CAT Preparation 2024: Section-Wise Tips, Strategy, Road Map

CAT preparation 2024 needs around 6 months to complete the syllabus and obtain the desired marks. However, candidates can aim for a 3-month or 2-month CAT exam preparation strategy. There are 3 sections in the CAT syllabus, i.e., Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).

A sound CAT exam preparation plan includes not only finishing the syllabus but also revising it and testing that by solving previous years' papers and mock tests. Candidates need at least to study 10+ hours if they want to follow CAT preparation in 3 3-month plan. If candidates have only a month left to their final CAT 2024 exam, they must put in 14 hours to complete the syllabus.

CAT Section Wise Preparation Tips

CAT preparation 2024 includes covering every topic under verbal ability and logical reasoning, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. The section-wise tips are provided below for the candidates.

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

VARC is divided into verbal ability and reading comprehension. The CAT preparation tips for both sections of VARC are provided below.

CAT Preparation for Verbal Ability

CAT exam preparation tips for verbal ability are provided below for the applicants.

• Vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension are the three components of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) element of the CAT exam.
• Vocabulary-based questions focused on vocabulary include Sentence Completion, Cloze Tests, Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spelling, Odd Words, and Often Confused Words.
• Candidates need vocabulary knowledge, reading proficiency, and critical thinking abilities to answer these problems. 
• Understanding the situations in which a word can be used is a crucial component of vocabulary knowledge. It will become simple as candidates begin comprehending a word's usage in its context.

CAT Reading Comprehension Preparation

CAT exam preparation tips for reading comprehension are provided below for the applicants.

• Candidates must develop a habit of reading slowly. By doing so, one might overcome reading comprehension. 
• Candidates must start reading newspapers, blogs, and fiction books. Aim for a reading speed of no less than 300 words per minute, depending on the text's level. Also, read widely. Pick subjects to read about that are outside the comfort zone.

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

CAT Syllabus 2024

CAT VARC Syllabus

CAT preparation for VARC must be done as per the syllabus for the same. The CAT VARC Syllabus 2024 is provided below for the candidates.

CAT Verbal Ability Syllabus

VARC Topics	VARC Topics	VARC Topics
Fill in the blanks	Para completion and inference	Verbal logic
Verbal reasoning	Subject-verb agreement	Para jumbles
Sentence completion	Foreign language words used in English	Different usage of the same word
Grammar	Reading comprehension	Idioms
Syllogisms	Analogies	Antonyms
Jumbled paragraphs	Sentence correction	One word substitution
Parts of speech	Preposition	Types of clauses
Phrases modifiers	Errors in tenses	Articles usage

CAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus

Topics	Subtopics
Current Affairs	CAA, Covid 19 Pandemic, the Clean India Project, Issues affecting social life, Foreign Relations, Governance policies, and schemes such as Triple Talaq, Migration of citizens from one country to another and Worldwide intolerance
Business and Economics	Global Economic Change, Environmental Economic Growth, Indian Demonetization Effect and Government Waste Expenditure
Literature	Passages from various books of English literature, Essays written by great philosophers and thinkers, and different speeches of great personalities like Aristotle, Charles Dickens, Martin Luther King, and more.
Science and Culture	Transition into the modern world and Disappearing society with technological advancement
Abstract Topics and Fiction	Due to their opinion-based nature, such passages make candidates think a lot and put themselves in the author's shoes before addressing the questions
Historical Events	Events leading to social changes such as the French Revolution and the War of Roses, and Social changes in Indian Culture and thoughts expressed by various activists are still of great relevance
Mythology	Such passages seek to connect mythological events with the actual social system.

Attempt: Free CAT Mock Tests 2024

Important Topics for VARC

Important topics related to VARC for CAT preparation are tabulated below.

Topic Name	Explanation	Expected No. of Questions
Jumbled Paragraphs	5 jumbled sentences are to be arranged in the right order	3 - 4
Summary/Inference of Short Paragraphs	Small paragraphs of 4-5 sentences are followed by 4 answer options	3 - 4
Picking the Odd Sentence in a Jumbled Paragraph	5 jumbled sentences from which one odd sentence is to be picked out	3

VARC Books

Candidates must always refer to the right CAT exam preparation books for VARC. CAT preparation books for VARC are tabulated below for the candidates.

