CHETHANA · 2026-05-29 · 3 helpful
first understand the syllabus and the threSince you're starting on 1 June 2026 and taking CAT 2027, you have about 18 months, which is a significant advantage. Most serious aspirants prepare for 6–12 months.
CAT Exam Structure
The CAT typically has three sections:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
Reading Comprehension
Para Jumbles
Para Summary
Odd One Out
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
Puzzles
Arrangements
Caselets
Graphs and Tables
QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Number System
Modern Mathematics
What You Should Do From June 2026
Daily (2–3 hours)
QA: 1–1.5 hours (Arun Sharma)
VARC: 45 minutes reading + RC practice
DILR: 30–45 minutes
First 6 Months
Focus only on:
Building concepts
Solving basic and moderate questions
Developing reading habits
Don't worry about mock scores yet.
Important Milestones
Period Focus
Jun–Dec 2026 Concepts & fundamentals
Jan–Jun 2027 Advanced practice
Jul–Sep 2027 Sectional tests + mocks
Oct–Nov 2027 Intensive mock analysis & revision
Resources
Arun Sharma (QA, DILR)
Percentile online resources
Previous CAT papers (especially 2020 onwards)
Target Percentile
With 18 months available:
Consistent preparation → 95–98 percentile is achievable.
Strong discipline, regular mocks, and thorough analysis → 99+ percentile becomes a realistic goal.
As an engineering student with interests in mathematics and problem-solving, QA may become your strength. The section that usually needs the longest-term improvement is VARC, so start daily reading from Day 1 and continue throughout the 18 months.e sections of cat, its question paper pattern
CAT Exam Structure
The CAT typically has three sections:
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
Reading Comprehension
Para Jumbles
Para Summary
Odd One Out
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
Puzzles
Arrangements
Caselets
Graphs and Tables
QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Number System
Modern Mathematics
What You Should Do From June 2026
Daily (2–3 hours)
QA: 1–1.5 hours (Arun Sharma)
VARC: 45 minutes reading + RC practice
DILR: 30–45 minutes
First 6 Months
Focus only on:
Building concepts
Solving basic and moderate questions
Developing reading habits
Don't worry about mock scores yet.
Important Milestones
Period Focus
Jun–Dec 2026 Concepts & fundamentals
Jan–Jun 2027 Advanced practice
Jul–Sep 2027 Sectional tests + mocks
Oct–Nov 2027 Intensive mock analysis & revision
Resources
Arun Sharma (QA, DILR)
Percentile online resources
Previous CAT papers (especially 2020 onwards)
Target Percentile
With 18 months available:
Consistent preparation → 95–98 percentile is achievable.
Strong discipline, regular mocks, and thorough analysis → 99+ percentile becomes a realistic goal.
As an engineering student with interests in mathematics and problem-solving, QA may become your strength. The section that usually needs the longest-term improvement is VARC, so start daily reading from Day 1 and continue throughout the 18 months.e sections of cat, its question paper pattern