Plan Overview
This meticulously crafted 3-month preparation plan is designed to help you systematically master the CAT Quantitative Ability section. Following this schedule diligently will build your conceptual foundation, develop problem-solving skills, and optimize your test-taking strategy to achieve a 99th percentile score.
The plan is structured to cover all topics progressively - starting with foundational concepts, moving to advanced applications, and concluding with intensive practice and test strategy. Each month has specific goals to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Month 1: Building Strong Foundations
The first month focuses on establishing solid conceptual understanding across all major quantitative topics. You'll build a strong mathematical foundation that will serve as the base for more complex problem-solving in later months.
- Complete comprehensive syllabus analysis and create your personalized study calendar
- Take diagnostic test to identify your strengths and improvement areas
- Master Number Systems (Divisibility rules, Factors, LCM, HCF)
- Focus on Basic Arithmetic concepts (Percentages, Profit & Loss)
- Study Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion with applications
- Linear & Quadratic Equations with extensive practice (25+ problems daily)
- Functions, Inequalities, and Absolute Values with applications
- Triangle properties, Circles, Polygons with conceptual understanding
- Coordinate Geometry fundamentals and applications
- Complete a sectional mock test to assess your progress
- Permutations & Combinations core concepts with 15+ practice problems daily
- Probability fundamentals progressing to advanced applications (20+ problems)
- Set Theory principles and Venn diagram applications
- Progressions (AP, GP, HP) and Series problem-solving techniques
- Weekly assessment and comprehensive review session
- Time-Speed-Distance (Train problems, Relative speed, Boat & Stream)
- Time & Work (Pipes & Cisterns, Efficiency calculations)
- Mixtures & Alligations with practical business applications
- Practice integrated problems combining multiple concepts
- Month-end comprehensive evaluation and performance analysis
📝 Detailed Daily Schedule (Month 1)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00-7:30 AM | Learn new concepts using study materials and video lectures |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Solve 10-15 basic problems related to the day's concept |
| 6:00-7:30 PM | Tackle 10-12 moderate difficulty problems with timed practice |
| 8:00-8:30 PM | Revision of previous topics (spaced repetition method) |
| 8:30-9:00 PM | Formula and shortcut revision with flashcards |
Month 2: Practice & Weak Area Improvement
The second month focuses on intensive practice, targeting your weak areas, and developing advanced problem-solving skills. You'll begin taking regular mock tests to build test-taking stamina and strategy.
- Advanced triangle properties (Incenters, Orthocenters, Nine-point circle)
- Circle theorems and properties with CAT-specific applications
- Mensuration formulas and shortcuts (3D objects, combined shapes)
- Coordinate Geometry advanced applications and problem types
- Weekly assessment with detailed error analysis
- Functions, complex equations, and inequality applications
- Logarithms, exponentials, and specialized functions
- Advanced P&C and Probability (conditional probability, Bayes theorem)
- Set Theory complex problems with advanced Venn diagrams
- Weekly assessment focusing on difficult questions
- Number theory (Remainders, Cyclicity, Fermat's theorems)
- Clocks, Calendars, and pattern recognition techniques
- Combinational problems requiring multi-concept applications
- Data Sufficiency questions with strategic approach
- Weekly assessment with pattern recognition in errors
- Timed sectional test 1 with comprehensive analysis
- Focused practice on identified weak areas from test 1
- Timed sectional test 2 with different question patterns
- Strategic improvement based on error analysis from test 2
- Month-end evaluation and performance benchmarking
📝 Detailed Daily Schedule (Month 2)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Quick revision of concepts for the day's practice |
| 7:00-8:30 AM | Solve 15-20 moderate to difficult problems with timing |
| 6:00-7:30 PM | Timed practice sessions in 45-minute blocks |
| 7:30-8:30 PM | Error analysis and weak area focused improvement |
| 8:30-9:00 PM | Formula revision and shortcut technique practice |
| Weekend | 2-hour sectional tests followed by 2-hour detailed analysis |
Month 3: Fine-tuning & Test Strategy
The final month is dedicated to perfecting your test-taking strategy, speed optimization, and comprehensive revision. Focus shifts to full-length mock tests, error analysis, and refinement of your approach.
