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    CAT 2025 Prep Calendar: 6 Months to Crack CAT and Land INR 30+ LPA Job at Amex, Meta, McKinsey, Google

    CAT 2025 Prep Calendar: 6 Months to Crack CAT and Land INR 30+ LPA Job at Amex, Meta, McKinsey, Google

    Komal MiglaniUpdated on 19 Jun 2025, 11:54 AM IST

    Starting from June, there will be a six-month preparation time at stake for the candidates who are preparing for the most prestigious Common Admission Test (CAT) examination. The impeccable placements offered by the various Multinational Corporations or MNCs are one of the major factors influencing thousands of aspiring candidates to sign up for the CAT examination. Reviewing the placement statistics of various IIMs, the average salary offered to candidates has consistently been greater than ₹ 20 Lakhs, which is considered excellent for those just starting their careers. One of the major questions asked by the candidates is, ‘Can I prepare for the CAT examination in 6 months? The short answer is yes. As far as the CAT preparation is concerned, the quality of preparation matters more than the duration. While starting early for the CAT examination is advantageous, a comprehensive CAT 6-month plan backed up by consistency in the CAT preparation will help the candidates successfully clear the CAT 2025 examiation and move a step closer to the prestigious B-schools in the country such as Ms, FMS, and SPJIMR, which are feeders into top global firms.

    This Story also Contains

    1. What’s at Stake? Careers that Begin with CAT
    2. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
    3. Why Start CAT 2025 Preparation 6 Months in Advance?
    4. Ideal 6-Month CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy
    5. CAT 2025 Syllabus Time Table for 4 Months
    6. Tools and Resources to Follow During the CAT 6 Months Preparation
    CAT 2025 Prep Calendar: 6 Months to Crack CAT and Land INR 30+ LPA Job at Amex, Meta, McKinsey, Google
    CAT 2025 Prep Calendar: 6 Months to Crack CAT and Land INR 30+ LPA Job at Amex, Meta, McKinsey, Google

    What’s at Stake? Careers that Begin with CAT

    IIMs and the other top B-Schools are the go-to institutions for the best placements for managerial roles in the country. More than 100 companies regularly recruit from the IIMs, seeking fresh talent from the nook and corner of the country. Going through the placement statistics of the IIM Bangalore alone for the academic year 2024 - 26, 140 companies have already visited the campus and have recruited 601 students with handsome salaries. Some of the top recruiters of the top IIMs, such as Bangalore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Indore, are listed below.

    • Accenture Strategy

    • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

    • Bain & Company

    • McKinsey & Company

    • EY Parthenon India

    • PwC India

    • Kearney

    • Alvarez & Marsal

    • Microsoft

    • Amazon

    • American Express

    • EY (EPGP)

    • Accenture Strategy & Consulting (EPGP)

    • Samsung (EPGP)

    ITM Business School MBA Admissions 2026

    400+ Company Visits | Highest CTC Offered: 21 LPA | Average CTC Offered: 8.65 LPA | 100% Placement Assurance

    UPES MBA Admissions 2026

    Last Date to Apply: 26th March | Ranked #36 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement

    IIM Lucknow and Bangalore Average CTCs

    Based on the latest reports released by the authorities, the average CTCs secured by the students of IIM Lucknow and Bangalore is provided below.

    Institute

    Program

    Average CTC (INR LPA)

    IIM Bangalore

    PGP + PGPBA

    34.88

    IIM Bangalore

    EPGP

    35.5

    IIM Lucknow

    PGP + PGPBA

    34.88

    IIM Lucknow

    EPGP

    35.5

    IIM Lucknow (Noida)

    IPMX

    27.72

    CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

    Starting the CAT exam preparation begins with the proper understanding of the CAT 2025 examination pattern. Without understanding the CAT exam pattern, the candidates might struggle during their CAT examination preparation, as this forms the basis of the candidate’s CAT preparation. The complete CAT exam pattern that the candidates should be aware of is provided below for the reference of the candidates.

    Particulars

    CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

    CAT exam time duration

    2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD)

    Name of the Section

    - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

    - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

    - Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

    Section-wise CAT exam time duration

    - 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA)

    - 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section

    Number of Questions

    68

    Total Marks

    204

    Mode of the CAT 2025 exam

    Computer-Based Mode (CBT)

    CAT Marking Scheme

    - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded

    - For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted

    - No negative marks for Non-MCQs

    Why Start CAT 2025 Preparation 6 Months in Advance?

