How Much Time Is Required To Prepare For CAT 2024?

Published on 23rd August 2024, 4:38 PM

If you intend to appear for the CAT exam, it is best to start preparing early, especially for first-time CAT takers. However, whether you’re a first-time taker or not, you still need a minimum of 3 for thorough preparation if you’re aiming to get a good percentile. Keep in mind that the CAT is a very tough exam and to obtain a good score and get a seat in a top management school is by no means an easy feat. You must work extremely hard if you want to crack the exam and start preparing in advance.

Although the time required solely depends on the level of preparation of the aspirant, the CAT exam is split into three sections which are Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. You must begin by calculating your level of expertise in all the areas. After you have fully grasped your weaknesses and strengths, you can then begin by creating a study schedule. Typically, aspirants should allot themselves at least 4 to 5 months of time for CAT preparation. In this manner, they will have sufficient time to familiarize themselves with all the material, solve practice questions and attempt CAT mock tests, and work on their weak areas.

Also Check: CAT Previous Year Question Papers

However, if you don’t have enough time, you can always take a CAT crash course. Usually, a crash course takes about 4 to 8 weeks of time that covers all the key topics that are tried out on the CAT exam. This choice is best applicable to aspirants who do not have 4 months or more to prepare for the CAT. The time required also depends on whether you are a working professional or a fresh graduate.

Preparation Tips For CAT 2024

While the time required plays an important role in the CAT preparation, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind while preparing for the CAT examination. 

> Candidates should make a timetable to help them keep on track with their studies. Without a time routine, you are bound to get sidetracked and lose focus. 

> The best method to prepare for the CAT is to take mock tests. Taking mock tests will help you identify your strong and weak areas.

> After every mock test, analyze your performance and work on where it needs improvement.

> Another important thing is to give more time to work on your weak areas rather than on your strong areas. 

> Always be consistent. 

> If you are a fresh graduate, you have the edge when it comes to time management. 

> You can start your preparation early and allot yourself at least 6 to 8 months. With that amount of time, you will have plenty of time to cover all the material, solve mock tests, and work on practice questions. Hence, giving more room to improve your weak areas. 

> Focus on building a solid foundation first. After you have fully learned the basics, you can begin prioritizing time management and precision.

CAT Preparation For Working Professionals

> Working professionals have to maintain a balance between their work life and study time for the CAT leaving them with less time but with ample hard work and dedication, they can still manage to crack the CAT exam.

> Working professionals have very little time to prepare for the CAT exam as they juggle between their work and study hours. For some, they may have to take a leave of absence to prepare for the CAT. 

> Working professionals preparing for the CAT should allot themselves at least 4 to 5 months of time and dedicate at least 3 to 4 hours daily of study time for the CAT. In this manner, you will have more time to cover all the material, solve mock tests, and work on practice questions. This will help you to improve your weak areas.

Free Resources for CAT Preparation

In fact, to ease your task, we have come up with Open CAT, a FREE CAT resource portal to embark on your CAT journey with a structured preparation plan, offering you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. This gives you access to:

> Video lectures curated exclusively by our top CAT mentors

> Finest study material & formula booklets

> Full-length mocks and previous year papers

> Basic and advanced level tests for each topic covering all three sections

> Knowledge and mentorship sessions by experts

All these are in one place, empowering you with a comprehensive suite of resources to ace the exam without spending a penny!

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Best of Luck!!