The CAT is one of the most important MBA entrance exams for admission to MBA programs. Those seeking an MBA from an IIM must take the CAT exam. In addition, many top B-schools use the CAT exam to shortlist candidates for admission processes. CAT 2023 will be held online in 155 places across India on November 26, 2023.
The CAT Preparation Strategy for Working Professionals is extremely advantageous for individuals who want to pass the CAT exam while still working. If you are a working professional, you will have plenty of time to develop a preparation strategy if you start right away. Many candidates begin their CAT preparation while working full-time or part-time to advance their careers or learn new skills. However, due to the exam’s hard level and a high degree of competition, balancing full-time work and studying for the CAT might be difficult.
In this article, we have offered a complete preparation method and a CAT study plan for working professionals to help with better time management and preparation efficiency.
How to Prepare for CAT while working?
There is no specific rule for succeeding in the IIM CAT exam. Just because a strategy or plan worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you too. Every student who wants to take the CAT exam should create their own strategy based on their strengths and weaknesses. If you are one of such candidates, you should review the IIM Batch profile data listed below.
57.08% of the MBA class at IIM Calcutta for the years 2021-23 have previous work experience.
Around 74.48% of the students in the 2019-21 PGP batch at IIM Lucknow had previous work experience.
It’s important to have a good strategy when working and preparing for the CAT exam. This includes practising with CAT mock tests and previous year’s question papers.
Scoring well in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) can improve your chances of being selected for admission to top IIMs and other prestigious business schools. Students must submit the CAT 2023 application form and pay the required fee by September 13, 2023, at the latest, in order to be eligible to take the exam.
Is it possible to pass the CAT while working?
According to the top scorers and experts from previous CAT exams, the CAT is more focused on testing your IQ rather than just your knowledge. No matter how much you study, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing for CAT preparation is how they study, their strategy, and their plan. With the right strategy, anyone can score above average without needing to prepare full-time.
Here are a few important tips for preparing for the CAT exam while working. Candidates can use the CAT preparation strategy to prepare for other B-school entrance exams as well.
CAT Preparation: Tips for Working Professionals
Working professionals often struggle with their busy schedules while preparing for the CAT exam. Here are some tips to help you manage your work and studies while preparing for the CAT:
- Create a study plan to start preparing for CAT in an organized way. Divide your study material into smaller groups for easier management. Following a consistent routine will assist you in monitoring your progress and efficiently completing the syllabus.
- Sign up for Coaching: We understand that it can be challenging for working professionals to study for the CAT or attend regular coaching classes. For more flexibility, you have the option to choose night classes or online coaching with recorded sessions.
- Use online resources: The internet is very helpful if you are studying on your own. You can find different study materials like practice tests, questions, and books. These resources will help you with your study plan and make it easier to understand the syllabus and exam format.
- To make the most of your limited time, prioritize your tasks. It’s important to prioritize tasks based on how urgent they are and allocate your time accordingly. To improve, focus on the areas where you need the most help and spend more time on them.
- Mock tests are important for becoming familiar with the CAT exam pattern and the types of questions asked. But, professionals who work may not have enough time to take long practice tests. They should try taking shorter practice tests to see how well they understand the concepts.
- As a working professional, you may have the most time available to study for CAT exams on weekends and holidays. To catch up on missed study sessions, focus on more challenging topics and practice with mock exams during these days.
Joining a study group can be really helpful. It can keep you motivated, help you understand things better, and allow you to see how you’re doing compared to others. You can talk and share ideas with other people who are also preparing for the CAT exam.
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For working professionals, what should they avoid doing when preparing for the CAT?
If you’re a working professional getting ready for the CAT exam, there are a few things you should avoid doing. This will help you focus your time and energy on preparing for the exam effectively. Here are a few things you should not do:
- Don’t delay things: Start preparing for CAT early and study at a manageable pace instead of delaying it. When you have limited time during the day, it’s important to manage your time effectively so you can cover all the important topics.
- Don’t ignore your job. While preparing for the CAT is important, it shouldn’t negatively affect your work performance. Finish your work tasks while you’re at work and find a good balance between your job and studying for exams.
- Theory is not the only thing that matters. Although study materials and theoretical knowledge can be useful, it’s important not to depend on them exclusively. To become familiar with the exam format and syllabus, as well as track your progress, it is important to practice with previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone has their own unique pace and level of preparation. Don’t compare yourself to others, just concentrate on your own progress.
