8-Month CAT Preparation Strategy for Working Professionals (2025 Plan)
Abhishek Patel
08/04/2025
Table of Contents
Preparing for CAT 2025 while working full-time is tough—but not impossible. With the right routine, time management, and consistency, you can balance your job and studies without burning out.
This 8-month CAT preparation plan is specifically designed for working professionals who want to score 99+ percentile, even with limited daily hours.
Quick Summary: 8-Month CAT Prep Plan for Working Aspirants
| Duration | April 2024 – November 2024 |
|---|---|
| Total Study Time | 220 days (approx) |
| Phase 1 | 150 days – Topic-Wise Study |
| Phase 2 | 70 days – Mock Tests + Analysis |
| Daily Time (Weekdays) | 3–4 hours/day |
| Weekend Time | 6–8 hours/day |
| Ideal for | Full-time working professionals targeting CAT 2025 |
Phase 1: Study Plan (April to August)
Focus on building strong concepts in all three sections—QA, VARC, and DILR.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Period | Topic Covered |
|---|---|
| April | Number System |
| May – Mid-June | Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Ratio, TSD) |
| Mid-June – July | Algebra & Modern Maths |
| August | Geometry + Revision |
Weekdays: 1.5 hours
Weekends: 4–5 hours of focused practice
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Daily Reading: 1 editorial or 1-2 RCs (The Hindu, Indian Express)
- VA Practice: Parajumbles, Odd sentence, Summary, etc.
- Vocabulary: Note down 5–10 new words daily
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
- Start with 1 DILR set a day
- Practice set types: Tables, Graphs, Arrangements, Puzzles, Venn Diagrams
- Focus more on accuracy than speed in the beginning
Phase 2: Mock-Test Focused (September to November)
| Month | Mock Tests/week | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sept – Oct | 2 mocks/week | Real-time test experience |
| November | 3 mocks/week | Final lap revision |
Post-Mock Analysis:
Track errors
Revise weak areas
Build a section-wise strategy
Extra Tips for Working Aspirants
- Use commute time for revision (audio notes or vocabulary)
- Focus more on accuracy than speed in the first few months
- Use weekend mornings for mock test attempts
- Join study groups to stay accountable
Tentative CAT 2025 Timeline
| Event | Date (Expected) |
|---|---|
| CAT Registration Starts | August 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | October 2025 |
| CAT Exam Date | Last Sunday of November 2025 |
| Result Declaration | January 2026 |
Want Help With CAT 2025 Prep?
Join our WhatsApp group to get:
- Weekly study plans
- Strategy sessions by toppers
- Daily DILR, RC, QA practice sets
👉 Join WhatsApp Group Now
🔖 Bookmark updates on: Formfees.com/news
FAQs: CAT Prep for Working Professionals
1. Can I crack CAT with 3–4 hours a day of study?
Yes, if you’re consistent and follow a smart study strategy, 3–4 hours/day is enough.
2. How many mock tests should I take before CAT?
Aim for 25–30 full-length mocks by November and analyze each thoroughly.
3. Which section should I start with?
Start with Quant and RC reading to build the base. DILR can follow after 2–3 weeks.
4. How do I manage stress while working and studying?
Take short breaks, avoid burnout, and prioritize quality over quantity.
Also Read :
How to Improve Accuracy in CAT Without Sacrificing Speed 7 Proven Hacks for 2025 Aspirants
Cracking the CAT Exam: The Power of Elimination for Smarter and Faster Answers
