When to Start Preparing for CAT Exam 2024? PDF Download

The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is highly regarded as the top MBA entrance exam in India, providing access to prestigious B-Schools such as the IIMs and more than 1,200 other institutions. With over two lakh candidates taking the CAT exam each year, it is crucial to develop a sound strategy for CAT 2023. To succeed in the CAT exam next year, it is important to determine the appropriate time to begin preparing.

Aspirants pursuing an MBA degree often ask about the ideal time to start preparing for the CAT Exam. The most common questions related to this are:

• "When is the best time to commence CAT preparation?"
• "Is it too early to start preparing in February?"
• "Is it feasible to begin preparations in June?"

Understanding the appropriate time to start preparing can help aspirants plan their study schedule and increase their chances of achieving a high score in the exam.

If you’re a B-school/IIM aspirant planning to get admission in top IIMs, you can prepare with EduRev Infinity for CAT to boost your preparation.

CAT Preparation Time Depending on the Type of Aspirant

The optimal time to start preparing for the CAT exam is contingent on the individual candidate's abilities, skills, and daily availability. However, most students begin their preparations well in advance. The best time to commence CAT exam preparation may differ based on the category of the aspirant, and the key factors for determining the ideal preparation time are elaborated below.

1. Students in their Pre-final year

• The ideal time to commence CAT Exam Preparation for the following year is during the pre-final year of college, specifically the 3rd year of engineering or 2nd year of a 3-year graduation course. 
• Enrolling in a long-term CAT classroom batch at a coaching centre during this time will provide ample time for thorough preparation. 
• With almost a year and a half of study time available, dedicating 1-3 hours per day should suffice for passing the CAT exam. 
• The key to success is to remain motivated and consistently engaged with the preparation program.

2. Students in their final year

• As the students in this group are eligible to take the CAT Exam this year, it's advisable for them to commence their preparations as soon as possible. 
• Proper planning can lead to achieving a high CAT percentile. It is recommended that aspirants in this category dedicate approximately 25-30 hours per week to their CAT exam preparation. 
• Each year, many students enroll in a 3-4 month preparation course to successfully pass the CAT exam and secure admission to the prestigious IIMs.

3. Working MBA candidates

• They must decide whether they want to take the CAT this year or next. 
• If a person decides to take the CAT this year, they should begin preparing for the exam as soon as possible. 
• They can get a good CAT percentile if they plan their preparation properly. 
• It is recommended that students devote approximately 25-30 hours per week to CAT exam preparation. 
• As previously stated, many students who enrolled in a CAT classroom programme for 3-6 months passed the exam and were admitted to IIMs.

EduRev also provides with strategies and techniques to help prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Experts have provided with step by step guide which will help you to prepare for different sections of the exam.

Other factors affecting your CAT Preparation Time

Although the CAT Exam is essentially an aptitude test, it's important for CAT aspirants to recognize that only a small fraction (approximately 1%) of total CAT applicants achieve a score of 99 percentile or above, which is considered to be the top tier. The best time to start preparing for the CAT exam is determined by a variety of other factors as well, including the exam format and level of competition, which are discussed below.

1. Academic Performance in the past

CAT preparation may take more than a year for a CAT aspirant with a normal academic record, 6- 8 months for a student with a better-than-expected academic record, and 3-4 months for an aspirant with an exceptional academic record. 

Because CAT is held in November or December, starting the CAT Preparation at least a year before exam date is the best time.

2. Competition in the exam

• Applications are at an all-time high, and competition is getting tougher by the year. 
• Only 20 people in CAT 2016 received perfect 100 percentiles. Last year, only 11 individuals managed to score a perfect 100 percentile, which is a clear indication of the high level of competition.  
• To secure a seat in an IIM of their choice, any general category student must achieve a percentile of 98 or higher. To achieve such a high score, aspirants must still devote 10-12 months to CAT 2023 preparation.

For those who belong to the general category, it is imperative to score a percentile of 98 or above to have a chance of securing a seat in one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

If you’re a B-school/IIM aspirant planning to get admission in top IIMs, you can prepare with EduRev Infinity for CAT to boost your preparation.

