Since only one month remains before CAT, revising everything may be counterproductive. The priority now is to know what you know, what topics you need to improve for accuracy, and to practice the maximum number of questions that will give you the best returns.
The 80/20 Rule for CAT
As per the 80/20 law, even a relatively small part of your preparation can contribute to your overall success. But it doesn’t imply that 20% of CAT-related subjects will fetch you 80% marks.
Here’s how this approach should be applied:
- Powerful subjects: Go for revision and stick to being accurate
- Common types of questions: Practice for speed and consistency
- Doable weaker zones: Work on the topics where revision makes a lot of difference
- Repeating mistakes: Correct these mistakes through mock tests
Don’t waste several days solving a tricky topic at once when you can answer many easier questions accurately.
VARC: The 20% That Can Secure Most of Your Verbal Marks
In the VARC section, reading comprehension needs more focus because it is a significant portion of the section. Verbal ability questions also need consistent practice. While preparing, include the following:
- Read comprehension passages on various topics
- Find out what the main idea and argument of the passage are
- Tone and inference
- Para summaries and paragraph questions
- Why the wrong answers are plausible
DILR: Revise Those Set Types That Give the Best Output
DILR can be uncertain at times, and so the selection becomes crucial. The objective is not solving all sets but recognizing which ones can be solved with accuracy.
Revise conventional sets such as:
- Table/ data-based sets
- Bar graphs/ charts/ Caselets
- Seating/ Ordering arrangement
- Grouping/ Distribution
- Games/ Tournaments/ Logical conditions
When giving mocks, analyze the sets available and choose wisely. Try choosing a set that contains information and few constraints. Practice solving this question and then increase your speed.
Quantitative Ability: Focus on Arithmetic Before Anything Else
If you have a grasp of the fundamentals, take this month to enhance your calculation speed and choose the questions to attempt.
Give priority to:
- Percentages and profit/loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Averages & Mixtures
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- SI and CI
Only revise the important formulas, practice questions, and analyze mistakes from previous mock exams. There might be certain concepts that you have not come across before and take you ages to understand; see if it is worth your time.
The Next Tier: Algebra and Geometry
Having mastered the fundamentals of arithmetic, proceed to practise Algebra and Geometry topics based on your preparation level and mock test results.
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Area
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Topics to Revise
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Algebra
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Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions
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Geometry
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Triangles, circles, angles, basic mensuration
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Number Systems
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Divisibility, factors, remainders
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Modern Maths
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Selected topics you have already practised
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Remember not to attempt to learn any topic from scratch in this last month. Concentrate on the topics you have studied till now and refine your speed and accuracy through practicing relevant questions. At the same time, maintain a concise formula sheet and error log which can be revisited any time for quick revision.
4-Week CAT Revision Plan
The four-week plan before the CAT examination would ensure a structured approach to revision without causing undue stress. The topics in the schedule can be altered as per student preparation.
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Week
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Main Goal
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What to Do
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Week 1
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Identify priorities
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Take a mock, analyse mistakes, revise core concepts in all sections
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Week 2
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Improve accuracy
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Practise high-priority topics and timed sectional tests
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Week 3
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Strengthen exam strategy
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Take full mocks, practise question selection, review recurring errors
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Week 4
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Consolidate preparation
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Revise formulas, revisit error notes, maintain a manageable mock schedule
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Make Every Mock Test Count
The relevance of taking mock tests is only when you analyse your attempt. Reviewing and identifying the areas of improvement helps in building error logs and build accuracy.
After every mock test, ask yourself:
- Which questions did I get wrong despite knowing the concept?
- Which questions were most time consuming relative to their difficulty?
- Which topics covered in the test have I repeatedly made mistake in?
- Which questions did I skip that I could have solved?
- What are the three specific improvements I need to practise before appearing for next mock?
Final Takeaway: Master the High-Yield 20%, Trust Your Preparation
A month prior to CAT, intelligent revisions are more essential than attempting everything that has been taught. Prioritise topics in which you are relatively strong and weaker areas which can be improved realistically. Practice selecting questions from VARC, DILR, and QA in such a way that the revision plan seems more real and practicable.
FAQs
Can I raise my CAT scores within the one month left before the exam?
Yes, raising one's scores in the CAT exam is possible with proper revision and better question selection.
What are the topics I must revise before CAT?
Try revising those topics which are relatively easy for you and where you are likely to progress quickly through practice. These topics may be Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, and DILR sets that you are familiar with.
How many CAT mocks should I give in the last month?
There is no required number of CAT mock tests during the last month, but be sure to choose mock tests that enable you to have enough time to analyze them.
Should I try to read all topics one month prior to the CAT?
Revision should be your primary focus. You should read a new topic if it is possible to read that topic without compromising on any other subject that is strong and relevant to your preparation.
Is Accuracy more important than the number of attempts in CAT?
Both have equal importance. The goal is to solve maximum questions that you have chosen with accuracy.