The CAT (Common Admission Test) is the most competitive entrance examination for MBA program in India. With passing year, CAT syllabus, question paper and exam pattern is evolving. So, it is essential to design preparation strategies for the CAT entrance exam.
CAT examination is annually organized by IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management). Many aspirants begin preparing for CAT atleast 6 months in advance, but if you have only one month for CAT preparation, then don't worry-you can still score well and secure their spot in top MBA colleges like IIMs, IITs, XLRI or KCC-ITM.
Some candidates will still wonder, "Has anyone cracked the CAT in 30 days?" the answer is yes. In this blog we will discuss CAT preparation strategies for a month and provide the CAT aspirants with a comprehensive guide on smart time management, and practical tips for mastering the CAT syllabus effectively.
Understanding the CAT exam
Candidates must keep an understanding for CAT exam pattern, which is available on official website of CAT. Knowing about the exam pattern helps in creating a study plan according to the marking scheme and questions mentioned against the each section.
There will be total 66 questions. Section wise break of number of questions is 24 questions of VARC, 20 questions of DILR and 22 questions of QA. For each section 40 mins time is allotted to the candidates. Mentioned below is the expected CAT exam pattern:
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Section
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Number of Questions (Expected)
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Time Allotted
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Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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24
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40 minutes
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Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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20
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40 minutes
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Quantitative Ability (QA)
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22
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40 minutes
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Total
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66 questions
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120 minutes
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The understanding of exam pattern is first step to know what is expected in CAT entrance examination. Following are the key features of CAT exam pattern:
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Total marks = 198
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Question format: Mix of MCQs and Type in answer (TITA)
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Total duration: 2 hours (40 minutes per section).
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Sectional timing: Candidates cannot switch between sections.
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Marking scheme= Correct answer will be given +3 marks and -1 marks to wrong answer. There is no negative marking for Type in answer (TITA) and for unattempted questions.
When learners are aware about CAT exam pattern, they can create an impactful preparation strategy for the CAT examination as it enables learners to prioritizing topics, practicing time management strategies, and strengthening weaker areas.
Overview of CAT Syllabus
CAT syllabus understanding is essential for candidates to excel in entrance examination. The CAT syllabus is available on the official website of CAT. This will help learners understand which topic requires there focus.
VARC-Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section includes the following topics:
DILR-Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section includes the following topics:
QA-Quantitative Ability section includes the following topics:
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Arithmetic
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Ratio
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Percentages
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Algebra
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Geometry
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LCM and HCF
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Factorials
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Divisibility
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Probability
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Set theory
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Progressions
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Logarithms
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Base system
After the awareness about CAT syllabus, candidates can formulate their study plan smartly and day/week wise.
Has anyone cracked CAT in 30 days?
Yes, many candidates have cracked CAT in 30 days preparation. When aspirants put all their focus and perseverance for 30 days into CAT preparation, they can easily crack the examination with outstanding scores. The solid maths and English skills enables the candidates to pass CAT entrance examination in 30 days.
Mentioned below are factors on which candidate’s success will be based on:
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Your current aptitude level.
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Concentrated daily practice
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CAT mock tests are regularly analyzed.
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Efficient use of study resources
Candidates, who are starting from scratch, should be able to score between 85 and 90 percentile. However, if candidates already have conceptual clarity and require structured revision, they can easily score 95 percentile with continuous practice.
CAT Preparation: 30-days study strategy
Week 1: Formulate basic foundation and understanding of exam pattern
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Revisions of basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
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Reading of editorial sections from newspapers such as The Hindu or Business Standard for VARC improvement.
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At the end of each week practice one CAT mock test paper. This will help to analyze strengths and weaknesses.
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After CAT mock test, candidates need to analyze their weak areas for targeted improvement.
Daily study schedule for 4–5 hours:
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1.5 hours QA (revision of basic concepts)
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1 hour VARC (Reading comprehension + grammar)
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1 hour DILR (practice sets)
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30 minutes for revision
Week 2: Focus on major topics and time management practice
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Focus more on problem areas identified in mock test analysis.
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Regular practice of 3–4 DILR sets daily from previsions year papers.
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Regular practice of 2 sets of reading comprehensions, with a set timer. This will enhance accuracy and time management.
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Revise key QA formulas and short-cut tricks.
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Take 2 CAT mock tests this week.
