How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months? Check Study Plan, Expert Tips And Study Materials

Q: Is it possible to prepare for CAT in 5 months?

Yes, preparing for the CAT exam in 5 months is achievable with a well-structured study plan and consistent effort. Focus on understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, dedicating time to each section regularly, and taking mock tests and reviewing previous years' papers to aid in your preparation.

Q: What should my study plan look like for CAT preparation in 5 months?

A 5-month study plan should cover key topics each month. Divide the syllabus into short parts and then practice.

Q: What are the key topics to focus on for each CAT section?

For Quantitative Ability, focus on algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. Study Venn diagrams, connectives, binary logic, arrangements, and distribution for Data Interpretation. Read passages on philosophy, psychology, economics, science, history, and politics for Reading Comprehension. For Verbal Ability, work on para summary, para completion, odd one out, and vocabulary building.

Q: How important are mock tests in CAT preparation?

They help you understand the exam pattern, manage time effectively, identify strengths and weaknesses, and practice under exam-like conditions.

Q: Are 5 months enough to prepare for CAT exam?

Yes, 5 months can be enough to prepare for CAT if you follow a structured plan with consistent study and practice. Focus on mock tests, revising key concepts, and improving weaker sections to maximize your performance

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

October 11, 2024

Overview: How to prepare for CAT in 5 months? With the approaching date of CAT 2024 on November 24, every candidate is looking for the best CAT preparation strategy to ace it in the first attempt. Read on to learn the 5-month study plan for clearing CAT exam 2024!

CAT, or Common Admission Test, is the leading and toughest MBA entrance exam in India. It is conducted by one of the IIMs annually in November.
To get into your dream IIMs or top B schools, you must have an excellent CAT percentile of 95-99. With so much competition and exam difficulty, it is quite challenging to get a good percentile.

So, here are the key tips and CAT preparation in 5 months tips and strategies that will help you ace CAT exam 2024!

Also Read | CAT Exam Marking Scheme 2024

Is It Possible To Prepare for CAT Preparation in 5 months?

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months? Preparing for the CAT in five months may sound unrealistic and daunting, but “it is possible.” Yes, clearing the CAT exam with an excellent score and percentile is possible, but only when you have the right CAT preparation study plan and strategies.

Even if you are a beginner to the CAT exam and dream of doing an MBA from the top B schools, you can start preparing for it. Understanding the CAT exam pattern, syllabus, dedication, and consistency can help you achieve a good CAT percentile.

Preparing dedicatedly and consistently in these 5 months enables you to score good CAT percentile.

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months: Month-Wise Study Plan

How much time is needed to prepare for CAT exam? Making a good study plan for CAT 2024 for the 5 months will enable you to prepare well and effectively for the CAT exam. Start by dividing your syllabus into 5 parts viz, QA, DILR, RC, VA and Mock test. Here is the month-wise CAT study plan:

Sample Study Plan for CAT preparation in 5 months

Also Read | Preparing for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months: August Month Study Plan

In August, continue preparing for the CAT exam with a targeted focus on specific areas.
Concentrate on arithmetic problems for quantitative ability. Practise connectives and binary logic questions to enhance your data interpretation skills.
In Reading Comprehension, read and analyse passages related to economics and science.
Improve your Verbal Ability by working on para completion and expanding your vocabulary.
Take at least three mock tests to gauge your understanding and adjust your study plan accordingly. Consistent effort and practice will be key to your success.

CAT exam Sections	Topics to be covered in August
Quantitative Ability	Arithmetic
Data Interpretation	Connectives Binary Logic
Reading Comprehension	RC economics & science
Verbal Ability	Para Completion WPME
Mocks	At least 3 mocks

Also Read | How to Prepare for CAT Exam at Home

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months: September Month Study Plan

In September, focus on key areas for the CAT exam.

For the Quantitative Ability section of the CAT exam, study number theory and practice permutations, combinations, and probability problems.
Work on arrangements and distribution for Data Interpretation. Read passages on history and politics for Reading Comprehension.
In Verbal Ability, practice identifying the odd one out and expand your vocabulary.
Take at least four mock tests to assess your progress and improve your strategies.
Consistent practice and review will help you prepare effectively.