- Speed mathematics techniques and mental calculation practice
- Approximation methods and estimation strategies for complex problems
- Timed practice focusing on accuracy with speed
- Detailed error pattern analysis and corrective measures
- Full-length mock CAT test under exam conditions
- Comprehensive mock test analysis and targeted improvement
- Speed enhancement techniques for identified weak areas
- Full-length mock test with different question pattern
- Strategic adjustments based on performance analysis
- Practice specifically targeting error-prone questions
- Arithmetic and Number Systems final comprehensive review
- Algebra and Modern Math consolidated revision
- Geometry and Mensuration final review with advanced problems
- Full-length mock test under exact exam-like conditions
- Question selection strategy finalization based on strengths
- Mock test analysis and personalized exam strategy development
- High-yield topics intensive revision (topics with maximum questions)
- Previous years' question pattern deep analysis
- Final revision of formulas, shortcuts and quick-solve techniques
- Rest, mental preparation and light revision before exam day
📝 Detailed Daily Schedule (Month 3)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Quick warm-up with moderate problems to build momentum |
| 7:00-9:00 AM | Mock tests (alternate days) or targeted practice sessions |
| 5:00-6:00 PM | Thorough error analysis and correction techniques |
| 6:00-7:30 PM | Focused weak area improvement with specialized practice |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Formula revision and test strategy refinement |
| Weekend | Full-length mock tests with comprehensive performance analysis |
Topic-wise Detailed Strategy
Understanding the weightage and importance of each topic is crucial for efficient preparation. Below is a detailed strategic approach for each major quantitative area tested in CAT.
1. Number Systems
2. Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
1. Equations & Inequalities
2. Functions & Graphs
1. Triangles & Circles
2. Coordinate Geometry
1. Permutation & Combination
2. Probability
Pro Tips for 99th Percentile Success
Prioritize easy and moderate questions first to maximize attempts and build confidence. Skip lengthy calculation-heavy questions initially and return to them if time permits. Use the 30-second rule - if you can't solve a problem within 30 seconds of reading, mark it for review and move on. Target 70% accuracy with optimal attempts rather than 100% completion.
Take at least 20 sectional tests and 10 full-length tests under timed conditions. After each test, spend double the test time analyzing your performance - categorize questions by type, difficulty, and time spent. Track improvement metrics using a spreadsheet to visualize your progress across topics and question types.
Maintain a detailed error log categorized by mistake type (conceptual, calculation, careless). For each error, document the correct approach and create a prevention strategy. Review your error log weekly and practice similar questions to eliminate recurring mistakes. This transforms weaknesses into strengths systematically.
Create a comprehensive formula sheet organized by topic with color coding. Include derivations, special cases, and quick application tips. Review formulas daily using spaced repetition (15 minutes morning, 15 minutes evening). Understand formula derivations for better retention and flexible application in novel problems.
Practice with strict timing for different question types (easy: 1 min, moderate: 2 min, hard: 3 min). Use the 1-minute assessment technique - after 1 minute, decide whether to continue or move on. Develop batch practice habits (sets of 5 questions with strict timing) to build speed and accuracy under pressure.
Dedicate 15 minutes daily to mental math practice: squares, cubes, percentages, fractions. Learn divisibility shortcuts (for 7, 11, 13 etc.) and approximation techniques. Master Vedic math tricks for multiplication and division of 2-3 digit numbers. This saves crucial seconds during the exam.
Maintain 7-8 hours of quality sleep throughout preparation for optimal cognitive function. Use the Pomodoro technique (50 min study, 10 min break) to maintain focus. Practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes daily to reduce stress and improve concentration. Stay physically active with light exercise to boost mental performance.
Recommended Resources
Selecting the right study materials is crucial for efficient preparation. Below are carefully curated resources that align perfectly with this preparation plan.
- Arun Sharma's Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (Complete guide)
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma (Practice)
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma (Advanced problems)
- NCERT Mathematics (Class 8-10 for foundational concepts)
- R.S. Aggarwal for additional practice problems
- IMS/TIME/CL Test Series (Choose at least one)
- Unacademy CAT Premium for concept videos
- BYJU's CAT Prep for adaptive learning
- 2IIM Online Course for advanced strategies
- YouTube: Rodha, MBAP, CATKing for free resources
- Official CAT previous year papers (last 10 years)
- XAT, IIFT papers for additional practice
- TestFunda mock test series
- Oliveboard CAT simulator
- Pagalguy question banks and forums
Final Preparation Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you're fully prepared as you approach your exam date. Tick each item as you complete it.
Ready to Start Your CAT Preparation Journey?
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