Recent CAT papers have tested three broad areas: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Here is how to prepare for each section, how to use mock tests, and which common mistakes to avoid.
How should you prepare for each CAT section?
1. VARC: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Read one or two substantial articles each day from varied subjects, not only topics you already enjoy.
- After reading, identify the central argument, the author's point of view and the evidence supporting it.
- Practise reading-comprehension questions regularly and explain why each option is right or wrong.
- Review errors involving inference, tone, main idea and over-interpreting the passage.
2. DILR: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Start with manageable sets and learn to organise information before trying to solve quickly.
- Practise different set types, including tables, charts, arrangements, games and caselets.
- Review your set selection: identify when a set was too time-consuming and when a better entry point was available.
- After practice, compare your approach with an alternative solution and record the key insight.
3. QA: Quantitative Aptitude
- Build conceptual clarity in arithmetic and algebra before relying on shortcuts.
- Revise the mathematics you need from earlier school years if your basics are rusty.
- Practise questions in stages: untimed concept learning, timed topic practice and mixed sets.
- Maintain a formula sheet and an error log, and revisit both every week.
How many CAT mock tests should you take?
Do not treat a fixed mock-test count as a guarantee of success. Some aspirants may benefit from around 12–15 or more full-length mocks, but readiness and the quality of analysis matter more than reaching a number. Begin full mocks when you know enough of the syllabus to learn from the results; use sectional tests earlier.
After every mock, record:
- Which questions you missed because the concept was unclear.
- Which errors were caused by misreading, calculation or rushed decisions.
- Which questions you should have attempted—and which you should have skipped.
- How you distributed time across the sections.
- One or two specific actions to apply in the next mock.
Common mistakes CAT 2027 aspirants should avoid
- Waiting until the last few months to start studying.
- Studying what AI says instead of creating a plan which is needed for them.
- Studying ad hoc and not regularly.
- Practising only the section that feels comfortable and ignoring weaker areas.
- Taking mock tests without reviewing the reasons behind mistakes.
- Changing books, courses and strategies every few weeks.