CAT preparation for beginners
Start by learning what the exam is, then build three habits: reading every day, practising maths from the basics, and solving a logic or data set daily. CAT has three sections of 40 minutes each, in a fixed order, and it does not publish a syllabus. Take one mock early, even if you score low, because it shows you the paper.
Who this is for
Someone who has never prepared for CAT, or has only just decided to try.
Time needed: 8 to 12 hours a week at first, rising as you get comfortable.
Before you start, read the CAT exam pattern and the CAT syllabus so you know what the paper looks like. Each section has its own guide: VARC, DILR and Quant.
Learn the exam
Week 1
- Read the structure: VARC, DILR and QA, 40 minutes each, 120 minutes in all, and no moving between sections.
- Learn the marking. MCQs give +3 for a right answer and -1 for a wrong one. Typed-in answers (TITA) give +3 and have no negative marks.
- Take a free mock to see how the paper looks. Do not worry about the score.
Build the three habits
Weeks 2 to 8
- Reading: 30 to 45 minutes a day from articles on many subjects. Then do RC questions.
- Maths: revise school-level arithmetic and algebra before moving on to harder questions.
- Logic and data: one easy set a day. Learn to read tables and charts without panic.
Add timed practice and mocks
Weeks 9 onward
- Move from untimed to timed practice in short steps.
- Take a full mock every two weeks, then weekly.
- Write down every mistake and what caused it. This is what makes the mocks useful.
Weekly template
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Mon | Maths basics, 1.5 hours |
| Tue | Reading and RC, 1 hour |
| Wed | Logic and data set, 1 hour |
| Thu | Maths practice, 1.5 hours |
| Fri | Reading, 1 hour |
| Sat | Mixed practice, 2 hours |
| Sun | Review the week's mistakes, 1.5 hours |
Mocks
One mock in week 1 to see the paper, then one every two weeks until you have covered the basics, then weekly. After every mock, spend at least as long on analysis as on the test. For each wrong or skipped question, note whether it was a concept gap, a calculation slip, a bad choice of question, or a time problem. Then redo the question without looking at the solution.
Start with our free CAT mock test, which needs no sign-up, then put your score into the CAT percentile predictor to see where it would have landed in recent years.
Exam facts for every plan: three sections of 40 minutes in a fixed order, +3 for a right MCQ, -1 for a wrong MCQ, and no negative marks on typed-in answers.
Common questions
How to prepare for CAT for beginners?
Learn the exam structure, then build three daily habits of reading, maths practice and logic sets. Add timed practice and mocks once the basics are in place.
Does CAT have a fixed syllabus?
No. The CAT FAQ says the exam does not have a defined syllabus. In practice the three sections cover reading comprehension and verbal ability, data interpretation and logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.
How long should a beginner prepare?
Six months or more is comfortable. With less time, cover the basics and take mocks early. A fixed answer would be a guess, because starting points differ.
Take free CAT mock 1 (full length)
Other plans
- CAT preparation in 1 month
- CAT preparation in 2 months
- CAT preparation in 3 months
- CAT preparation in 6 months
- CAT preparation for working professionals
- CAT preparation without coaching
Sources
Last checked 8 Nov 2026. Found an error? Tell us and it goes on the errata page.