VARC Books for CAT	Author Name/Publisher
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback	Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT	Sharma and Upadhyay
PSC for VA for CAT	Nishit Sinha
High School English Grammar & Composition	Wren & Martin

CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

CAT preparation tips for both sections of DILR are provided below.

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning carry nearly the same weight as the other two components of the CAT exam. This portion of CAT 2024 was moderately time-consuming. 
• It is hard because CAT DILR is not mathematics and has no formula. It is logic-based and involves some addition and subtraction. It is, therefore, a talent to be learned rather than a piece of information to be recalled.
• Don't use the calculator; instead, rely on the head to deepen the grasp of DILR. Mastery of the one-to-twenty tables, proficiency with fractions (from 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 to 1/20), fundamental computation, etc.
• Practice is the key to mastering the CAT's DILR part; the more candidates practise, the faster candidates improve their accuracy.

Also Read: 

• CAT Exam Analysis 2023 (Slot 1, 2 and 3)
• CAT Answer Key 2023
• CAT 2023 Question Paper
• How to Crack CAT Exam 2024
• What is A Good CAT Score 2024
• Is CAT Exam Tough?
• How to Crack CAT Exam?

CAT DILR Syllabus

CAT preparation for DILR must be done as per the syllabus for the same. The CAT DI and LR Syllabus is provided below for the candidates.

DILR Syllabus	DILR Syllabus	DILR Syllabus
Tables	Caselets	Logical Sequence
Bar Graphs	Line Charts	Syllogism
Column Graphs	Venn Diagrams	Logical Connectives
Pie Charts	Calendars	Blood Relations
Number and Letter Series	Clocks	Binary Logic
Cubes	Seating Arrangement	Logical Matching

DILR Books for CAT Exam

Candidates must always refer to the right CAT exam preparation books for DILR. CAT preparation books for DILR are tabulated below for the candidates.

DILR Books for CAT	Author Name/Publisher
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	Gautam Puri
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashisha
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

CAT preparation tips for the QA are provided below.

• Arithmetic, algebra, advanced mathematics, and geometry are all included in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude part, which makes up one-third of the exam's questions. 
• Being thorough with every chapter is the only way to earn high marks in this part. Recall the basics and theories. 
• Take on the QA section of the CAT by attempting a range of example questions. 
• Calculations may be necessary for this section. Use the brain to calculate; it will take less time than a calculator.

CAT QA Syllabus

CAT preparation for QA must be done as per the syllabus for the same. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus is provided below for the candidates.

QA Syllabus	QA Syllabus	QA Syllabus
Number Systems	HCF & LCM	Profit, Loss and Discount
Speed, Time & Distance	Percentages	Simple and Compound Interest
Averages	Ratio & Proportion	Time & Work
Linear Equations	Quadratic Equations	Complex Numbers
Logarithm	Sequence and Series	Inequalities
Surds & Indices	Probability	Permutation and Combination
Set Theory & Function	Coordinate Geometry	Geometry
Mixtures and Alligations	Mensuration	Trigonometry

QA Books for CAT Exam

Candidates must always refer to the right CAT exam preparation books for QA. CAT preparation books for QA are tabulated below for the candidates.

QA Books for CAT	Author Name/Publisher
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10)	NCERT
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	Abhijit Guha
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Nishit Sinha

CAT 2024 Preparation General Points

CAT Preparation 2024 is all about consistency and being systemic in one's approach. Some of the essential points related to CAT preparation are provided below.

1. Understand the CAT Exam Pattern

Candidates must understand the CAT exam pattern before making a preparation plan. CAT is an online CBT-based exam with 66 questions of MCQ and subjective type. The entire paper needs to be finished in 2 hours. The three sections of CAT are

• Quantitative Aptitude
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

2. Understand the CAT Syllabus

It is essential to know what to study, but it is far more important to know what not to study in the CAT exam 2024. Therefore, candidates need to know the topics for their CAT preparation 2024.

3. Focus on all CAT Sections

The CAT exam 2024 has three sections which are Quantitative aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability and reading comprehension. Therefore, students must focus on each section for the CAT exam. 

• CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 
• CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus 
• CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 

4. Time Management is Important 

Time management is important in the CAT exam. As already stated, there are three sections, and each has 40 minute sectional-time limit, time management is essential.

Candidates can improve their time management skills by regularly practising mock and previous year papers CAT. This will help them in their CAT preparation 2024.

5. Clear Your Concepts

Candidates must always start their CAT preparation from scratch. This will help the candidates to gain chapter-wise concepts and knowledge. The most important thing that candidates should work on during their CAT preparation is conceptual clarity.

6. Practice

Applicants must do rigorous practice to know the types of questions they may face in the final CAT exam. A SWOT analysis is a must for each section during CAT Preparation. Candidates must also regularly practice CAT mock tests to identify their mistakes and improve accordingly.

Also Read:

• Best Time for CAT Exam Preparation
• How to Prepare for CAT 2024 Exam in 3 Months

CAT Preparation Road Map

Applicants should create a CAT study plan and road map to prepare effectively. The road map for CAT preparation will help them consistently prepare for all the exam sections and important topics. The study roadmap should include the following:

• Make weekly study hours
• Check weekly progress
• Adjust for the non-negotiables aspects
• Think yourself
• Divide study time for every chapter

CAT Preparation 2 Months Study Plan

CAT preparation plan in 2 months is discussed below in a section-wise manner for the candidates.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

Topic	No. of days
Reading Comprehension	4
Para Summary	1-2
Para Jumbles and Odd sentences out	1-2

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

LR Topics	No. of days
Arrangements (Linear, Circular, etc.)	2
Puzzles (Einstein puzzles, constraint-based etc.)	2
Networks, Games and tournaments, Scheduling, LR based on picking coins	5
Blood relations, family tree, Truth-liar concept	2
Others (Cubes, 2D Space LR, etc.)	1-2
DI Topics	No. of days
Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Unconventional charts & Tables (radar chart, bubble chart etc.)	4
Venn Diagrams	2
Others (DI Based on growth over the years, Data Sufficiency, Caselets, etc.)	2

Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

Topic	Number of days
Number Systems	2
Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Averages, Alligation, Profit Loss and Discount, Simple Interest and Compound Interest	7-8
Time, Speed and Distance, Time & Work	2
Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Inequalities	3-4
Logarithms, Functions	1
Progressions and series, Surds and indices	1
Geometry & Mensuration, Co-ordinate Geometry	7-8
Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory	2
Miscellaneous	1

CAT Preparation 2024: 3 Months Study Plan

Candidates can do the CAT preparation in 3 months. They must have a sound week-by-week plan for the same. The CAT preparation in the 3-month plan is discussed below for the candidates.

Week	Morning Session	Evening Session AM	Night Session 8 PM
Week 1	Square Cubes Numbers	DI Line Graph Analogy & classify	Synonyms & Antonyms RC
Week 2	Sequence series HCF & LCM	Time Ranking test Arguments & SW	Synonyms & Antonyms RC
Week 3	Percentages Profit loss	Di bar graph Cube dices	Subject and Verb Para Jumble
Week 4	GeometryInterest	Input outputs inferences	Subject and Verb Para Jumble
Week 5	Simplification Chain rule	Datastuff Series & alpha	Prepositions Cloze test
Week 6	Time & work Mensuration	Problem-Solving Assumptions	Prepositions Cloze test
Week 7	Ratios & proportions Distance & Speed	DI pie chart Coding & symbols	One word Subs. RC
Week 8	Mixtures & Avg Logarithms	Syllogisms Conclusions	One word Subs. RC
Week 9	Surds indices Problem on ages	DI table charts Blood relation	Tenses Fill in the blanks
Week 10	Linear Eqs Quadratic Eqs	Decision making Courses of action	Tenses Fill in the blanks
Week 11	Rational Expansions Clock calendar	Data comparison Direction sense	Parallelism Passage Comp
Week 12	PnC Probability	Sitting arrangement Cause effect	Parallelism Passage Comp

CAT Exam Preparation 5 Months Study Plan

Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing for the CAT 2024 exam in 150 days, including where to start and what to study.

