How and when to start preparing for CAT 2024?
The CAT exam holds significant popularity among students aspiring for a managerial career. Many aim to secure admission to the top B-schools in India. While reaching this destination is crucial, it’s equally essential to have a clear idea about the path to reach there. About 3 lakh students took CAT 2023, prompting the common query of when is the right time to start preparing for CAT 2024.
How to start CAT 2024 Preparation?
Before diving into this, assess where you stand currently and where you see yourself at the end of this journey. Once you’ve identified your career goals and target B-schools, you’re mentally prepared. However, there are some crucial factors to consider before embarking on your preparation journey.
First steps to your CAT journey:
Firstly, acquire comprehensive knowledge about exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, etc. Determine which exams align with your goals, subsequently identifying your target colleges.
Secondly, assess your aptitude level. Are you well-versed in concepts or do you need to brush up on fundamentals? A free online mock test can help gauge your language proficiency and mathematical aptitude. You will find CAT past year mocks for free in CATWay’s exam portal (https://cat.catway.in/learn/account/signin). Then, analyse your score.
For instance, scoring below 60% suggests a need for revisiting fundamental concepts, requiring 10-12 months of preparation. Scoring between 60% and 80% indicates the feasibility of regular mock tests, requiring around 5-6 months of preparation. Scoring above 80% signals a strong grasp of concepts, meaning a quality mock series with dedicated 3-4 months of preparation and you are good to go.
What other factors to consider for deciding how much time to devote for CAT 2024?
Preparation duration also hinges on your current situation—whether you’re a student or a working MBA aspirant. Pre-final year students can initiate preparation in the third year of engineering or second year of graduation, benefiting from ample time, constant motivation, and practice. Final year students can attempt the exam but need intensive preparation, dedicating 25-30 hours per week, and participating in a mock test series to aim for a good CAT percentile.
Working MBA aspirants must balance work and studies, preparing for a hectic MBA student life. Allocating 2-3 hours daily and two mocks on weekends over 5-6 months can lead to success. It’s crucial to remember that success is not solely about hard work but a combination of hard work and smart work. If you are consistent in your preparation and practise through the right resources, you will pass the test with flying colours!