Past Year Toppers Advice on when to start preparing for CAT?

The CAT 2023 exam date is tentatively set for the last Sunday of November, and aspirants planning to take the exam should start their CAT preparation around March or April.
Nevertheless, aspirants who commence their preparation now can still pass the exam with ease. Developing four-month plans from August to November can be helpful in achieving the necessary level of preparation.
Below, you'll find expert advice and insights from CAT toppers regarding when to start CAT exam preparation.

According to Risshi Agrawal (99.99 percentile in CAT 2022)

 "I started preparing in the month of July. Since I had already taken the exam last year, I was familiar with the pattern. For the first two months I focused on revising the concepts while in the later stages I devoted my time towards solving mocks (average of 1 per day)....Mocks play a crucial role while preparing for CAT. It helps you determine the strategy which suits you the best."

According to Chirag Gupta (100 percentile in CAT 2021)

“I started preparing in March 2021. I focused mainly on giving mock tests and analysing them. I used to work on my weaknesses by watching various CAT preparation YouTube videos on various topics.”

According to Bir Anmol Singh (99.94 percentile in CAT 2021)

“I started preparing in April 2021. I solved Arun Sharma sir's CAT books for VARC, LR, DI and Quant. I attempted as many past year CAT questions papers (timed attempt) that I could attempt, on weekends.”

Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) can be a challenging and time-consuming task for many students, especially those who are working or have other commitments. The CAT is a highly competitive exam that requires thorough preparation, and the amount of time one has to dedicate to it can vary depending on individual circumstances. So it is important to have a rough idea of what you should be doing while you prepare.

CAT Preparation 2023: Month-Wise Time-Table

Here's a quick timeline of CAT Exam preparation. This is a broad distribution of the CAT preparation time frame into phases. You can alter the timetable according to your need.

EduRev also provides strategies and techniques to help prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT). Experts have provided with step by step guide which will help you to prepare for different sections of the exam. 

Conclusion 

To prepare effectively for the CAT exam and balance a busy schedule, candidates need to start their preparation at least one year in advance. This will allow them to review the concepts from grades 8, 9, and 10, which are essential for the exam. With an average of 5 days per topic, they can cover all the topics in the CAT Syllabus. It's important to focus on not just the basics but also on tricks, techniques, and practice to master the exam.

Students must utilize the ENTIRE YEAR BEFORE CAT and begin their preparation as soon as possible. All an MBA aspirant needs to ace the CAT is the right guidance, the right approach to preparation, and the most effective techniques to crack the CAT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to When to Start Preparing for CAT Exam

When will CAT 2024 will be conducted?

CAT 2024 will be held most likely on November 26 in three slots. The official announcement of CAT 2024 exam date will be made on July 31. CAT registration process will take place from first week of August to third week of September.

How many months are good enough to prepare for the CAT exam?

It depends on the candidate’s personal capacity. Many past year toppers have cracked CAT by preparing for three to four months too.  However, one must dedicate at least six months to CAT exam preparation.

What is the best time to start preparing for the CAT exam?

The ideal time to start preparing for the CAT exam is about a year in advance. This allows sufficient time to cover all the topics and practice enough to be confident on the day of the exam.

Can I prepare for CAT while working?

Yes, it is possible to prepare for CAT while working, as long as you have a proper plan in place. Allocating 25-30 hours per week towards preparation is recommended for working professionals.

How much time should I dedicate to CAT preparation each day?

The amount of time you dedicate to CAT preparation each day will depend on your schedule and the time you have available. A general guideline is to allocate at least 2 hours of study time per day.

Can I start preparing for CAT late?

Yes, you can start preparing for CAT late, but you need to put in extra effort to catch up. It's advisable to allocate more time for study and focus on the most important topics first.

How much preparation is enough for the CAT exam?

There is no set amount of preparation that is enough for the CAT exam. The key is to practice consistently and thoroughly cover all the topics in the syllabus. Allocating 25-30 hours per week towards preparation is recommended.