CAT Revision Strategy for VARC, DILR & QA
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT Form Correction
5 Oct '26 - 6 Oct '26
Prepare effectively with a section-wise CAT Revision Strategy for VARC, DILR and QA. Get practical CAT last-minute revision tips, mock-test guidance, key topics to revise and common mistakes to avoid before CAT 2026.
CAT Revision Strategy
CAT Revision Strategy is important in the final weeks before the exam. At this stage, the focus should not be on learning every new topic. Instead, candidates should revise important concepts, formulas, question types and previous mistakes. A good CAT last minute revision plan can help improve speed, accuracy and confidence.
The CAT revision strategy should be different for VARC, DILR and QA. While VARC needs regular reading and practice, DILR requires practice with different types of sets. QA needs formula revision and practice of important concepts.
Also Read: Last Month Preparation for CAT 2026
- CAT Revision Strategy: Section-wise Plan
- CAT Revision Strategy: Overall Revision Plan
- CAT Last Minute Revision Strategy
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Revision
- CAT Mock Tests for Revision
- CAT Revision Videos
CAT Revision Strategy: Section-wise Plan
Candidates should divide their revision time between the three CAT sections. The following section-wise strategy can help:
| CAT Section |
What to Revise |
How to Revise |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out |
Solve RCs regularly and revise common question types |
| Tables, Charts, Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, Caselets |
Practise different types of sets and focus on set selection |
|
| QA |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths |
Revision formulas and solve questions from important topics |
VARC Revision Strategy
For VARC, candidates should focus mainly on Reading Comprehension because RCs form a major part of the section. Revise the different types of passages and practise identifying the main idea, author's tone, inference and supporting arguments.
Candidates should also revise important Verbal Ability questions such as Para Jumbles, Para Summary and Odd One Out. Instead of solving a large number of questions, focus on accuracy and understanding why an option is correct or incorrect.
Also Read: CAT Vocabulary Questions with Answers PDF
DILR Revision Strategy
DILR can be unpredictable, so revision should focus on exposure to different types of sets. Practise sets based on arrangements, tables, charts, games and tournaments, networks, Venn diagrams and caselets.
During CAT last minute revision, also practise choosing the right sets. Spending too much time on a difficult set can affect the entire section. Analyse your mocks and identify the types of sets where you lose the most time.
Also Read: CAT 2026 DILR Strategy to Score 26+ Marks & Get 95+ Percentile
QA Revision Strategy
QA revision should start with important formulas and concepts. Focus on topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System and Modern Maths.
Revise percentage, profit and loss, ratio, averages, time and work, time-speed-distance, simple and compound interest, equations, inequalities and important geometry formulas. Solve questions after revising each topic to check whether you can apply the concepts quickly.
Commonly asked questions
Candidates should practice CAT mock test during the day. Once, CAT admit card is released, they should practice CAT mocks at the same time as their exam slot. This will help them align their mind and body to 2 hours of rigorous test so that they can utilize their time in the CAT exam well. For example, CAT exam starts are early as 8:30 am. So, those who are not used to studying early morning will face difficulty in performing optimally if they get morning slot.
Profit and Loss is one the main topics of CAT Arithmetic, which dominates the question paper every year. About 2-4 questions are asked from Profit and Loss every slot of CAT exam.
There are no direct Fill in the Blanks-based questions in CAT exam. Candidates must however practice FIB questions to improve word usage in sentence.
Candidates can expect 1 to 2 questions from Quadratic Equations in the CAT exam. CAT Algebra section has about 7 to 9 questions.
Also Read: CAT Exam Previous Year Papers with Solution (2017-2025)
CAT Revision Strategy: Overall Revision Plan
A balanced revision plan can help candidates cover all three sections without spending too much time on one area.
| Revision Activity |
What to Do |
Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Concept Revision |
Revise formulas, rules and important concepts |
Daily |
| VARC Practice |
Solve RCs and VA questions |
Daily |
| DILR Practice |
Solve 2-3 sets with proper analysis |
Daily |
| QA Practice |
Solve questions from important topics |
Daily |
| Previous Mistakes |
Review questions answered incorrectly |
Daily/Alternate days |
| Sectional Tests |
Take timed sectional tests |
2-3 times a week |
| Full-Length Mocks |
Take complete CAT-style mocks |
1-2 times a week |
| Mock Analysis |
Analyse wrong and unattempted questions |
After every mock |
| Formula Revision |
Revise important QA formulas |
Daily |
CAT Last Minute Revision Strategy
During the final few days, candidates should avoid starting completely new topics unless they are very important and easy to understand. The focus should be on revision and practice.
- Revise important QA formulas.
- Review your DILR mistakes and previously solved sets.
- Solve a few RCs every day.
- Revise important VARC question types.