Studying for the CAT in Jul, Aug, and Sep

Spend a minimum of 450 hours during Jul, Aug, and part of Sep, solidifying the understanding of the CAT syllabus' contents and gaining complete understanding by answering practice questions on each idea. This will enable candidates to review the fundamentals and see where candidates still need to study certain ideas.

CAT Preparation 2024: VARC Plan

Put equal emphasis on verbal and reading comprehension skills. In 120 hours, candidates can effectively prepare for the VARC portion by doing the following.

VARC Topics	Duration
Verbal Ability (Vocabulary)/ Grammar	15 min per day
Reading Comprehension	30 min per day
Total Hours for VA and RC practice	75 hours
Classes (10)	20 hours
Practice on Topic Tests (100 Tests)	25 hours
Total for Next 100 days	120 hours

CAT Preparation 2024: DILR Plan

The DILR section is considered one of the toughest sections in the CAT exam. This section is all about Tables, Graphs, Charts, and Series.

DILR	Duration
Total Classes candidates need (10-15)	30 hours
Revision of Classes candidates will need	30 hours
Daily Practice of DI and LR sets (30 minutes per day)	50 hours
Practice on Topic Tests (50 Tests)	20 hours
Total for Next 100 days	130 hours

Candidates must be thorough on Tables up to 20, Square, Square Roots, Cube, Cube Roots, and other mathematical values for a time-efficient calculation.

Topics & Problems on Data Interpretation	Topics & Problems on Logical Reasoning
Tables – Calculation based	Arrangements - Linear
Tables – non-Calculation	Arrangements – Circular
Bar Charts	Grouping and Distribution
Pie Charts	Selection
Line Graphs	Networks and Routes
Spider Graphs	Venn Diagrams
Triangle Graphs	Binary Logic
Scatter Diagrams	Cubes
Caselets	Games and Tournaments
Miscellaneous	Other Puzzles

CAT Preparation 2024: QA Plan

In the Quantitative Aptitude section, candidates must focus mainly on conceptual clarity and practice.

Quantitative Aptitude	Duration
QA Classes on different topics (30)	30 hours
Revision of Classes & Exercises	90 hours
Practice on Topic Tests (100 tests)	30 hours
Total for Next 120 days	180 hours

Candidates are advised to focus on enhancing their basics of Mathematics. Try to develop and practice mental calculation, as it will help save time.

QA Topics	Time to devote for Preparation
Arithmetic	Jul & Part of Aug 2024
Algebra & Numbers	Aug 2024
Geometry & Mensuration, Revision of Arithmetic	Sep 2024
Revision of Algebra & Numbers	Oct 2024
Focus on Revision, Practice	Nov 2024

CAT Preparation Plan for 5 Months: Overall

CAT preparation section wise with time frame and duration is allotted for the candidates to refer to below.

Sections	Jul 2024	Aug 2024	Sep 2024	Oct 2024	Nov 2024
QA	Arithmetic	Algebra Numbers	G&M, others, Revision of Arithmetic	Revision of Algebra, Nos	All Revision
DI	Tables, Bars, Caselets, Pie, Charts, Line Speed Math	Spider, Scatter, Missing Numbers, Caselets	Revision	Revision	Revision
LR	Arrangements, Distribution	G&T, VennD, Selection, Networks	Other Puzzles, Caselets, Cubes Revision	Revision	Revision
VA	Vocabulary	Vocabulary	Vocabulary	Vocabulary	Vocabulary
RC	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading	Reading

CAT Topper Exam Tips and Strategy

CAT 2021 - 2020 toppers have mentioned their tips for CAT 2024 preparation and which CAT books to refer to.

