Strategies for beginners CAT aspirant 2026

Phase 1: Foundation (Dec 2025 – Apr 2026)

Goal: Build basics + habit

Quant

Start with Arithmetic first (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time–Speed–Distance, Ratios).

Use NCERT 6–10 level maths if basics are weak.

Track formulas + mistakes in a small notebook.

1 hour per day.

VARC

Read daily: editorials, novels, blogs.

Practice:

2–3 RC passages/week

Parajumbles & Odd-one-out on weekends.

30–45 mins/day.

LRDI

Begin with sets based on:

Tables & Graphs

Games & Tournaments

Arrangements

Focus on solving one set daily rather than rushing.

30–45 mins/day.

Build a routine:

2–3 hours/day

1 rest day per week.

Monthly Checkpoints

✔ Can solve easy Quant without formulas? ✔ Can attempt 1–2 RCs daily without fatigue? ✔ Can solve 1 LRDI set/day with accuracy? ✔ Are mock scores improving (even slowly)?