Cracking the CAT exam in just 4 months might seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, structured study plan, and relentless practice, it is absolutely achievable. Whether you’re starting late or looking to revamp your strategy, Planet E’s expert-designed 4-month CAT preparation plan will help you maximize your potential.
In this blog, we will cover:
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A 4-month CAT preparation timeline
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Section-wise strategies for VARC, DILR, and QA
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Daily, weekly, and monthly goals
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Mock test and revision plan
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Common mistakes and how to avoid them
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Why choose Planet E for CAT coaching
CAT 2025 Exam: Quick Overview
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
Conducting Body | IIM Calcutta (Expected) |
Exam Date (Tentative) | 24 November 2025 |
Duration | 2 hours |
Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
Mode | Online (Computer-based Test) |
Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
Is 4 Months Enough for CAT Preparation?
Yes — if you can commit 3 to 5 hours daily, follow a structured plan, and regularly take mock tests. Many 99 percentilers began late but compensated with smart strategy and practice.
4-Month CAT Preparation Plan: Month-by-Month Breakdown
🔹 Month 1: Foundation & Diagnostic Phase (June–July)
Goals:
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Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
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Take a diagnostic test to assess your level
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Build basics in all three sections
Weekly Tasks:
Week | Focus |
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1 | Diagnostic test + Analyze strengths and weaknesses |
2 | Basics of Arithmetic + Reading habit + LR puzzles |
3 | Algebra + Grammar rules + DI tables & bar graphs |
4 | Number systems + RC strategies + Set theory in LR |
Tips:
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Read editorials daily (The Hindu, Mint, Economist)
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Solve 2 RCs and 3 LR sets every alternate day
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Use Planet E’s foundational video lessons
🔹 Month 2: Practice & Reinforcement Phase (August)
Goals:
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Strengthen fundamentals
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Start with topic-wise and sectional tests
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Improve reading speed and comprehension
Weekly Tasks:
Week | Focus |
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1 | QA: Geometry & Mensuration + RCs on philosophy, science |
2 | DILR: Puzzle sets + CAT-level DI |
3 | QA: Algebra advanced + Time-Speed-Distance |
4 | VARC: Para-summary + Odd sentence out + Fill in the blanks |
Mock Test Strategy:
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Take 1 full mock per week
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Analyze each mock in detail using Planet E’s scorecard tracker
🔹 Month 3: Advanced Application Phase (September)
Goals:
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Focus on accuracy and speed
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Learn advanced concepts and shortcuts
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Attempt topic-wise and sectional mocks regularly
Weekly Tasks:
Week | Focus |
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1 | DILR: Graphs, Venn Diagrams, Distribution sets |
2 | VARC: RCs + Critical reasoning + Vocabulary practice |
3 | QA: Time & Work + Logs + P&C |
4 | Mix topic sectional tests from all 3 sections |
Tips:
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Focus on solving questions in time-bound manner
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Maintain an error log of mistakes
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Revise weak areas every weekend
🔹 Month 4: Full-Length Mocks + Revision Phase (October–November)
Goals:
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Master time management
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Fine-tune your test strategy
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Stay mentally and physically healthy
Daily Plan:
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1 mock every alternate day
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2–3 hours of analysis per mock
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Revise key formulas, concepts, and past error logs
Tips:
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Attempt mocks in real exam slot (morning/afternoon/evening)
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Do not learn new topics now — focus on consolidation
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Work on stamina and decision-making during tests
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy
✅ Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Subtopics | Tips |
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Reading Comprehension | Read 2 long + 1 short RC daily |
Para Jumbles | Practice 10 Qs every 2 days |
Summary Questions | Use elimination technique |
Vocabulary | Use context to learn words |
Tools:
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Planet E’s RC Library (500+ RCs)
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Timer-based VA quizzes
✅ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Subtopics | Tips |
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Tables & Charts | Practice 1 DI set daily |
Logical Puzzles | Solve 2 new puzzle sets daily |
Caselets & Games | Use visualization and table format |
Venn Diagrams | Practice CAT-style mixed sets |
Tools:
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Planet E DILR workbooks (Downloadable PDFs)
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Sectional tests with percentile predictors
✅ Quantitative Ability (QA)
Subtopics | Tips |
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Arithmetic | Master concepts + shortcuts |
Algebra | Focus on equations, functions |
Number Systems | Practice CAT-level questions |
Geometry | Know key theorems + diagrams |
Formula Sheet:
Create a one-pager of all formulas and revise it daily in the final month.
Mock Test Strategy: From 0 to 99 Percentile
Phase | No. of Mocks | Key Focus |
---|---|---|
Month 1 | 1-2 | Diagnostic + pattern awareness |
Month 2 | 4-5 | Sectional mocks + timing |
Month 3 | 6-8 | Strategy building |
Month 4 | 10+ | Final polishing & accuracy |
Planet E Mock Features:
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National percentile ranking
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Time vs accuracy analysis
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Personal feedback from faculty
Time Management Tips for Working Professionals or College Students
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Morning slot: 1 hour QA or VARC before classes/office
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Evening slot: 1.5–2 hours after work for DILR + mock analysis
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Weekend: 1 full-length mock + revision
📝 Use Google Calendar or Planet E’s Weekly Tracker Sheets to stay consistent.
Common Mistakes in CAT Prep (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake | Solution |
---|---|
Ignoring mock test analysis | Always spend 2x time in analysis |
Random topic selection | Follow a planned structure |
Studying too many sources | Stick to 1–2 quality materials |
Delaying DILR prep | Practice DILR daily |
Focusing only on strong sections | Balance all three equally |
Why Choose Planet E for Your CAT 2025 Preparation?
✅ Expert mentors with 99+ percentiles
✅ Personalized doubt-solving
✅ CAT-level mock tests with national ranking
✅ Updated study material, PDFs, and daily assignments
✅ Online + Offline hybrid model (Mumbai + India-wide)
📞 Book a Free Demo Class or
📥 Download the 4-Month CAT Study Plan PDF from Planet E
Download: 4-Month CAT Study Plan [PDF]
Get your personalized, printable version of the 4-month CAT 2025 study plan — with day-wise targets, mock schedule, revision checklist, and formula sheets.
👉 Download How_to_Prepare_for_CAT_in_4_Months_Planet_E – PDF
Final Thoughts: Can You Crack CAT in 4 Months?
Absolutely! Thousands of CAT toppers have proven that with the right discipline, mock test strategy, and guidance, cracking CAT in 4 months is possible. The key lies in:
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Consistent daily efforts
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Regular mock tests and deep analysis
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Balancing all three sections effectively
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Choosing a reliable mentor like Planet E
FAQs on 4-Month CAT Prep
Q1. Is 4 months enough to crack CAT 2025 with 99 percentile?
Yes, with smart planning, daily practice, and mock tests, you can reach 99 percentile.
Q2. How many hours a day should I study for CAT?
Minimum 3–4 hours. Working professionals should aim for 2 hours daily + weekends.
Q3. Can I skip any section if I am weak in it?
No. All sections contribute equally to your percentile. Work on your weak areas.
Q4. How many mock tests are enough in 4 months?
At least 15–20 full mocks and 25–30 sectional tests.
Q5. Does Planet E provide personalized mentorship?
Yes. Every CAT aspirant gets mentorship calls and feedback sessions.
Join Planet E Family
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Address: 104, 1st Floor, Civic Centre, MMGS Marg, Dasturwadi, Opp. Sunshine Plaza, Near Kailash Lassiwala, Dadar East, Mumbai 400014
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