Look, I get it. You have a job, maybe college, and somehow you also need to crack one of the toughest exams out there? Sounds insane, but it’s doable—if you plan it smartly. You don’t need to study 10 hours a day. All you need is consistency, efficiency, and a solid strategy. 

So let’s break it down for you by offering some realistic advice that actually works.

Step 1: Accept That You Won't Have "Enough Time"—But That’s Okay

No one has “enough time.” The key is making the most of whatever time you DO have. Instead of stressing about long study hours, aim for focused study sessions, 2-3 hours a day, it has a huge impact.

Mornings, nights, lunch breaks—whatever works for you. But make sure you show up every day. Even on crazy workdays, just revise formulas or read a quick passage. It keeps the momentum going.

Step 2: Use Your Commute 

If you have a long commute, stop wasting it scrolling Instagram. Seriously. Download a CAT prep app, listen to concept breakdowns, or do quick mental math. Even 20-minute study bursts during work breaks add up over time.

If you drive, listen to CAT prep podcasts, or use voice notes to record concepts and play them back later. You’ll be surprised how much passive learning helps.

Step 3: Weekends Are Your Secret Weapon

Monday to Friday, you’ll mostly be juggling work and study. But weekends? That’s when you go all in. Plan mock tests, analyse mistakes, and cover tougher topics. Think of weekends as your "cheat code" to catching up.

Also, if you’re thinking, “Ugh, but weekends are my only time to relax,” I hear you. Don’t kill yourself over prep—schedule in some fun, too. Balance is key.

Step 4: Focus on High-Impact Topics (Because You Don’t Have Time for Everything)

Since your prep time is limited, don’t try to master every single topic. Be strategic. Focus on areas that carry the most weightage in CAT.

For Quant, prioritise Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, time & work), Algebra, and Geometry.

For Verbal, make Reading Comprehension your daily habit—it’s half the section.

For DILR, practice puzzles and charts regularly.

Step 5: Join a Study Group (Or At Least Find an Accountability Partner)

Studying alone, after a long day at work, can feel soul-crushing. A study group makes a huge difference. Join a WhatsApp/Telegram group for CAT prep. Or at least find one person—a friend, a mentor, anyone—who’s also preparing. Just checking in with someone about your progress helps more than you think.

Step 6: Don’t Burn Out—This is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Working + studying = exhausting. Some days you’ll feel like a rockstar, other days you’ll just want to quit. That’s normal. What’s NOT okay is burning out.

Take care of yourself. Sleep at least 7 hours. Take breaks when needed. If you’re mentally exhausted, skip studying for a day and come back stronger. It’s not about cramming—but staying consistent for the long haul.

You’re going to have moments of doubt. You’ll wonder if this is even possible. But here’s the thing—hundreds of people crack CAT while working full-time every year. You can too.

The secret? Discipline, not motivation. Motivation fades. Discipline is what keeps you going. Show up, do the work, and trust the process.

And if you ever feel stuck? Just remind yourself why you started in the first place. 

Now go crush it. You’ve got this.