While preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), the first 30 days of your preparation is crucial for laying the foundation that strengthens your basics and supports problem-solving skills for the advanced stage. The initial month of CAT study should be devoted to good strategies, constant practice, and constant evaluation. The first step is to learn the exam pattern and syllabus, develop a study plan, practice sectional topics separately, and attempt mock tests periodically to monitor progress. Read this article to get your 30-day foundation plan for CAT 2025 preparation!
Also Check -
How to Crack Logarithms and Progressions Questions in CAT Quantitative Aptitude
Weekly Guide to 30-Day Foundation Plan for CAT 2025
Not sure where to start from? We undertsand, CAT exam preparation can be daunting, especially when you're just starting off. Worry not, as we have come up with a week-wise strategy to help you plan the first 30 days of your CAT 2025 preparation . This will help you know the basics, create a study routine, and plan your preparation ahead.Week 1 of CAT Preparation (Day 1 to 7): Know the Pattern and Basic Concepts
To build a foundation for the CAT 2025 exam , you should focus on understanding the paper pattern, assessing your previous knowledge, and the basics of the test. Check the day-wise plan below for CAT preparation:
Day 1: Check the CAT exam pattern and syllabus for the current session and take a mock exam. The purpose of this mock test should not be to score well, but to figure out where you stand in terms of gauging the topics. After taking the mock, assess your result and identify areas where you feel you lack confidence and need to practice more.
Day 2: Prepare a study plan and divide the CAT syllabus into sections and sub-sections which have to be covered.
Day 3: Start covering the basic topics of the CAT exam, like average, percentage, profit and loss in the quant section, along with practicing the quant section. Also, add reading long comprehensions to your list for the VARC section.
Day 4 and 5: Practice the maximum number of questions from Quant and DILR
Day 6: Focus on long passages
Day 7:
Do revisions of the covered topics, take a section-wise mock test, and assess your preparation
Quick Links:
| CAT 2025 exam pattern | CAT 2025 syllabus |
|---|---|
| CAT 2025 mock test | Best books for CATE 2025 exam |
Week 2 of CAT Preparation (Day 8 to 14): Assess and Identify Your Weaknesses
From Week 2, focus on increasing speed and accuracy on the practiced topics, as you will only get less than 30 seconds to answer each question during the exam. Check the day-wise plan for week 2 below:
Day 8 to 10: Focus on topics from Quants and VARC. Solve the maximum number of questions within a time frame. Read long passages and focus on reading speed
Day 11 to 14:
Take sectional mock tests of all the covered topics and revise the topics
Also Check -
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation for Non-Engineers
Week 3 of CAT Preparation (Day 15 to 21): Solve Questions in Variations
In Week 3, focus on modern maths in Quant sections, Data Interpretation topics and VARC topics like jumbled paragraphs etc. Check the day-wise preparation schedule for CAT below:
Day 15 to 18: Solve the questions from topics like Set theory. Permutation and Combinations, probability etc. In the VARC sections, solve inference-based questions, jumbled paragraphs.
Days 19 to 21: Solve the questions based on charts and graphs.
Week 4 of CAT Preparation (Day 22 to 30): Practice and Revise
Take a mock test for all the previously covered topics and revise them after assessing the result of the mock. Check the day-wise preparation schedule for week 4 for preparing the foundation for the CAT exam below:
Day 22 to 25: Revise all completed topics in Quant, DILR, VARC and take another full mock test. Review your mistakes and target to improve time management
Day 26 to 30: Take daily mocks and do in-depth analysis. On the other hand, do quick revision of formulas and key concepts. Stay relaxed, and rest well to carry your preparation forward and achieve a good result
CAT preparation with a 30-day foundation plan can set you up for success. By thoroughly understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, creating a clear study schedule, and focusing on regular practice with mock tests, you can build confidence and strengthen your skills effectively. Consistent assessment and timely revisions ensure that your preparation stays on track. With dedication and smart planning through these four weeks, you can maximise your performance and improve your chances of cracking the CAT exam.
Related Articles
| Tips to Manage Stress and Burnout During CAT Prep | Why Newspapers & Magazines are Excellent Sources for Your CAT 2025 Prep |
|---|
If you have further queries regarding admission to top private management colleges in India , you can write to hello@collegedekho.com or call our toll free number 18005729877, or simply fill out our Common Application Form on the website.
Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?
Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!
FAQs
Yes, you can get an MBA without taking the CAT exam, as many business schools accept other entrance exams like the GMAT, XAT, NMAT, and MAT, or offer direct admission based on academic performance, work experience, and interviews. This offers flexibility for candidates who prefer not to rely solely on the CAT score or want to explore different options.
A score of 25 marks on the CAT exam corresponds to a percentile somewhere in the range of 90-95+, but the exact percentile depends on factors like the overall difficulty of the paper and the slot (time) it was taken.
Yes, a 98 percentile is generally considered very good in the CAT exam, placing you in the top 2% of test-takers and significantly increasing your chances of admission to top MBA programs and IIMs. For many IIMs and other top-tier B-schools, a 98+ percentile can be enough to secure a call, especially when combined with a strong overall profile that includes academics and work experience.
To score 99 percentile in CAT, focus on building strong conceptual clarity and consistently practice with mock tests under exam conditions. Time management and analysing your mistakes are crucial to improving accuracy and speed across all sections.
Cracking the CAT exam in 30 days is challenging but achievable with focused planning and consistent effort. Prioritise high-weightage topics, practice mock tests daily, and analyse your performance to improve. Stay dedicated, maintain a positive mindset, and use the limited time smartly to boost your chances of success
Was this article helpful?
Similar Articles
IIM CAP 2026: Result, PI/WAT, Cutoffs, Colleges
IIM Ahmedabad Shortlist 2026 for AWT-PI: Check Call Status, Direct Link, Criteria and More
IIM Ahmedabad Admission/Selection Criteria 2026-28: Eligibility, AWT/PI Shortlist, CAT Cutoff
How to Score 90+ Percentile in CAT 2025?
List of Colleges for 94 Percentile in CAT 2025
IIM Selection Criteria 2025-27: CAT Cutoffs, GD/PI/WAT, Weightage