\n\n\n In a week, set a target to practice on weak topics, practice 1 VARC, 1 DILR and 1 QA sectional mock test every week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n By June 2026, you must start to attempt 1 full mock test every 2 weeks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n After taking a mock test, check your results, spend about 1-2 hours on analysis. Note where you went wrong, how you could have solved the problem faster and what mistakes or decisions you made while solving that led to an incorrect answer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 5 – July 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMonth 5 is almost the middle of your preparation journey. As we approach the exam date in July, you must focus on improving your speed and accuracy, the two pillars of success in CAT 2026. There is no time left to waste at this stage. You must bring all your energy to increasing your net score per minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWeekly Targets to be Set during July 2026 for CAT Prep<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>Particulars<\/strong><\/td>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>VARC<\/td> 12-15 RC passages + 80-100 VA questions<\/td><\/tr> DILR<\/td> 14-18 sets per week<\/td><\/tr> QA<\/td> 150-200 mixed difficulty level questions per week<\/td><\/tr> Mock Tests Per Week<\/td> 1 full-length<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 6 – August 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe August month marks your important stage during CAT exam registrations. During this month, based on past trends, CAT registrations start by August and close in September. For CAT 2026, the registrations are expected to begin during this time. Aspirants must take precaution to fill the form carefully during this time and avoid breakage in their study cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAttempt at least 4-5 mock tests during this month<\/li>\n\n\n\n Solve 2 sectional tests per week<\/li>\n\n\n\n Maintain a daily revision schedule comprising QA formula, DILR methods, VARC techniques for effective problem solving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Month 7 – September 2026 CAT Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis period marks the peak performance of the candidate. During Month-7 of your daily CAT preparation plan 2026, make the most of September 2026 by focusing on thoroughly knowing your strengths and weaknesses. By this time, you must be able to predict your CAT 2026 scores. Practice with high intensity in September 2026 for CAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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