The Right Time to Start CAT Preparation 2025

Remember Ross from Friends shouting “Pivot! Pivot!” while struggling to move a couch up the stairs? That’s exactly how CAT preparation feels at the beginning—overwhelming, confusing, and like you might drop everything any second. But don’t worry! Just like Ross eventually figures it out (kind of), so will you. The key is to take it step by step and pivot when needed.

If you’re new to CAT preparation, you’re probably feeling lost in a sea of study plans, coaching options, and material recommendations. But don’t stress. Here’s a structured, beginner-friendly guide that makes cracking CAT feel a little less like rocket science and more like solving a puzzle—one piece at a time.

Every CAT aspirant wrestles with this question: When should I start preparing? If you’re reading this, you’re probably torn between “I’ve got time” and “Am I already late?” Let’s clear the confusion once and for all!

When Should You Begin?

There’s no universal formula, but ideally, 12 to 14 months before CAT is a good time to start. As you will have enough time to build concepts, strengthen your weak areas and practice enough mocks before your D-Day. But if you’re someone who gets productive under pressure, a well-structured 6 to 8-month plan can also work wonders.

Let’s break it down based on different starting points:

1. If You Start 12-14 Months Before CAT

Think of it like a marathon. You don’t sprint from the start; you build stamina. This is for you if:

You have the time to start from the basics, build your concepts and strengthen your weak areas. I was an Arts student, and I never enjoyed maths, so when I began my prep, I started with basic maths, and since I had enough time on hand, I was able to ace this section without being stressed.

Strategy:

• First 6 months: Focus on concept-building in Quant, LRDI, and VARC.
• Next 4 months: Mix concept revision with topic-wise tests.
• Last 4 months: Heavy on full-length mocks, strategy tweaking, and speed-building.

2. If You Start 6-8 Months Before CAT

This is like training for a 100m sprint—you still have time, but you need to push harder. If you’ve been a science student and have an affinity towards reading or have cracked aptitude tests before, this can work for you.

Strategy:

• First 3 months: Quickly go through basics while solving practice questions.
• Next 2 months: Take sectional tests to identify weak areas.
• Last 3 months: Mock tests, analysing mistakes, and fine-tuning strategy.

3. If You Start 3-4 Months Before CAT

Not gonna lie—it’s a high-risk, high-reward game. But if you’re determined and willing to give your 100%, nothing is impossible. This approach is for:

People who have a strong grasp of Quant and Reading Comprehension. And those who have been solving aptitude-based questions or who have appeared in competitive exams after their 12th, like JEE/CLAT (like engineers or working professionals with prior experience in such tests).

Strategy:

• Prioritise high-weightage topics.
• Take 2-3 mocks per week to improve exam temperament.
• Focus more on accuracy than attempting every question.

How Do You Know If You’re Late?

You’re only late when you keep postponing your prep! Even if you start today (start small), you still have a fair shot at making it. Just be honest with your preparation don’t break the streak.

The Right Time is When You Start

Honestly, there is no such thing as the right time to start your preparation. It all depends on a lot of factors and differs for every student. The only advice I would give is to start NOW. Don’t waste your time overthinking your preparation and decision. Starting early gives you flexibility, but a structured plan, even with a late start, can yield great results. CAT isn’t just about solving questions but how consistently you solve and prepare.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a timeline, grab your books, and start your journey toward IIMs. Because the best time to start was yesterday, the second-best time is NOW!