The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a rigorous examination, but with a well-structured and consistent approach, you can achieve your dream of joining a top B-school. This 3-year study plan, curated by Planet E, is designed to provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to CAT 2027 success, focusing on building a strong foundation, consistent practice, and strategic refinement.
Understanding the CAT Exam (Expected Pattern for CAT 2027)
While the exact pattern for CAT 2027 will be officially released closer to the exam, based on recent trends, it’s expected to remain largely consistent. Here’s a general overview:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Sections: 3, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Expected to have around 24 questions, focusing on Reading Comprehension (RC), Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, etc.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Expected to have around 20-22 questions, comprising sets on data interpretation (graphs, charts, tables) and logical reasoning (puzzles, arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms).
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Expected to have around 22 questions, covering Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math.
- Marking Scheme:
- +3 marks for each correct answer (MCQ and TITA – Type In The Answer).
- -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ.
- No negative marking for TITA questions.
Your 3-Year CAT 2027 Preparation Journey with Planet E
This plan is built on a gradual increase in intensity, allowing you to master concepts thoroughly and practice effectively without burnout.
Year 1: Foundation Building & Skill Enhancement (Approx. July 2025 – June 2026)
Goal: Strengthen fundamental concepts, build reading habits, and enhance basic logical thinking.
Focus Areas:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Core Math Concepts:
- Arithmetic: Start with a strong focus on percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportion, time & work, time, speed & distance, simple & compound interest, and averages. These are crucial and form a large portion of the QA section.
- Number System: Properties of numbers, HCF & LCM, divisibility rules, remainders, factors, and multiples.
- Algebra Basics: Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, and progressions (AP, GP, HP).
- Geometry Fundamentals: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, mensuration (area, volume).
- Planet E Approach: Enroll in Planet E’s foundation courses. Leverage their study materials and introductory classes to build rock-solid basics. Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing formulas.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Reading & Vocabulary:
- Reading Habit: Develop a consistent reading habit. Read newspapers (The Hindu, The Economic Times), editorials, magazines (The Economist, Frontline), and articles from diverse genres (philosophy, economics, science, humanities) from platforms like Aeon.com.
- Vocabulary Building: Start a dedicated vocabulary notebook. Learn 5-10 new words daily using a variety of techniques (flashcards, word roots, context). Utilize resources like Norman Lewis’s “Word Power Made Easy.”
- Basic Grammar: Revise fundamental grammar rules (parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, sentence correction).
- Planet E Approach: Participate in Planet E’s daily reading comprehension exercises and vocabulary-building drills. Attend their grammar sessions to clear any doubts.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Analytical Thinking:
- Puzzles & Arrangements: Start with simpler puzzles, seating arrangements, and blood relations.
- Basic Data Interpretation: Understand how to read and interpret various charts and graphs (bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, tables).
- Planet E Approach: Engage with Planet E’s introductory DILR sets. Focus on identifying patterns and developing a systematic approach to problem-solving. Practice at least 1-2 DILR sets daily.
Study Schedule (Year 1):
- Daily: 1-2 hours focused study.
- 30-45 mins: Reading diverse articles/editorials.
- 15-30 mins: Vocabulary building.
- Remainder: Rotate between QA, DILR, and VARC basic concepts/practice.
- Weekly:
- Review weekly progress.
- Solve topic-wise quizzes provided by Planet E.
Year 2: Concept Mastery & Sectional Practice (Approx. July 2026 – June 2027)
Goal: Deepen conceptual understanding, start timed sectional practice, and build exam-specific strategies.
Focus Areas:
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – Advanced Topics & Application:
- Advanced Algebra: Logarithms, functions, graphs, quadratic equations (in-depth).
- Advanced Geometry: Coordinate geometry, trigonometry basics.
- Modern Math: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory.
- Application: Focus on applying concepts to CAT-level problems. Understand different problem-solving approaches (e.g., option elimination, approximation).
- Planet E Approach: Progress to Planet E’s intermediate and advanced QA modules. Solve a wide range of problems from their curated question banks and practice sheets.
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – Deeper Comprehension & VA Techniques:
- Advanced Reading Comprehension: Focus on identifying the main idea, tone, inference, critical reasoning within passages. Practice different types of RC questions.
- Verbal Ability: Para jumbles (advanced techniques for sequencing), para summary (identifying the core idea), odd one out, critical reasoning.
- Speed Reading & Accuracy: Work on improving both reading speed and accuracy in comprehending complex passages.
