Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
How to Crack CAT in 230 Days | Complete Preparation Plan for CAT 2026
Preparing for CAT 2026 with 230 days (around 7.5 months) in hand is an ideal situation. This duration allows you to build strong fundamentals, practice extensively, and master mock-test strategy without panic. With the right plan, discipline, and consistency, cracking CAT and securing calls from top IIMs is absolutely achievable.
Why 230 Days Are Enough to Crack CAT 2026
230 days give you enough time to:
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Build concepts from scratch
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Practice topic-wise and section-wise
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Take and analyze multiple mock tests
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Revise the syllabus more than once
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Develop a clear exam-day strategy
Unlike short-term preparation, this timeline allows balanced improvement across all three sections.
CAT 2026 Exam Overview
CAT is a computer-based test conducted annually for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management and other top MBA colleges.
CAT Exam Sections
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Each section has a fixed sectional time limit, making time management critical.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy: 230-Day Roadmap
The 230-day plan can be divided into four structured phases, each with a clear objective.
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Day 1 to Day 70)
Goal: Concept clarity and comfort with basics
What to Focus On
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Understanding CAT exam pattern and question types
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Learning basic formulas and concepts
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Developing reading habits
Section-wise Focus
QA
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Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages, time & work)
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Basics of algebra
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Formula memorization
DILR
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Basic tables, graphs, caselets
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Simple arrangements and puzzles
VARC
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Daily reading (editorials, long articles)
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Basic RC practice
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Sentence correction and para-based questions
Daily Study Time: 2–3 hours
Phase 2: Skill Building & Practice (Day 71 to Day 140)
Goal: Application of concepts and speed improvement
What to Focus On
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Topic-wise practice questions
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Strengthening weak areas
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Introduction to mock tests
Key Actions
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Start sectional tests
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Solve previous year CAT questions
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Take 1 mock test every 10–14 days
Daily Study Time: 3–4 hours
Phase 3: Mock Test Domination (Day 141 to Day 200)
Goal: Percentile improvement and strategy finalization
This is the most crucial phase of CAT preparation.
What to Focus On
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Full-length mock tests
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Detailed mock analysis
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Improving question selection
Mock Strategy
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1 mock per week initially
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Increase to 2 mocks per week later
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Maintain an error log
Focus on:
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Accuracy over attempts
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Time allocation per section
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Identifying easy and medium questions quickly
Phase 4: Revision & Final Strategy (Day 201 to Day 230)
Goal: Stability, confidence, and exam readiness
What to Focus On
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Revision of formulas and notes
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Light practice of strong areas
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Mental conditioning and stress control
What to Avoid
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Learning new topics
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Changing strategies frequently
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Over-analyzing mock scores
This phase is about fine-tuning, not experimenting.
Section-Wise Strategy for CAT 2026
VARC Strategy
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Read daily without fail
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Practice RCs consistently
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Focus on accuracy and option elimination
VARC can significantly boost overall percentile.
DILR Strategy
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Practice complete sets, not individual questions
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Learn to leave difficult sets early
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Aim to solve 1–2 sets correctly in the exam
DILR is unpredictable but manageable with practice.
QA Strategy
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Prioritize arithmetic (highest weightage)
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Strengthen algebra basics
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Focus on accuracy, not speed initially
Importance of Mock Test Analysis
Mock tests are only useful if analyzed properly.
After every mock:
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Identify wrong attempts and reasons
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Track time spent per question
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Note strong and weak topics
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Modify your approach accordingly
Aspirants who crack CAT usually spend more time analyzing mocks than attempting them.
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Profile Building Alongside CAT Preparation
While preparing for CAT, also work on:
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Academic consistency
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Relevant internships or work experience
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Certifications or skill courses
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Extra-curricular or leadership activities
This becomes crucial during GD-PI shortlisting and final selection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a 230-Day CAT Plan
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Delaying mock tests
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Ignoring weak sections completely
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Using too many study resources
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Studying without a timetable
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Panicking due to low initial mock scores
Final Conclusion
With 230 days in hand, CAT 2026 preparation becomes a structured and achievable journey rather than a stressful race. A phased approach focusing on concepts, practice, mocks, and revision can help aspirants score high percentiles and secure calls from top IIMs and elite MBA colleges.
For aspirants associated with CatKing, disciplined execution of this plan along with regular mock analysis and mentorship can significantly improve final outcomes.
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