Preparing for the CAT exam is always a gigantic task when time in hand is not quite a lot. Still, with this CAT 1 Month Study Plan, the goal is achievable with proper planning and dedication along with the strategic preparation plan.
CAT 1 Month Study Plan
This CAT 1 Month Study Plan will break down subject-wise strategies for Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA & RC). As every section requires a different approach to ensure that you have the best shot possible at acing the exam.
Now, let’s dive into the subject-wise strategy of this CAT 1 Month Study Plan that can help you conquer the exam in just 30 days.
CAT 1 Month Quantitative Ability (QA) Strategy
The CAT 1 Month Study Plan emphasises the importance of mastering a wide array of concepts making it essential to understand nearly 95% of the syllabus. A solid foundation in basic concepts will significantly enhance your performance and increase your percentile.
Important Topics for QA
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, and Mixtures & Allegations.
- Algebra: Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Polynomials, Progressions, and Logarithms.
- Number Systems: Divisibility, Factors, Remainders, and Modular Arithmetic.
- Geometry and Mensuration: Circles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry, and Volume/Surface Area.
- Modern Maths: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, and Functions.
CAT 30 Days Strategy for QA:
Following the CAT 1 Month Study Plan consistently will help you conquer the QA part effectively understand how:
Week 1: Revisiting the basic elements of arithmetic, number systems, and algebra. These are the staple topics that make up most QA questions. You can start by solving 10-15 questions each on each topic of each day, then make sure to understand it clearly and its application with formulas.
Week 2: Diving into geometry and mensuration. Well, these two topics do have some tricky questions, so the idea is you spend time revising important formulas and theorems. Solve 10-12 questions daily from geometry and modern maths.
Week 3: Thematic testing QA practice. Spend every day dedicated to solving a whole set of QA questions under timed conditions and tracking which areas are taking up more time than they should.
Week 4: Only revision. Engage in mugging up all formulas, theorems, and shortcuts that you have learned so far. Attempt practice test questions, but your major aim would be getting it right rather than how fast you can attempt and then work on sticking to consistency rather than wasting too much time on one question in the actual test.
Planning for the Exam
- First 35 minutes: Do the easy questions and thus get marks quickly.
- Last 25 minutes: Resume the moderate or challenging questions. For any question where you are stuck, mark your answer or point and walk away. Do not come back to it.
CAT 1 Month Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR) Strategy
The DI & LR section consists of both logical puzzles and data-heavy sets which require sharp analytical thinking. The strategy for this section entails three: speed, accuracy, and understanding. If you consistently adhere to the CAT 1 Month Study Plan you will be well prepared to excel in this section.
Important topics for DILR
- Data Interpretation (DI): Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, and Caselets.
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Arrangements (linear and circular), Selection, Games & Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams, and Critical Path Problems.
CAT 30 Days Strategy for DI & LR:
Week 1: Revise basic DI like tables, bar charts, and line graphs. Do 4-5 sets a day. Be precise and try to calculate data as fast as you can. For LR, begin with easier puzzles like linear and circular arrangements-these are tested more often.
Week 2: Focus more on tough DI sets mixed graphs, pie charts, advanced caselets etc. LR concentrates more on Selection & Tournaments-based problems. Solve 4-6 sets of DI & LR Daily to establish consistency.
Week 3: Start attempting sectional tests on DI & LR. Try one type of set every day. The idea is to spend a whole day fully on pie charts and Venn diagrams, a day on games & tournaments & caselets and so on. Attempt 2 complete sets of DI & LR under exam conditions.
Week 4: Revise and Practise only Mock Tests strictly time bound. Try to solve sets in less than 7-10 min. In case a set is too tough just skip and move on. Here, you should try to attempt the easiest sets to maximise your scores. The goal this week is to consolidate your knowledge and strategy as outlined in the CAT 1 Month Study Plan.
Also learn the CAT Exam Pattern
Time Allocation in the Exam
- Attempt DI sets that appear simple in the first 30 minutes. Do not use unnecessarily complicated graphs or calculations at the beginning, follow the CAT 1 Month Study Plan diligently.
- End Last 30 minutes: Attempt the LR sets and try to solve the relatively easier or fewer steps puzzles.
CAT 1 Month Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA & RC) Strategy
The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section is the make-or-break section for most aspirants. As outlined in the CAT 1 Month Study Plan the ability to read quickly and absorb complex passages is indispensable for success. This section tests your vocabulary and grammar but also your reasoning skills. Following CAT 1 Month Study Plan consistently will enhance your performance in this crucial part of the exam.
Focus Areas:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages of different subjects-literature, science, philosophy, economics, and sociology.
- Verbal Ability: Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out and Grammar-based questions.
CAT 30 Day Strategy for VA & RC
Week 1: Solve 2-3 RC passages daily as a part of the CAT 1 Month Study Plan to develop accuracy and get a strong grasp on the central theme of each passage. The goal is to get the correct number of answers and get an idea about the central theme of the passage. For VA, apart from grammar-based questions, should attempt para jumbles. What should be concentrated upon is mastering sentence structure as well as word usage.
Week 2: RC passages will be slowly intensified in their degree of difficulty. Reading should be practised from dense subjects such as philosophy and economics. For VA, solve para completion, para summary, and odd one out questions.
Week 3: Self-test sectional in VA & RC; speed work and time self for every RC passage, discuss each wrong answer in detail, trying to understand why a particular choice is wrong, at least 3 RC passages a day and 10-12 questions from VA.
Week 4: Revision only. Do RC passages from the mock test and practice improving your speed. Revise the basic grammar rules every day and do para jumbles and para summary questions daily. Maintain a word and phrase list that you have learnt during your preparation and revise them.
Time Allocation During the Exam
- First 40 minutes: Do 3-4 RC passages. Don’t get stuck on tough passages; it’s fine if you cannot understand one of them; leave it and move to the next.
- Last 20 minutes: Try VA questions like para jumbles and para summary which will take lesser time in comparison to RC.
CAT 30 Day Mock Tests and Revision Strategy
Mock tests are important as the fine-tuning tool of your CAT 1 Month Study Plan. Take one full-length mock every 4 days. Spend a whole day analysing the mock to know where you’re going wrong and change the strategy. Some points to emphasise are:
- Better time management: Try different strategies and see which suits your style.
- Error reduction: Keep a log of the kinds of errors you are making and work on reducing them with each mock.
- Building weak sections: Use mocks to build up your weak areas in the sections. If you find that, for instance, sometimes you score badly, resurface this section much more.
Also learn the CAT Exam Syllabus
CAT Study Plan
Revision and mock tests would be done during the last week of CAT 1 Month Study Plan. No further learning of new topics should be done, but instead:
- Revision of key concepts, formulas, tricks, etc.
- Taking 2-3 mock tests and analysing those.
- It is generally advisable to maintain mental and physical soundness through sufficient rest and proper management of stress.
Conclusion
Remember, it’s the last 30 days that will make the difference. With the right CAT 1 month study plan in place, dedication to a focused approach, you’re well on your way to achieving that goal. Stay confident, trust your prep, and walk into the exam with that mindset. You are just 30 days away from your dream B-school, so give it your best shot and JUST DO IT!
All the best for your preparation!!
