A 10-Month CAT 2026 Preparation Roadmap (Feb to Nov)
Let me tell you how I want you to prepare — properly, calmly, and smartly. If you’re starting CAT preparation 2026, I want you to promise me one thing first.
You will not rush.
You will not compare your Day 1 with someone else’s Day 300.
CAT is not a sprint. It’s a well-paced long walk, and if you follow the process, results take care of themselves.
So let me break down exactly how I want you to prepare for CAT 2026 February to November.
Phase 1: Foundations First (Feb – April)
“Pehle strong base. Speed baad mein.”
February
This month, I want you to slow down and focus.
Start with the Arithmetic Basics
Percentage
Ratios
Averages
Time & Work
Speed, Time & Distance
Along with this, begin VARC slowly
Read daily (even 30 minutes is enough)
Don’t mug up vocabulary — understand words in context
⚠️ Important:
I don’t care how many questions you solve in Feb.
I care how many you solve correctly.
🎯 My expectation from you in Feb:
Clear concepts
Zero shortcuts
High accuracy
March
Now that your brain is active, we add some pressure — gently.
Move into Algebra
Linear equations
Quadratic equations
Inequalities
Start DILR basics
Tables
Simple bar graphs
Basic arrangements
You will feel uncomfortable here. That’s normal.
Growth always feels uncomfortable.
🎯 My expectation from you in March:
Learn how to think, not just calculate
Start timing a few questions
Don’t panic if DILR feels slow
April
This is a very important month.
Now I want you to stop thinking topic-wise and start thinking question-wise.
Practice mixed concept questions
For Example:
Speed–Time–Distance mixed with Quadratic Equations
Percentages mixed with Averages
VARC:
Reading Comprehension strategies
Para-jumbles (logic first, rules later)
DILR:
Sets with multiple conditions
🎯 My expectation from you in April:
Accuracy must improve
You should start recognising patterns
Less “trial and error”, more “planned solving”
Phase 2: Strength + Coverage (May – June)
Ab hum CAT level pe aa rahe hain.”
May
Most students fear this month. I don’t want you to.
Geometry
Lines & angles
Triangles
Circles
Modern Math
Permutation & Combination
Probability
Geometry cat questions is not about formulas — it’s about visual thinking. Once it clicks, it becomes scoring.
🎯 My expectation from you in May:
No skipping topics
Learn standard models
Still accuracy > speed
June
This is your consolidation month.
By now, you know:
What you’re good at
What scares you
Good. Now we work on it.
Revise Arithmetic & Algebra
Strengthen weak areas
DILR:
- Slightly tougher sets
VARC:
- Daily RCs — no excuses
🎯 My expectation from you in June:
No topic should feel “unknown”Confidence should slowly build
Phase 3: Speed + Smart Practice (July – August)
Ab CAT exam mode start hota hai.”
July
This is where I see a clear difference between serious students and casual ones.
Practice mixed exam-level questions
QA questions combining 2–3 concepts
Full DILR sets
Start sectional tests
Remember:
👉 CAT does NOT test topics
👉 CAT tests decision-making under pressure
🎯My expectation from you in July:
Improve speed
Learn which questions to leave
Stop chasing 100% attempts
August
Now things get real.
Regular sectionals
Deep analysis:
-Why did I get this wrong?
-Why did I waste time here?
VARC:
Selection is more important than speed
DILR:
Choosing the right set matters more than solving ability
🎯 My expectation from you in August:
Better judgment
Fewer silly mistakes
Calm mind under time pressure
Phase 4: Mocks & Reality Check (Sept – Oct)
“Mocks are mirrors, not enemies.”
September
Full-length cat mocks start here.
1–2 cat mocks per week
Detailed cat mocks analysis (mandatory)
Track:
Accuracy
Time usage
Section strategy
If your score fluctuates — relax. That’s part of the process.
🎯My expectation from you in September:
Learn from mocks
Fix patterns of mistakes
Build your own cat exam strategy
October
This is your peak phase.
2–3 cat mocks per week
Attempt order
Section-wise plan
Revise formulas & short notes
🎯My expectation from you in October:
Stable scores
Strong confidence
No last-minute syllabus panic
5. Phase Final Month (November)
“Trust yourself. You’re ready.
Light revision
Mistake notebook review
Very limited mocks
Focus on sleep & mindset
No new strategies now.
No experiments now.
🎯 My expectation from you in November:
Stay calm
Follow your plan
Walk into the exam with confidence!!!
One Last Thing (Listen Carefully)
CAT is not about solving everything.
It’s about solving the right questions correctly.
Accuracy → Speed → Strategy Always in this order.
If you follow this roadmap honestly, you won’t feel lost, confused, or late at any point.
And yes — slow start always leads to a strong finish 💪