- Go through your mock-test analysis.
- Identify questions and topics where you regularly make mistakes.
- Practice time management.
- Avoid taking too many full-length mocks just before the exam.
- Get enough sleep and keep your exam-day documents ready.
Also Read: CAT Quant Syllabus with Topic Wise Weightage
Commonly asked questions
About 2-4 questions can be asked from Mensuration section in CAT. Candidates can must practice this topic extensively.
In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:
- The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates.
- In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22.
- Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66.
- Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204.
- Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Revision
Revision is not only about solving more questions. Candidates should also avoid mistakes that can affect their performance.
- Trying to revise everything: Do not spend too much time on low-priority topics. Focus on topics that you have already studied.
- Ignoring mock analysis: Taking a mock without analysing it does not give much benefit. Check your wrong, unattempted and guessed questions.
- Solving questions without a timer: CAT is a time-bound exam. Practise solving questions within a fixed time.
- Spending too much time on one DILR set: If a set looks difficult, move on and return to it later if time permits.
- Ignoring accuracy: Attempting more questions is not useful if accuracy is low. Work on reducing avoidable mistakes.
- Learning too many new concepts at the last minute: Prioritise revision of topics you already know.
- Not revising formulas: Formula-based questions can be solved quickly when the concepts and formulas are fresh.
Also Read: CAT 2026 Preparation Roadmap
Real prep plan shared by CAT toppers who scored 99.9+ to 100 percentile:
- 2025 CAT Topper Anmol Gupta (99.96%): Solved 5 DILR sets in under 35 mins.
- 2024 CAT Topper Vagish Nangia (100%): Mastered VARC using a 7-8 min RC drill and prioritised sectional mocks.
- 2025 CAT Topper Pranshav Shah (99.80%): Followed daily timed routine of 4 RCs, 4 DILR sets, 30-40 Quant questions.
CAT Mock Tests for Revision
Mock tests should be an important part of the CAT test revision plan. They help candidates understand their preparation level and improve time management.
After every CAT mock test, spend enough time analysing your performance. Check:
- Incorrect answers
- Questions took too much time
- Easy questions that are left unanswered
- Topics that need more revision
- Did you spend too much time on any particular section?
Candidates should maintain a simple CAT mock test tracker. Record their score, attempts, accuracy and the main mistakes after every mock. This can make the revision process more focused.
Also Read: CAT Mock Test 2026 by Shiksha & IIMCAT
CAT Revision Videos
CAT revision videos can be useful when candidates want to quickly revise a difficult concept or question type. Instead of watching long videos for topics they already know, candidates should select short revision videos focused on specific concepts.
For QA, candidates can use revision videos for formulas and difficult topics. For DILR, videos showing different approaches to solving sets can be useful. For VARC, candidates can watch videos explaining RC approaches and common VA question types.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Yes, NISM offers scholarship on not just CAT percentile score but also on XAT, CMAT & MAT entrance scores. Currently they offer 50% scholarship on 1st year tuition fees if you score more than 75 percentile on CAT/XAT. For CMAT & MAT, the percentile score should be above 80 percentile. These may chan
D
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 days ago
Dedicate one focused hour in the morning to QA formulas or an RC passage, one hour in the evening to DILR sets, and reserve weekends for full-length mocks and thorough review.
L
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
It is not too late, provided you adjust your scope. Focus directly on core topics, start taking sectional tests immediately, and spend time learning through mock test analysis.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Focus on formula sheets, mental math tables, grammar pointers, and your accumulated test error log. Avoid attempting full-length tests during the final three days before the exam.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Enrolling in a classroom programme is rarely practical with two months left. However, a dedicated mock test series or a targeted crash course for specific weak subjects can provide structured practice material.
D
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
A beginner can build a respectable attempt by focusing strictly on high-yield areas such as Arithmetic, Algebra, core DI arrangements, and Reading Comprehension, rather than attempting the entire syllabus.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Taking 12 to 18 full-length mocks across the 60-day window is generally sufficient. Candidates must scatter these mocks into phases and dedicate at least three to four hours to analysing each test.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, 60 days is adequate if you have a basic understanding of mathematics and reading skills. It provides sufficient time to revise concepts, complete timed sectional practice, and take 12 to 15 full mocks.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
FIIB provides scholarships based on the merit and need of the students. Students with more than 60 percentile in CAT exam can apply for scholarships offered by Fortune Institute of International Business Delhi.
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
IIM Indore will release CAT admit card 2026 on November 4. Candidates will be able to download the admit card of CAT exam 2026 until the exam date, i.e. November 29.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Porishmita Paul holds an MSc in Anthropology from Gauhati University and has over 2 years of experience in content writing. She has been handling content for Hospitality & Humanities at Shiksha for a long time. She
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