How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT?

Exactly how much time is required to prepare for CAT? Well, if you google this question then you will find that you definitely need more time than you think. CAT is considered one of the toughest exams to crack and one of the things that help the most in cracking the exam is- time. Time plays the most important role and can make you from zero to hero. CAT is a hurdle that every management aspirant has to cross to get into the most prestigious IIMs of the country and then to live that perfect CEO type life. Before you start imagining yourself in a big mansion with an amazing job and Ferraris parked outside, let's talk about how to prepare for CAT and how much time will be sufficient?

The answer to that question is - it completely depends on you. If you are a person with photographic memory then maybe a month will be enough, if you are amazing at learning and have the passion for it, then 3 months will be enough, if you want to devote time to CAT then six months will be enough and any time period more than that is enough time to get into the groove and give A plus level performance in the exam.

The first thing to achieve that is your complete dedication and devotion. You can only be successful if you put your heart and soul into it. There are various methods and approaches that you can take to get to the finish line.

Is Coaching Necessary?

This is one of the most asked questions and the answer again is- it really depends on you. Coaching provides an organised way to success and is the best way to get in touch with people who know more about CAT than you do. Coaching does not make you great, it just helps you in your way to greatness. It gives you a schedule that you have to follow, notes that will be most helpful, and customised mock papers.
So, it just leaves us with the answer that if you are organised enough and dedicated enough then you probably do not need coaching because coaching is just one of the things, not THE thing. Preparing by yourself is also an amazing idea and this way you will be able to give more time to studies and will be able to practise a lot.

Understand the Pattern and Syllabus

CAT has following four sections and each section requires the same level of loyalty.

• Quantitative Ability
• Data Interpretation
• Logical Reasoning
• Verbal Ability

The syllabus of CAT is pretty simple and you can easily understand the pattern and syllabus of the exam by going through past year’s question papers.

Action Plan

Now that you are done deciding whether you want to join coaching or prepare by yourself and now you also understand the syllabus of the exam so it is time to make the ‘Action Plan’. You need to make a timetable and stick to it because organisation is the key. You need to take each section one by one and complete it and you can check your progress through mock tests because it is the easiest way.

It is almost October so that leaves you with only 2 months and this is the time to start wrapping things up. It is the time to revise those coaching notes it you attended any and to practically analyse your progress and to ask yourself the question- are you really ready?

No matter what the answer is CollegeDekho wishes you all the very best.