Section | Focus Areas | What to Study | Suggested Resources | Practice Tips | Goals for May |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic, Number Systems, Algebra | Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Linear Equations | NCERT (Class 6–10), Arun Sharma QA book, YouTube basics | Solve 10–15 basic sums daily; revise formulas weekly | Build comfort with all basic concepts; no calculator |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Basic Puzzles, Tables, Bar Graphs | DI sets (simple charts, pie diagrams), Puzzle types like arrangements, grids | Previous year CAT sets, Logical reasoning books (RS Aggarwal), Cracku basic DI sets | Solve 2–3 simple sets every other day, focus on understanding patterns | Get familiar with types of sets and improve accuracy |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Grammar basics, Vocabulary, Reading habits | Subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, root words, and daily RC passages | Wren & Martin (for grammar), Word Power Made Easy, The Hindu/Indian Express editorials | Read 1 article/day, practice para jumbles, and note down new words | Improve comprehension & grammar basics, build reading stamina |
General Approach | Time Management, Study Rhythm | Plan 2–3 hour daily slots, avoid burnout | Study planner (Google Sheets/Apps), Pomodoro timer | Track progress weekly; mix theory and practice | Build consistent study habits |
Mock Tests & Analysis | Diagnostic Test | Take 1 full-length or section-wise mock | Official CAT sample, TIME/IMS mock test series | Don’t aim for high scores—focus on weak areas | Understand where you stand and what needs work |
TITA Practice | Practice with no options | Solve simple TITA-style QA or DILR problems | Any mock platform with TITA questions | Practice without guesswork; write full solutions | Train to be accurate without relying on MCQ hints |
Doubt Clearing | Understand gaps | Mark doubts while studying | Online forums, YouTube concept explainers, and Coaching sessions | Clear doubts weekly; don’t pile them up | Stay conceptually clear from the beginning |
Revision | Recap weekly learning | Keep a formula + vocab notebook | Weekly revision slots | Revise Sun or every 5th day | Strengthen retention |
Motivation & Routine | Avoid burnout | Maintain a daily tracker | Use apps like Notion, Trello, or a paper planner | Reward yourself for milestones | Stay consistent, not perfect |
Avoiding Overwhelm | Don’t overdo | Focus on the basics only | Avoid diving into tough mocks now | One step at a time | Confidence > Complexity in May |