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