Focus areas:
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Arithmetic and Algebra in QA
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Puzzles and Logical reasoning
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Speed reading and comprehension skills
Week 3: Rigorous practice and and mock practice
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Practice one CAT mock test in every two days.
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Analyze each test thoroughly—note question types you often get wrong.
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Practice sectional tests for better time management.
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Solve advanced-level problems from QA and logical reasoning sets.
Daily focus:
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2 hours – QA problem-solving and formula revision
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1.5 hours – DILR caselets and puzzles
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1.5 hours – VARC reading comprehension and analysis
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30 minutes – reviewing past papers
Week 4: Final Revision
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Each day practice CAT mock tests—one each day.
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Analyze error patterns and revise critical topics.
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Revise all shortcuts, formulas, and question-solving approaches.
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Avoid starting any new topics and focus on enhancing speed and accuracy.
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Revise RC strategies and do quick QA problem sets daily.
CAT preparation: Section-Wise for a month
VARC strategy
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With focus, daily practice 2-3 comprehension set and vocabulary questions.
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Alternate day practice of topics like para-jumbles and sentence rearrangement.
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Focus on accuracy in RCs, not guesswork.
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Use online resources and editorials to enhance reading speed.
DILR strategy
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Each day keep 2-3 hrs for solving logic puzzles and data sets.
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From previous year CAT paper, practice caselets.
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Keep clarity of understanding the working of logical flow of data.
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Keep the balance of speed and comprehension for topics.
QA strategy
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Daily formula revision is not negotiable.
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Set a timer and practice mixed-topics and quizzes.
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To speed up the problem solving, work on understanding of approximation and elimination techniques.
Importance of CAT Mock Test
During last month, CAT mock test is the most powerful tool in CAT preparations. CAT mock papers, provides strong insights into what to be expected trend for CAT entrance examination this year.
CAT mock test, help aspirants need to be aware about the expected important topics and difficulty level of each section. Such practice papers gives you real-time exam ecosystem. Candidates learn to manage time efficiently, and this builds their confidence too.
How to Use CAT mock tests effectively:
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Practice at least 8-10 mock papers within the past month.
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Analyze each mock paper after completion to determine ones strength and weakness.
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Take note of the topics where your accuracy falls.
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Utilize focused exercises to improve weaker topics.
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Gradually reduce negative marking by selecting better questions.
Many top performers attribute their success to consistent mock practice and in-depth analysis, rather than excessive new learning.
Study Resources for Quick CAT Preparation
In one month, time is limited, so stick to concise and high-yield resources:
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QA: Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
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DILR: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha
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VARC: Norman Lewis (Word Power Made Easy), and online RC practice sets
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Mock Tests: CAT mock test are available on platforms like TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher that provide real time mock test environment.
Common mistakes to avoid
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During last week, avoid starting new topics.
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Avoid skipping DILR or VARC in favor of QA.
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Never attempt all questions in the real exam—accuracy matters more than attempt count.
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Do not ignore revision; it is essential for remembering formulas and logic patterns.
Final Takeaway:
In conclusion, CAT preparation is most crucial step to enter into any eminent MBA college. The final tip for CAT preparation will be to stay consistent and start early. After reviewing the CAT syllabus, exam pattern and CAT mock test.
In this blog we have addressed the question of “has anyone cracked CAT in 30 days”. The 30 days CAT preparation, will improve the candidates performance. So start 30days CAT preparation and follow the schedule rigorously and aim for outstanding score.
FAQs for How to Prepare for CAT Exam in 1 Month
Q1.When should aspirants ideally start their CAT preparations?
Ans1. Candidates should start their exam preparation at least 6 months before the exam. This will provide ample time for completion of their syllabus.
Q2.Is it compulsory to daily practice CAT mock tests for CAT preparations?
Ans2. It is advised to practice mock papers daily as it will enhance learners speed and accuracy during CAT examinations.
Q3.Are candidates allowed to use calculator while CAT exam?
Ans3. Physical calculators are not allowed in CAT exams 2025 but on screen calculators are provided during examination.
Q4.For how long CAT scores are valid?
Ans4. CAT scores are valid for a year, so candidates need to apply to the colleges following year after the release of CAT results.
Q5.Is it important to read newspaper daily for CAT preparations?
Ans5. Yes, reading newspapers for CAT preparations is important as it enhances learner’s comprehension skills, general awareness and vocabulary.