Is It a Good Time to Start Preparing for the CAT 2024 Exams? Not Late, but Here’s What You Need to Know

Many aspiring candidates often wonder if they are late in starting their preparation for the CAT (Common Admission Test) 2024 exams. The good news is, you are not late if you start now! With plenty of time ahead, it is advisable to start preparing now to secure success in your CAT 2024 endeavors. This article aims to provide a structured approach to preparing for the CAT 2024, offering insights into the best timing and strategies. Let's dive in!

The Ideal Start Time for CAT 2024 Exams

According to industry experts, there is sufficient time until the CAT 2024 exams. Starting from now is ideal, and you can even afford to start a few months later and still manage to perform well. With a 6-9 month period of preparation, you can ensure a thorough and effective study plan. As of now, you have more than 9 months to get started, so take advantage of it!

The Timing of Your CAT Preparation

Just like determining your travel time for an interview, planning your CAT preparation involves assessing several factors:

Starting Point

Your current level of preparation and where you are starting from is the first factor. For instance, if you are planning to start from a high school level, it will naturally take longer compared to someone starting from a college level. Assess your starting point accurately to ensure you understand the required effort.

Reporting Time

Determine your goal by identifying the IIMs you wish to target and the percentile you need to achieve for a successful call. Aim for the safe option, which often means targeting a 100th percentile to account for any unforeseen situations.

Mode of Transport (Preparation Method)

Just as choosing the right mode of transport requires a balance, so does your CAT preparation. Self-study for the initial months can provide a solid foundation. Once you feel confident, consider seeking external help from coaching institutes. However, make sure that you can align well with the teaching style and pace before making this decision.

Safe Margins

Adding a margin to your preparation time is essential to accommodate unforeseen events. Even if you are a working professional, factors like quarterly meetings or business trips can affect your schedule. Planning ahead ensures that you are not rushed during the crucial preparation period.

Avoid Overestimating Your Current Level

Many CAT aspirants overestimate their current level of preparation. To get an accurate assessment, start by taking at least 8 to 10 mock tests. Analyze your performance and compare it with a rough framework where:

Poor: Near 65th percentile Average: Near 85th percentile Good: Near 95th percentile

Based on your current score, determine the timeline for preparation:

Poor: Start 12 months before the exam Average: Start 6 months before the exam Good: Start 3 months before the exam

Conclusion

Planning and starting your CAT preparation early is key to success. With several months to prepare, you can ensure a detailed and effective study plan. Whether you are a working professional or a student, remember that timing and planning are critical. Start now, and make the most of the time available to you. Best of luck with your CAT 2024 preparations!