    According to the CAT toppers and various CAT exam experts, starting the CAT preparation 6 months early is necessary for candidates who are yet to start the CAT preparation or for candidates who are looking to refine their CAT preparation. A systematic approach for the CAT preparation in 6 months can help the candidates complete the entire CAT syllabus 2025 and also help them to save enough time for CAT revision through CAT mock tests and CAT sample papers. So this is the right time to start the CAT preparation if the candidate have’nt. Waiting any longer can hamper the candidate’s chances of making it to the premier institutes of the country. Starting the CAT preparation months in advance can also help the candidates avoid the CAT exam stress and be ready for the exam day. Each day of the CAT 2025 preparation will help the candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses, identify the areas requiring more focus and also enhance their time management skills and improve accuracy while attempting the CAT examination.

    Ideal 6-Month CAT 2025 Preparation Strategy

    The ideal CAT 2025 preparation strategy is not just the one which helps the candidate to complete the CAT 2025 syllabus, but one which helps the candidate to also save enough time for solving multiple CAT mock tests. Starting from now, the candidates should devise a CAT preparation plan tailored to their learning capabilities and available time. After analysing the CAT preparation timeline and the CAT 2025 syllabus, Careers360 has devised a CAT 2025 preparation calendar for 6 months. This calendar will be divided into a month-wise preparation plan. The candidates can refer to this expert-crafted CAT preparation schedule for 6 months to make the most out of their CAT preparation for the remaining time.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 1 (June 2025) – Foundation and Assessment

    June is the month when you start your CAT preparation. This month should be focused on understanding the CAT syllabus and exam pattern. Candidates must take a diagnostic test to assess their current level. Start brushing up on basics from all three sections - Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR. After analysing the results of the test, the candidates should note down their strengths and weaknesses. Priority should be given to the areas where the candidates feel like they are lagging. It is recommended that the candidates begin with the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section or the Quantitative Aptitude section because these two sections are the ones which demand a lot of time due to their extensive CAT 2025 syllabus. The candidates should also design a CAT preparation timetable at this time, which can help them to achieve their goals in the limited time. The candidates should also inculcate the important skill of consistency in this phase, which is required throughout the candidate’s preparation cycle. During this phase, the candidates can also begin revisiting fundamental math concepts and reading editorials or short articles for CAT VARC improvement. The first month of the CAT 6-month plan is necessary for the candidates because this builds their foundations towards the later stages of the CAT preparation. The practice of the questions should begin with the easy questions, followed by moderate and then the difficult ones.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 2 (July 2025) – Concept Building and Practice

    Once the basics are clear, July should be used to dive deeper into section-wise concepts. The candidates can refer to the previous year's CAT question papers and form a repository of questions. Referring to the questions, the candidates should try to solve them using a timer. Taking a note of the time spent and trying to reduce the time spent while resolving is a good approach. Candidates can start solving topic-wise questions in QA, reading RC passages, and practising basic DI/LR sets. During this phase, the candidates should focus on both time management and accuracy, with the former given more priority than the latter. For all the concepts that the candidates covered in the first month of CAT preparation, the candidates should use July to engage in CAT sectional mock tests. The progress of the candidates should be noted down. Special attention should be paid to the areas where the candidates are still lagging.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 3 (August 2025) – Speed and Accuracy

    Once the candidates have mastered both time management and accuracy, they should now focus on speed. The CAT examination is all about answering as many questions as possible within 120 minutes with a great level of accuracy. Speed alone is not sufficient, because for each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. This indicates that the candidates should focus on finding the right answers. There are good chances for the CAT 2025 examination to have lengthy DILR sets and a few time-consuming Quantitative Aptitude questions. To improve the speed while answering the questions, the candidates should learn CAT shortcut methods, memorise all the important CAT formulas and so on. Learning mental maths and methods such as Vedic mathematics for calculation can also be very helpful for the candidates.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 4 (September 2025) – Full Mocks and Advanced Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

