Key takeaways
- With about six weeks to go, the priority is mocks, analysis and revision, not new topics.
- Take two full mocks a week and spend as long analysing each one as taking it.
- Use the days between mocks to fix the two or three weaknesses each mock reveals.
- Taper in the last week: no new material, light practice and rest.
CAT 2026 is scheduled for 29 November, which leaves about six weeks from mid October. This is not the time to start new chapters. It is the time to convert what you know into marks, by practising under exam conditions, finding where marks leak and fixing those leaks. The plan below assumes about three hours a day; scale it to your schedule.
The weekly rhythm
| Day | Task |
|---|---|
| Monday | Full mock under exam conditions, at your slot time |
| Tuesday | Mock analysis (about 2 hours), then a mistake log |
| Wednesday | Topic repair: one weak topic from the mock, with a topic practice page and a sectional test |
| Thursday | Full mock |
| Friday | Mock analysis |
| Saturday | Sectional test in your weakest section, plus revision of formulas and flashcards |
| Sunday | Light day: review the week's mistake log and rest |
Weeks 1 to 4: build the routine
- Take two full mocks every week. Our free full length mocks follow the current pattern of three timed sections.
- Analyse each mock with the routine in how to analyse a CAT mock test.
- Repair one weak topic per repair day using the topic practice pages and the formula sheet.
- Practise your section plan from the time management guide in every mock.
Weeks 5 and 6: sharpen and taper
- Reduce to one or two mocks a week and focus on accuracy.
- Revise formulas daily with the CAT flashcards.
- Keep a short list of the mistakes you make most often and read it before each mock.
- In the final three days, stop taking full mocks. Do light practice and sleep well.
How to set realistic targets
Use your recent mock attempts and accuracy, not a single score, to set targets for each section. Aim to raise accuracy first, because a wrong multiple choice answer costs a mark. Our percentile guide explains why sectional performance matters, and the mock count guide shows how many mocks are useful.
Common mistakes in the last six weeks
- Starting new, difficult topics instead of securing familiar ones.
- Taking mocks without analysing them.
- Changing strategy after every mock.
- Studying late into the night before mock days and the exam itself.
Keep your daily habit with the CAT question of the day, and use the DILR accuracy routine and Quant shortcuts on repair days.
Frequently asked questions
Is six weeks enough time to improve my CAT score?
Yes, most candidates can improve meaningfully by taking mocks under exam conditions, analysing them and fixing recurring mistakes. Large gains from new topics are less likely at this stage.
How many mocks should I take in the last six weeks?
About eight to twelve full mocks, with careful analysis, is a common target. Fewer mocks analysed well beat many mocks rushed.
Should I stop studying a few days before CAT?
Do light revision only in the last two or three days, with no full mocks, so that you arrive rested.
What if my mock scores are falling?
Look at attempts and accuracy by section. Falling scores often come from attempting more questions with lower accuracy, which you can fix by being more selective.