CAT exam Sections	Topics to be covered in September
Quantitative Ability	Number Theory PnC+Probability
Data Interpretation	Arrangements Distribution
Reading Comprehension	RC History &Politics
Verbal Ability	Odd one out, SWWP
Mocks	At least 4 mocks

Also Read | CAT Exam Date 2024 [Official], Eligibility, Registration

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months: October Month Study Plan

In October, focus on finalising your CAT exam preparation in 5 months:

For Quantitative Ability, review statistics and practice questions you got wrong.
For Data Interpretation, focus on NMAT-specific questions and review your mistakes.
Continue practicing Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability with NMAT-specific questions.
Take at least five mock tests and review questions from previous years to refine your strategies.
Consistent practice and thorough review of errors will help you perform your best on the exam.

Check: CAT Exam Total Marks

CAT exam Sections	Topics to be covered in October
Quantitative Ability	Statistics Wrong Q’s Mocks PYQ
Data Interpretation	NMAT Specific Q’s WrongQ’s Mocks PYQ
Reading Comprehension	NMAT Specifi Q’s Wrong Q’s Mocks PYQ
Verbal Ability	NMAT Specific Q’s Wrong Q’s mocks PYQ
Mocks	At least 5 mocks

Also read : How to crack CAT Exam in 2 months

Also Read | CAT Exam Eligibility 2024

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months: November Month Study Plan

November is the examination month, so focus on practice and revision. Spend this month taking mock tests, reviewing CAT exam's previous years' questions (PYQ), and revising all topics. Dedicate your time to Mocks, PYQ, and Revision every week. The key to success is consistent practice and thorough revision, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam.

CAT exam Sections	Topics to be covered in November
Quantitative Ability	Mocks, PYQ, Revision
Data Interpretation	Mocks, PYQ, Revision
Reading Comprehension	Mocks, PYQ, Revision
Verbal Ability	Mocks, PYQ, Revision
Mocks	Mocks, PYQ, Revision

Also Read | CAT Exam Syllabus 2024

How Much Time Is Needed To Prepare For CAT?

Every MBA aspirant struggles with how much time is required to prepare for CAT? A 6-8 months is ideal to prepare for the CAT exam. During this preparation, you can cover your entire CAT syllabus, all the major topics and sections of the CAT exam.

But if you somehow skipped the initial months and now want to prepare for the CAT in five months, then it is also possible. You must be very focused and consistent with your five-month CAT preparation plan.

Also Read | CAT Exam Subjects List 2024

How To Prepare For CAT Exam In 5 Months: Tips & Tricks

Let’s learn the key strategies to prepare for CAT exam in 5 months:

#1. Start By Learning the CAT Syllabus

Understanding the CAT exam syllabus is the foremost thing while preparing for CAT exam in 5 months. This helps you to familiarise yourself with the major topics and sections of CAT exam.

#2. Take a Mock Test to Test Your Knowledge

Give a mock test before preparing for the CAT in five months. This will allow you to analyse your knowledge, speed, and accuracy for the CAT exam. It will also inform you of the CAT exam pattern, marking scheme, and duration.

#3. Go through the Previous Year’s Papers

Solving CAT the previous year’s paper during your preparation for the CAT exam in 5 months can help to clear your doubts with CAT's question types, key concepts, and strategies for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning (LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA) sections.

#4. Revision is the Key

After completing your CAT exam syllabus, it's time to revise it again to improve your accuracy and confidence before the exam.

Also Read | VARC Syllabus for CAT Exam 2024

CAT 2024 Preparation in 5 Months: Best Books

While preparing for the CAT exam in five months, you must be very selective about the CAT study material. Moreover, you can also improve your reading comprehension section by spending 30 minutes reading newspapers, book reviews, literary works, and more.

Here are the best books for CAT preparation 2024 that you can use or take reference:

CAT sections	Books For CAT Preparation 2024
DILR	How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Pearson
VA	How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Nishit K Sinha High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
QA	How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma

Download Free DILR Preparation Tips by Supergrads

Conclusion

How to Prepare for CAT in 5 Months? Cracking the CAT exam preparation in 5 months is achievable with the right strategies and dedication. By understanding the syllabus, utilising effective study materials, and following a structured month-wise plan, you can cover all essential topics and develop the necessary skills. Consistent practice, thorough revision, and regular self-assessment through mock tests are crucial for success.

Check Here | Enroll to CAT online coaching with SuperGrads.

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