    As the candidate moves towards the 4 months of the CAT preparation 6-month calendar, it is the time for them to focus more on getting ready for the CAT exam day. This is the phase where the candidates should move from sectional CAT mock tests to complete mock tests involving the CAT syllabus 2025 topics that the candidates have completed till now. The candidates should also ensure that while attempting the CAT mock tests, they simulate the actual environment by attending the test in a noiseless environment and following the CAT guidelines. The candidates should practise tough DI/LR sets, as this is often the most unpredictable section. The candidates must spend time analysing each mock test thoroughly, identifying weak points, and improving them through focused practice. This will help the candidates pinpoint the areas that require more attention and focus. If the candidate has left behind any topics of the CAT 2025 syllabus, this should be the last month for doing so because the last 2 months of the CAT 2025 preparation calendar are reserved for mock test, sample paper and overall revision alone.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 5 (October 2025) – Peak Performance Mode

    Now that the candidate has completed the entire CAT 2025 syllabus and has attempted multiple full-length mock tests and a lot of CAT sectional mock tests, the peak CAT performance of the candidate is expected in the month of October. The candidates are suggested to take at least 3 full-length mock tests per week and note their progress. The candidates should also revise the important CAT formulas, work on their speed of solving the problems and fine-tune their test-taking approach by referring to the CAT preparation tips and listening to the CAT topper tips and tricks. This should be the ideal month that the candidates to put their heart and soul into. It is also necessary that the candidates take enough breaks in between so that they do not feel exhausted or burned out.

    CAT Preparation Calendar Month 6 (November 2025) – Revision + Calm Strategy

    The final month is for revision, light practice, and staying mentally calm. It is essential for the candidates not to learn any new concepts during this period, as it may create unwanted stress and confusion. It is important for the candidates not to compare their preparation with that of others because this might create panic and stress. The candidates should focus on revising core concepts, notes, and mock test feedback. The number of CAT mock tests per week should be reduced to 1-2 by focusing on speed and accuracy. Use the last week for light revision and mental relaxation to be fully prepared for CAT day. This is critical because overburdening with heavy revision and day-night study without revision can exhaust the candidates and may even result in physical illnesses during the exam week, which may adversely affect the candidates.

    CAT 2025 Syllabus Time Table for 4 Months

    Completing the CAT 2025 syllabus would be slightly cumbersome for the candidates as the CAT syllabus is vast and includes a lot of topics. But reserving the last few months for CAT practice is necessary for the candidates to score well in the CAT examination. Hence, it is necessary for the candidates to complete the CAT syllabus 2025 within 4 months so that they will be left with 2 months for a comprehensive CAT examination revision. Carers360 has designed a weekwise CAT preparation in 4 months, which can be followed to complete the CAT 2025 syllabus in time.

    Week

    VARC Topics

    DILR Topics

    QA Topics

    Week 1

    Para-jumbles, Sentence Completion, Inferences

    Graph Types, Table-Based DI, Bar Graphs

    Percentages, Ratios & Proportion, Profit & Loss

    Week 2

    Odd One Out, One-Word Substitution, Sentence Correction

    Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Radar Graphs

    Averages & Mixtures, Time, Speed & Distance

    Week 3

    RC – Short Passages, Para Summary, Syllogism

    Scatter Graphs, Innovative Graphs, Blood Relations

    Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work

    Week 4

    Analogies, Para Completion, RC – Factual

    Binary Logic, Venn Diagrams, Cubes & Dicing

    Partnership, Linear & Quadratic Equations

    Week 5

    Sentence Correction, Para-jumbles, RC – Inference Based

    Decision Making, Analytical Puzzles, Syllogism

    Inequalities, Functions, Modulus

    Week 6

    Odd One Out, Para Summary, Sentence Completion

    Logical Deductions, Ordering & Sequencing

    Surds & Indices, Logarithms, Sequences & Series

    Week 7

    RC – Summary Based, Para Completion, One-word Substitution

    Selections & Distributions, Linear & Circular Arrangements

    Maxima & Minima, Factorisation, Geometry (2D)

    Week 8

    Routes & Networks, RC Practice

    Games & Tournaments, Reasoning-based DI

    Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D & 3D)

