Is 1 Year Preparation Sufficient for the CAT 21?

Many aspiring CAT candidates are concerned about the amount of time needed to prepare for the exam.

Are you wondering whether 1 year is enough for your CAT preparation?

Does 1 Year of Preparation Suffice for the CAT Exam?

Yes, 1 year is sufficient for the CAT preparation for some candidates. However, in other cases, it might be too much time. Let's break down the factors and groups that influence the amount of time needed for successful preparation.

Group 1: Top Academic Performers

Candidates with excellent academic records from the start of their academic life to the present can crack the exam in just 3 to 4 months of intensive preparation.

Group 2: Average to Good Academic Performers

For candidates with average to good academic records, 8 to 6 months of preparation is recommended. They need to put in more effort because the concepts and topics are often at a higher difficulty level.

Group 3: Below-Average to Average Academic Performers

Candidates with below-average or average academic records should start their preparation early. A full year is ideal for this group, especially if the CAT exam is scheduled for November.

For Group 3 candidates, it is best to begin their preparation right after the exam week, which is usually the 2nd or 3rd week of November. This gives them ample time to prepare.

Personal Experience and Planning

I started my CAT preparation in September 2020, and I had a basic knowledge of quantitative aptitude (quants) and had read extensively. Here are some insights based on my experience:

I was a good to average student, and I started my CAT preparation in the first week of January, leaving me with more than 10 months to prepare.

For serious CAT aspirants, a devoted 600 hours of preparation is needed to achieve a 99th percentile. Since it is already March, we have 225 days left. Considering the unproductive phase, we realistically have 200 days left. To reach 600 hours of preparation, you need to dedicate around 3 hours per day to your CAT preparation.

Conclusion

Don't overestimate your capabilities, and it's better to plan for 1 month less than you think you need. This way, you'll have more time for preparation and revision.

Next Steps

If you are preparing for CAT, XAT, NMAT, or any other Management Entrance Tests (OMETs), ensure you have access to the best MBA study materials. Check out the links in my profile description to get started.

Start your preparation with confidence, and you'll be well on your way to a successful CAT exam experience!