CAT 2024 Preparation: 12-months study plan

December 6, 2023May 11, 2024 Career Mantra

As all the MBA aspirants are aware of the tentative date for the CAT 2024 exam is November 24, 2024, which is almost 12 months from now.

So now, every CAT Aspirant has the same question in their mind.
“Are 12 months Sufficient to Crack CAT 2024?”
Is it possible for one to start for CAT exam preparation now and still score good percentile? What will be the study strategy and study plan for the next months from now?
So, the answer to all the doubts and queries is positive. Yes, Candidates can Crack CAT with the high percentile with 12 months of preparation.
We have made a 12-month plan Study Plan for CAT 2024. This structured approach is required to tackle the battle of the CAT exam!

Basic Guidelines before you start with the Study Plan:

1. Be familiar with exam CAT 2024 pattern and syllabus Despite the fact that all CAT candidates know the structure of the CAT 2024 exam, it is mandatory to know the syllabus of CAT 2024. Students should be aware of all the major topics primarily asked in the exam. IIMs have released the CAT question paper and CAT answer key. Students can refer these papers and take advantage to prepare for the CAT exam.

Section	Total quest-ions	Total MCQs (With negative marking)	Total Non-MCQs (Without negative marking)	Total maximum marks
VARC	34	24-25	9-10	102
DILR	32	24	8	96
Quantitative	34	25-26	8-9	102
Total	100	73-75	25-27	300

*VARC: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
*DILR: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Know all the important topics from each section.

Also read: CAT 2024 : Exam Date, Syllabus PDF, Pattern, Preparation, Question Paper, Eligibility, Application Form, Attempts, Cutoff, Detailed Info

Topics for Quantitative Ability:

Arithmetic	Clocks	Number systems
Ratio and Proportion	Higher Maths	Lines
Trigonometry	Arithmetic Mean	Pipes and Cisterns
Probability	Harmonic Mean	Cubes and Cones
Permutation combination	BODMAS	Arithmetic Progression
Algebra	Geometric Progression	Mean, Median, Mode
Mensuration	Partnership	Geometry
Time and work	Installments & Payments	Quadratic and linear equations
LCM & HCF	Profit and Loss	Angles and Triangles
Averages	Percentages	–

Topics For Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Family Tree	Coding & Decoding
The Course of Action	Column Graphs
Arrangement	Multi-dimensional
Pie Chart	Arrangements
Calendars	Visual Reasoning
Statement Conclusions	Numeric Grid
Strong Arguments and Weak Arguments	Critical Reasoning
Puzzles	Syllogisms
Series	Graphs representing Area
Blood Relations	Linear and Matrix Arrangements

Topics for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension	Idioms
Verbal Reasoning	Jumbled Passage
Syllogisms	Meaning-Usage Match
Analogies	Summary Questions
Antonyms and Synonyms	Facts-Inferences-Judgments
Fill in the blanks	Sentence Corrections
Contextual usage	Sentence Completion

Mode of Preparation- Decide between coaching and self-study:

It depends on the candidate’s preference. Few may take coaching classes while some might opt to study on their own using study material from many webs.
It doesn’t matter which mode you choose, what matters is the study plan you follow and how you cover your syllabus.
Still, 12 months are in your hand, you can start studying now and give your 100 %.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Every aspirant should know his/her weakness and strengths. So, before the actual preparation begins, do the analysis to check where you stand. While analyzing where you stand, go through the paper pattern to have an idea where you are strong and where you are weak.

Also Read: CMAT 2024 : Exam Date, Syllabus PDF, Pattern, Preparation, Question Paper, Eligibility, Application Form, Attempts, Cutoff, Detailed Info

Time Management

Before you actually start with the study plan, the key factor one should consider is time management. The following time is very crucial for the aspirants. So, students can solve the problem within a stipulated time-period.

6. Month Study Plan for CAT 2024

1. Set Section-Wise weekly goal: The aspirant must set weekly target section-wise:

2 chapters of Quantitative
2 chapters of Reasoning
1 chapter of Verbal
Along with the above target, read for an hour.
Solve all the questions on the topics covered in the week. Focus on learning the basic concept.
Mark all the difficult questions, so while revising it will be easier to recognize it and to give more time for it.
Memorize 10 words per day.
At the end of a week, i.e. on Sunday revise all topics covered in the week. -Keep this weekly goal target until you complete all the topics from all the sections.

2. Practice
As they say it, “Practice makes a man perfect”. So is this true for all the CAT aspirants. 20% of the CAT Paper is repeated every year. An aspirant should give major attention to this data.
-So, it is recommended that candidates should download past CAT papers and solve the questions according to the topics covered in a week.
-Focus on past papers to get an idea of what kind of questions will the rest 80% of the paper consists of?

3. Take the Mock Test:
-From week 10th of your study plan, i.e. almost after completing 2 months, give mock tests.
-The mock test should be given 1-2 / weeks. So for the next remaining months along with the section-wise preparation give mock tests.
– Candidates should give a mock or two to understand where they stand and what are their weak or strong areas in the CAT 2024 Exam. And then work on weak areas.
-This will help the candidate understand their level of preparation at the present moment and understand the sections that the candidate should concentrate more on.
-Increase the number of mock tests to 3-4 per week, once the exam is near. -This will help you make perfect in giving the final CAT exam.

-From week 10th of your study plan, i.e. almost after completing 2 months, give mock tests.
-The mock test should be given 1-2 / weeks. So for the next remaining months along with the section-wise preparation give mock tests.
– Candidates should give a mock or two to understand where they stand and what are their weak or strong areas in the CAT Exam. And then work on weak areas.
-This will help the candidate understand their level of preparation at the present moment and understand the sections that the candidate should concentrate more on.
-Increase the number of mock tests to 3-4 per week, once the exam is near. -This will help you make perfect in giving the final CAT exam.

While giving the mock test consider these points:

-Accuracy & Speed–Analyze these two things while taking mock. And keep these things in mind while giving final CAT exam 2024.
-Best Way to solve – There might be multiple ways to solve a problem but find the best one while taking mock and use the same in the final CAT exam. -Strong/weak areas- As you give the mock test, you will note down your strong and weak areas. If you found any weak areas, go to the basics and understand it one more time. a few

Wishing you, HAPPY LEARNING and ALL THE BEST.