    Week 9

    RC Variety + Tone & Style Practice

    Caselets, Advanced DI Mix Sets

    Square & Cube Roots, Number Properties

    Week 10

    Sentence Correction, Para-jumbles, Summary

    Logical Reasoning Set Practice, Base Systems

    Factors & Multiples, Set Theory

    Week 11

    RC + Para Summary (Timed), Mixed RC Practice

    Mixed Puzzles, Caselets, Mixed DI Sets

    Permutation & Combination, Probability

    Week 12

    Complete VARC Round-up, Error Log Review

    Data Arrangement, DI Puzzle Practice

    Statistics, Mixed Arithmetic

    Week 13

    Full VARC Practice Sets

    LR + DI Mixed Sets, Past Year Questions

    Geometry + Mensuration, Algebra Revision

    Week 14

    RC + Sentence Correction Practice

    Reasoning + DI Advanced Practice

    Algebra + Functions, Arithmetic Revision

    Week 15

    Sectional Tests for VARC

    Sectional Tests for DILR

    Sectional Tests for QA

    Week 16

    Final VARC Review + Mock Test

    Final DILR Practice + Mock Test

    Final QA Practice + Mock Test

    Tools and Resources to Follow During the CAT 6 Months Preparation

    Taking the guidance of the CAT preparation materials and materials during the candidate’s CAT preparation in 6 months can be extremely helpful for securing a good CAT percentile. This should be one of the important CAT strategies for success. The important resources that the candidates should follow during their CAT 6 months preparation are listed under this section.

    CAT Preparation Books 2025

    With a wide variety of CAT preparation materials available, selecting the right ones based on individual needs can be challenging. To make this easier, Careers360 has analysed and shortlisted the most important books for CAT preparation.

    CAT Section

    Book Name

    Author Name

    Quantitative Aptitude

    Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

    R.S. Aggarwal

    Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

    Sarvesh Verma

    NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10)

    NCERT

    How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

    Arun Sharma

    Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

    How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

    Arun Sharma

    Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

    Nishit K. Sinha

    A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

    R.S. Aggarwal

    Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

    Ananta Ashisha

    Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

    How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

    Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

    Word Power Made Easy

    Norman Lewis

    PSC for VA for CAT

    Nishit Sinha

    High School English Grammar & Composition

    Wren & Martin

    CAT 2025 Exam Preparation Materials by Careers360

    Careers360 provides a variety of CAT 2025 preparation resources such as detailed syllabus guides, topic-wise study materials, mock tests, and expert strategy articles. The list of CAT exam preparation materials designed by Careers360 is provided in the list below.

    eBook Title

    Download Links

    3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

    Download Here

    500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

    Download Here

    300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

    Download Here

    Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

    Download Here

    Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

    Download Here

    CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

    Download Now

    Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

    Download Now

    CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

    Download Now

    CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

    Download Now

    CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

    Download Now

    CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

    Download Now

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Which resources and books are best for CAT 2025 prep?
    A:

    Some of the top-recommended books include Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma for Quant, How to Prepare for VARC by Arun Sharma, and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha. Additionally, Careers360 offers mock tests, study guides, and chapter-wise materials tailored for CAT preparation.

    Q: Why is completing the syllabus in 4 months recommended?
    A:

    Completing the syllabus in four months ensures the final two months (October and November) can be used exclusively for mock tests, test-taking strategies, and revision, which is essential for improving speed, accuracy, and mental readiness.

    Q: What should the first month of CAT prep (June) focus on?
    A:

    June is all about building the foundation—understanding the CAT pattern, taking a diagnostic test, identifying weak areas, and brushing up basics in VARC, QA, and DILR. It's also the time to set a study routine and begin with easier practice questions.

    Q: What is the syllabus structure of CAT 2025?
    A:

    CAT 2025 is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), each with a 40-minute time limit. The syllabus includes topics like para-jumbles, graphs, geometry, arithmetic, and logical puzzles.

    Q: Can CAT 2025 really be cracked in just 6 months?
    A:

    Yes, with a focused and consistent approach, CAT 2025 can be cracked in 6 months using a structured monthly plan that covers fundamentals, speed, accuracy, and full-length mock tests. The key is disciplined study and effective use of mock test feedback.

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    Questions related to CAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CAT ?

    FMS Udaipur admission for 2026 is not open. The MBA 2026 admission will likely commence in May 2026. You can keep checking the official website of FMS.

    Hi admission to the courses offered at CUSAT is based on the CUSAT CAT results, relative performnace of the students and the number of applications for each course. Please check CUSAT CAT cutoff 2025 to know in detail about the cutoff score for Electrical and Electronic branch in previous years.

    Yes, it is possible. If you have received a PI call from IIM Sambalpur with a 75 percentile in CAT, you have a chance to convert the call. However, the final selection will depend on multiple factors such as your personal interview performance, academic record, and overall profile.

    All the