- Planet E Approach: Utilize Planet E’s advanced RC passages and VA exercises. Participate in discussions on complex passages and strategies for different question types.
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – Complex Sets & Strategy:
- Advanced DI Sets: Caselets, multi-variable charts, mixed graphs, data sufficiency.
- Complex Logical Reasoning: Games & Tournaments, Cubes, Syllogisms, Input-Output, Decision Making.
- Set Selection: Learn the art of selecting the right DILR sets to attempt in the exam – a critical skill for DILR.
- Planet E Approach: Dive into Planet E’s challenging DILR sets. Attend their workshops on set selection and advanced logical reasoning techniques. Practice 2-3 complex DILR sets daily.
Study Schedule (Year 2):
- Daily: 2-3 hours focused study.
- 30 mins: Reading high-level articles.
- 15 mins: Vocabulary revision.
- Remaining time: Dedicated sectional practice (e.g., 1 hour QA, 1 hour DILR, 1 hour VARC, rotating focus).
- Weekly:
- Sectional Mocks: Start taking 1-2 sectional mock tests from Planet E every week.
- Analysis: Thoroughly analyze mock test performance – identify weak areas, understand mistakes, and review solutions. Maintain an error log.
- Revision of weak topics.
Year 3: Mock Tests, Analysis & Refinement (Approx. July 2027 – November 2027)
Goal: Simulate exam conditions, optimize time management, refine strategy, and maximize scores. This is the crunch year!
Focus Areas:
- Full-Length Mock Tests:
- Take a large number of full-length CAT mock tests provided by Planet E. Aim for at least 30-40 mocks in this period.
- Mimic Exam Environment: Take mocks at the same time slot as the actual CAT if possible, sitting in a quiet environment, replicating exam hall conditions.
- Mock Analysis (CRITICAL): Spend more time analyzing each mock than taking it.
- Identify questions attempted correctly, incorrectly, and unattempted.
- Analyze why mistakes were made (conceptual error, silly mistake, time pressure, incorrect strategy).
- Explore alternative ways to solve questions more efficiently.
- Planet E Approach: Planet E’s comprehensive mock test series will be your backbone. Utilize their detailed performance analysis and solutions. Attend mock analysis sessions with Planet E mentors.
- Strategic Refinement:
- Time Management: Develop a precise time allocation strategy for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Question Selection: Master the art of choosing which questions to attempt and which to skip to maximize your score within the given time.
- Accuracy vs. Speed: Find the optimal balance. Initially, prioritize accuracy, then work on increasing speed.
- Weakness Targeting:
- Revisit concepts and topics where you consistently make errors.
- Solve additional practice questions specifically for these weak areas.
- Planet E Approach: Leverage Planet E’s doubt-solving sessions and personalized mentoring to address persistent weak areas.
- Revision:
- Regularly revise all important formulas, concepts, and common error types.
- Go through your error log religiously.
- Planet E Approach: Utilize Planet E’s revision notes and quick recap sessions.
Study Schedule (Year 3):
- July – August:
- 1-2 full-length mocks per week with detailed analysis.
- Focus on strategic refinement and addressing identified weaknesses.
- Continue sectional practice for persistent problem areas.
- September – October:
- 2-3 full-length mocks per week.
- Intensive analysis of mocks.
- Daily revision of concepts and formulas.
- Focus on maintaining consistency and confidence.
- November (Leading up to CAT):
- Taper down on new learning.
- Focus on light revision of critical concepts.
- Take a few final mocks to stay in exam rhythm, but prioritize mental well-being and confidence.
- Review your error log one last time.
General Tips from Planet E for All 3 Years:
- Consistency is Key: Regular study, even for shorter durations, is more effective than sporadic long hours.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any official announcements regarding the CAT exam pattern or syllabus.
- Health & Well-being: Ensure adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Positive Mindset: CAT preparation can be challenging. Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.
- Peer Learning: Discuss concepts and problems with fellow aspirants.
- Mentor Guidance: Regularly interact with your Planet E mentors and leverage their experience and guidance. They are there to help you navigate your journey.
- Beyond CAT: Remember that CAT is just one step. Start thinking about your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and preparing for Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI) as you get closer to the exam, especially in your final year. Planet E also offers comprehensive GD/PI preparation.
By diligently following this Planet E 3-year study plan, you will build a strong foundation, refine your skills, and develop the strategic acumen needed to ace CAT 2027 and secure your admission to a top B-school! All the best.