Preparing for the CAT exam can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. Whether you’re a college student, working professional, or full-time aspirant, having a structured daily study plan will help you stay consistent and focused.
Why Do You Need a Daily Study Plan?
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- CAT is a time-bound competitive exam.
- Consistency matters more than random long study sessions.
- A balanced plan keeps you motivated and reduces burnout.
How Many Hours Should You Study Daily?
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- Beginners: Start with 2-3 hours per day.
- Intermediate Level: Target 4-5 hours per day.
- Final 2-3 Months: Aim for 5-6 hours per day, including mock test analysis.
Sample Daily Study Plan for CAT Preparation
Here’s a daily schedule you can follow or customize based on your availability:
Morning (6 AM to 8 AM) – Focus: Reading + Vocabulary
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- Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) or business articles.
- Practice 5-10 new vocabulary words daily.
- Solve 1 Reading Comprehension passage.
- Why? Improves your reading speed, comprehension skills, and vocabulary for the VARC section.
Mid-Morning (10 AM to 12 PM) – Focus: Quantitative Aptitude
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- Learn 1-2 concepts (e.g., Percentages, Algebra).
- Solve 15-20 practice questions.
- Revise important formulas.
- Tip: Rotate topics daily – Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems.
Afternoon (2 PM to 3 PM) – Focus: Short Break / Light Revision
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- Watch concept videos or short tutorials.
- Revise yesterday’s mistakes.
- Keep it light to avoid mental fatigue.
Evening (5 PM to 7 PM) – Focus: DILR Practice
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- Solve 2-3 DI sets (graphs, tables, charts).
- Solve 2-3 LR sets (puzzles, arrangements).
- Focus on understanding patterns and improving speed.
- Tip: Time yourself while solving sets to simulate exam pressure.
Night (9 PM to 10 PM) – Focus: Mock/Sectional Test + Analysis
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- Attempt one sectional test daily from VARC, DILR, or QA.
- Spend 30 minutes analyzing your mistakes.
- Note down shortcuts, errors, and concepts to revise.
Weekly Targets
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- 5 Full-Length Mock Tests (Initially 1 per week, then 2-3).
- 1-2 Full Revision Days every week.
- Set aside one day for analyzing mock tests and taking rest.
Working Professionals: Special Daily Plan
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- Morning (1 hour): Reading + RC Practice
- Lunch Break (30 min): Solve QA problems
- Evening (2 hours): Practice DILR or take a sectional test.
- Weekends: Full-length mock tests + deep revision (4-5 hours)
Tips to Follow This Daily Plan
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- Study in fixed time slots every day.
- Track your time using a planner or app.
- Revise formulas every Sunday.
- Focus on quality practice, not quantity.
- Take short breaks every 60 to 90 minutes to stay focused and avoid tiredness.
Importance of Mock Tests in Daily Plan
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- Begin attempting sectional tests after 1 to 2 months of preparation.
- Analyze your mock tests daily or at least weekly.
- Focus on accuracy and question selection skills.
Conclusion
A daily study plan will help you stay consistent and productive during your CAT preparation. Focus on all three sections equally and keep improving step by step. Remember: even 2-3 productive hours daily can give great results if used wisely.
Stick to your plan, stay positive, and success will follow.
All the best for CAT 2025!