Smart Time Management Tips for Busy CAT Aspirants

Aindrila

Updated On: September 08, 2025 05:46 PM

If you are a working professional or a student struggling to make time for CAT exam preparation, we have got you covered. Follow these smart time management tips for busy CAT aspirants here! 

Smart Time Management Tips for Busy CAT Aspirants

CAT exam preparation needs a minimum of 4-5 hours from your busy schedule. Time management is extremely important while preparing for the CAT if you are a working professional or a student. Some time management tips for CAT aspirants will be studying in the morning or during tiffin breaks, and utilising the weekends effectively.

We have shared some time management hacks for CAT aspirants with busy schedules in this article.

Also Read: How to Crack Logarithms and Progressions Questions in CAT Quantitative Aptitude

Smart Time Management Hacks for CAT Aspirants with Busy Schedules

If you are a working professional or a student or someone with a very busy schedule, it often becomes difficult to prepare for the CAT exam because of the lack of time constraints. We have come up with time management hacks for CAT aspirants with busy schedules. Following the tips will help you get a good percentile in CAT.

Set Realistic Goals

A structured plan is needed for CAT preparation to complete the full syllabus, set time for revision and also appear for mock tests. Set realistic goals that are easy for you to achieve. Instead of allocating 3-4 hours of studies at a stretch, break it down to 1-2 hours of focused study to avoid burnout. You can use Google calendar or other digital apps to plan your day ahead.

Craft a Doable Study Plan

Create a schedule where you will focus on arithmetic, algebra, numbers, geometry, arithmetic-DI tables, arrangements, Venn 3-set, networks, reading comprehension, short summaries etc. These are the important topics of the CAT exam that need at least 30 minutes of revision time every day. Prioritize high-weightage key topics first and then proceed to less important ones/ areas that need improvement.

Divide Your Daily Tasks

You can divide your schedule into 3 groups, where in the 1st phase, you focus only on building the concepts, understanding the syllabus, exam pattern etc. In phase 2, you will start revising everything and focus more on the topics that are your strengths. In the last phase, you will take mock tests, solve CAT previous question papers and sample papers.

Use Pomodoro Technique for Focus

Study for at least an hour and take a 15-minute break after that, to freshen up your mind. The aspirants who have a busy schedule can utilise their tiffin breaks for studying reading comprehension. If that sounds too hectic, you can even use the Pomodoro technique wherein you study for 25 minutes without any distractions and then take a 5-minute break. This is a proven method to stay focused and improve concentration, especially for those trying to manage a busy schedule.

Track your progress to understand where you are lagging, so that you can put more effort into those topics during weekends.

Also Read: Most Repeated DILR Questions in CAT Exam

Quick Links:

CAT 2025 exam pattern CAT 2025 preparation tips Best books for CAT 2025
CAT previous year question papers CAT 2025 mock test CAT sample papers

Why Time Management Is Crucial for CAT Aspirants?

  • CAT is a time-bound exam, where students will get 120 minutes to complete the exam. Effectively managing time during CAT exam preparation will help improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Balancing work and CAT preparation can be tedious for working professionals or students with busy schedules. If you know how to manage your time effectively, you will ace the CAT 2025 exam .

  • An extensive CAT 2025 syllabus covering Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation makes it difficult for students to complete everything on time. After knowing the time management hacks for CAT aspirants, all the topics can be covered with thorough revision.

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Hope these time management hacks for CAT aspirants with busy schedules will help you in your exam preparation effectively. For any query, head to our QnA Zone or fill out our Common Application Form . Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more such updates!

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FAQs

How many hours every day should I give to CAT preparation?

The CAT aspirants with busy schedules can give 4 hours on weekdays and 6-8 hours on weekends to prepare for the exam.

Is it possible to clear CAT in 3 months?

Yes, you can clear the CAT exam in 3 months if you dedicate at least 4 hours every day from your busy schedule. 

Who will set the CAT exam paper?

IIM Kozhikode will be setting this year’s Common Admission Test (CAT) exam paper, where Professor Ram Kumar P. N. is serving as the CAT Convenor.

What is the time allotted for the CAT exam?

The CAT exam is a 2-hour (120-minute) exam where each section has been allotted 40 minutes. 

How can I manage time for the CAT exam?

You need to divide your time for each section and prioritise high-scoring questions that give you a solid score. 

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