CAT 2025: The First 90 Days Strategy Building a Strong Foundation Early

CL Team June 02 2025
3 min read

CAT 2025: The First 90 Days Strategy

Building a Strong Foundation Early
From the test-prep mentors at Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi


Every CAT topper story has one thing in common—they started early.

If you're serious about cracking CAT 2025, the first 90 days of your preparation can define the rest of your journey. These early months are not just about “starting to study.” They’re about building a strategic foundation: developing core concepts, forming habits, and setting a winning mindset.

At Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi, we’ve mentored thousands of CAT aspirants—helping them turn scattered prep into focused performance. Here’s our step-by-step strategy to make your first 90 days count.


Why the First 90 Days Matter

Think of CAT prep as a marathon. And the first 90 days? That’s your base training phase. It helps you:

  • Understand the exam inside-out

  • Build conceptual clarity in QA, VARC, and DILR

  • Identify your natural strengths and weaknesses

  • Develop the discipline needed for consistent progress

Skipping this phase or taking it casually often leads to panic in the later months.


Phase-Wise Strategy for the First 90 Days

Month 1: Orientation + Concept Building

1. Understand the CAT Structure

  • 3 sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

  • 120 minutes, ~66 questions (based on recent trends)

  • Understand:

    • What topics are asked?

    • How are they distributed?

    • What does each section demand?

2. Begin Concept Building

  • Quantitative Aptitude:

    • Focus on Numbers, Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Averages), Basic Algebra, Geometry

    • Solve 10–15 questions per day with clarity

  • VARC:

    • Read editorials and long-form articles (e.g., The Hindu, Economist)

    • Start with short RCs and work on contextual vocabulary

  • DILR:

    • Begin with basic sets: bar graphs, line charts, puzzles, arrangements

    • Focus on understanding logic over speed

3. Fix a Daily Study Slot

  • Weekdays: 2–3 hours/day

  • Weekends: 3–5 hours/day

  • Prioritize consistency over intensity


Month 2: Depth and Practice

1. Strengthen Core Concepts

  • Revisit tough topics

  • Create summary notes or formula sheets

  • Start Level-2 questions for practice

2. Add Sectional Practice

  • Structure your week for focus:

    • Monday-Wednesday: VARC

    • Thursday-Friday: DILR

    • Saturday-Sunday: QA

3. Begin Topic-Wise Tests

  • Take 20–30 minute focused tests

  • Aim for accuracy, not speed

  • Analyze thoroughly and maintain an error log


Month 3: Test Mindset + Early Mock Exposure

1. Take Your First Full Mock
Don’t wait to complete the syllabus.
Take 1–2 mocks this month to:

  • Build exam stamina

  • Understand real-time section demands

  • Start shaping your mock strategy

2. Analyze, Don’t Just Score
Post-mock analysis (2–3 hours):

  • Pinpoint attempt strategy issues

  • Review time per question

  • Identify and revise conceptual gaps

3. Join a Structured Program
By the end of 90 days, if you haven't already:

  • Enroll in a program with live classes and doubt sessions

  • Use curated material and progress tracking tools

  • Leverage mock analysis and feedback


Smart Tools to Use in the First 90 Days

Tool Use For
Study Planner Weekly & monthly goal setting
Error Log Tracking mistakes and repeated patterns
Formula Booklet Daily revision of QA concepts
Vocabulary Notebook VARC improvement with contextual words
Sectional Timers Practicing time discipline

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Correction
Trying to cover everything at once Prioritize depth over coverage
Comparing with others’ prep pace Focus on your own progress and goals
Ignoring weak sections Tackle them early while you have time
Avoiding mocks until you're "ready" Start early to learn from real attempts
Passive reading (no notes/practice) Combine reading with active engagement

How Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi Sets You Up for Success

At Career Launcher South Ex, we believe early guidance saves months of stress. Our CAT 2025 program includes:

  • A Dedicated Foundation Phase for the first 90 days

  • Personalized mentoring for weak areas

  • Regular practice tests and detailed performance analysis

  • VARC reading club and DILR practice labs

  • Time-management and attempt strategy workshops

Whether you’re a working professional, a final-year student, or someone just starting out—we’ll help design a strategy that fits your life and meets your goals.


Final Thoughts

The CAT is not cracked in the last 30 days—it’s built in the first 90.
Use these early months to:

  • Build a solid foundation

  • Cultivate consistency

  • Learn how to learn

Once that’s in place, you’ll find the later stages far more manageable—and even enjoyable.

If you ever feel stuck, Career Launcher South Ex, Delhi is just a call away. Our mentors, mocks, and methods are all designed to help you start strong and stay strong.