CAT Toppers	CAT Topper Interviews
Chirag Gupta CAT 2021, 100 percentile	I started preparing in March. I focused mainly on giving mock tests and analyzing them. I used to work on my weaknesses by watching various CAT preparation YouTube videos on various topics.
Bir Anmol Singh CAT 2021, 99.94 percentile	I started preparing in April. I solved Arun Sharma sir's CAT books for VARC, LR, DI and Quant. I attempted as many past year CAT questions papers (timed attempt) that I could attempt on weekends.
Mohit Babu CAT 2021, 99.85 percentile	I started my preparations in April. My strategy mostly involved solving the previous years' mock papers from different coaching institutes. After that, I analysed my weak areas and then focused on improving them.
Vinayak Prabhu CAT 2021, 99.82 percentile	If candidates are dedicated, self-motivated and can stick to sincere practice, candidates don't need any coaching. But coaching will give candidates a competitive edge because they will share their years of experience, which candidates can't have on the own.
Mayank Kapoor CAT 2021, 99.69 percentile	A coaching institute gives candidates a routine, which is a big factor. Most of us have other things that we are busy with, but if we have a schedule, it will nudge us to be regular with the prep.
Sagar Sengar CAT 2021, 99.48 percentile	I started preparing around the end of June this year and went into full-throttle mode by the end of August. My overall strategy was to complete the theory and practice different problems across all the sections.
Vinay Kotwal CAT 2021, 99.40 percentile	Being from a mathematics background, I had a hold over the Quant section. I mainly focused on the VARC section. I referred to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. I also used to read the newspaper daily to improve my English.
Ved Vineet CAT 2021, 99.40 percentile	Along with the CAT preparation, I have limited time on weekdays. I devoted two hours on all the weekdays. However, I had to stretch during the weekends; thus, 4-5 hours of preparation helped me score well.
Sareen Shah CAT 2021, 99.35 percentile	I knew that Quant and DILR was my strong point. Had to attempt the most there. VARC was unpredictable and hence focused majorly on RCs rather than other questions.
Shreshth KhareCAT 2021, 99.28 percentile	I began preparing in August. I joined the All India Test series offered by TIME and IMS. My strategy was to take the mock in the designated window and analyse it thoroughly.
Kshitiz Singhal CAT 2020, 99.99 percentile	My suggestion for the aspirants is to work on the fundamentals, speed and accuracy.
Ekansh Agarwal CAT 2020, 99.98 percentile	I would say that mock tests are the most important part of CAT preparation. Attempt as many mock tests as possible.
Naval Mittal CAT 2020, 99.97 percentile	Solve as many types of questions candidates can from each section. Secondly, focus on the accuracy.
Swarnadeep Ghosh CAT 2020, 99.92 percentile	Attempt all kinds of mock tests, difficult and easy. Maximize the strengths and do not stress about the weaker areas.
Sabyasachi Mishra CAT 2020, 99.90 percentile	Focus more on concepts than mock tests. I would say that mocks do not matter much. What candidates learn from the mock tests is what matters.
Ravi Prinshu CAT 2020, 99.78 percentile	Be self-disciplined, take mock tests regularly and decide the preparation strategy by identifying the strengths and weaknesses.
Aruneet Dutta CAT 2020, 99.52 percentile	Candidates have to decide their own preparation and test-taking strategy through trial and error method. candidates are the best person to decide which preparation method works best for you.
Deepanshu Arora CAT 2020, 99.49 percentile	Take as many mock tests as possible and analyze the performance. This would improve the exposure to the various question types.
Gahana Agarwal CAT 2020, 99.30 percentile	It is necessary to keep yourself motivated by any means possible through the entire preparation phase and not to let mock scores and percentiles affect the mindset.
Arijit Kumar CAT 2020, 99.10 percentile	Work on the strengths. Refer to the CAT preparation books like Arun Sharma and take ample mock tests and practice various question types.

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is highly competitive and difficult to crack due to its exam pattern and marking scheme. Candidates should understand the exam pattern to begin with CAT preparation. CAT exam pattern 2024 has been mentioned below.

Elements	Details
Duration of the CAT Exam	2 Hours (120 Minutes)
Name of the CAT Section	Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Section-wise Duration	40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA). 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section.
Slot-wise Session	Slot 1: 8:30 am - 10:30 am (Morning Session) Slot 2: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) Slot 3: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session)
Number of Questions	66 Questions
CAT Exam Total Marks	198 marks
Mode of the CAT 2024 exam	Computer-Based Mode (CBT)
CAT Marking Scheme	For every right answer, +3 will be awarded For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted No negative marks for Non-MCQs